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2011 SESSION

11100706D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 562
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled January 5, 2011
Celebrating the life of Sergeant Ronald Ariel Rodriguez, United States Marine Corps.
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Patrons—Kory, Bulova, Herring, Rust, Sickles, Surovell, and Watts; Senators: Howell and Puller
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WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Sergeant Ronald Ariel Rodriguez of Fairfax County was killed in action on August 23, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, a native of Virginia, Ronald Rodriguez attended Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean and Poe Middle School in Annandale before graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Fairfax County in 2002; and

WHEREAS, an athletic young man, Ronald Rodriguez enjoyed fishing and playing basketball, soccer, and football with his friends; and

WHEREAS, desirous to serve his country, Ronald Rodriguez began his Marine Corps career the same year he graduated from high school; he successfully completed his military occupational specialty school and became a field artillery cannon crewman; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodriguez was first assigned to the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003; he volunteered to return in September of 2004; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 Sergeant Rodriguez was reassigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton, California; and

WHEREAS, in August of 2010, Sergeant Rodriguez was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and on August 23rd lost his life when a roadside bomb exploded; and

WHEREAS, a courageous soldier, Sergeant Rodriguez received numerous awards for his exemplary service, including the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and Navy Unit Commendation; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodriguez also received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, admired by his colleagues and leaders for his willing spirit, positive attitude, and devotion to duty, Sergeant Rodriguez made the ultimate sacrifice and will be remembered as a brave and committed soldier; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Rodriguez will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by parents, Maria and Francisco Rodriguez; his three brothers; his girlfriend, Yesenia; son, Diego; stepson, Angel; numerous other family members and friends; and his comrades; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodriguez’ death is a reminder of the perils faced daily by the thousands of Americans who serve in our armed forces overseas and whose devotion to duty places them in harm’s way; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a courageous and patriotic Virginian, Sergeant Ronald Ariel Rodriguez; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sergeant Ronald Ariel Rodriguez as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.