SFC Antonio R. Rodriguez

8 February 2020, Afghanistan

Special Forces

A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sergeant First Class Antonio R. Rodriguez died on 8 February 2020 while supporting Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

Rodriguez enlisted in the Army in 2009. After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training, Airborne School, Ranger Assessment and Selection, and the Ranger Course, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. He served as a Gunner, Fire Team Leader, Assistant Reconnaissance, and Reconnaissance Team Sergeant. In 2018, Rodriguez reclassified to Cryptologic Linguist, and served as a Special Operations Team-Alpha Team Sergeant in 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He deployed nine times during his career.

SFC Rodriguez was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, when he was fatally wounded by an insider attack.