Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

""Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

Joe always lead from the front and looked out for others, sometimes to his own detriment. His sacrifice taught me that true leadership is about love."
Chris Widell of Dallas

"SSG Joseph Rodriguez on this Memorial Day 16 years (2021) after your heroic passing your name continues to pop into my head every year, I get a glaze of water over my eyes 👀 as I honor your sacrifice..... god speed bro in heaven I know your boy is proud of you!"
LTC Joseph Claros of Nevada

"I WAS IN THE AMERICAL DIVISION IN VIETNAM SEPT. 69-SEPT. 1970 IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS. I HAD A VERY CLOSE FRIEND WHOSE WAS BOB RODRIGUEZ WHO WAS ALSO A HERO LIKE JOSEPH. IF THIS WAS JOSEPH'S DAD I WOULD LIKE FOR HIS FAMILY TO KNOW. AFTER HIS BEST FRIEND HAD GOTTEN KILLED THREE DAYS BEFORE HE TOOK THE MACHINE GUN THAT HIS FRIEND CARRIED AND WENT TO THE KILLING ZONE AFTER THREE MACHINE GUNNERS HAD BEEN HIT OR KILLED THIS WAS A YOUNG MAN NAMED BOB RODRIGUEZ AT TIME I THOUGHT HE WAS FROM NEW MEXICO. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION ON HIM CALL 704-782-7716. I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THIS STORY BECAUSE I WAS HIS FRIEND AND HIS SERGEANT ."
JIMMY MORRISON of CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA

"9 long years.... I love you and miss you"
Ethan Rodriguez of Belton, Texas

"dear Joseph, it's been seven long years since your passing not a day goes by when i think back too all the good times we had as kids. I can only hope the place your in now is better then the place you left so many years ago"
robert kay of el paso tx

"To the family off SSG Rod. I was his gunner on that day of january 28, 2005. And I can not stop thinking of that day and the loss i had as a friend, a leader, and as a great mentor. You will always be on my mind and I will never forget."
(RET) Spc. Aguilar, Juan of Houston, Tx, USA

"7 years ago i lost a great friend that has never been forgotten. Love you Joe!"
Karl

"To the family of:Joseph E.Rodriguez
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"Joe, I think of you often bro. Running around since we were kids and getting into stuff all the way through high school. I remember hearing of your passing and having to take a minute for myself and telling academy staff why I needed to step off line. Every now and then I come across a picture of us back in the day or talk to someone who asks if I have seen you lately because they did not know and I tell them that you are still with us and held in the highest regards. You walk tall brother, and your memory walks even taller. May god hold you in the light that so many of us do."
Cory Balke of El Paso TX. EPPD special operations.

"He was my first team leader when I got to B CO 8th EN BN in Fort Hood, Texas. I learned a lot of things from him. The day this event happened I could not believe it, but it did happen. I will never forget you bro and thanks for everything. God bless you. I posted some pictures of him on my facebook, please feel free to see them."
Jaime Garcia of Brooklyn, New York/ USA

"I knew you when we where children, but I never got to know you as we were men. Ive always honored you and loved you."
Lcpl, Thomas Chacon Nava JR (USMC) of Las Cruces

"Joe, I love you and miss you. Your legacy lives on - words cannot even express my gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifice you have given. Thinking of you...."
Sara Christmas of Denver, CO USA

"I was jus thinkin about you bro and found this site. little past 4 years now and time will never heal open wounds. Mosul is no different from Baghdad, the only constant is the brotherhood that you share with the guys to your left and right. How do you forgive something that hurts all the time, that has taken so much from so many and takes away timeless moments. I love you and miss you brother.........If any family sees this please contact karl.akama@us.army.mil"
Karl akama of Mosul, Iraq

"Today marks 4 years since you were taken. I love you and miss you. Your Sister"
R. Michelle Nava of Las Cruces, NM

"January 18, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Rodriguez:
Joseph gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Thanks 4 all the things your have done for the family man you will never b forgotten"
DEMO of NM

"Happy Birthday Joe!"
The Osborne's of Fort Drum, NY

"Gods speed. From vn christian former seabee and Naval Support serviceman, 1966-1968."
jack m. falkner of washington,ga,usa

"I can't believe it's been three years. I truly appreciate the sacrafice you made for all of us. You are my hero and I have much love and respect for you and your family. Thank you, Joe."
Rebecca Hobbs of Las Cruces, NM USA

"I miss you and think about you everyday. I know that you touched a number of lives in your short life. I am and will always be proud of the man, husband, and father you became. Your sacrifice was the greatest. I love you and miss you very much."
Your Sister of Las Cruces, NM

"Still think about you all the time."
Ben,Lisa,Iain ans Aiden of Ft.Drum,NY

"Today is January 28, 2008. It is the three year anniversary of Joe's death. Joe was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. I don't think that anyone considered him anything except "their best friend." He touched many lives when he was alive and still continues to touch my life and many others everyday. We will never forget who he was, or what he died for. We love you!"
Leslie of Belton, TX

"THINKING OF YOU TODAY!
THANK YOU!"
Legeta of Artesia,New MexicoUSA

"Joe, it was hard hearing of your loss. You were a good man and friend to my husband. I can still see both of you together clowning around. You will always be remembered..."
cathy of killeen, tx

"Hey Brother may GOD be with you always
Shine the light us brother while you are up there.
I would like offer my condolence to leslie and Your son, you were both great friends to me when I was there in Texas.
Leslie please if you need anything please let me know.
God Bless You Rod.
You will always be remembered!!!!!"
Mark Matautia & Family of Honnolulu/ Hawaii

"My strong cousin I have very rarely been proud of anyone, but you sir I am the most proud of. You are a brave, honrable individual. I value the conversations, and beers we shared and my memories of growing up and seeing you from time to time will always be genuine and kept. My sincere condolences to your Father (my uncle whom I love and respect like a father), your mother, sister, your wife and son. I will always keep your family in my prayers as long as I breathe. You are an inspiration."
EDUARDO L LOPEZ of Houston Tx

"You were someone we were most proud of. I'm sorry we didn't spend more time together when you were here. But my cousin I love you and will always have you and your little boy in my prayers."
Celica L. of Houston, TX-USA

"I was there that day with SSG Rodriguez. It was the first time I had ever had the pleasure to meet him. I spoke with his soldiers and they told me what a wonderful leader he was. Although I did not know him personally, I remember his face and I think of him quite frequently. I would like to offer his family my condolences and tell them I respect him for the way he led his soldiers and the way he accomplished his mission."
SFC Conner of West Point, NY

"TODAY IS AUGUST 1, 2006, AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED AND REMEMBERED. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY."
YOUR SISTER of BROWNSVILLE, TX

"At the beginning of the peace protest on Sunday, which commemorated the 3 year anniversary of the Iraq occupation, I was handed a white cross made out of popsicle-sticks with the name “Joseph E. Rodriguez” on it. I carried the cross with his name on it throughout the entire protest, and I couldn’t help but think what his parents, sisters, brothers, possible wife and children thought of this war and the death of their loved one. I know that a lot of people think that others who oppose the war are anti-American, or don’t support the troops, but I disagree with that idea. So to the family here is what I came online to say, although I continue to oppose Bush and this war, I am sorry for your loss and suffering. I only wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and the grief you continue to live through."
Jon Christianson of Denver CO

"To the family and friends of Joe, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I share in your sorrow. I never met Joe, but he was a very close friend of my brother AJ, who was also killed in Iraq. I know there are no words in the world that can help, but I'm sure they are in a better place, and God is the only that can give us strength."
elvia pena medina of los angeles,ca

"I knew joseph for many years, we grew up together in las cruces NM. He was one of the most sincere and hnoest people I have ever crossed paths with in my life. During our years in school together we shared many great times. I always thought of joe as one of my best friends and I know he thought of me the same. He will never be forgotten."
Bryan Shuford of Mobile Alabama

"I met Joey while he was stationed in Korea. He had this energy about him, such a wonderful person. He kept me and everyone else in stiches and I looked foward to seeing him out and about. God bless him, his friends, and family."
Michelle of Ohio

"We will never forget you Joe! You were a wonderful friend, husband, and father. You were an amazing soldier who gave everything. We were lucky to know you- We will miss you and we will do anything to help Leslie and Ethan! All of you mean so much to us and we have all gained an angel."
Ben, Lisa, Iain and Aiden Osborne of Ft.Drum, NY

"There is no way for us to express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Joseph Rodriguez. I lost my son on January 26, 2005 in Iraq. Those that have laid down their lives are the true heroes. May God bless you and comfort you during this time."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Joseph, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Joseph Rodriguez, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Joseph Rodriguez:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Joseph for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Joseph Rodriguez:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Joseph, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia