Ricardo X. Rodriguez dies 'of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations'

An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was on patrol near Bayji, Iraq, on Thursday, the Army said in a news release.

Sgt. Ricardo Rodriguez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, was a gunner with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

“He was a leader and a teacher to his soldiers, and his loss will be deeply felt for a long time,” said Spc. Nathan Shambo, who’s in Rodriguez’s regiment.

Rodriguez joined the Army in May 2004 and joined the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg in April 2005.

Rodriguez’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.

Rodriguez is survived by his son, Ricardo; his father, Ernesto Rodriguez; and his mother, Anabelle Fernandez, all of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

From the Fayateville Observer

An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was on a dismounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq on Thursday, military officials said.

Sgt. Ricardo Rodriguez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. He served as a gunner with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

“He was a leader and a teacher to his soldiers, and his loss will be deeply felt for a long time,” Spc. Nathan Shambo, a member of Rodriguez's unit, said. “Most importantly, though, he was a son ... and a father.”

Rodriguez joined the Army in May 2004 and completed basic and airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in April 2005.

His decorations include a Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist’s Badge.

Rodriguez is survived by his parents, Ernesto and Anabelle Fernandez, and a son, Ricardo, all of Arecibo.

“He will be remembered for many different things,” Shambo said. “Sgt. Rodriguez will always be know for the person and American soldier that he was.”

From WRAL 5