Funeral services announced for Antonio Rodriguez, Las Cruces soldier killed in Afghanistan
Damien D. Willis
LAS CRUCES - Funeral services for Sgt. 1st. Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez of Las Cruces, who was killed in action Saturday, Feb. 8, while serving in Afghanistan, were announced Friday.
Rodriguez, 28, was born and raised in Las Cruces. He graduated from Mayfield High School in 2009.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Rodriguez, who was serving in a special operation in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, in the Serzad district, when an Afghan in an Afghan army uniform opened fire, the Associated Press reported.
Javier Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas, was also killed in the attack. Six others were wounded.
A rosary for Rodriguez will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S Espina St. The funeral mass will be at noon Friday, Feb. 21 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on March 3, 2020.
Rodriguez was born in Las Cruces and was a 2009 graduate of Mayfield High School. He joined the U.S. Army in October of 2009, according to a news release from U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
During his military service, Rodriguez earned the Bronze Star Medal-2, Joint Service Commendation Medal-1, and Expert and Combat Infantryman Badge. Rodriguez posthumously earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC) and Meritorious Service Medal.
According to an obituary from Getz Funeral Home, Rodriguez — known to friends as "Rod" — enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his two Italian Mastiffs and French Bulldog. He also adored visits with his mother, Guadalupe, and brother, Christopher.
"Rod spent most of his free time in the kitchen, he loved to cook gourmet meals for his friends and loved ones," the obituary states. "When not cooking, Rod and his wife, Ronaleen, would spend their time in the gym working out with each other and their friends. Rod enjoyed powerlifting and endurance workouts. Rod was an avid United States Pistol Shooting Association competitor and attended matches with his wife and friends."
A GoFundMe account established by Rodriguez's best friend, Cody Hunn, quickly surpassed its financial goal, with many friends and strangers who donated funds for funeral expenses leaving messages of support.
The crowdfunding campaign, which had a goal of $25,000, had raised more than $38,000 by Friday evening.
Damien Willis is a Lead Reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-541-5443, dwillis@lcsun-news.com or @DamienWillis on Twitter.