Marine Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez

Died August 23, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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26, of Falls Church, Va.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

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Va. Marine sgt. killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

Ronald Rodriguez was a quiet man who enjoyed playing soccer outside with his two boys, Angel and Diego.

Friends and family said he always enjoyed playing sports, but that took a back seat to other duties. His friend Jonathan Morales, who grew up with the Marine, said Rodriguez helped with chores around the house and worked at a movie theater in high school instead of participating in athletics so he could help support his family.

“The most important thing for him was family,” said former neighbor Hugh Beckford.

Rodriguez, 26, of Falls Church, Va., was killed by a roadside bomb Aug. 23 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton. He graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School in 2002 and joined the Marines almost immediately after. He hadn’t even turned 18 yet.

Morales recalled his friend as just a good all-around guy.

“He had a lot of friends,” he said. “He was very likable. The guy was diligent and hardworking, too.”

The Marine’s father, Francisco Rodriguez, recalled him as a “brave soldier.”

Rodriguez also leaves behind his girlfriend, Yesenia Mendoza.