First Sergeant Rodriguez is a native of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and was naturalized as a proud American citizen in 1997. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA, in April 1998. Following recruit training, he attended and graduated from the School of Infantry (SOI)-West in Camp Pendleton, CA, earning his first military occupational specialty of machine-gunner (MOS 0331). He subsequently reported to Marine Corps Security Force Training Command in Chesapeake, VA, where he earned his second MOS of Marine Corps Security Force Guard (MOS 8152).
In July 1998, First Sergeant Rodriguez received orders to Marine Corps Security Force Company in London, United Kingdom. During this tour, he upheld the highest standards of duty while safeguarding seven validated posts for the Commander-in-Chief, United States Naval Forces Europe. Additionally, he visited Belleau, France, where he drank from the iconic Bulldog Fountain. He was promoted to Corporal in February 2000.
In February 2000, he reported to 2D Battalion, 8TH Marine Regiment, 2D Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, NC. He deployed with 3D Platoon, Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, 24TH Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and participated in Operation Rapid Cheetah in Kosovo. During this tour, he served as a fire-team leader, Corporals Course instructor, and rubber repairman for twenty zodiac boats. He was promoted to Sergeant during this deployment and transitioned to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) in 2002.
In January 2008, First Sergeant Rodriguez reenlisted and was mobilized to serve as a Congressional Liaison for the Office of Legislative Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps at the Pentagon, VA. During this tour, he collaborated with congressional caseworkers on inquiries, completed the 33rd and 34th Marine Corps Marathons, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in September 2009.
In May 2010, he received Temporary Duty Orders to Marine Corps Forces Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. There, he served as the command's Training Chief, Limited Duty Coordinator, Voting Assistance Officer, and Uniform Victim Advocate.
In 2011, First Sergeant Rodriguez joined the reserves, beginning with 3D Civil Affairs Group, Force Headquarters Group, in Camp Pendleton, CA, which later became 1st Civil Affairs Group. During this tour, he graduated from the Marine Corps Civil-Military Operations School, laterally moved to the MOS of Civil Affairs Specialist (0532), and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in May 2015. He served as a Civil Affairs Detachment Chief and participated in numerous exercises, including Operation New Horizon in Belize, Operation Black Jack in Fort Irwin, CA, and Steel Knight in Twentynine Palms, CA. He also attended the Civil-Military Operations Course in Tuusula, Finland.
In February 2018, he was selected for promotion to First Sergeant and deployed with the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. He facilitated humanitarian assistance missions involving joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational organizations throughout Iraq and Syria. Upon returning in October 2018, he was frocked to First Sergeant and transferred to Company I, 3D Battalion, 23D Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in North Little Rock, AR.
In July 2021, First Sergeant Rodriguez assumed the position of Company First Sergeant, Company A, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division. In January 2025, he inter-unit transferred to Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, where he currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader.
First Sergeant Rodriguez's personal awards include the Joint Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star.
As a civilian, First Sergeant Rodriguez works for the National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, as the Lead Cemetery Administration Specialist for a national cemetery. In this role, he oversees administrative operations, ensures compliance with burial service protocols, trains staff on key responsibilities, and maintains the highest standards of service for veterans and their families. His commitment to honoring the nation's heroes reflects his dedication to service both in and out of uniform.
In addition to his professional roles, First Sergeant Rodriguez is an entrepreneur and operates a mobile fitness center, which provides personalized training solutions to his community. He has completed multiple marathons, including the 32nd, 33rd and 34th Marine Corps Marathons, and achieved the challenging Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park. These accomplishments exemplify his commitment to physical fitness, mental discipline, and leading by example.