Juan Rodriguez, Jr. was born April 28, 1957. He passed on April 2, 2013, just shy of his 56th birthday.Juan proudly, and honorably, served his country in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His service included Operation Desert Storm.
He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, loved to fish and was very proud of his sons and his extended family.
On April 8 a Memorial Service was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders of Central Texas. They formed a line of American flags on the front steps, as the flag draped coffin was carried into the church by six bearers, including Juan's three sons.
During the service, his sons Juan, Jason and Jeffery offered words of Remembrance, and the congregation was led in the Lord's Prayer. Mass was celebrated by Father Alex Martinez.
After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.
When the family arrived, they were welcomed by fifty American flags lining the roadway.
After the flag draped coffin was moved from the coach to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter during the
ensuing service and military honors.
Father Martinez performed the graveside Rite of Committal, led the family and friends in last prayers, and sprinkled holy water upon the coffin.
The United States Army Honor Guard detail of seven rifles fired three
volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Detail stood at the position of Present Arms as the bugler sounded Taps.
The Honor Guard then folded the flag that draped the coffin into a traditional triangle, and presented it to Juan's son, a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, who then passed it to the leader of the
The folded flag was solemnly presented to Juan's dearly beloved wife, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Juan's honorable and faithful service, as Piper Todd Birchers, of the Austin Police Department, played "Amazing Grace" and marched off into the distance.
SFC Juan Rodriguez, Jr. was then laid to rest on the grassy plain, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his sons and a multitude of other dear family, friends and fellow American soldiers.
With thanks to Ceej Foy for additional photographs.
Thank you to whom ever posted this up for my husband he was a true soldier and a wonderful husband. He loved his Country and U.S.Army. It brings me great comfort to have seen this. He is greatly missed. Sincerely Mrs. Noelia Rodriguez
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