First Sergeant Eddie Rodriguez has spent the last 25 years serving in various roles in the United States Army. Throughout his decades long service, the Houston native says he is fortunate and honored to serve his country and be recognized as he rises through the ranks.
During his final combat deployment, Rodriguez was awarded a Bronze Medal which is awarded to servicemen and women for their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.
“I love my hometown teams. I love serving this country in every aspect possible,” Rodriguez said. “There's not a day I regret anything I've done in my military career."
Rodriguez was a member of the of the Airborne Division after joining and graduating from parachutist school. He is currently serving with the Army National Guard here in his hometown. Son of Mexican immigrants, Rodriguez says he not only puts his family first, but also his country.
When its time for the World Cup, he loves being able to cheer for both the United States and Mexican National teams. He credits soccer and the 2006 World Cup in Germany for being one of the main things that got him through one of his three deployments.
“It got me through a deployment that we were able to watch some of the games on the Armed Forces Network,” Rodriguez said. “It passes the time and brings everybody together.”
Rodriguez and his family try to make it to as many Dynamo home games their schedule allows. With five kids ranging from the ages of 10-22, life can get a little hectic.
“We try to catch at least I want to say five to six games, every home games at least,” Rodriguez said. “It's kind of hard with the kids during the week, so we mostly go on weekends.”
During Saturday’s match against Sporting Kansas City, Rodriguez will be honored as the Katz Coffee Hero of the Game. As a longtime Dynamo fan, he says he is looking forward to seeing the team continue to try and make a playoff appearance.
“I'm looking for a win that way we can still stay in the running to try to get a playoff position,” Rodriguez said. “We're not mathematically out of it. I'm looking for a win.”
