Matthew Rodriguez - U.S. Military

Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, age 19, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, died on December 11, 2013, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

Matt attended Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School.

Matt enlisted on August 20, 2012. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the NATO Medal-International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan.

Friends describe Matt as a popular teenager who was engaged to be married.

High School officials describe Matt as a great kid, a wonderful student and a friend to many.

Family members stated that Matt was following in the footsteps of his father who had also served in the Marines. They describe him as a kind and genuine person who is their hero. 

The local community and all who knew Matt are devastated by the news of his death.

Angels of God, pray for Matthew

Matthew is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother; his father, Orlando; his sister, Lauren; and his fiancee, Julia Tapper.

Thank you for serving, Matt. 

Pray for all who die as teenagers. Yesterday, they were just boys.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Matthew.

Pray that Matthew is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.