Joshua Rodgers - U.S. Army Fatality - Afghanistan

Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, age 22, of Bloomington, Illinois, died in the line of duty on April 27, 2017, in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

Joshua Rodgers

Sgt. Rodgers was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Troops were conducting an operation with Afghan forces when they came under attack by Isis fighters. During the firefight, Joshua was shot.

Joshua was airlifted out of the area but, tragically, died of his injuries.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation

Joshua was serving in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel which is the U.S. military action against terrorism in Afghanistan.

Joshua was a Team Leader and was on his third deployment to Afghanistan. He was born in Normal, Illinois. He graduated from high school and then joined the Army in August of 2013. He was trained at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was assigned to the Ranger Regiment in May of 2014. He served as a Machine Gunner, Semi-Automatic Gunner, Gun Team Leader and Ranger Team Leader.

Joshua's awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge and

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the Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

Friends stated that Joshua was a hard worker and was determined to be an Army Ranger.

Joshua's military comrades are in mourning over the death of their young brother. He had a future in the Rangers. He was a hero who died in the service of his country. He will be forever remembered.

Joshua's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was greatly loved. He will be forever mourned.

Joshua is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members who will forever miss him.

Thank you for your service to America, Joshua.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die in a foreign land, far from their loved ones.

Pray that Joshua is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray, without ceasing, unto God for an end to all War. It is enough.