Guardian of the Week – LCDR Joe Rodriguez

Friday, February 12, 2010

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Lieutenant Commander Joe Rodriguez, 2003

Lieutenant Commander Joe Rodriguez, 2003

Post Written by Lieutenant James Mclay, Public Affairs Officer at the Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group (DOG)

LCDR Joe Rodriguez, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), is not your average Guardian. Shortly after his retirement in 2006, LCDR Rodriguez was diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor. Today, this valiant warrior is engaged in the toughest battle of his life.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, LCDR Rodriguez’ penchant for adventure took him down a path best expressed by the term “Not your Father’s Coast Guard.” He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1980, became one of the service’s first helicopter rescue swimmers and later attended officer candidate school.

After receiving his commission in 1990, his fluency in Spanish and aptitude for high risk-missions made him a perfect fit for the Drug Interdiction Assist Team (DIAT). During the 1980’s, the DIAT was at the very forward end of the Coast Guard’s counter drug mission, with members often deployed to the most remote areas of South and Central America to discover, disrupt and destroy illegal narcotics at the source. LCDR Rodriguez received a Meritorious Service Medal for his service, which included assisting a wounded narco-trafficer and allowing him to be brought to justice. LCDR Rodriguez’ meritorious work, as well as a fair amount of acclaim, was seen nationally on the television show, “Cops.”

LCDR Rodriguez later served as the assistant operations officer at Group Miami, assistant school chief at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy and on served on the staff at the Office of Counter-terrorism at Coast Guard Headquarters. His operational commands included CO/XO of Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, CO of the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) at Camp Lejeune and CO (and plankowner) of Maritime Safety and Security Team Chesapeake (91102).

While serving at the SOTG, he became the first (and to this date the only) Coast Guardsman ever to command a Marine Corps unit. LCDR Rodriguez’s assignments also enabled him to receive some of the most cutting-edge training available in the military. LCDR Rodriguez went on to graduate from Marine Corps Amphibious Recon School, Marine Corps Sniper School and the U.S. Army’s “Jump” School. He was also a black belt in Shito Ryu karate, a Japanese fighting style developed in Okinawa.

Jan. 14, 2009. From left to right, Command Master Chief Darrick Dewitt, Lt. Cmdr Joe Rodriguez (ret.) and Rear Adm. Dean Lee display signed copies of the Deployable Operations Group’s Tactical Operator of the Year Awards. The awards were recently named after Lt. Cmdr Rodriguez for his contributions to the Deployable, Specialized Force community. (Coast Guard photo by Lt. James McLay)

Jan. 14, 2009. From left to right, Command Master Chief Darrick Dewitt, Lt. Cmdr Joe Rodriguez (ret.) and Rear Adm. Dean Lee display signed copies of the Deployable Operations Group’s Tactical Operator of the Year Awards. The awards were recently named after Lt. Cmdr Rodriguez for his contributions to the Deployable, Specialized Force community. (Coast Guard photo by Lt. James McLay)

LCDR Rodriguez’ “quiet warrior” personality became an invaluable commodity in the post-September 11, 2001 Coast Guard. His skills were quickly tapped to develop, commission and command the east coast’s first maritime anti-terrorism unit, MSST 91102. His interagency, and intra-Coast Guard professionalism greatly enhanced the reputation of the Coast Guard as the premier maritime law enforcement agency in the federal government. He was a tireless proponent of Coast Guard tactical law enforcement and a subject matter expert on the Advanced Interdiction mission long before the service formally organized this capability.

To honor this legendary Guardian and his contributions to the Coast Guard and the nation, the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group (DOG) named its Tactical Operator of the Year award after him.  LCDR Rodriguez was also invited to present the award for the first time under the new name at the DOG’s May 2010 CO’s conference.

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  • CDR Benjamin Benson

    All the best to you from one of your Rescue Swimmer trainees, Joe.

    Ben

  • http://CGCompass Harry E. Willingham III

    I met Joe at Air Station Miami back in 1984 – we were just puppies back then, full of life and thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I will never forget Joe, his friendship, loyalty, coaching and countenance. Joe is an inspiration to us all, and I wish he and his family God’s mercy and grace.

  • Bill Eppright

    Mr. Rodriquez is among the best officers, leaders and human beings I have ever met. He set a great example and always treated me with dignity and respect. Sir, today you are at the very center of my prayers.

  • AST1 Ken Kiest

    LCDR Joe Rodriguez was my ASM Instructor, he was my inspiration as a leader and one motivated Rescue Swimmer. My family prays for your speedy recovery. We Love you Joe…

  • http://www,marsecsolutions.com Richard Pineiro

    LT Mclay – Thanks you for the heartfelt post on Joe “Cuervo” Rodriguez, who was my shipmate on the DIAT. For those that have not seen Joe recently, please try to do so. If you need visit ooordination info (in addition to the shimates at the DOG), you can contact Tim Ciampaglio, Howard Shaw, or Rich Arnold. You can contact me for their POC info if needed. Fair winds.

  • Gabriel Vigil Diaz

    Mr. Rodriguez is not a was, he “is” one of the pilars of the evolution of CG MLE and Specialized operations. Him and many of his peers from back in the days of DIAT and IMLET are and always will be inspirations to those who benefit from their experience and inovation. I did not get the chance to serve with him but many of his peers (now also retired) were mentors and always refered back to his leadership, it is good to see this type of recognition. “Mr. Joe, te llevamos en nuestras oraciones”

  • Eric Gibson

    LCDR Rodriguez has my eternal respect. He is truly a “quiet professional”.

  • MEC Mark “Enzo” Rodriguez

    LCDR Rodriguez is and always will be one of the founding forces in special operations in the Coast Guard.

  • Craig Dawson

    Joe was my ASM “A” school instuctor and a true professional always. I wish him the absolute best.

  • Micah Hoevelman

    Joe was my CO at MSST 91102, and then into SRT-1. He IS the embodiment of a “quiet professional,” and instilled that mentality into his Guardians. I am blessed to know him. For those of us who pray, now is the time to lift his boys and family up.

  • Sharen Souza

    Thank you for all that you have done for your country. May God bless you and your famiy at this time and always. We are part of the “Coast Guard Family” our hearts go out to you.

  • Bill Euefueno

    Joe was the CO of TACLET South when I was a Chief at one of his LEDETs. He always brought such a high-level of enthusiasm and passion to everything he did. Wheether he was speaking, listening, or getting himself throw around by his martial arts instructor, you could feel his energy, and intensity.

    He offered the best of himself to everyone, and wanted nothing more than for those around him to be the best!!!

    Joe will be in oour hearts and minds forever!1

    Bill Euefueno
    CWO (WEPS) Ret

  • Valerie Burgos

    God bless you Joe. All your cousins from the north are praying for you.

  • Dennis Kaczmaek

    Joe,

    On behalf of all of the “old” swimmers who knew you in the 80′s. Hang tough as we know you will beat this.

    Dennis Kaczmarek

  • ASTCM James Brandt

    LCDR Rodriquez I pray for strength for you and your family during this difficult time. Fight the good fight and thank you for never giving less than a 100%.

  • CDR Mark Eyler

    Joe,
    On behalf of all the MSST San Diego (91109) Plankowners I want to thank you for your inspiration as the teams stood up. Know that our prayers are with you!

    Mark

  • LCDR Holly Shaffner

    I first met Joe when he was Senior Instructor at MLE School in Yorktown, VA and I was on his UOF staff. He could always be counted on to be fair and do what was best for the CG and MLE program even if unpopular. He was a legend at MLES and students and staff alike looked up to him for his professionalism and leadership. Keep fighting Joe…prayers to you and your family from your shipmates near and far.

  • Colleen Rodriguez

    The first time I ever saw Joe, I knew he was going to be my husband. He is a great man. Our relationship is much different then those of his fellow coasties.
    He didnt share much of his work life with us, so any story’s you may have to share with us, I would love to hear them, and I thank you everyone for their kind words towards Joe.
    He has given 100% and alot more to his career. I am a better person for knowing him & nobody can hold a candle to my husband. All of my love…

  • Colleen Rodriguez

    You can send letters to Joe at:

    3250 Titanic dr.
    Stafford, VA 22554.

  • Darell Gelakoska

    Joe,
    We were thrilled to see you being recognized for your outstanding career and influence on others. You have always been a great warrior and role model to many, so it’s fitting that future warriors are going to be rewarded with an award named after you! We know you’re going to win this battle, and we look forward to catching up with you on our next visit to D.C.
    God Bless you and your family. You’re always in our thoughts and prayers for a complete recovery.

    ASMCM (ret) Darell Gelakoska & LCDR Marianne Gelakoska

  • Peggy Rochon

    Joe and Colleen are in my prayers today but have always been in my heart. I had the honor of working with Joe as an ombudsman with TACLET South way back in 1993. ….he quickly became a dear friend that Gene and I cherish. He has played a significant role in my husband’s career and in our family.
    Thank you for all you have done over the years, your confidence, your support and your friendship.

  • Wil Milam

    I’m in swimmer school 1993. Bill Rankin brings a Mr. Rodriguez to the pool who needs some paint chip samples from the lane lines painted on the bottom of the pool. Mr Rodriguez hands me a ziploc and a leatherman for me to go to the bottom and get them. Upon coming up to the surface next to the end of the pool I clear my snorkel right into Mr. Rodriguez’s chest and face not aware he was leaning over the pool to receive the paint chips. That was a tough pool day for me that day. Man did I have to do some underwater laps that day, not to mention the pushups immediately following the soaking of Joe. :) Still think they set me up on purpose. :) Thoughts and prayers and keep fighting the good fight.

    Wil Milam
    USCG Retired
    “Fortitudine Vincimus”

  • BMC Tim Clements USCG (ret)

    Joe is a coastie and and a shipmate. He is my freind and a fellow operator. Americans can sleep better because of his service and committment. I have served with with him and he is a true warrior. All the best Joe we miss you and hope you are getting better. Your freind Tim

  • Doris Blash

    Joe Rodriguiz

    My prayers are with you sir. I thank you for all of your service to this country. My daughter is in the coast guard. May God bless you and take care of you.

    Doris Blash

  • LCDR Richard Stoud USCG (ret)

    Joe,
    you have been a shipmate to me while we both trapped around Latin America helping the locals catch bad guys, at Camp Lejune, TRACEN Yorktown and as civilians! You always had my back. You are in my prayers. Get well!
    V/r,
    Rich Stoud

  • Mary Masters

    Joe,
    I’ve wondered where life took you and I’m not surprised at how successful and loved you are. I used to run into Roger Sangvich as we moved around the Army, but not lately. You can beat this.
    Mary

  • LCDR Hector Avella (RET)

    The first time I met Joe, I knew his was a special dude. He has the air of a CG lifesaver, but the spirit and grit of a warrior and patriot. A unique USCG/USMC/USA mutt..and not a bad soccer player. Love you Joe, tks for your valuable mentorship and true friendship. God Bless you and your family.

  • Butch Flythe

    Joe,
    I will always remember our time as instructors and holding the line. You did an excellent job and you should look back with proud eyes. I pray for you often and know that you are bearing this with the good grace and honor of which you have always had a generous portion. Hang in there my friend. Tu es el hombre de Castille.

  • http://daytontactical.com Dan Halsall

    Joe was one of my ASM instructors way back in the day. He, along with the other instructors helped me become the man I am today. I thank him for that. Joe, your life has been one challenge after another. You truely understand the meaning of: The only easy day was yesterday! This is no different brother. Stay positive and hang in there. My prayers are with you.

  • Keith R. Jensen, ASMCM (Ret)

    Jose,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.

  • Scott Adlon ASM1 (RET)

    Joe,
    Its been many years and miles brother since we last spoke or saw each other. I am so very honored to know you and to call you my friend and brother. If I never told you ….let me do so now….You were and inspiration in 88′ when you served as my ASM “A” School instructor, as I watched your career from a distance and heard of the great things you accomplished. Joe you still serve as an inspiration to me and all your brother swimmers, possibly more now than ever. I think of you often Joe and pray for your strength, faith and understanding thru this valley you are traveling in. I pray that you will sense God’s presence and draw strength from him.

    Praise to the One who gives life, salvation and sustains us.

    Blessings and peace to you and your family

    Psalm 23
    Provebs 27:17

    Scott

  • Matt Rother

    Joe Rod,
    Wow old friend, you’ve had a hell of a career. Be assured of my prayers for blessings to you and your family. Keep that positive attitude you are known for. Matt.

  • Hub Ross

    Joe was one of my “A” school instructors and then “Joe Rod” became one of my closest friends. Boy did we ride those motorcycles! So Joe Rod head up and lead the way I WILL FOLLOW!!! My Love and Prayers to you my brother

  • Chris Pittarelli

    LCDR Rodriguez,

    Get well soon

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNaW6FyiJRI Johnny Witter

    I got to meet Joe when he volunteered to be in my music video, Bald Headed Blues. An uplifting song about cancer, chemo & courage. He is the only man to appear in the video. Joe could barley stand that day, last August, when we filmed in a studio in Fredericksburg, VA, near his home in Stafford. But, Joe was a great sport. Here is the link to watch Joe play air mandolin and see his great smile.

    I have just heard that Joe is gone. My deepest sympathies to his wife Colleen, his boys Joey and David, his family and friends.

    R.I.P. Joe

    Johnny Witter

  • LT James McLay

    It is my sad duty to report that LCDR Joe Rodriguez (ret.) passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in the company of family. The Coast Guard and nation have lost a true American hero, mentor, shipmate and friend.

    One of Joe’s final wishes was to see his two young sons have the opportunity to attend college. The following information pertains to trust funds set up in their name:

    “The DAVID CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ Trust” and “The JOSE MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ Trust”. Rich Arnold (richarnold1982@hotmail.com) and John Gentile (jgen15403@aol.com) are the primary and secondary trustees. Both trusts will invest funds in Virginia Education Savings Trust (VEST) accounts for each of the boys. 100% of any donation will goto Joey and David’s education funds. You are welcome to send John or Rich any questions. I also enourage you to pass this on to friends of Joe, especially his active duty buddies from his Coast Guard career. Please make any checks payable to VCSP with the account number in the memo section. For Joey the account number is: 10223199 David account number is: 10223190 You can send a check to John or I but if possible please send direct to:
    Virginia Education Savings Trust
    9001 Arboretum Parkway
    Richmond, VA 23236

    Funeral arrangements will be passed along when available.

    Rest in peace, Joe.

  • Regionald Tullos

    RIP, LCDR. He passed Apr20.

  • LCDR Richard Stoud USCG (ret)

    Well done, CDR. We all slept well, in safety, when you had the watch. Go in peace.

    Richard Stoud

  • LCDR Phillip S. McCarty II Ret.

    I will miss you! Thank you for your friendship, Leadership, and Inspiration. God Bless.

  • Joseph Souza

    CDR. Rod is best described as a true professional. He was able to make a change in the Coast Guard that was not easy to do. He was a great leader, CO and family man. He made sure that his troops had the best training, gear and knowledge to accomplish the mission at hand. But what I think of most when I think of him is the fact that he always mad sure that his troops personnal life was in tact. He made sure if there was a problem in there life he would help them out in any way possible. Not only did he know each persons name at the unit, but also there familie members name. He gave me the confidence to pursue a career in LE and to this day I believe that without his direction, confidence and respect I would not of pursued the career I have now. His hard work, dedication and leadership will live on through the men and women who served with him. Scanning back on the Post’s that have been written prior to mine says it all. You have men, women, Senior Officers to young enlisted people. That is the true meaning of being a leader. He cared about everyone who served. Rest in peace Sir, we will take it from here!

  • CDR Ted Gangsei

    Joe, You will be missed. I remember you driving down to Key West to play on Group Key West’s Captains Cup soccer team. It was great to have Joe on the team as we trounced all comers…especially the Navy teams! Thank you for your selfless service to our great country. God bless you and your family.

  • CDR Jeff Carter (Ret.)

    I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Joe, my OCS classmate. As I told some other members of OCS Class 1-91, Joe was a light that burned brightly and was diminished too soon, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him.

    I will never forget watching an episode of COPS in the early 1990s and seeing Joe, as part of DIAT, lead the DEA through the jungles of Colombia to destroy a cocaine lab.

    Colleen and their two sons are in my prayers.

  • LCDR Jim Shinn (Ret)

    Joe
    What a legacy you have left! I’m glad your name has been memorialized, you deserve it.
    To Joe’s family,
    As you know, he was a great Coastie and all around good guy. Joe and I knew each other and crossed career paths beginning at ATTC in the 80′s. Those who knew him liked and respected him. Those that did not know him, were probably in awe. We’ll miss him.

  • Roslyn Bates

    It is always a sad occasion when we hear of or experience the loss of family or friend. I just found out today about Joe’s passing and it hit me in the face like a fierce blow to the nose. Surely not the Joe I know, not Joe Rod! As a contractor I worked with Joe towards the end of the CG MDA era and on to the standing up of the DOG. As so many posts before mine have stated, Joe was a special person, he stretched his hand high or low and he was always the smile in the room. Joe’s personality was like the lighthouse; if you could get to him you knew that you would be safe, comforted and you would receive the encouragement needed to complete the journey ahead. Joe will always be a special part of my Coast Guard experience. May his sprit and soul rest in eternal peace and may his family be comforted knowing that it is so. Most of us have experienced loss and we know the depth of sorrow it brings to bare. May the joys of Joe’s life be a remembrance and a source of comfort that will bring some peace to his family each and every day. May the good Lord keep his arms around the Rodriguez family and comfort them always.

    Roslyn A. Bates
    FSC, USCG (retired)

  • LCDR Holly Shaffner

    A good one crossed the bar. RIP Joe, we’ve got the watch. Below are details for the services:
    Friends may call at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W.
    Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 on Monday, May 17, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 with interment to follow at 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has created an education trust fund for both of Joe’s sons. Please make checks payable to VCSP and mail to Stafford County Sherriff’s Office, c/o Colleen Rodriguez, 1225 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22556.

  • ME1 David McIver

    “CDR Rod” was one of the most influential leaders early on in my career. I met him on the morning of my graduation from GM “A” school. I was headed to a brand new unit called an “MSST”, and he showed up because he was slated to be the CO and wanted to get a first peek at one of his newest pair of hands. He immediately made me feel like I was important, like he trusted me, and that I was essential to the mission. He began the process before anyone else, of teaching me to think like a warrior and a quiet professional. He instilled in me his pride in service, his out of the box way of thinking, and the hope he had to see the CG embrace special missions/operations. I owe many of my career choices to ideas that he gave me, particularly the Precision Marksman dream. He is deeply missed, and certainly not forgotten.

    Psalm 91

  • John Tracy

    Fair winds and following seas Sir, You were a leader I would follow to hell and back, you were a friend who would always listen, you were “A.J. squared away” and did your best to make sure we were as well. Thank you for being a mentor, leader, and friend. you will be deeply missed. God bless and keep you “Hot Rod”

  • Leo S. Huott

    Joe and I were roommates in OCS for a few weeks. I have great memories of him and how he helped me during that time in Yorktown. I remember the announcement of his orders to DIAT, he was very happy and excited, and the entire class cheered since this was his desire. I lost track of him as the years passed, I am very pleased with his accomplishments, and he had an IMPRESSIVE career. We all lost a good friend and we will miss him. Semper Paratus!

  • Donn Pratt

    Truly a shocking blow as I was relayed Joe’s passing today from a mutual Coastie friend in Seattle, WA. Joe was one of my instructors at E. City, ASM 21-88. I got to know Joe pretty well through another mutual friend – Hub Ross, and spent some time at RESTRACEN, Yorktown when Joe was attending OCS. Truly a great man and inspiration as we talked about his post-OCS endeavours with DIAT and IMLETT. Joe’s career continued to be stellar in all that he did – with little hoopla. Joe – you will be sorely missed by anyone who knew you. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration and for “holding the line.” My prayers go out for your family – Rest in Peace.

  • tim click

    I miss you everyday Joe :) )