Deputy welcomed back from Middle East

by Sheila Gardner

sgardner@recordcourier.com

Deputy Richard Rodriguez was welcomed back to work Tuesday by his colleagues and Sheriff Ron Pierini after the 37-year-old Army reservist spent a year in the Middle East.

Rodriguez was called up in December 2008 for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. John Milby, his supervisor at the jail, ticked off a list of Rodriguez's duties as senior enlisted adviser to his battalion commander.

"He assisted his commander in planning, coordinating, and supervising all activities that support his unit's mission. He advised his commander on enlisted soldier matters to include duty assignments, promotions, awards, and soldier welfare in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait," Milby said.

Rodriguez counseled subordinate personnel and assisted his commander in planning, conducting, evaluating and assessing unit training and planned and carried out a noncommissioned officer professional development program.

He also maintained a physical fitness program for his soldiers.

Rodriguez, whose family attended the ceremony, said he was happy to be home.

"I didn't have to do very much over there but take care of my men and women," he said. "I'm glad to be back with my family and at work."

In presenting Rodriguez with a plaque, Pierini said the department was proud of personnel who had served in the Middle East since the war began in 2003 and grateful for their service.

About three dozen of Rodriguez's coworkers at the sheriff's office attended the ceremony and reception.

"We do this (ceremony) to show those who go overseas how much we appreciate their service to our country," Pierini said. "Selfishly, we're glad you're safely back at work for us."

Rodriguez, who was born in New York, originally enlisted in the Army in 1990. He joined the Army Reserve in 1997. He served a 22-month Middle East tour beginning in 2003.

He worked for the sheriff's office for one year before he was deployed.

His first day back at work was Monday, and Rodriguez said he was getting caught up on all the changes.

Rodriguez said he wanted to be in law enforcement as his way to give back to the community.

"We really appreciate your service," Milby said. "It takes incredible courage to leave your family and your job."

Pierini thanked Rodriguez's wife Christina and their children, Blake, 12, and Lexy, 6, for supporting him while he was gone.

"It makes such a crucial difference for him to have your support while he is overseas and back here as a sheriff's deputy," the sheriff said.