Smithville soldier dies in Afghanistan

SMITHVILLE, Texas (KXAN) - A proud aunt and uncle once sat in the stands at Smithville High watching a teenage linebacker on Friday nights. That pride only grew as Pedro and Maria Rodriguez one day watched their nephew, Mario, join the military.

"I said, 'You'll be back. We'll see each other again,’” Maria said through choked back tears.

Sitting quietly on the metal bench, Maria recalled the last time she saw Mario. It was two months ago just before he went to Afghanistan. His family said he died there Friday during combat.

"I just couldn't believe Mario was gone,” she said.

The couple came back to the field Sunday, a place with happy memories of Mario. Joining them were Mario's friends, even former football teammates.

"Everybody looked up to him,” said Blake Baxter. “He kept everybody in line. Just a good person."

U.S. Army Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, 24, left behind a wife and seven-year-old daughter . His was the fourth active duty death from Smithville in four years – three in the last year alone.

• Mario Rodriguez – June 11, 2010 - Afghanistan
• Cody Stanley - October 28, 2009 - Afghanistan
• Josh Farris - July 9, 2009 – Afghanistan
• Tina Priest - March 1, 2006 – Iraq

Patriotic, protective, proud. Anyone you asked over the weekend said it is no surprise Smithville has so many soldiers. In a town of fewer than 5,000 though, those deaths do hit hard.

"I'd tell him, 'Thank you for keeping me free. Thank you for going over there and losing your life for our freedom,’” Baxter said.

The losses also reminded residents what a close community really is.

"We're going to protect his family and keep them in our thoughts and prayers and help them out wherever it's needed,” said Scott Saunders, Jr., another friend.

"Mario, wherever you may be, we are proud of you, son,” said Maria Rodriguez. “We love him. We always will love him, and we'll never forget him."

Friends and family have created a Facebook memorial for Sgt. Rodriguez. The comments are overflowing, and it already had more than 400 members by Sunday night.

They are also putting together a scholarship in honor of all of Smithville’s fallen soldiers to help underprivileged students go to college.

One of Sgt. Rodriguez’s fellow-soldiers wrote: “Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, you were a great mentor, a friend, and a great leader. You taught me everything I know about being a leader. You always look out for your soldiers, your friends, and always speak your mind. You always sit one-by-one and give us advice, which we, as your soldiers and brothers, will never forget. We miss you, Sgt. Rod, and trust me, your knowledge and words will always be passed to each soldier. Gone but never forgotten.”

Smithville city leaders are also reaching out to honor Sgt. Rodriguez and his dedication to the community and his country.

"I had the distinct privilege of seeing Mario grow from a boy into a fine young man,” said Robert Tamble, a city council member. As a husband, father, brother, son and friend, Mario touched the lives of everyone he met."

Sgt. Rodriguez's family is in Delaware awaiting the arrival of his remains. They will then escort him home to Smithville. Funeral services are pending.