Hemet soldier killed in noncombat-related incident in Kuwait

A 23-year-old Army soldier from Hemet was killed Thursday in a noncombat-related incident in Kuwait.

The Pentagon announced the death of Spc. John Phillips Rodriguez on Saturday. The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed.

In an email to KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2, a spokesperson for Fort Bliss in Texas, where Rodriguez was assigned, said the incident is under investigation and that a military investigation is on-going to determine the cause and contributing factors.

Rodriguez was a Specialist E4 and combat engineer assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, of the 1st Armored Division headquartered in Fort Bliss.

He was a decorated soldier who had received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Army Commendations Medal, the spokesperson added.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of SPC Rodriguez. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Pat White.

Rodriguez was on deployment with his brigade.

“Spc. John P. Rodriguez died while supporting U.S. Army Central (Command) ‘as a combat engineer in Kuwait as part of Operation Inherent Resolve at the time of his death,” said Army spokesperson Gil Telles. “The operation comprises of a U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.”

A post on the 2nd Engineer Battalion’s Facebook page said a memorial ceremony for the families at Fort Bliss would be scheduled in the near future.

“A son, a husband and a friend to everyone around him, `Rod’ was an amazing person that we all loved,” the post said. “Our most heartfelt condolences go out to his family back home.”