Photo By Joseph Rivera Rebolledo | Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez-Claudio, a Puerto Rico National Guardsman assigned to Fort Sam...... read more read more
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Citizen-soldiers of the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) assigned to Warrior Transition Units at Fort Gordon, Ga., and Fort Sam Houston, Texas, received a visit from the PRNG Chief of the Joint Staff, Col. Carlos Rodriguez, in representation of the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, along with commanders and sergeants’ majors of the three major commands (MACOM’s) of the PRNG, on Dec. 3 and Dec. 5.
Rodriguez, MACOM commanders and sergeants majors had the opportunity to speak with the warriors about their progress and medical care, heard their concerns and provided them with words of encouragement by letting them know they are the most valuable resource of the PRNG, the human resource.
“Being here is our number one priority, without you, we wouldn’t have a reason to be here, said Rodriguez. We want to thank you for your service and greet you during this holiday season.”
“We came here to spend time with you,” said Rodriguez to Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez-Claudio, a wounded warrior currently receiving medical treatment at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
“It’s good to know that you are here with your family; We know the situation puts a burden on the soldiers not only because of the physical and mental scars produced by the conditions, but also puts a burden on the family members,” said Rodriguez.
During the visit, the Warriors at both sites were surprised with gifts, crafts and care packages prepared by family members back home, which also included an unexpected gift from the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, a handmade craft prepared by a local artisan.
“I’m impressed. I did not think there were so many people coming, I was expecting three or four since last year there were only five, but never this many,” said Rodriguez-Claudio.
Even though most Warriors have been separated from their families, friends and units during the process, there are signs of unity and hope among them and the leaders.
“Thanks for taking time off your busy schedule to come here. It means a lot to me,” said Rodriguez-Claudio.
According to Lorena Pastrana, Rodriguez-Claudio’s wife, the experience has been unique.
“I’m impressed. I would like to thank each one of you for coming. I was not expecting so many people either. It’s good to see how they made time to come see him,” said Pastrana.
Even though the PRNG makes this trip every year, it seems rewarding after hearing good news from one of their own.
“It is known that we do this every year and make contact with the soldiers that are receiving medical treatment in the facilities outside of Puerto Rico. Is good to see and know you are one of the success stories,” said Rodriguez to Rodriguez-Claudio after learning more of his improvement.
According to Rodriguez, even though there is no specific return date for the Warriors, there is also a positive note to this process which is the treatment they are receiving, the best available care in the military and in the best facilities.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2013 09:57 |
| Story ID: | 118705 |
| Location: | FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS, FORT GORDON, GA., SAN JUAN, PR, PR |
| Web Views: | 271 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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