HAVELOCK, N.C. - Cpl. Elizabeth Rodriguez’ adventurous spirit and desire to travel and explore made her want to join the military from an early age.
“I am a very adventurous person and I knew that in the military, I would get the opportunity to travel and explore places that I otherwise never would have visited,” said the Granite City, Ill., native. “Another reason is education, and even though it has taken me a little more time than a normal college student, I am close to getting my degree.”
Rodriquez is currently deployed to support NATO International Security Assistance Force contingency operations in southwestern Afghanistan as an administrative specialist with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).
“My job is very import because I am currently deployed and we have 10 squadrons under us who we have to keep track of,” said Rodriguez. “My job requires a lot of attention to detail.”
Rodriguez is the first military member in her family but has adapted to living away from the comfort of home with the support of friends and fellow Marines.
"Throughout the years, I have met some of the most important people in my life next to my family," said Rodriguez." The Marine Corps has taught me so many things and opened so many opportunities for me so in return, I give 110 percent in everything I do."