FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Brig. Gen. Raúl Rodriguez, deputy commanding general of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training), concluded 39 years of military service Aug. 29 during a retirement ceremony at the Fort Buchanan Community Club, closing a career shaped by leadership, service and a commitment to Soldiers across the Army Reserve.
Maj. Gen. David M. Samuelsen, commanding general of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training), hosted the ceremony as Rodriguez’s family, friends, fellow service members and colleagues gathered to recognize his career and contributions to the U.S. Army Reserve.
“His 39-year career was amazing — rising from the enlisted ranks to general officer and culminating as the 108th deputy commander,” Samuelsen said. “Brig. Gen. Rodriguez is truly a man of honor and a fantastic Soldier, leader and patriot.”
Born in Aibonito and raised in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez served in positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career and helped lead Soldiers through missions at home and abroad.
During his remarks, Rodriguez thanked his family, friends and the many people who influenced his life and military career, including those who could not attend the ceremony and those who have died.
“Some are here, others could not be with me, and some are no longer physically with us, but they are all part of this moment,” Rodriguez said.
Among the experiences that shaped Rodriguez’s approach to leadership was the Army’s response to Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017. Rodriguez recalled Soldiers leaving their own families for weeks while supporting communities across the island under difficult conditions.
Puerto Rico’s earthquake response reinforced that lesson. Rodriguez recalled spending time late at night with Soldiers who continued working while separated from their families.
“Sometimes leadership is simply sitting beside a Soldier at two o’clock in the morning, drinking coffee and listening,” Rodriguez said.
For Rodriguez, those experiences reinforced a leadership philosophy centered not only on accomplishing the mission but also on knowing and caring for the Soldiers who make that mission possible.
Rodriguez also reflected on the leaders who influenced him throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of candid communication and professional trust. He thanked Samuelsen for his leadership, professionalism and the honest conversations they shared.
“We didn’t necessarily have to agree on everything, but I always knew where you stood, and I knew I could speak openly with you,” Rodriguez said. “I value that tremendously.”
Rodriguez credited senior noncommissioned officers, mentors and fellow commanders with helping him navigate challenging assignments and develop as a leader. Drawing from those experiences, he encouraged younger service members to continue learning, adapt to change and accept assignments that push them beyond their comfort zones.
“Do the hard jobs,” Rodriguez said. “Take the assignments other people don’t want.”
Rodriguez also emphasized the role his family played throughout his military service. Like many military families, they experienced deployments, separations and missed birthdays, holidays and other milestones while supporting his career.
The ceremony also gave Rodriguez an opportunity to remember Soldiers whose service and sacrifice remain with him.
He reflected on six Soldiers from the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command who died while deployed to Kuwait. Rodriguez said he plans to honor their memory later this year by completing a cycling journey of more than 300 miles around Puerto Rico.
For Rodriguez, the planned ride represents more than a physical challenge. It offers another opportunity to remember Soldiers whose sacrifices remain part of his military journey and ensure their service is not forgotten.
As Rodriguez looked back on 39 years in uniform, he said the true value of his military career could not be measured by rank, awards or decorations. Instead, he measured it through the Soldiers, families, leaders and communities who shared the journey with him.
“Yes, absolutely,” Rodriguez said when asked whether his military career was worth it. “Not because of the rank, not because of the stars, not because of the decorations. It was worth it because of the people.”