John A. Rodriguez Sr. was drafted in the army at age 18. After training he was stationed at Fort Dix in North Carolina before being deployed to Vietnam. He would serve in Vietnam from 1965- 1967. He was a part of the 458th Sea Tigers, who would patrol the inland waterways, harbors, and coastlines of South Vietnam. He was a part of the amphibious operations unit who played a crucial role in constructing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, as well as supporting amphibious landings and operations.

After returning home, he settled down and had three children, John Rodriguez Jr., Stacy Rodriguez-Rennard, and Jill Rodriguez-Russell.
During his time in the army he would win badges for his marksmanship skills. Unfortunately he would pass away due to lung cancer caused by the chemicals in the Vietnam War called Agent Orange in 2007.
He will forever be remembered by his smile and his witty comments. His legacy is lived on by his wife Arlene, his three children, John, Stacy, and Jill, his son/daughter in-laws, Kenny, Scott and Carrie, and his four wonderful grandchildren, Cailyn, Caleb, Caleigh, and Callie