Date Published: May 11, 2014
Author: Simón Rios
Publication: South Coast Today; Original Article
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New Bedford Playground Honors Fallen Marine Matthew Rodriguez
NEW BEDFORD — For the family and friends of the fallen Marine Matthew Rodriguez, it was only fitting that the weather held out while a playground was dedicated to his honor.
SIMON RIOS/THE STANDARD-TIMES The playground at the New Bedford Regional Airport was dedicated in honor of Lt. Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, a Fairhaven Marine who died in Afghanistan in 2013.
NEW BEDFORD — For the family and friends of the fallen Marine Matthew Rodriguez, it was only fitting that the weather held out while a playground was dedicated to his honor.
“He is smiling down on us now, shaking his head a little, a little embarrassed, but smiling down, very proud, and very honored,” said Lisa Rodriguez, mother of Lt. Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez.
Rodriguez died Dec. 11 while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Hundreds congregated at the New Bedford Regional Airport Saturday afternoon for the dedication — an emotional memorial to a young man deeply loved by those who knew him.
Dozens of people representing State Police, the Marine Corps, the Boy Scouts, the Patriot Guard Riders and other organizations, stood at attention around the playground, as friends and colleagues approached the podium to remember the Fairhaven Marine.
Fresh back in the country from a tour in Afghanistan, Rodriguez’ commander, 1st Lt. Bradford A. Holden, stood behind the podium throughout the dedication.
“I can assure you that he was as great a Marine as he was a son, or a brother, or a friend,” said Holden, adding with a smile that Rodriguez could throw a hand grenade further than anyone in the platoon.
“It was not a surprise to us because he was our baseball star, as well as our token Massachusetts man and Red Sox fan.”
At times struggling to steady his upper lip, Holden said when Rodriguez’ brother Marines return to Camp Pendleton in California, they will “endure a grueling run up a 1,000-foot hill, carrying a wooden cross in honor of Matthew.”
The cross, he said, will be erected at the top of the hill, overlooking the San Mateo area and the Pacific Ocean.
“I find it entirely fitting that (he) has memorials erected in his name on both coasts of this great country — the East Coast, where he grew up, and the West Coast, where he served,” Holden said. “It is a rare honor.”
Looking on were Rodriguez’ parents. Dad Rolando Rodriguez goes by the same nickname his son would come to inherit — “Rod.” He shouted “Hoo-rah!” through the event, in addition to a heartfelt “Semper Fi, Matt.”
Standing beside Holden in his dress blues, Capt. Alexander Mora also served alongside Rodriguez in Afghanistan. He recalled speaking with Rolando Rodriguez after Matthew’s death.
“When I spoke to Mr. Rodriguez on the phone for the first time, he asked me a question that I’ll never forget. ‘Capt. Mora. Did my son do good for you?’ My reply was, ‘No, sir, he did great.'”
Mora said that as a mobile assault company, their job was to clear explosive devices and ensure the mobility of forces in the region.
Rodriguez “was exactly where he wanted to be at — forward deployed, in a combat zone, serving his country as a United States Marine.”
Spearheading Saturday’s event was Michael Knabbe of the Atlantic Aviators, a local chapter of Women in Aviation. Knabbe recalled the community effort to build the $165,000 aviation-themed playground.
“Five years ago the Atlantic Aviators had a dream, to build a playground,” he said.
“They pushed forward, from the concept to the fundraising to the fun days.”
Rodriguez’s mother Lisa was one of the leaders of the initiative, and when Matthew was killed in Afghanistan, Knabbe said the Aviators group held a meeting and discussed just one order of business — the dedication of the playground to him.
Rodriguez said her son’s passion for the Marines played a role in the playground’s design.
“Matt’s playground has something in common with the Marine Corps as well,” she said, wiping away the tears. “You see, the Marine Corps is the smallest branch of our armed services. And our playground is small as well. However, our playground is also the best there is, and so is the Marine Corps.”
“If you don’t believe me,” she said, gesturing to the Marines present, “just ask one of them. Anyone.”
Rodrgiuez said her son will be forever mourned by the family, but his life will also be celebrated.
The playground is destined to fulfill that role.