Ruppersberger Recognizes Local Recipient of 'Angels of the Battlefield' Award for Military Service

Edgewood native and combat medic Gustavo Rodriguez served 40 months in Iraq

(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today recognized Army Staff Sergeant Gustavo Rodriguez as he was honored with the “Angels of Battlefield” award by the Armed Services YMCA. A native of Edgewood, Sergeant Rodriguez served as a combat medic in the United States Army for the past 15 years.

Sergeant Rodriguez served three tours of duty in Iraq for a total of 40 months. He was a mentor and comrade to his colleagues, who nicknamed him “Doc.” The Armed Services YMCA worked with the military services to select corpsmen and medics from the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army Guard to represent their respective services and receive the “Angels of the Battlefield” award on behalf of their fellow corpsmen and medics for their dedication and commitment to service.

“Combat medics are asked to perform life-saving tasks under the most extreme conditions,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “They have to have extraordinary medical skills, the ability to keep cool under pressure and a selflessness that allows them to put the lives of their colleagues before their own. Sergeant Rodriguez’s service is an inspiration to all of us, and I am proud to represent him.”

Sergeant Rodriguez is also the recipient of the “Bronze Star” medal, the fourth-highest combat award for bravery in the U.S. Armed Forces. Sergeant Rodriguez recounted a recent incident in which he treated an Iraqi Army Captain who suffered eight gunshot wounds during a firefight outside his compound. The only combat medic present, Sergeant Rodriguez was able to stabilize him until he could be evacuated.

A photo is available upon request.