Photo By Maj. Joe Legros | For Hispanic Heritage month, the Michigan National Guard features Maj. Rebecca...... read more read more
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LANSING, Michigan – “This is the way I think about it; I really have the best of three worlds,” says Maj. Rebecca Rodriguez, executive officer for the general staff within the 46th Military Police Command. “The best of Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the United States of America.”
A dedicated mother of two, Rodriguez serves full-time in the Michigan National Guard as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) at Joint Forces Headquarters based in Lansing. In her limited spare time, she also competes professionally as a fitness model, traveling to national competitions across the country.
When not competing, she enjoys well-earned cheat days filled with her favorite foods and drinks, including horchata, a cold, creamy beverage made of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
“Drinking horchata was definitely a staple in my household growing up,” says Rodriguez. “It was something we looked forward to as kids; it didn’t happen every day. My mom would make this sweet milk as a treat, so now when I have an opportunity to order one, I definitely go for it!”
Rodriguez grew up in Adrian, Michigan, where she learned the value of hard work and gratitude at an early age. She was inspired by her mother, who worked in the fields before earning a degree in English and pursuing a career in teaching. Education played a significant role in her upbringing, ultimately leading her to attend the University of Michigan.
Rodriguez was in her second year of college when the events of September 11, 2001, reshaped her life.
“When 9/11 happened, it was truly devastating. Not only did it change my entire life path, but also that of many people from my generation, particularly those who chose to enter military service,” Rodriguez explains.
During her time in college, Rodriguez studied developing nation healthcare in the Dominican Republic. She worked alongside the Peace Corps to implement a water filtration system in a community without running water, an experience that gave her a newfound appreciation for the opportunities available in the United States.
“When I returned to the United States, I experienced something I call reverse culture shock,” shares Rodriguez. “I had become accustomed to living with very few amenities or luxuries, things like warm showers, electricity, and plumbing that we take for granted here in America.”
During her final year at the University of Michigan, she returned to studying bio-psychology and cognitive science. Recognizing how her education could align with government and military service, she decided to pursue a career in the military.
After graduating from Officer Candidate School, Rodriguez commissioned in March 2011 and soon deployed to Afghanistan as a transportation officer with the 1461st Transportation Company, running convoy operations during Operation Enduring Freedom.
“When I was deployed, we issued awards within our organization, and I was given something called The Patriot Award,” shares Rodriguez. “My Soldiers said, ‘Ma’am, every time you pull us in, you always pump us up!’”
Reflecting on her military career, Rodriguez is grateful for the opportunities she has had to lead and serve.
“For me, being in uniform and serving in a position where I can lead and provide opportunities to people, whether through education or leadership development, that’s what we fight for at the end of the day,” she shares. “I want to provide this to people while defending the American way of life.”
Rodriguez sees herself as a role model, striving to inspire and encourage others to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.
“I know that within the Michigan National Guard, there are many underrepresented service members who are very talented,” Rodriguez shares. “I offer hope, encouragement, and I try to provide a voice to those service members by basing my leadership philosophy on servitude. I constantly work to open doors of opportunity to demonstrate that everyone, regardless of their background, is capable of doing so much within our organization and within our communities at large.”
She adds, “This way of life was given to me. Now I fight hard to make sure others can experience that gift as well.”
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2021 09:42 |
| Story ID: | 407906 |
| Location: | LANSING, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 619 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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