Raleigh Battalion U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Saves Life
Release from The Triangle Tribune
CARY – Seaman Apprentice Joseph Michael Rodriguez has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for his extraordinary heroism in saving the life of his father, Julio Rodriquez.
The award ceremony is Aug. 19 at 2:30 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran School, 100 W. Lochmere Drive, Cary, where Rodriguez will be formally presented with the Distinguished Service Award.
The Raleigh Battalion, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps said in a statement that “Rodriquez has shown exemplary dedication to the Sea Cadet program, and has diligently applied himself to training provided by Raleigh Battalion volunteers.”
“We believe (Joseph’s) quick actions when finding his father in a diabetic crisis, which played a crucial role in saving Julio Rodriguez’s life, are a direct result of the training he received during this time with the Sea Cadets,” said Dr. Tracey Poirrier, Rodriquez’s mother.
Rodriguez’s Sea Cadet unit, the Raleigh Battalion, was focused on first- aid and medical training during their spring training evolution from January through March. Rodriguez joined the unit in December 2022. His training began with hands-on first-aid and medical training with BU3 Ethan Ogden, an active duty U.S. Navy service member and adult volunteer with the Raleigh Battalion.
Rodriquez participated in the unit’s spring field training exercise in March 2022, where the cadets received education on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, advanced medical training also provided by volunteers, and active duty and retired U.S. Army and Navy service members.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Rodriquez’s leadership qualities, teamwork, selfless heroism, and unwavering commitment to the core values of the Sea Cadet program. Through his hard work and dedication, he has demonstrated the highest level of excellence, serving as an inspiration to his peers and the next generation of cadets.
“We are incredibly proud of Rodriguez’s heroism, selflessness, and his dedication to the values of honor, respect, commitment and service that we hold in the highest regard as part of the Sea Cadet program,” said Ensign Jacin Suskin, commanding officer of Raleigh Battalion. “His commitment to serving others and personal growth embodies the spirit of our organization, and we are honored to have Rodriquez as part of our unit.”