For the first time since the beginning of its distinguished alumni program, the United Independent School District inducted two local heroes into their League of Legends. The posthumous awards were presented to the families of Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez and Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza who selflessly served their country by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez attended United South High School and graduated class of 2000. While at United South he joined the Marine Corps JROTC where his passion for the military expanded. As a high school senior, he became a JROTC Cadet Colonel, reaching his first National Championship. After graduation, Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. LCPL Rodriguez was called to duty in 2004. He died on January 13, 2005 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq at the age of 23.
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza was a 2019 graduate from Lyndon B. Johnson. While at Johnson High School, he attended the Marine’s Laredo office for physical training. By August of 2019, Espinoza traveled to the San Antonio Military Entrance Processing Station and was then flown to San Diego, California for basic training. By April of 2020, Espinoza completed his infantry training and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and later promoted to Lance Corporal in October of that year. He was deployed to Jordan for two years before he was redeployed to Kabul, Afghanistan to assist with an evacuation. LCPL Espinoza, who was 20 years old, was among the 13 U.S. service members who were killed in the Kabul airport attack. For his service, he was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal among others.
It is of absolute importance for the United Independent School District to recognize their sacrifice for our country and continue their legacy in our community. To honor both marines and their families, the United South Marine Corps JROTC performed the Presentation of Colors.
Both the Rodriguez and Espinoza families were presented with the League of Legends award at the special ceremony and invited to also speak on their behalf and be honored at their alma mater.
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