Purple Heart recipient Marine Sgt. Eric Rodriguez receives free energy-efficient windows through Semper Solaris’ Semper Cares initiative this Veterans Day.
TEMECULA, Calif. — Veterans Day is a time to reflect and honor U.S. service members.
“I don’t think about what I’ve done. I think about those that have served before me, and the sacrifices they’ve done,” said retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Eric Rodriguez.
But Rodriguez sacrificed his body for his country.
On Jan. 27, 2011, Rodriguez stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, blowing off his right foot and part of his calf, breaking his arm and severely damaging his left leg.
“He’s our own personal hero,” said Tania Rodriguez, his wife. “If he didn’t give up then, there’s hope. He paved that way for us.”
Rodriguez credits his wife for keeping the family together during recovery. Today he’s a para-athlete playing competitive wheelchair basketball.
For 10 years, the Rodriguez family couldn’t enjoy their front room as much, it would bake in the hot Temecula summers with failing windows.
The Warrior Foundation Freedom Station nominated the family for Semper Solaris’ Semper Cares, an initiative providing relief to veterans with high energy costs.
“He gave up part of his body for the country. It makes Veterans Day even more real,” said Kelly Shawhan, Semper Solaris co-founder and retired U.S. Marine captain.
The company installed energy-efficient windows at no cost, making a difference in their high energy bills and providing a cooler home to make new memories.
“We can open our shades and let that natural light in as the windows keep the house very cool,” Tania said.
Sgt. Rodriguez may speak quietly, but his humility speaks volumes.
“I appreciate everything you guys have done, before us and now,” Eric told fellow veterans at the installation.
On this Veterans Day, a hero who gave so much now receives a measure of gratitude