Feb 2024 – Jon M. Rodriguez joined the United States Navy in March 1983, shortly after graduating from high school. While growing up, Jon and his eight siblings often heard stories about their maternal grandfather, Gerald Stanford, who had served during World War II. Sadly, their grandfather was declared missing-in-action in Germany on December 4, 1944. Ultimately, his status was changed to killed-in-action, a powerful loss for the family.

Jon, along with five siblings, joined the military, to follow in the footsteps of the grandfather who they only knew through stories. To honor their grandfather’s service and ultimate sacrifice, Jon and two others went into the Navy while the other three joined the Army. After bootcamp, Jon reported to Millington, Tennessee, for Aviation Structural Mechanic – Hydraulics (AMH) “A” School. Upon completion of training, he received orders to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34 (VAQ-34) at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. When his enlistment ended in 1986, Jon returned to the mid-south to complete his inactive reserve service. He fell in love with the area and has never left.
Jon and his significant other, Connie Roderfeld, live in Drummonds. Jon is the father of two beautiful daughters, Tia Rochelle Oxner of California and Katherine Rodriguez of Tipton County. He is also the very proud grandfather of eight-year-old Ember Lynn Phillips and seven-year-old Nikolai Rowan Phillips.

Jon was nominated for Veteran of the Month by his friend, Lani Thompson.