Soldier from Klamath Falls Oregon Casualty in Iraq

The soldier was the captain of his high school football team, he also played ball for the College of the Siskiyous in California

Dominic Rodriguez Photo: Rodriguez family

(SALEM, Ore.) - Army Specialist Dominic N. Rodriguez, 23, of Klamath Falls, Ore., died June 22nd from injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident in Baghdad, Iraq.

He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Officials with the Department of Defense say the incident is under investigation.

Dominic Rodriguez had been in Iraq since October of 2006. He enlisted in the U.S. Army believing that is was where he belonged and he wanted to defend his country.

He was born Nov. 17th, 1983 in Klamath Falls, Ore, and graduated from Klamath Union High School.

Dominic Rodriguez was extremely interested in sports. He was the Captain of the High School football team and then went on to play college ball at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, Calif. He also enjoyed wrestling, swimming and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, Stepchildren Allison and Austin, and parents Filomeno and Patricia Rodriguez Sr.

It is unknown at this time when the services will be held, They are requesting in lieu of flowers, donations be made In Honor of Spec. Dominic Rodriquez Jr. to the Special Olympics, P.O. Box 221, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-850-5257.