In continuing its mission to take history out of the textbooks by honoring local veterans, the Hampton Bays School District celebrated its 38th Flag Day on June 12 and paid tribute to United States Air Force veteran Fred Rodriguez. 

During the celebration, second graders spoke about Rodriguez’s life, read poems and sang patriotic songs. Prior to the event, the students learned about the U.S. flag and its history. Following the ceremony, a flag was raised to honor Rodriguez.

Following graduation from high school, Rodriguez decided to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. He initially tried to join in 1982, but the recruitment quotas for that year were already met. So, he waited until 1983 and took his oath as a 19-year-old, thus starting a journey that would encompass more than 40 years of serving his country.

His first assignment was six weeks of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After boot camp, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi for advanced training, where he graduated from the Administration Technical school in August 1983.

His next assignment was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but his order was soon changed, and he headed to Fort Fisher in North Carolina. He took on the serious role of defending America during the Cold War. He was assigned to the 701st Radar Squadron under the Tactical Air Command from 1983-1987. That assignment involved monitoring the airspace of the entire Eastern Seaboard searching for Russian aircraft. On many occasions, his alertness and professionalism called for Air Force F-16 interceptors to scramble and confront the Russians.

In 1987, he re-enlisted in the 106th Rescue Wing at Westhampton Beach, where he spent the next 36 years as a contracting officer, achieving the rank of senior master sergeant. His responsibilities included negotiating and awarding contracts for everything the Rescue Wing needed.

Because of his expertise, within hours after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, he was assigned to the 53rd Troop Command responsible for ground support at Ground Zero.  This included purchasing safety equipment and coordinating housing and provisioning for over 14,000 New York National Guard troops assigned to the recovery phase at Ground Zero.

His recognitions include the National Defense Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Rodriguez is involved in several volunteer organizations on the East End and is an officer in the Hampton Bays American Legion Post 924. He lives in East Quogue with his wife of 32 years, Donna Ree, and their two Jack Russell terriers.

Click here to read Rodriguez’s full bio.