The Defense Department has announced the name of the solider who allegedly committed suicide while supporting operations at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Spc. John P. Rodriguez, of Hemet, California, died Jan. 12 at approximately 8:30 a.m., reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rodriguez was assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, from Fort Bliss, Texas.
The 3rd Armored Brigade deployed to Kuwait last summer with 3,500 soldiers. The unit primarily has been based out of Camp Buehring, undergoing training with regional and coalition partners, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The unit has participated in roughly six named exercises and 20 smaller engagements with host nation forces, and is expected to return this spring.
The non-combat death of Spc. Rodriguez is still under investigation.
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
