Politics & Government
Purple Heart Recipient Marlene Rodriguez Honored as Vet of the Year
Assemblywoman Toni Atkins chose Rodriguez, of Imperial Beach, for the honor for the 78th Assembly District.
Staff Sgt. Marlene Rodriguez, the Purple Heart recipient and Imperial Beach resident who still struggles with the effects of injuries she suffered in Iraq, has been singled out as Veteran of the Year by Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, D-San Diego.
In a ceremony Tuesday in Sacramento, Rodriguez appeared by Atkins' side to receive the honor.
Rodriguez received her Purple Heart for her service in the Army, which included three tours in Iraq. Two bombs exploded near her, and she suffered a brain injury that leaves her subject to seizures. She also is battling post traumatic stress.
“In recent days there has been a national conversation about women in combat, but the truth of the matter is that women are already in the line of fire in defense of our freedom,” Atkins said in a news release. “Wounded warriors like
Marlene Rodriguez deserve all of the respect, honor, and support our society has to offer.”
Rodriguez is part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The former San Diego resident had been stationed in Korea and volunteered to serve in Iraq. About 500 women have received Purple Hearts since the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan began.
She retired from the Army in 2009 because of her injuries.
Atkins represents the 78th Assembly District, which covers Imperial Beach, Coronado and San Diego communities, including several along the coast.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
