Jesus Rodriguez-Cumba's Obituary
Jesus Rodriguez-Cumba, born December 25th, 1949 in Cagua, Puerto Rico, to Tomasita Cumba-Acevedo and Victor Rodriguez, died on Wednesday February 10th, 2024, at the Veterans Hospital in Baltimore City.
After his primary education, he enlisted in the US Army May of 1968 at Fort Brooke in Puerto Rico. His initial training as a parachute rigger, served him as an infantryman in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry division LURP Company E. Upon discharge, he joined the Puerto Rican National Guard and served with E. Co. (Ranger) 65th Infantry Airborne. During his military tenure, he rose to the rank of E-5 and in 1978 took a commission in the regular Army as a 1st Lieutenant assigned to Co. B, 2/21st. Infantry Division, 24th Mechanized Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart Georgia. His prestigious military career garnered him many awards such as, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist, Ranger Tab, HALO Qualified, Parachute Rigger, Pathfinder Tab, National Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct (1st Oak Cluster, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas bar with a 3, the bronze star as well as Purple Heart.
His military service included participation in the Vietnam War, The El Salvador Conflict, Suez Mission, and Bright Star.
Maj. Rodriguez, rigorous training allowed him to achieve training to become a Critical Care Flight Paramedic, which enabled him to serve his community in the West Palm Beach area as a Paramedic and Firefighter in West Palm Beach, Florida. He ultimately ended his civilian career as a Paramedic in Gallup, New Mexico until his retirement and return to Maryland, where he had a family. Maj. Rodriguez
was known as an astute and insightful clinician and his vast knowledge of emergency medicine, made him a sought-after educator and consultant within the community. During his downtime, Jesus was an avid reader, historian, and lover of all things Jeep. He also enjoyed researching the genealogy of his family.
Jesus was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his children: Jesus Rodriguez-Pazos (San Juan, PR), Marta Rodriguez Lezcano (Walnut Creek, CA), Barbara Rodriguez-Lezcano (NY), Marta Goodman (Sister) and Mariella.
Funeral Services for Jesus Rodriguez-Cumba were held on 3/9/24 at Snowden Creek.
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