FORT KNOX, Ky. –
Staff Sgt. Christian Rodriguez, a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, serves as a Recruiter at the San Antonio Medical Recruiting Station in San Antonio, Texas.
A two-time Best Warrior Competition winner, Rodriguez first joined the Army as a dental laboratory technician, where he said he found joy in crafting porcelain dentures and witnessing the impact on patients’ smiles. While attending Dental Laboratory School, he earned accolades as the Distinguished Honor Graduate and Best Hand Award recipient.
Now a Healthcare Recruiter noncommissioned officer with U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Rodriguez earned the Gold Badge in his first year of Recruiting and achieved recognition as a Top 13 Recruiter in both 2023 and 2024.
“Working in USAREC as a Healthcare Recruiter provides me the unique opportunity to work and meet many young students who dream of having a career as a healthcare professional, as well as to motivate and guide them to join the Army,” Rodriguez said. “It gives me great satisfaction to make a difference in people’s lives and future careers.”
According to Rodriguez, his desire to serve began in high school. However, he said he was later inspired to join the Army to provide a better future for his family – becoming the first generation to serve in the military.
“I have always felt responsible to serve my country and be part of something greater than myself,” Rodriguez said. “I am doing my part to protect my nation and family and inspire future generations to do the same.”
Currently, Rodriguez is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Post University. Next, he said his goal is to direct commission as a Health Service Administrator and eventually open his own restaurant in San Antonio.
Outside of recruiting, Rodriguez said he enjoys traveling with family, sports, hiking, home improvements and time with friends. When considering who helped him become who he is today, Rodriguez said he credits one person in particular.
“A lot of what I have accomplished in life is because of my wife,” Rodriguez said. “Despite the difficulties inherent in our dual military status, we are an incredible team.
“My wife has been my biggest supporter and source of inspiration in my life.”