Michael Rodriguez

Q: "First, please tell us about yourself, your professional experience and your family."
A "I am originally from Las Cruces New Mexico and was medically retired from injuries sustained during my service in the U.S. Army after 21 years  in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. My Grandfather’s served during WWII, my father is a Vietnam Veteran, the Mother of my Children retired last year after 21 years of service in the Army and our eldest son is currently serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantryman with one deployment to Afghanistan. I have two other sons, 19 and 12, as well as a 1 year old Grandson. My primary hobbies are being a father and grandfather, but also include fitness, combatives (Boxing/Kickboxing), as well as blacksmithing and metal working. My interests are trying to continue my service to my local community and this great nation of ours.

I currently volunteer in the Veteran Space and have served as on President Bush’s Advisory Council for Military Service Initiative to guide his strategic vision on how to better serve Post 9/11 Veterans and their families. I am also the President CEO of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation, which is the congressionally designated non-profit organization to organize, fundraise, and build Our National Global War on Terrorism War Memorial in Washington D.C."

Q: "Please tell us how you put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job."
A: "I spend a lot of time in Washington D.C. working on the GWOT Memorial. I have been able to utilize the impact and overarching significance of the war to ensure that our elected officials and bureaucrats in Washington D.C understand the significance of the memorial and the war itself. A broader understanding always makes it easier to correct any misunderstandings.

I have a better understanding of how our nation’s foreign policy is written and feel much better prepared to have discussions with our policy makers today."

Q: "Why did you choose an online program at Norwich?"
A: "I chose Norwich because of the SSDA Program that was offered to Servicemembers like myself who served in the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was a logical choice for me to continue my studies here at Norwich in pursuit of a graduate degree. I chose an online degree program because of the flexibility it provides; given my schedule, this was very important to me. I didn’t know what to expect from an online degree program; however, I was met with the challenge I needed. I did not want it to be easy - I truly wanted to earn my degree, and the diplomacy program ensured I did.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get both my bachelor's and master's degrees at Norwich University. It is my hope that Norwich will continue to grow and impact generations of leaders to come."