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Memorial for Dario Rodriquez Jr

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We are very sorry to report the death of Chief Master Sergeant Dario Rodriquez Jr, MSc, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, adjunct associate professor of surgery and director of clinical research for trauma and critical care in the Department of Surgery, who passed away on Sunday, March 13, after a long and courageous bout with cancer.
A native of Texas, Dario enlisted in the United States Air Force and trained as a respiratory therapist. He became one of the first members of the USAF’s elite Critical Care Transport Teams and developed clinical protocols and educational programs for training these groups. After serving as division manager of medical services at Eglin Air Force Base, he was assigned to the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills-Cincinnati (CSTARS) as the group’s first respiratory therapist. He served as superintendent of CSTARS for three years, greatly influencing the program and the requirements for certifying caregivers for flight readiness. He subsequently was the program director for respiratory care for the USAF School of Health Sciences, consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General’s office, and the chief operations officer at Wright Patterson Medical Center.
During his 30 years of service, Dario was awarded a number of Citations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak leaf Clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in support of the evacuations following Hurricane Katrina. Dario retired as Chief Master Sergeant in 2013 and joined the United States Air Force Research Laboratory in a civilian capacity as senior research health science officer for the Airman Biosciences Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, and lead for en route care research. Chief Rodriquez served a vital role within the department of surgery, leading efforts related to en route care and ventilator research. In these positions, he performed extensive medical device research, development, and evaluation. He also participated in planning for the future of en route care including unmanned vehicle extraction with NATO, the Israeli Defense Forces, and NASA. Much revered for his expertise, especially in ventilator use during en route care, he served as a formal consultant for a number of organizations, including the USAF, Army, Marine Corps, Defense Medical Standardization Board, CDC, and the FDA. He led an initiative to train respiratory therapists and physicians in the use of ventilators acquired for the Strategic National Stockpile, a co-operative endeavor with AARC and HHS. An ardent advocate for improving care of the wounded warfighter, he was the PI or Co-PI of 15 major research grants and authored more than 50 publications. He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care in 2012.
Dario was predeceased by his daughter, Amanda. He is survived by his wife, Christina, son Steven, and three grandchildren.

Tuesday April 12th, a memorial service will be from 12:00 - 1:00 at the Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth. The address is: 3100 White Settlement Road Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Immediately following the service Chief Rodriquez will be interred with full military honors at Dallas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts we respectfully request donations be made for the family


Donations 

  • Vik Bebarta
    • $300 
    • 2 yrs
  • John Molander
    • $500 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $1,000 
    • 2 yrs

Organizer and beneficiary

Rich Branson
Organizer
Beaufort, SC
Christine Rodriquez
Beneficiary

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