A student assigned to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center was recognized for heroic achievement by Training Support Center (TSC) San Diego, Jan. 24.

Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Henry Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio and a 2014 graduate of Highlands High School, saved the life of an elderly man who fell out of his boat at the Point Loma Annex Marina, Dec. 2.

Rodriguez was walking near the docks when he heard cries for help coming from the water. He immediately rushed toward the sounds of distress.

The event was witnessed first-hand by Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reed, force cyber security lead, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, who was sitting near the water.

“He (Rodriguez) was walking by and, without any hesitation, responded to cries for help from a civilian in distress,” said Reed. “The gate to the marina was locked – so he scaled a 12-foot fence, ran down to the dock, and proceeded to help the man out of the water. Without this quick, no-hesitation response, the distressed man may have lost his life.”

Rodriguez mentioned that he just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

“It was the right thing to do,” said Rodriguez. “I am just happy that I was able to help a person in need.”

Capt. Michael S. Feyedelem, commanding officer, TSC San Diego, presented Rodriguez with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for superior performance in immediately taking control of a distress scene and bringing order to a rescue effort that saved an individual’s life.

For information about TSC San Diego, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/tscsd/Default.aspx.

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