The 6th Annual LCpl Matthew Rodriguez Memorial Blood Drive is set to take place in the ballroom at the Seaport Inn & Marina on Friday, March 6, from 1 to 6 PM. You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click HERE to schedule an appointment.

This event is hosted by the LCpl Matthew R. Rodriguez Memorial Foundation. Appointments are HIGHLY recommended, but not required. While walk-ins are welcomed but will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please know that individuals with appointments will be given top priority. Save yourself the extra wait time and schedule an appointment today.

About Matthew:

Matthew was born to be a United States Marine. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was also a Marine during the Vietnam War, and defend his beloved country. In August 2012, Matthew left home to enter the United States Marine Corps Bootcamp at Parris Island, SC. On November 16, 2012, Matthew earned the title of a United States Marine. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Matthew served the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

On December 11, 2013, Matthew was killed in action in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan. He served his country with true patriotism and is a real American hero. Just a couple of weeks before deployment, Matthew got a tattoo that read, “For Those I Love I Will Sacrifice.” Matthew bravely paid the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his country, family, and friends. His heroism, sacrifice, honor, and memory will never be forgotten.

"The LCpl Matthew R. Rodriguez Memorial Foundation was established in 2014, in memory of Fairhaven Marine Matthew Rodriguez, who was killed in action on December 11, 2013, in Now Zad, Afghanistan. Friends & family of Matthew’s organized to honor his sacrifice and continue his legacy of service through the Foundation. To date, we have served our veterans, community, & Gold Star families in many ways."

To learn more about the Foundation or to make a charitable donation, please click HERE.

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