Bloomington National Guard soldier ready for Afghan mission, reflects on Josh Rodgers’ sacrifice

Posted on May 11, 2017

 

Captain Jason Orris (Photo courtesy/Illinois National Guard)

 

By Howard Packowitz and Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – A National Guardsman from Bloomington is focused on his task in Afghanistan even as he pays tribute to local U.S. Army Ranger Josh Rodgers, who lost his life there last month.

Capt. Jason Orris and five other Illinois soldiers depart next week for a deployment that might last for a year or longer.

Orris and the rest of the Illinois Army National Guard’s BEST team trained for almost a year to assist Polish soldiers in the field.

“They do a terrific job preparing us for what we should expect while we’re over there, and we’re very prepared for our mission,” said Capt. Orris. “We’ll go over there and do the job that’s been asked of us,” Orris also said.

Even as he moves into harm’s way, Capt. Orris said his hometown’s focus should remain with Sgt. Rodgers and his family.

“He paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country, and we should all really be focused on that,” Capt. Orris added.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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