Juan Rodriguez joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and served 5 years as a Military Working Dog (MWD) handler which included two deployments to Afghanistan (2010 and 2011) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Juan was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California and deployed to Afghanistan with his MWD Rrolfe in 2010.  Following Juan’s first deployment, he returned home and attended the Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Course. After graduating the course, Juan returned to Camp Pendleton, California where he was paired with SSD Lucca.

Juan and Lucca deployed to Afghanistan and conducted counterinsurgency operations and located numerous improvised explosive devices. Lucca’s capabilities were vital in the fight.

Sadly, Lucca suffered a severe injury while conducting a patrol. Lucca led more than 400 missions during her career, and no

one was ever hurt but this time, it was Juan who would save her life - administering emergency first aid at the scene and ensuring she was MEDIVAC within ten minutes. During Lucca's surgery and recovery, Juan never left her side.

Since leaving the Marine Corps in 2013, Juan attended the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, where he graduated in 2019. He now works for as a Software Developer for the Department of Defense in Indianapolis, IN. His work with US War Dogs keeps Juan connected to the K-9 community.