By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – It’s not the end of Josh Rodgers’ legacy, it’s only the beginning, according to Rodgers’ close friend, Nick Rohde.

Rohde said he’s committed to preserving Rodgers’ legacy even as he and other friends mourn the U.S. Army Ranger from Bloomington, who died during military operations in Afghanistan.

“A lot of them are absolutely devastated, just as we are holding it together right now,” Rohde told WJBC’s Sam Wood.

“And, I think the best way to deal with it is just be positive and remember him for the good things he did do, and support his family,” Rohde also said.

Another friend, Alex Broad, remembered Rodgers as a quiet young man, but he said Rodgers displayed leadership as a Normal Community High School football player.

Meantime, CBS News reported the Pentagon is investigating whether friendly fire killed Rodgers and another Army Ranger during a battle with ISIS

Here at home, the Illinois House of Representatives held a moment of silence Friday to honor Rodgers, and Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said he will pay tribute to the young soldier’s memory when he’s sworn in for a second term on Monday.

Friends have set up an online fundraising page to help Rodgers’ family cover expenses, and the Illinois State University Soccer Team is dedicating Saturday’s game to Rodgers. His sister, Hannah, is a member of that team.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]