By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The parents of the fallen U.S. Army Ranger from Bloomington-Normal say the military is keeping them updated on the investigation into Josh Rodgers’ death in Afghanistan last week, and whether Rodgers and another Ranger were killed accidentally by friendly fire while battling ISIS.
Kevin and Vonda Rodgers say their hearts and prayers are with Josh’s Ranger buddies, rather than holding any of them responsible for what happened.
“Our prayers are for them. Certainly, we would never hold anything against them if there was a friendly fire situation,” Kevin Rodgers said.
“It’s irrelevant,” Vonda Rodgers added.
It’s likely, according to Kevin Rodgers, that his son was closer to the other Rangers than he was with his own family.
The couple spoke Tuesday with WJBC’s Maria Henneberry and Patti Penn. Details of a procession, to follow Saturday’s public visitation and celebration of life service, have not yet been released. The visitation and service will be at Eastview Christian Church, with a private burial at an undisclosed site. It’s expected the public will also have the chance to pay their respects when Josh Rodgers’ casket arrives at Central Illinois Regional Airport. The time for Rodgers’ return to his hometown has also not been released.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
