Soldier Honored: Nicholas Dimas Parada- Rodriguez

Marine Corporal Nicholas Dimas Parada-Rodriguez, 29, was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 6^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Native of El Salvador, Parada-Rodriguez came to the United States with his immigrant parents and siblings. Before he joined the Marines in January of 2007, he was in the Navy, and served a tour in Afghanistan. Between his service, he held a civilian job. Nicholas was promoted to the rank of corporal on April 1^st, 2009.

In December 2009, he deployed for his third tour, and second tour with the Marines. On May 16, 2010, Corporal Parada-Rodriguez died conducting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Corporal Parada-Rodriguez attended Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia, graduating in 1999. He is remembered as having a big heart, being a leader, and always looking out for others. He is survived by his wife, two sisters, one brother, several nieces and nephews, and his mother.