Army Private First Class Ezequiel Rodriguez-Guadalupe was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. He lived in the Bronx, NY, for a short time when he was very young, but spent most of his childhood and teen years in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, where he had a good and happy childhood. He played sports and chess and loved the mechanics of taking things apart and putting them back together. His family shared a love of fishing, long days at the beach, and active involvement in their church, where his parents served as ministers—experiences that shaped his strong faith and resilient character.
From a young age, Rodriguez‑Guadalupe dreamed of becoming a pilot. He was steadily working toward that goal when the events of September 11, 2001 changed the course of his life. Driven by a profound sense of duty, he enlisted in the United States Army just two weeks later. During a visit home, he met Sol Marian Castro, who would become his wife and steadfast partner for more than twenty years.
Rodriguez-Guadalupe served in the 1/17 Calvary unit within the 82nd Airborne Division. He loved the brotherhood of the Army – the way that people of different walks of life came together in one mindset to help, protect, and serve the United States of America.
While in Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, Rodriguez-Guadalupe sustained a significant injury to his spinal cord upon landing a nighttime parachute jump. Subsequent jumps compounded the injury, leading to Cauda Equina Syndrome, the painful compression of his spinal cord, causing permanent paralysis.Â
The physical challenges were immense, but the emotional toll was equally profound. Through unwavering faith, the love of his family, and the support of his community, Rodriguez‑Guadalupe moved forward with courage and determination.
Today, he and Sol—along with their three children, Chenoa, Mikaily, and Nahum—serve as worship leaders in their church, continuing the legacy of faith that has carried them through every trial. He remains active and passionate, embracing handcycling, exercise, cooking, music, woodworking, fishing, and chess. Above all, Rodriguez-Guadalupe treasures watching his children grow and thrive. He is grateful for the support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which has brought peace of mind, safety, and the reassurance that comes with being part of the T2T family.
Army Private First Class Ezequiel Rodriguez-Guadalupe considers his decision to serve in the military the most important choice of his life – one he would make again without hesitation. He encourages young people to serve our nation, and reminds others that no matter how many times life knocks you down, there is always hope. With faith, family, friends, and perseverance, every obstacle can be faced, and every hardship can be overcome.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Army Private First Class Ezequiel Rodriguez-Guadalupe with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.