Alumni Update: December 2008

Simon Rodriguez, Jr., a long-time member of the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe (2004-2008), is also a soldier with the Illinois National Guard.

His unit, C-Troop 2/106 Cavalry Unit based in Aurora, Illinois, is part of Task Force Phoenex, currently focused on the training of the Afghan Army and police forces and assisting in the support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Simon was unable to be deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in October 2008 because of a medical condition, but he continues to train with his unit during weekends at its home base.

Simon's unit expects to be in Afghanistan for at least a year. Some 2,700 soldiers from National Guard units throughout Illinois comprise the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, one of the largest groups from the state to be called up as a single brigade since World War II. The Illinois soldiers are the backbone of Task Force Phoenix VIII.

Simon is a graduate of East Aurora High School and is taking college classes in preparation for a career in social work. The MWAH! troupe, with its issues-oriented format, has a social work origin.

In a MWAH! performance November 5, 2007, at ROWVA High School in Oneida, Illinois Simon Rodriguez Jr. (right) protrayed a mentor advising a distraught Chris Oechsel to be proud of who he is and all that he's capable of doing - an anti-bullying piece based on the song 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Grobin. (Photo by Ken Exum / The Register Mail)

Simon Rodriguez singing the song 'Hero' to a special friend at the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on April 19, 2008. (photo courtesy of David Brame)