Sergio Rodarte, who is actively serving in the Marine Corps, was recently honored by his family and close friends back at home in Colton as they celebrated his Military Banner installation ceremony. Rodarte is a Colton native who, aside from always being interested in the military, was also very active in Tae Kwon Do. Starting at just six years old, he currently holds a second degree black belt. Rodarted enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after graduating from Colton High School in 2013. He now serves in communications in the Marine Corps, according to his mother, Blanca. She explained, “Ever since he was little and could barely speak he would say, ‘I want to be a soldier.'” At first, his family were unsure of what Rodarte was trying to say. It wasn’t long until it became clear to them, as his interests of being soldier only grew. Blanca mentioned that his favorite toy during his childhood was the GI Joe action figures. “I even kept all of them throughout the years. They’re in my living room right now,” she added. “Being a soldier, it’s always been in his blood.” Blanca speaks to him every day. Considering that Rodarte is her only son, she shared, “He’s my hero; he’s my everything.” Explaining that she raised all of her children as a single mother, Blanca said, “I think (Sergio) wants to take care of me. He’s always there.” Although she misses him very much, Blanca believes that the Marine Corps is beneficial for her son - at just 18 years old, Blanca shared she feels like his service and the branch is helping transition him to adulthood. Travel is one of those transitions, she shared. Rodarte shipped out to Romania recently and Blanca sent him some homemade gifts to keep him warm. “It’s very cold over there, below zero, so I (sent) him warm socks and scarves,” she said. Unfortunately, Rodarte was unable to attend the banner installation in his honor, but Blanca, additional family members and friends, including close family friends Bud and Dottie, attended to honor Rodarte just before Christmas. Rodarte didn't have to wait long before seeing his own banner - when he came home for the holidays on Dec. 21, his family took him out to see it. Rodarte enjoyed looking up at the banner, which bears his name, military photo and branch. “He’s very sentimental,” Blanca said. She shared that as Rodarte would tell her about his time and experiences about serving in the military, she’s glad he’s still the same person. Though he’s very active, always training, Blanca said, “I’m glad he didn’t lose his sentimental side.” Blanca sent words of thanks on behalf of herself and her son to their family and friends, "For their blessings and all their support." The family thanked Bud and Dottie Smith, Tios Nono, Queta Velarde and family, Tios Oscar and Rafaela Sanchez and family, the Gonzalez family, the Munoz family, Lena Alvarez and family, Ms. Booker, the Magadan family, Yolanda Rosette and family, Tios Cornelio, Ofhelia de Casas, Lorenzo, Erica and the Magana family, Tio Tony, and Blanca's daughter Janel and Melissa. Rodarte's military banner can be seen on the southeast corner of Valley Boulevard and 9th Street, right in front of Starbucks in Colton.

Colton Teen Honored for Military Service