The parents of the fallen soldier from Bloomington-Normal want you to know they’re OK.

Sergeant Josh Rodgers was killed in combat last week in Afghanistan. The Army Ranger’s father, Kevin Rodgers, said he told his wife he did not envision his son becoming a combat leader.

“He was the quietest kid,” Rodgers told WJBC’s Patti Penn and Maria Henneberry. “I can remember telling (mother) Vonda, ‘I think he’s going to be a follower, and we’ve got to watch out who he’s hanging out with, he’s a quiet kid.’ Obviously, he showed us he could be a leader.”

Sergeant Rodgers’ mother said she and her family are broken, but are at peace.

“I can say with complete confidence he was living his passion, he was living out his dream, he was a team lead involved in planning and strategy,” Vonda Rodgers said. “And he’s with Jesus.

The Rodgers say they don’t need financial help from the community, and suggest investing instead in local sports programs that develop youths. They also welcome prayers. 

“There’s power in prayer,” Vonda Rodgers said. “Thoughts and prayers to our family, to Josh’s friends. It’s impossible for a mom and dad to lose their son, and it’s just as impossible for a 22-year-old to lose their best friend. It’s not supposed to happen. Sisters aren’t supposed to lose brothers, grandparents aren’t supposed to lose grandchildren. So, definitely, I think thoughts and prayers.”

A public visitation is planned for Saturday from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. at Eastview Christian Church. Details are being formed on a procession immediately following the visitation.

This story was submitted to us by WJBC’s Greg Halbleib.