Final Salute

Obituary for BU2 Mayra Alejandra Rodríguez Muñoz, USN
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Builder Second Class (BU2) Mayra Alejandra Rodríguez Muñoz, a proud Seabee and veteran of the United States Navy whose life was defined by service, courage, and love for others.

Mayra was born on July 6, 1997, in Bogotá, Colombia, and later established her life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she enlisted in the United States Navy on September 5, 2017. She served honorably on active duty until December 4, 2022, when she was honorably discharged. Following her military service, Mayra relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where she was building her civilian life and pursuing new opportunities. On December 31, 2025, Mayra was tragically taken from this world in Louisville while acting with extraordinary bravery to protect the life of someone she deeply loved—an act she would have carried out for anyone in need. She will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.

During her service, Mayra served as a Seabee Builder (BU2) assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven (NMCB-11). As a Seabee, she embodied the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Her professionalism, leadership, and dedication earned her multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

An honor graduate of A-School, Mayra distinguished herself as a subject-matter expert in expeditionary construction and combat readiness. She completed extensive specialized training, including Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist qualifications, Expeditionary Combat Skills, Hazardous Materials and Safety training, OSHA 30-Hour Certification, and AED/CPR certification, among others. Her leadership potential was so evident that she was entrusted with responsibilities above her rank—an uncommon and deeply respected achievement.

Beyond her military service, Mayra was a woman of curiosity, creativity, and compassion. She loved exploring the world, painting, caring for animals, and immersing herself in nature. Her devotion to family, community, and her fellow service members shaped every part of her life. Mayra had a rare ability to uplift those around her, leaving people better than she found them and forming bonds that will endure.

Mayra is survived by her biological mother, Caroline Hughes, and stepfather, Tobias Hughes; her biological father, Leovigildo Rodríguez Sierra, and stepmother, Olga Martínez Cobos. She is also survived by her beloved siblings: Kevin Steve Rodríguez Muñoz, José Manuel Francia Muñoz, Ana María Francia Muñoz, Daniela Alejandra Martínez Cobos, and Nathaly Rodríguez Martínez. She leaves behind her cherished dog, Angel Rodríguez Muñoz, who was a constant source of comfort and companionship.

Mayra is also survived by her beloved partner, with whom she shared a deep bond and a life rooted in love, loyalty, and mutual respect. Her final act of courage reflected the values she upheld throughout her life and service.

Mayra lived by a principle she wore close to her heart. She always carried a bracelet engraved with the words:
“She believed she could, so she did.”
These words were not merely a phrase, but a reflection of how she lived—fearlessly, selflessly, and with purpose.

Though her life was taken far too soon, Mayra’s legacy of service, love, and bravery will endure for generations to come.

Fair winds and following seas, BU2 Rodríguez Muñoz.
Your watch has ended, but your light remains.