Former Green Beret survived IED explosion in Afghanistan to own successful San Antonio real estate company – San Antonio Express-News
Among the military memorabilia and team awards displayed at the Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group office hangs a photo that humbles the owner each time he sees it.
Inside the frame, a rugged U.S. Army Special Forces A-team looks out from a distant post in Helmand Province of Afghanistan. The image was taken on Sept. 15, 2009, just hours before a moment that took a devastating toll on Rodgers life.
Each day, the first thing he does is stop at the wall. Then he places a palm below the photo to remember the three soldiers and an Afghan translator who died while riding with him in the vehicle that struck an improvised explosive device.
The former Army Green Beret suffered shattered bones and severe injuries that required two years of surgeries and rehabilitation.
Its important to remember what its all about for me, Rodgers, 43, said with a tremble in his voice. Nothing else is on this wall for a reason.
The memory of the fallen men drives every waking moment.
On ExpressNews.com: Do what you love to do - San Antonios Shoeman Sam provided personal service of a bygone time
His years of military service serve as a team concept for his operation that takes up a third floor suite on Paesanos Parkway. In 2016, Rodgers founded the real estate group thats become one of the leading sales teams in the nation. His 20 employees, including military veterans and spouses, provide more than 50 real estate agents with business opportunities.
Rodgers mission is serving those who have served, but the company reaches out to civilians as well across San Antonio, known as Military City USA.
The whole goal here is by, with, through and for our community, Rodgers said. Just go out and have an impact. I feel when I lay down at night I have a responsibility to everybody thats trusted me. Not just the clients, but to those that work here. Its a huge part of my life.
The veteran-owned company was one of 15 recipients of the 2019 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the highest U.S. government honor bestowed to employers who go above and beyond for National Guard and Reserve employees.
Rodgers is a Purple Heart recipient and was awarded four Bronze Stars and a Legion of Merit.
His military career began as a 17-year-old high school graduate seeking new vistas beyond Sacramento, Calif. He enlisted in the Army in 1996 and worked as a heavy equipment operator. While deployed to Bosnia, he was curious about a group of armed, bearded men dressed in civilian clothes.
Who are those guys? he asked his squad leader.
Those are Green Berets, came the reply.
Rodgers was intrigued. He researched their mission as elite soldiers and knew this was the path he wanted to pursue. In 1998, he applied and was selected to train at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The training pushed the former high-school athlete to his limits, physically and mentally.
When Rodgers graduated from the year-long program, he said he gained a lifelong commitment to men he could count on no matter what and would drop everything if called upon for help.
On ExpressNews.com: Child sleuth with a heart for animals helps finds missing pets on San Antonios Southwest Side
From 2000 to 2009, Rodgers served on a special forces A-Team that worked in Central and South America. then he was deployed to the Middle East in Iraq and Afghanistan.
When you serve in combat with another human being, the relationships created on the field of battle are hard to replicate, Rodgers said.
That bond was intact on the night the chief warrant officer led a convoy from an Afghan village back to their home base. The ground mobility vehicles were traveling at a fast clip. Then the explosion happened his vehicle had hit an IED. Three team members, Brad Bohle, Josh Mills, Shawn McCloskey, all died. So did Rasool, the young Afghan translator riding in the combat vehicle.
Sgt. Pedro Solis, the teams dog handler, ran to the fiery scene and pulled Rodgers from the wreck as fellow soldiers fired back at the enemy. Solis, from the Southwest Side of San Antonio, recalled that his team leader was still conscious, giving commands.
Forty percent of Rodgers body was burned. He had internal damage. Both of his legs and back were broken. He was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and then to the Brooke Army Medical Center burn unit.
He was the lone survivor.
For more than a month, Rodgers was in a medically-induced coma. He went though rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid.
His entry into selling homes came from the impact a real estate agent had on his life. He was 22 years old, stationed in North Carolina, when he called real estate agent Gary Langdon to buy a double-wide trailer with a Jacuzzi tub. Thirty seconds after they met, Langdon tore up the contract.
Son, Langdon said, this house is going to depreciate, not appreciate.
Instead, he sold Rodgers a one-story ranch-style house that his family lived in for 12 years. Sale of the home helped the family pay off debt and Rodgers real estate classes.
He found mentors in Samuel Raia and Lawrence Raia, co-founders of Homes Fit for Heroes. Since 2009, the organization has provided free housing to 250 wounded special operations service members and their families while they go through treatment and recovery.
Rodgers and his family were among early recipients of a free, furnished unit at the Vista Ridge Apartments while he recovered at BAMC from his injuries. When he heard the news he wanted to personally thank the founders. Four months after he was out of the hospital, he met the duo during a military-related trip to New York City.
Knowing about Rodgers extensive injuries, Lawrence Raia, 52, recalled sitting with his cousin Samuel in a bistro, waiting for a man in a wheelchair. When Rodgers walked in with a cane and introduced himself, the men couldnt help but stare, astounded to see him on his feet.
After the 90-minute meeting, the Raias became Rodgers confidants, sharing their business acumen and helping him evaluate different opportunities.
Hes taken his chapter in civilian life and paid it back, Lawrence Raia said during a phone conversation. He helps them (veterans) buy homes in a way that Gary Langdon helped him. Its been a singular honor to be a part of his life and watch him reinvent himself and achieve what hes achieved.
On ExpressNews.com: High school football player partners with sign language interpreter to excel on the gridiron
Rogers retired from the Army in October 2012. Every goal he accomplishes is with the thought that he doesnt want to waste his life.
Its not just my story, Rodgers said. I feel its a duty and everything Im doing is for those who didnt make it. Im committed to this and its what Im here for, the families and their sacrifice.
The team photo on the wall is his memorial to the fallen men and their loved ones he will never forget. Nor can he forget the man who ran to his aid without regard for his own safety.
Today Solis is director of logistics of Rodgers team, still a brother in arms at his side.
- British couple in their 70s arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan - The Guardian - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Children of UK couple arrested in Afghanistan appeal to Taliban for release - The Independent - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- British couple in their 70s arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan - The Independent - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- These Soldiers Risked Their Lives Serving in Afghanistan. Now They Plead With Trump to Let Their Sister Into the U.S. - ProPublica - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Taliban withdraw Afghanistan from International Criminal Court - Voice of America - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Men, women experience near daily floggings in Afghanistan - Voice of America - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- British Couple in Their 70s Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan for Teaching Mothers - SOFREP - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Opinion | The U.S. Can No Longer Ignore the Threat Arising in Afghanistan - The New York Times - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Analysis: From Afghanistan to America: the rising reach of the Islamic State Khorasan Province - Long War Journal - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan cricket team to ignore debate caused by boycott calls - BBC.com - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Taliban arrest Brit couple in their 70s for teaching parenting skills to mothers in Afghanistan - MSN - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- Taliban arrest Brit couple in their 70s for teaching skills to mothers in Afghanistan as family beg for t... - The Sun - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- British couple in their 70s arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan - MSN - February 23rd, 2025 [February 23rd, 2025]
- UN Security Council raises alarm over rising IS-K threat from Afghanistan - Voice of America - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Afghanistan women's cricket: The refugee team who will not be silenced - BBC.com - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Five killed in suicide bomb blast in northeastern Afghanistan, police say - The Jerusalem Post - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Hegseth to look into 'what went wrong' in Afghanistan and pledges accountability, slams diversity motto - Fox News - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Exclusive: US has not provided aid payments through UN to Afghanistan since Trumps return - Amu TV - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- 3 killed as explosive device strikes car in W. Afghanistan - CGTN - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- The struggle to access cancer care in Afghanistan - WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Spotlight Afghanistan, China Bumpy road for Beijing's security negotiations with Taliban - Intelligence Online - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Afghanistan people who helped the U.S. military are blocked from coming to Westchester - Westfair Online - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- She fled the chaos in Afghanistan when U.S. troops left. Now she's thriving in Westchester - The Journal News - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Concerned about ISIS-K's capabilities to plot, conduct attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan: US tells UN - The Economic Times - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- UNSC members warn of rising terrorist threats in Afghanistan - Amu TV - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Afghanistan cricket boycott: What has happened so far in debate over Champions Trophy fixture? - BBC.com - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Hearts of Iron 4's new DLC lets you cast off the Brits as India, cast off the Brits as Iraq, resist the Brits as Iran, or ignore the Brits as... - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- At UNSC, Pakistan demands action against terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan - Geo News - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Iran says water dispute with Afghanistan has been resolved - Amu TV - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Afghanistan soccer is on the rise as cricket faces boycott threats - Nikkei Asia - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Why The World Can't Save The Women Of Afghanistan - Worldcrunch - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Kyrgyzstan earns $37 million on export of gasoline to Afghanistan - AKIpress - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- England will not boycott Afghanistan game despite Taliban gender apartheid - The Guardian - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- ISIS Remains Major Threat To Afghanistan & Region, Warns UN - Afghanistan International - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- US: ISIS-K terrorists Engaged In Recruitment Campaigns In Pakistan & Afghanistan; Trump Administration Ready To Eliminate Them - News24 - February 11th, 2025 [February 11th, 2025]
- Inside Afghanistan more than 3 years after U.S. withdrawal - CBS News - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- What the West can do now in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan - Chatham House - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Two brothers from Afghanistan share how refugee funding now in limbo helped them settle in Milwaukee - WUWM - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Taliban shows life in Afghanistan over 3 years after U.S. withdrawal - CBS News - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Arab sheikhs flock to southern Afghanistan to hunt rare birds - Amu TV - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Taliban shows life in Afghanistan over 3 years after U.S. withdrawal - Yahoo! Voices - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Taliban minister forced to flee Afghanistan after supporting girls education at graduation - MSN - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Uzbekistan Announces Trans-Afghan Railway Construction To Begin In 2025 - Afghanistan International - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- UN warns of rise in maternal deaths in Afghanistan due to US funding pause - Press TV - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- A woman is seen in November 2021 working at Kabul's Radio Begum, a women's radio station that has been raided by Afghanistan's Taliban authorities -... - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Taliban minister forced to flee Afghanistan after speech in support of girls education - The Guardian - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Trump executive prevents families of U.S. troops from leaving Afghanistan - Defense News - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Taliban reject US report on presence of ISIS in Afghanistan - Anadolu Agency | English - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Khalilzad Cautions Anti-Taliban Leaders Against Pakistani Intelligence Influence - Afghanistan International - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Afghanistan veteran, pilot who served in the Navy were two of three soldiers killed in Army helicopters midair crash over DC - Stars and Stripes - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Taliban To Conduct Assessments For Lithium & Uranium Mining In Southern Afghanistan - Afghanistan International - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- It will become the Afghanistan of the European Union: Orban makes scandalous statement about Ukraine's future without negotiations with Russia - - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Afghanistan Womens Cricket Team To Take Field With Pride, But Thorny Issue Remains In A Stalemate - Forbes - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Polio Diplomacy Between Pakistan and Afghanistan - The Diplomat - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Taliban reject SIGAR report on presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan - Amu TV - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Polio Cases on the Increase in Afghanistan: How is the Emirate handling immunisation? - ReliefWeb - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- "Just bread and tea": WFP says aid cuts to Afghanistan leave millions hungry this winter - Reuters - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Cricket Australia boss backs players to express own views on facing Afghanistan - The Guardian - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Afghanistan: Filmmaker tortured and denied care in Taliban prison - Amnesty International - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Ex-police chief condemns investigation into alleged Afghanistan war crimes by UK Special Forces - Sky News - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- UN report: Armed attacks, explosions kill 18 in Afghanistan over three months - Amu TV - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Afghanistan: Mapping of Humanitarian Health Facilities Supported by Health Cluster Partners (December 2024) - ReliefWeb - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Uzbekistan Extends Agreement on Hairaton-Mazar-e-Sharif Railway with Afghanistan - Times of Central Asia - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Afghanistan: ES-NFI Cluster Winterization Capacity (as of 15 January 2025) - ReliefWeb - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- "Just bread and tea": WFP says aid cuts to Afghanistan leave millions hungry this winter - MSN - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- First Iran FM visit to Afghanistan since Taliban takeover focuses on water, migration, security - Middle East Monitor - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Afghanistan womens team set to take the field after 2021 - The Times of India - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Statement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC: Applications for arrest warrants in the situation in Afghanistan - the International Criminal Court - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Exiled Afghanistan women players to men's team: 'Please be the voice of the girls' - ESPNcricinfo - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Taliban announce release of two Americans held in Afghanistan in a prisoner exchange - NPR - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Afghanistan: The price of peace - Al Jazeera English - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- 2 Americans freed from Afghanistan in prisoner swap, family and Taliban say - ABC News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- How the Taliban restrict women's lives in Afghanistan - The Times of India - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- International Criminal Court seeking arrests over LGBTQ+ and gender persecution in Afghanistan - PinkNews - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Funding cuts to Afghanistan are the biggest threat to helping women, aid agency chief warns - ABC News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Afghanistan refugees plead with Trump to be exempt from relocation: 'Many of us risked our lives to support the U.S. mission' - Fortune - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- U.S. and Afghanistan carry out prisoner swap, confirm Taliban and family - UPI News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- AFGHANISTAN ICC to consider arrest warrant for Taliban leaders, increasingly divided among themselves - AsiaNews - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- For Trumps national security adviser, Afghanistan still looms large - The Washington Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- How the Taliban restrict women's lives in Afghanistan - Wyoming Tribune - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]