The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated and beloved soldiers, Staff Sergeant Luis Rojas, whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others. On January 19, 2026, at the age of 63, the joyful company of Luis A. Rojas was lost to his family, friends, and fellow Guardsmen. His passing leaves behind not only a grieving family, but an entire formation of soldiers who were shaped by his example.

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to Ana Carrasquillo and Jose Rojas, Luis was raised in New York City, where his journey of service began. As a young man, he answered the call to serve in the New York State National Guard, proudly serving six years as a Corporal. Even beyond his military service, his dedication to public service never wavered. He built a distinguished 34-year career with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, retiring after more than three decades of faithfully serving his community. His philanthropic spirit extended further as a Freemason with Pelham Lodge #712 in the Bronx, reflecting a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, charity, and moral character.

Retirement, however, did not mark the end of his service. After relocating to Bluffton, South Carolina, Luis found himself once again drawn to serve. On August 21, 2021, he took the oath of enlistment in the South Carolina State Guard and was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Coastal Support Brigade in Beaufort, South Carolina. From his very first drill, Staff Sergeant Rojas exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. He maintained 100 percent participation in all training drills, training events, and recruiting efforts. There was rarely an event where he was not present, leading from the front and setting the standard for others to follow.

As Platoon Leader for Charlie Company, he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading a platoon of 26 soldiers. Those who served alongside him consistently described him as a leader among leaders, steady, reliable, and deeply committed to the soldiers under his charge. In 2023, in recognition of his exceptional performance and unwavering commitment, he was named Charlie Company Guardsman of the Year. Yet those honors, while well-deserved, only tell part of the story. More importantly, he was a friend to all, a man of high moral character who embodied the core values of the State Guard in both word and deed.

Staff Sergeant Rojas was the kind of soldier who makes this country so great. He provided for his family through decades of work, raised a loving family, and still felt the calling to serve his state and nation. He did not serve for recognition or reward. He served because it was who he was. He believed in duty. He believed in community. He believed in standing up when others did not.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa; his daughter, Isabelle; his sister, Yolanda; and his nieces, Mia, Yasmin, and Leena. To them, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle. To his fellow Guardsmen, he was a mentor and a brother-in-arms. To his community, he was a steady and reassuring presence. Those who knew him are better for having known him.

The South Carolina State Guard has stated that his legacy will live on in the ranks he led, the standards he set, and the lives he touched. Two celebrations of life will be held in New York and South Carolina, with dates to be announced.

Staff Sergeant Luis Rojas was, in every sense, the best of us. His life stands as a testament to the enduring strength of volunteer service and the quiet heroes who strengthen our communities every day.

“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” — General James H. Doolittle

IN MEMORIUM OF SSG LUIS ROJAS

It is with deep sorrow that the South Carolina State Guard announces the passing of SSG Luis Rojas, a devoted Guardsman, leader, and friend whose service and character left a lasting mark on the South Carolina State Guard.

After honorable service in the New York National Guard and with the NYC Parks Department, SSG Rojas retired to Bluffton, South Carolina, where his commitment to service continued. He took his oath of enlistment in the South Carolina State Guard on August 21, 2021, and was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Coastal Support Brigade in Beaufort, SC.

From the very beginning, SSG Rojas exemplified dedication and professionalism—participating in 100% of drills, training events, and recruiting efforts. There was rarely an event where he was not present, leading from the front. As Platoon Leader for Charlie Company, he was truly a leader among leaders.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment and excellence, SSG Luis Rojas was named Charlie Company Guardsman of the Year in 2023. More than his achievements, he was a friend to all and consistently demonstrated the State Guard Core Values and the highest moral character we strive for in service.

Those who knew him are better for having known him.

SSG Luis Rojas was the best of us.

His legacy will live on in the ranks he led, the standards he set, and the lives he touched.

Luis Rojas Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Simplicity Cremation – Bluffton on Jan. 23, 2026.

On January 19, 2026 we lost the joyful company of Luis A. Rojas at the age of 63. He was born to Ana Carrasquillo and Jose Rojas in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City. He served as a Corporal in the New York State National Guard for six years and retired from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation after 34 years of service. Blessed with a philanthropic heart Luis was a Freemason at the Pelham Lodge #712 in the Bronx. He moved to Bluffton, SC to enjoy his retirement where he was unable to resist the call to service. To his and our great pride he ultimately became a Staff Sergeant to a platoon of 26 in the South Carolina State Guard. He is survived by his loving family; his wife Elsa, his daughter Isabelle, his sister Yolanda, and his nieces, Mia, Yasmin, and Leena. He was a man who strove to make all those around him comfortable and happy. He is and always will be in our hearts forever. We love you Luis.

Luis will have two celebrations of life to be held in New York and South Carolina on dates that are to be determined.

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Sources: South Carolina State Guard – Georgetown Times – Legacy.com