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Valley Marine based in South Korea excited to see Winter Olympics

The Arizona native is trading the heat for a frigid Korean winter. But that's an exchange he is happy to make for an opportunity to see the world and provide a better life for his family.

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea- As people from all ends of the Earth descend upon South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympics, so too does Corporal Daniel Rodriguez of Maryvale.

His South Korea journey started just a week ago. Rodriguez is currently at the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan base in Seoul, South Korea.

"It's very cold out here," Rodriguez said.

The Arizona native is trading the heat for a frigid Korean winter. But that's an exchange he is happy to make for an opportunity to see the world and provide a better life for his family.

"I've had an incredible experience with the Marine Corps. It's led me here, so I'm very fortunate for the decision I've made," Rodriguez said.

And he couldn't have made it at a better time.

"Everybody is excited for the Olympics, trying to get tickets and try to support the United States," he said. "I'm trying to go see hockey. I'm a real hockey fan. A big Arizona fan. We're having a rough season but I know we'll get back into it."

Still, Rodriguez would swap those seats in heartbeat for one next to his daughters. He asked Paul to help send a message home:

"I miss the heat a little bit being out in the cold now, but mostly I miss my family and my two little girls. I love you all and miss you all and I cant wait to be back in two months."

But Rodriguez's wife had a message of her own. She's expecting baby number 3.

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