Hopkins County, KY – One year ago today, our community lost one of its own.  William Patrick Rudd, 27 of Madisonville, KY was killed in action last year on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, in Iraq during combat.
Today, iSurf News wants to take the time to recognized our soldiers foriegn and domestic, past and present.  Today shake the hands of the men and women that have helped us as American's stay free and safe.

Last year our community came together as one to show love and support for the Rudd family.  I was so proud of our city and country that day, I have never seen anything like it before or since.  Let us not forget to share that kind of compassion everyday. 

Gary Gates
iSurf News

Video from Funeral by Gary Gates and Jesse West:





iSurf News Photos from Funeral:

 

More about Sgt. Patrick Rudd...
He was born Nov. 5, 1980, in Madisonville. Sgt. Rudd initially entered the United States Army on Oct. 2. 2003, and after completion of the one station unit training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment on Aug. 9, 2004. Sgt. Rudd served as a rifleman, grenadier, and fire team leader, in Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Sgt. Rudd completed numerous military courses while serving in the Army, including the Airborne Course, the Ranger Indoctrination Program, the Warrior Leaders Course, the Master Breacher Course, and the U.S. Army Ranger Course. Sgt. Rudd’s awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Sgt. Rudd had previously deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism seven times, two to Afghanistan and five to Iraq. Sgt. Rudd was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

 

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