News Nearby: Winder Soldier Dies Serving in Afghanistan

A Winder resident serving in Afghanistan died Saturday, Sept. 10, from wounds he suffered in combat operations.

The Department of Defense announced Monday the death of Staff Sgt. Keith F. Rudd, 36, of Winder. He was a paratrooper assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

According to the Department of Defense, Rudd was found unresponsive in his room and his death is still under investigation.

Rudd joined the Army in May 2003 and completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., before finishing advanced training at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. He was assigned to Fort Bragg in May 2011.

Rudd served three deployments — Iraq from April 2007 to November 2007 and in Afghanistan twice from September 2009 to September 2010 and August 2011 to September 2011.

Rudd's awards and decorations include three Air Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the  Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Combat Medic Badge and the Army Aviation Badge.

Rudd is survived by his father, Donald Rudd, of Sunnyville, Calif.