LONGWOOD, FL, US
U.S. Army
PFC, CO C, 3RD SQD, 71ST CAVALRY REG, 3RD BCT, FORT DRUM, NY
11/11/2011, KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
PFC Rushing joined the Army in March 2011. He went through basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, trained at the Cavalry Scout School at Ft. Knox, KY and arrived Ft. Drum, NY in July 2011. He deployed in August and served as a Forward Scout. He received his associate’s degree at Seminole State College after graduating high school.
PFC Rushing preferred to be outdoors, he loved to ride his BMX bike or surf the waves at Cocoa Beach. Growing up in Orlando, Theodore “Teddy” Rushing was always something of a daredevil, according to his father, Rick Rushing. “He was one of those kids who’d be bungee-jumping, skateboarding or jumping off the roof.”
PFC Rushing intended to follow his father, Rick’s footsteps to join the Orlando Police Department, but after enlisting in the army, PFC Rushing told his dad that he’d found a new career.
“He told me, ‘Dad, this is it.’ This is what he wanted to do. He loved being a scout, being the first one out in front of everybody else to make sure it’s safe. He liked the fact that he was able to give back to his country that had given so much back to him. He liked the fact that he was a Calvary scout, out front paving the way for everybody else,” said PFC Rushing’s father.
“The last time I talked with him, he wouldn’t share much about what was going on, but he said it was very dangerous, heavy fighting,” Mr. Rushing explained. “He was the only casualty that day, which tells me that he was out front doing his job and he didn’t let anyone get close enough to get hurt. We’re so very proud.”
This poem was posted on PFC Rushing’s Facebook page in tribute to this Soldier:
DUTY Each day I awake, and put on the gear. To protect the ones, who tremble in fear. I don’t do this job, for riches or fame. For the call of duty, to this profession I came. It’s in my blood…it’s what I do. To do anything else, I wouldn’t be true; To my calling in life…to the job at hand. To protect my people…to protect my land. A hero I am, some people may say. To tell you the truth, I don’t see it that way. I’m just doing the job, and serving the role. Completing the task, that makes me feel whole. I love what I do…it truly is me. Protecting and serving, forever I’ll be. Fulfilling my duty, I never shall stop. A fireman, a soldier, a medic, a cop.
By Cody Weiser