Winder man dies in Afghanistan

A paratrooper from Winder died Saturday in Afghanistan while on his third deployment.

According to a press release from the 82nd Airborne Division, Sgt. Keith F. Rudd, 36, of Winder, died Sept. 10 in Parvan, Afghanistan died after being found unresponsive in his room.

Staff Sgt. Keith Rudd was a flight medic with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Rudd joined the Army in May 2003. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Okla., and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was assigned to Fort Bragg in May 2011.

Rudd had three deployments while he served in the U.S. Army. He served in Iraq from April 2007 to November 2007, and in Afghanistan twice from September 2009 to September 2010 and August 2011 to September 2011.

His 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.

The incident is currently under investigation.

A photo of Rudd was not readily available.