Members of the community are invited to pay their respects to a Winamac native who died while on active military duty. Staff Sgt. Andrew Budd was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was 27 at the time of his death on Sunday, Aug. 23 in El Paso. His body is being flown to Indianapolis this afternoon and will be returned to Winamac with an escort of police and patriot guard riders along with his family. The procession will travel north up U.S. 35 into Winamac this afternoon and turn east onto Main Street with a final destination of Frain Mortuary. The funeral home will post updates on their Facebook page as to the schedule.
Budd enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 14, 2009, serving in the Signal Brigade specializing in Satellite Communications. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on Dec. 1, 2012, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, 3 (Posthumous), Army Achievement Medal, 4, Army Good Conduct Medal, 2, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and a Meritorius Unit Commendation.
While serving in the Army he assisted in the cleanup, recovery and establishment of communications following the earthquake in Haiti. He also served in Iraq, Turkey, and was stationed in Germany and Texas. While stationed in Germany he was able to travel Europe extensively with his wife, Casey.
Funeral services will will take place Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. EDT at Frain Mortuary. The U.S. Army will provide full military honors for Andrew at McKinley Memorial Gardens in Winamac following the services. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 3 until 8 p.m. EDT at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Patriot Guard.
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