SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.,None — Hundreds of family and friends remembered on Wednesday a Seminole County soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.
The flags at the Orange County Courthouse flew at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Theodore "Teddy" Rushing.
WFTV's Berndt Peterson attended Theodore Rushing's memorial service. It was a farewell full of honor.
Pastor Scott Carlson of Palm Springs Baptist Church spoke at the memorial.
"He told his dad before he left, 'If something does happen to me, I couldn't think of anything to be more proud of than laying down my life for my fellow soldiers and my country,'" Carlson said.
The 25-year-old was an Army scout serving in Afghanistan. He was killed in combat on Veterans Day.
Brig. Gen. Kenneth Dahl also spoke at the service.
"At a time like this you have to ask yourself, 'OK. Is it all worth it?'" Dahl said.
Dahl assured hundreds of mourners that it is worth it.
Theodore Rushing was born and raised in Central Florida. He attended Altamonte Christian School and Seminole State College, joined the service and made his family proud.
"Teddy always said that I was his role model," his father, Rick Rushing, said. "But I always knew in my heart that it was the other way around."
Loved ones said Theodore Rushing always had a smile on his face and was devoted to his family, his friends and his church.
"We thank you again for the life of Teddy Rushing," Carlson said at the service.
Those closest to Theodore Rushing said it was his faith that made him such a courageous soldier. They said the perfect words can be found in the book of John: "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Theodore Rushing will be laid to rest Monday with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
WFTV
