Cpl. Rachael Lorraine Hugo

Hugo, Rachael Lorraine Cpl. MADISON - Cpl. Rachael Lorraine Hugo, the beloved daughter of Kermit and Ruth Hugo, and the beloved sister of Scott Hugo, was called home to rest in the loving arms of our Lord, on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. She was killed in action during her tour of duty in Iraq. She gave her life "so that others may live." "Stand down young soldier, your mission is now complete." Rachael was born at St. Marys Hospital in Madison, on Friday the 13th of May 1983. She attended Sandburg Elementary School, where she was privately tutored in a second language, Russian, via a program called the Instep Process, for a gifted language student. During this time, Rachael showed teachers and others what an exceptionally smart and talented individual she would become. From then on, she excelled in many obstacles, going on to middle school, where she learned how to play the viola, making the honor roll throughout her education. Rachael enjoyed learning karate, gymnastics and cheerleading, then taking up a jazz dance class for many years. She graduated from Madison East High School in 2001. Rachael attended Winona State University for one year, where she began to fulfill her dreams of getting her bachelors degree in nursing. Before finishing her first year of college, she wanted to do more with her life and then decided to join the U.S. Army Reserves. Rachael transferred to Viterbo University in hopes of participating in the Reserve Officer Training Course (R.O.T.C.). Unfortunately her life had another road for her to follow, remaining at Viterbo to continue her studies. She worked very hard on her nursing degree, finally part of her dream came true when she was accepted into the nursing program with high honors and making the Deans list. Shortly thereafter, Rachael was called upon to serve her country overseas. She deployed to Iraq as a combat medic in November 2006, assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 89 Military Police Brigade in Jackson, Mich. During her deployment, Rachael emailed her parents as often as possible. Her mother emailed her every night. Rachael knew how much she was loved and missed and heard encouraging words along with a big "thank you" from family back home. In an email, she wrote in part, "being a medic is what I chose to do, and being a medic is what I love to do." Rachael never was content with staying behind while her guys were on missions. She always volunteered to go out in case someone got hurt, that is when she acquired the nickname "Combat Barbie" by her fellow soldiers. Rachael was ecstatic about coming home for her two week leave in May, to celebrate her birthday with family and friends. The anticipation of seeing her family again led to an eventful two weeks, full of her smiles, laughter and outstanding personality that we have all missed since she left. Rachaels two weeks came to a quick end, when her family and friends had to say good-bye again. She left on Memorial Day, 2007, to complete her tour of duty defending our country. Rachael had so much to offer and was an over achiever. She never ceased to amaze anyone, especially her family, with all of her accomplishments and goals. She was truly an upstanding, smart, funny, fantastic individual who will be so dearly missed by all! Rachael is survived by her proud parents, Kermit and Ruth (Jensen) Hugo of Madison; brother, Scott (Jessica) Hugo of Madison; loving grandmother, Carol Hugo of Fitchburg; and many aunts; uncles; cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Jeanette Jensen; paternal grandfather, Richard Hugo; paternal great-grandparents, Kermit and Lorraine Hanson; an uncle, Leon Jensen; aunt, Karen Turner; and cousin, Patty Turner. Funeral services will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cpl. Rachael L. Hugo Memorial Fund, which will be used exclusively to support our troops and their families, c/o Associated Bank, East Towne Branch, 4402 East Towne Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. A special thank you to our family, friends, and coworkers for all their condolences and support. A very special thanks to Master Sgt and Sgt First Class Trottingwolf, Sgt First Class Nelson, Sgt Major Jones, S. Sgt Adams, CSM Nolan, Sgt Krause, Sgt Baker, United States Military, their families, and especially those who have given their lives so that we may be free. God bless you all and God bless the United States of America. "God bless you Rachael, you are a tremendous hero that will never be forgotten." A Soldiers Prayer Oh, God, please send me guidance, Strength, and courage from above, As I stand ready to defend, The country that I love, Help my loved ones left behind, And give them courage too, To support me and to understand The work that I must do. Watch over me and all my buddies, On native soil or foreign lands, For no matter where We are stationed, We are always in your hands. A link to watch her live funeral service: www.momentscapturedlive.com/hugomemorial ***THERE WILL NO LONGER BE A NEED FOR A PASSWORD TO WATCH HER SERVICE!!***