In Defense of Freedom

The Viterbo community lost one of its bravest members in October as nursing student Rachael Hugo was killed while serving her country on active duty in Iraq.

Hugo was assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company based in Jackson, Mich. She lost her life when insurgents attacked her unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

“The war and its effect on our lives never felt closer than when we received the news of Rachael’s death,” said Viterbo president Rick Artman. “We pray for Rachael and for her family as we extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences during this difficult time. Rachael was passionate about the nursing profession and her death is deeply and personally felt on many levels by all of the faculty and fellow students who knew her.”

A vigil was held in her honor on campus and a memorial was displayed in Brophy Nursing Center.