WORLD-OBITS-L Archives

From: "Peter_McCrae" <>
Subject: MESA: Rudy Mesa--d;9/5/2006>USA
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 00:05:12 +0100

Retired San Marcos police officer killed in Iraq
Former officer had been in Iraq for about a month.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006

SAN MARCOS,TX - Police officer Rudy Mesa knew heading for Iraq to train
police after his retirement would be dangerous, Police Chief Howard Williams
said.

He'd seen the near-daily reports of death in the country. But, Williams
said, Mesa felt he owed it to his country to offer his expertise in a time
of war.


Rudy Mesa 1950-2006

"He understood the risks involved," Williams said. "He just felt like the
mission was important enough that it was worth the risk he was going to have
to take."

On Monday, Mesa, 56, of Maxwell,TX was killed by a roadside bomb near
Rustamiyah, Iraq. He had been in the war-torn country for about a month,
after accepting a position with DynCorp International, a company training
Iraqi police officers.

Mesa retired from the San Marcos Police Department on March 25, 2006 and
traveled to Iraq a few days later, according to a DynCorp news release.

The U.S. military convoy he was riding in Monday was struck by an
"improvised explosive device," according to the release. One U.S. soldier
was killed in the attack, the release said, and three U.S. soldiers were
wounded.

Mesa was working as an international police liaison officer. He was one of
about 500 members of a U.S. contingent sent to train the 135,000-member
Iraqi police service, the release said.

For Mesa, it seemed like a job he'd been training for much of his life.

"We really hated to see him go when he said he wanted to go to Iraq and
train, but that's what he felt he was called to do," Williams said. "He felt
that he was just specially equipped to go over there and try to help train
Iraqi police officers."

Mesa served in the Army from 1967 to 1970 and 1974 to 1992, said Melissa
Millecam, a city spokeswoman. During that time, he served two tours of duty
in Vietnam and earned a slew of medals and commendations, including a Bronze
Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army
Achievement Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with seven service stars.

He retired from the military in 1992 as a sergeant first class and worked
for the Bexar County sheriff's department for a year. Mesa joined the San
Marcos police in 1994, serving as an officer while living in nearby Maxwell
with his wife, Velia.

On the force, Williams said, Mesa earned a reputation as an officer who knew
his community well. He was a calming presence, Williams said, and someone
you wanted to see when a situation turned rough.

Millecam said Mesa had a folder about an inch thick filled with
commendations, some from tourists he helped.

"Everybody looked up to him," Williams said. "When things were at their
worst, he was at his best."


Re Rudy Mesa;



May 10, 2006
Rudy Mesa was my first field training officer when I began my career in law
enforcement. I will never forget the care he took in training me to be the
best I could be. Rudy was a great husband, father, and friend. He epitomized
the best of America. I will remember him daily for the rest of my life, not
only for his influence on my career, but mostly for his influence on my
life. I miss you. I continue to hear your mentoring voice everyday.
Will Moravits (San Marcos, TX )

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May 10, 2006
Rudy was a true patriot, a humble man, and the most loyal, helpful buddy a
guy could have.

RIP, brother. We will keep up the watch from here. Watch over all of us from
up there and smile knowing that the things you did down here and the people
you touched made a difference. I am a better man for knowing you.

Mesa family, know that you will always be a part of our family and we are
here for you.
Erin Clewell (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
We had the priviledge and honor of working with Rudy while employed at SMPD.
Rudy was a true friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May Godd Bless you during this
difficult time.
Monica & Victor Rojo (Kyle, TX )

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May 9, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to the Mesa family. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you at this time of grief.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this
time.
Bernadette Garcia & Family (Kyle, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Rudy Mesa family. I did not know him; but I am a
friend of Eddie Mesa, his brother. Eddie, my deepest sympathy.
Katie Vega (San Antonio, TX )

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May 9, 2006
I had the great honor of working with Rudy at the San Marcos Police
Department. He was a great friend and mentor. I will miss you Rudy.
Kenneth Copeland (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
I worked with Officer Rudy Mesa when I was a prosecutor for the City of San
Marcos. He was a credit to the force, his city, his family and the nation.
My prayers go out to Rudy and his family.
Mario Gutierrez (New Braunfels, TX )

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May 9, 2006
Rudy was well liked and respected by the entire Fire Department. He will be
missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Len Nored (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
On behalf of my family, I offer our prayers and heart felt condolences to
the family, friends and co-workers of Mr. Mesa. Though I did not know him
personally, his accomplishments and commitment to serving and protecting
this country speak volumes of his character and bravery. I consider myself
blessed to live in a country where such honorable men stand guard over our
freedom. He was a great hero and this is one American who will never forget
his sacrifice. I know the pain you are feeling and would like to offer my
support in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me.

Brother of Lcpl. Phillip George, USMC
KIA- Afghanistan

aaron george (leander, TX )

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May 9, 2006
May St. Michael the Archangel accompany his soul in heaven and may the Lord
comfort his family and friends in these times of loss. Amen.
Parishioner St. Peter Apostle Catholic Church (Austin, TX )


May 9, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Mesa family and the lives he touched. May God
Bless.
Adolphus Wells (Austin, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
I have never met Rudy, but only heard stories. I work with his brother in
CA.
Michael Liang (Los Angeles, CA )

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May 9, 2006
I didn't know Officer Mesa to well, but I did meet him a couple of times. He
was real nice man and I hate see what happened to him. God Bless him and his
family.
Joe Alvarez (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
my heart is broken this wonderful friend,husbund,father,is taken from us to
soon,rudy is our hero he will be missed by all my love and prays are with
the mesa family.
jill angel fernandez (new brenduflls, TX )

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May 9, 2006
I met Rudy in Virginia and attended the training to go to Iraq. Rudy was
always nice and pleasant to be around. He was very proud of his family and
law enforcement career. A great guy!
Julia Parish (Tahlequah, OK )

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May 9, 2006
Please except my deepest sympathies. I had a close bond with Rudy, we were
deployed to Iraq together. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Ted Mikkelsen (Moncks Corner, SC )

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May 9, 2006
I knew Rudy from my prior job with the County. A very dedicated officer. He
will be greatly missed. May the Lord grant strength.
Gloria Salazar (Lockhart, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. What a poignant display of
selflessness! What a true hero. A true role model taken too soon.
Melanie Frank (Austin, TX )

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May 9, 2006
You will be forever in our hearts. The Hays County Sheriff's Office will
miss your smile, laughter, and friendship. God bless you and your family.
Dennis Gutierrez (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family and the San Marcos community. I am deeply
saddened by this trajedy but I am honored and proud to have met a man with
such unconditional love and loyalty to his country, community, friends, and
most important, his family. Officer Rudy Mesa has definitly been an
inspiration in my life. May God Bless his family.
Lupe Moreno (Austin, TX )


May 9, 2006
Rudy Mesa is a true American hero - a soldier in Vietnam, a police officer,
and now still wanting to serve his country in any capacity he could. My
brother, Sgt. Byron Norwood, was a Marine killed in Fallujah 18 months ago.
My family and I know both the pain and the pride of losing a loved one to
war. God Bless your family and Mr. Mesa for his life-long service to this
country.
Kristen Norwood Hullum
Proud Sister of USMC Fallen Hero
Sgt. Byron Norwood
11/13/04 Fallujah, Iraq
Kristen Hullum (Pflugerville, TX )

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May 9, 2006
God blesses the peacekeepers. May he bless the Mesa family in this dark
hour. Rest in Peace, we will continue your work.
Michael L (Currently Baghdad, CO )

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May 9, 2006
I met Rudy in training to go to Iraq, we were in the same class. I found him
to be the friendliest person in our class. Rudy is a true hero. He came to
this mission out of love for his country and a calling to duty. I and the
other officers who knew him are heart broken and will always remember him as
a friend.
Daniel Graham (CampTaji Iraq)

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May 9, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. Rudy was respected by all who knew and worked
with him. Know that we will forever hold Rudy and his family in our hearts
and prayers.
Linda Dietert (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
May God be with his family in this time of lost and also with the SMPD. I
was a volunteer Firefighter with San Marcos Fire Rescue for 15 yrs, and
worked scences with Ruby. He was a very likeable person and very
professional.
John Hill (San Marcos, TX )

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May 9, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dahlia Anzaldua (Austin, TX )

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May 9, 2006
Rest in peace brother. You served our country well.
Javier Bustos (Cedar Park, TX )

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May 9, 2006
You and your family are in my prayers during this sorrowful time. I will
always remember Rudy as a caring, decent man.
Mary Jones (San Antonio, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I will never
forget Rudy.
Bob Fogg (San Antonio, TX )

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May 9, 2006
My sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace and honor.

Goddess blessing on all those who choose a life of serving, protecting, and
helping their fellow man.
Rowan (Austin, TX )


May 8, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your
memories bring you comfort.
Diane Talamantes (Martindale, TX )

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May 8, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. We will be praying for you and
your family.
Beth Malm (Vienna, WV )

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