Kevin Rux was born on October 31, 1969, in San Diego, California, and grew up in Portland, North Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 24, 1988, and completed basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, in December 1988. Rux next attended Electronic Warfare A School at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and at Naval Station Charleston, South Carolina, from December 1988 to June 1989, followed by service as an Electronic Warfare Technician aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG-50) from July 1989 to January 1991. EW3 Rux attended additional Electronic Warfare training at Corry Station Naval Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, from January to September 1991, and then served as an Electronic Warfare Technician aboard the destroyer USS Deyo (DD-989) from October 1991 to October 1994. Petty Officer Rux then changed career fields and attended Master at Arms A School at Lackland AFB, Texas, from November to December 1994. His next assignment was with Submarine Base Security at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, from January 1995 until he left active duty on January 9, 1998. After leaving the Navy, Kevin worked as a police officer for a short time before reenlisting in the Navy in 1999. After receiving training in his first career field of Electronic Warfare, Petty Officer Rux served as an Electronic Warfare Technician aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG-67), and was killed aboard the ship when muslim terrorists exploded a bomb next to the ship while at anchor in Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. Although he was buried at sea, there is a cenotaph for Kevin Rux at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.