Affectionately known as “Troy-Boy,” the U.S. Army Corporal was born in Detroit Lakes and grew up in Rochert, Minnesota. Cpl. Linden played football through middle school before feeling the draw of the stage — through theater and performances in the Minnesota All-State High School Choir.
“He was funny. He had the biggest, cheesiest smile, and he loved music of all kinds — taught himself how to play guitar while he was in Iraq,” Hudson said. “He was just a great kid with a big heart.”
Cpl. Linden graduated from Detroit Lakes Senior High School in May 2002 a few years before Vikings receiver Adam Thielen suited up for the Lakers. He enlisted in the Army in May 2003, reporting to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Cpl. Linden then was stationed in Bamberg, Germany with the 54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade. In October 2005, his unit deployed to Camp Ramadi in Iraq. While deployed, he shared his love of music, teaching another soldier to play guitar, helping the group through tough times.
It wasn’t uncommon for soldiers to volunteer for shifts to help others. Cpl. Linden did so for a friend for a night route clearance mission, but while on patrol in the early morning hours of July 8, 2006, his RG-31 vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. The blast instantly claimed Cpl. Linden’s life, as well as the life of Cpl. Joseph Micks. In the days that followed, Staff Sgt. Omar Flores and Sgt. Al’Kaila Floyd also passed away from their injuries.
Cpl. Linden, 22, was posthumously awarded multiple honors, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Hudson, also a graduate of Detroit Lakes, has honored her brother in a variety of ways and continues to drive his Jeep in parades.