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Ruiz’s care for soldiers was perhaps most evident when he took steps in September to prevent a depressed soldier from jumping from a moving vehicle in a suicide attempt. He was recognized for his actions by the brigade commander in September.
Ruiz, who calls Spring, Texas, home, joined the Army in 2003 to serve his country and to get money for college. Before arriving at Fort Hood in 2006, he was stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. While deployed to Iraq, Ruiz worked on getting promoted to the noncommissioned officer corps and achieved the rank of sergeant May 1.
“Although he is a young NCO, he is … dedicated to his solders and his job,” said Sgt. Elliott Bottom, of Danville, Ky., one of Ruiz’s fellow NCOs from HSC, 615th ASB. “He is always concerned about the welfare of his peers and subordinates.”
Ruiz’s soldiers have taken notice of his leadership ability.
“He influences me to stay out of trouble and keep the right attitude,” said Los Angeles native Pfc. Johnson Manson, from HSC, 615th ASB.
Ruiz said he plans to purchase a house with his wife, Amy, upon redeployment to Fort Hood, Texas, and to make a career of the Army.
(Spc. Vernon Stone serves with the 615th Aviation Support Battalion.)
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