CAMP TAJI, Iraq - While all 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Soldiers may be focused on the mission, one noncommissioned officer in particular has given his all toward mission success - leading and caring for his Soldiers while deployed to Iraq.
Sgt. Jonathan Ruiz, 23, a mechanic for Headquarters Support Company, 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is one of the many Soldiers that are doing all they can for the Army.
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 during a monthly brigade commander's coin ceremony.
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, 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 noncommissioned officers 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 plans to purchase a house with his wife, Amy, upon redeployment to Fort Hood, Texas, and to make a career of the Army.
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