Meet Shane Ruiz, U.S. Army — 2022 Veteran
Shane Ruiz was only 18 years old when he walked through the doors of the US Army Recruiting Office. At that time, he only had the US Marine Corps "Devil Pup" Program under his belt; however, his heart, mind, and even his direct family, were fiercely affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Shortly after signing a contract with the US Army that day while shortly after being selected for the 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment of 10th Mountain Division.
He then deployed twice as a Sergent Infantry Team Leader and Designated Marksmen into the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, and deep into no man's land of Southeast Afghanistan. Every soldier was trained to approach the battlefield the same way; however, this journey would prove to either shape them or break them.
Ruiz explains this experience consisted of two groups of individuals. He said, "Our very existence was defined by victory, and the act of mere survival, every day. This served as a peculiar reality because it began as a choice, yet eventually became an irreversible compulsion. Death may have struck, but the drive to carry on at the moment injected like a toxic drug."
Ruiz continued on to receive the Purple Heart, which was awarded after a 120+ man enemy attack on his position. He also received a total of 18 other medals/citations during his distinguished service.
Ruiz believes the bond within the military community is irreplaceable and unforgettable… that it is something you carry and hold in your heart everywhere you go. He feels when you leave the community, you feel you are left with your own journey to discover what works for you outside of military life, especially in an active war zone.
Life after infantry is vastly different; however, the principles Shane follows in the present time are synonymous with his military life: discipline, hard work, dedication, and courage. These are all key characteristics of a successful combatant. The most impactful contributor of these characteristics in Shane's life was learned from Jim Rohn's quote, "The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid, be proud, but not arrogant; have humor; but without folly." Shane added, "Being a leader isn't given, it's earned, and when it's earned, it's respected."
His most fulfilling current endeavor is working with Veterans. It's not just fulfilling for others but filling for himself. To give back, be part of a team, and see progress forward. Ruiz explains that without helping others he would feel empty. "It's just part of my mindset." He assists them in their transition from military to civilian life by helping find their first job, locating a fitting career, and guiding them to find a passion outside military life.
"It's scary to think about when you get out. Any veteran reading this, regardless if they did a short amount of time or did the 'full pull' career, will agree there is an extreme transition period. It takes time. I found 'happy' when I was able to decompress, articulate my past experiences to share with others, and have more time with family, friends, and my dog Reese. It took a long time, and still is something I am overcoming."
Many veterans experience a difficult time and don't have someone to call for advice, a shoulder to lean or cry on or discuss what is inside their hearts. This was very evident to Shane, and part of the reason why he was compelled to create positive change with www.lionheartedfilm.com.
The Lionhearted Project is an online platform dedicated to veterans to articulate their stories through art and film. "Difficult times are difficult for a reason; however, if you allow others to listen, you can sail home to yourself. This helped me in so many ways. I knew I had issues I've avoided however doing this film pushed me to move forward with those involved. It changed my life and continues to do so daily."
Ruiz told us, "Combat engraves its way into the body, and completely wraps itself around the soul. Insistently, excruciatingly, completely. It is ever-present. The memories of the war that have taken up residence in my soul are always the ones I fought beside… the ones who made it back, and the ones who were taken from us forever.
With war, comes the birth and building of true warriors. Serving my Country was an honor. I am proud to have served amongst the very best and received the highest levels of training and leadership. In the end, it is about giving back to something much bigger than yourself."
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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
