The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF SERGEANT IVAN M. RUIZ
______
HON. RONNY JACKSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I recognize a lifetime of service and the retirement of Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Miguel Ruiz, a native of the great State of Texas. After 26 years of service as an Air Force Pararescueman, CMSgt Ruiz is relinquishing the responsibilities as Chief Enlisted Manager 58th Rescue Squadron, 563rd Operations Group, 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The Air Force has consistently relied upon Ivan's exceptional leadership and unparalleled work ethic. He has led our Nation's men and women both overseas and at home, leading numerous joint combat rescue and humanitarian operations around the world. Ivan has excelled in numerous other leadership positions in the Air Force, as well as becoming a physical fitness legend in the Special Warfare Community.
The Pararescue Creed is ``It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placingthese duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I'do, that others may live.'' Ivan committed these words to every aspect of his career and especially displayed them during a nighttime operation in Afghanistan on December 10, 2013. During a raid in Kandahar Province, Sergeant Ruiz engaged and neutralized four insurgents, becoming isolated from his element. Sergeant Ruiz and two teammates quickly encountered insurgent crossfire. Sergeant Ruiz eliminated one enemy fighting position; however, enemy fire wounded his two comrades, rendering them immobile and exposed to the enemy. Sergeant Ruiz courageously pressed ahead through intense small arms fire and grenades to reach his wounded comrades. He successfully brought them back to a covered position, where he administered life-saving trauma care to his teammates. The heroic actions of Sergeant Ruiz saved the lives of two teammates and contributed to the elimination of eleven insurgents. Through his extraordinary heroism, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, this native Texan was awarded the Air Force Cross, the United States Air Force's second highest military decoration for Airmen who distinguish themselves with extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force.
On November 1st of this year, Ivan will retire back to the great State of Texas. On behalf of the entire Congress and a grateful Nation, I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant Ruiz for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support for the missions of this nation. I would like to also recognize the dedicated service of Ivan's family to our country. His mother, Josefina, a civil servant, his father, MSG Ruiz, USA, Ret., his siblings, SFC Aerial Ruiz, USA, Ret., MAJ Elizabeth Ruiz, USA, MAJ Ino Ruiz, USA, and Lt Jazmin Reed, USN, and SrA Charles White, USAF, all have served or are serving honorably. I would also like to recognize his supportive and loving wife of 12 years, Mrs. Maria Ruiz, and their children, Jason, Sofia, Elijah, and Elena. I wish the Ruiz family safe travels back to Texas, and I look forward to seeing Ivan continue to excel as he enters his next chapter.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(2)
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