Thomas M. Ruck
| Thomas M. Ruck | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | American |
| 🎓 Alma mater | University of Missouri, Columbia (BGS, 1976) |
| 💼 Occupation | Author, Speaker, Public Servant |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Sheryl A. Stewart (m. 1995–2008) |
Tom Ruck (born Thomas M. Ruck) is an American author, speaker, and public servant known for his work in veterans' affairs, public engagement, and human trafficking awareness. He has held senior positions with various entities in the private sector, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and currently serves as Senior Engagement Manager for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.[1]
Early Life and Education
Ruck graduated from Mehlville Senior High School in St. Louis in 1972. During high school, he was selected for the McDonald's All American High School Band, performing in the 1971 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 1972 Tournament of Roses Parade,.[2] He was named the most outstanding senior by his fellow classmates. Ruck earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Missouri, Columbia (MIZZOU). While there, Ruck also served as an officer on the Interfraternity Council, chaired several Greek Week committees, and was a member of both Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He also served as the Chairman of the campus-wide Homecoming Steering Committee and as the President of the Alumni Association Student Board.
He was a member of the original Mini-Mizzou band and a member of Marching Mizzou, which traveled to the United Kingdom as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations.
Career
Early Career
Before entering public service, he held corporate roles in national account sales, marketing, management, and strategic leadership roles within the healthcare and clinical laboratory field. His work with Fortune 500 companies focused on client engagement, business development, and market expansion.
In parallel with his professional career, Ruck was active in civic and alumni affairs. He served on the National Board of Directors for the University of Missouri Alumni Association and is a Past President of its St. Louis Chapter. Ruck co-chaired entertainment for the VP Fair (now Fair St. Louis), one of the largest Fourth of July festivals in the nation, held on the grounds of the St. Louis Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Ruck managed 16 entertainment stages while welcoming more than one million visitors daily. Additionally, he held leadership roles with the St. Louis Variety Club and the St. Louis Ambassadors, contributing to cultural, community, and philanthropic initiatives in the region.
Government Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
In 2013, Ruck joined the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), holding several positions, including Director, Fayetteville National Cemetery (2014–2016), Director, Los Angeles National Cemetery (2016–2020), and Strategic Planning Officer for the Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System (2020–2022).[3]
As Director at Los Angeles National Cemetery (LANC), he oversaw the opening of the first Urban Initiative Columbarium in the National Cemetery Administration. The dedication ceremony featured Secretary Robert Wilkie, Under Secretary Randy Reeves, Congressman Ted Lieu, and keynote speaker Gary Sinise. The event was presided over by MC Johnny Holiday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruck partnered with ABC 7 Los Angeles to produce a one-hour live televised Memorial Day broadcasts – first in 2020 from LANC and then in 2021, from USS Iowa, both events were hosted by ABC7 anchor David Ono, showcasing educational, informational, and entertainment programming directed towards the veterans of Los Angeles.
In 2015, Ruck developed and distributed My VA Ozarks, an outreach DVD designed to help connect veterans in rural Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma with VA services.
Department of Homeland Security
In 2022, Ruck joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as Senior Engagement Manager for the Blue Campaign, the Department’s national public awareness initiative to combat human trafficking.[1][2][4] He leads strategic engagement with partners across industries, including hospitality, retail, transportation, and state governments. Ruck also contributes to designing targeted training, building national coalitions, and implementing high-impact awareness campaigns.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Ruck has made more than 100 media appearances and delivered keynote remarks at over 50 national and regional events.
Since 2008, he has given keynote addresses at Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Wreaths Across America ceremonies at national cemeteries across the United States.[5][6]
In 2014, he was an invited guest speaker at the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, France, honoring the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.[2] In 2019, he was also named as co-chair of D-Day 75: Los Angeles, a commemorative event recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Publications
Books
- Sacred Ground: A Tribute to America's Veterans (2007), Regnery Publishing
The book is a photographic and narrative tribute to America's national cemeteries, featuring stories of service and sacrifice. It includes excerpts from Laura Ingraham’s Power to the People, Sean Hannity’s “Let Freedom Ring,” and essays and speeches that were part of America’s history. All proceeds benefit the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which provides educational support to children of service members killed or severely wounded in the line of duty.[1]
Articles
- What We Owe Our Heroes
- How President Trump Can Help a New Generation Learn to Appreciate Our Veterans[7][8][9]
- What We Owe Our Veterans This D Day[10]
Recognition
- Secretary’s Commendation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2007)
- Gold Medal, Military Writers Society of America – Non-Fiction (2009)
- Winner, USA Best Book Award, History – Military (2009)
- Grand Prize, Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards (2009)
- Secretary’s Award, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for My VA Ozarks (2015)
- Veterans Service Recognition, Boeing Corporation, and the St. Louis Cardinals
Ruck also held multiple book signings at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library from 2009 to 2012. He is claimed to be the only individual to have marched in both the 1971 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 1972 Tournament of Roses Parade, and later he returned to contribute as a volunteer in these events. He was selected for membership in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association in 2008 and served on several of its committees, including Music, University Entertainment, and TV & Radio, and remains an active member with the organization. Since 2023, Ruck has been a volunteer with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a balloon handler.
Personal life
Ruck resides in the Alexandria, Virginia area and also spends part of his time in Southern California. He was married to Sheryl A. Stewart from 1995 until her passing in 2008.
Memberships and Affiliations
- Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association
- Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 278 (Alexandria, VA)
- Freedom Alliance Foundation (Visiting Fellow)
- University of Missouri Alumni Association (Past President, St. Louis Chapter)
- Military Writers Society of America
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Strillacci, Elisabeth (2023-05-30). "Tears mix with rain at Memorial Day Service". Salisbury Post. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Writer (2023-11-22). "Tom Ruck – The Patriot Behind the Parades | Times Square Chronicles". t2conline.com. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ https://regncic.tripod.com/RNCIC_History2021Aug.pdf
- ↑ Ruck, Tom (2024-11-10). "How President Trump Can Help a New Generation Learn to Appreciate Our Veterans". The Daily Signal. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ Whisenant, David (2023-05-28). "Memorial Day tributes planned at Salisbury National Cemetery". wbtv. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ Report, Staff (2023-05-10). "Memorial Day ceremony planned at Salisbury National Cemetery". Salisbury Post. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ Ruck, Tom (2024-11-10). "How President Trump Can Help a New Generation Learn to Appreciate Our Veterans". The Daily Signal. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ Ruck, Tom. "Tom Ruck". The Lion. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ Ruck, Tom (2024-11-14). "Trump Can Help a New Generation Learn To Appreciate Our Veterans | RealClearDefense". www.realcleardefense.com. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ↑ "What we owe our veterans this D-Day | Blaze Media". www.theblaze.com. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
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