In those engagements, he would often reference his wife, a retired first sergeant, as a source of inside knowledge on the challenges that come with a military lifestyle.īlack also tried to be a source of inspiration and comfort for Marines, especially in the wake of the U.S.

He will be taking the post from Black, who took on the job himself in 2019.īlack's background as a machine gunner and his battlefield accomplishments drew attention early in his tenure, but he went on to speak regularly about improving quality of life for average Marines.īlack frequently spoke to the press and Congress about policy changes or improvements that were being made with an eye towards making service in the Corps less challenging. He's earned a Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star, as well as numerous personal awards. He also deployed several times throughout his career to Iraq and Afghanistan. After joining the Marines in 1993, Ruiz was first stationed on Okinawa as a warehouse clerk, then he went on to a logistics base in California, an official biography said.įrom there, Ruiz served tours as both a recruiter and then a drill instructor.

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