3D Assault Amphibian Battalion

Sergeant Major Alberto Ruiz

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Sergeant Major Ruiz enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1984 and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California for recruit training. Upon graduating from recruit training, Private Ruiz reported to Infantry Training School, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. After completion of Infantry Training School, Private First Class Ruiz reported to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines for duty as a Dragon Gunner. In February 1985 Lance Corporal Ruiz deployed with 3/1 on a WESTPAC deployment with the 11TH MAU. In May 1986, Corporal Ruiz transferred to Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for duty with Marine Security Forces and was assigned to Guard Company West Loch. During his tour at Marine Barracks he was assigned to both interior and exterior guard where he served as a Corporal of the Guard and Reactionary Force Commander. In February of 1989 Corporal Ruiz transferred to Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 1st Marines for duty as an Infantry Squad Leader, deploying in January 1990 on a WESTPAC deployment with the 13TH MEU. In December 1990 Sergeant Ruiz redeployed with the First Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Sergeant Ruiz was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” for heroic achievement in operations against Iraqi Forces while operating in the Burgan Oil Fields, Kuwait. In October 1991, Sergeant Ruiz transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California to Drill Instructor School. Sergeant Ruiz reported to Hotel Company Second Recruit Training Battalion for duty as a Drill Instructor upon completion of Drill Instructor School. In January 1994, Sergeant Ruiz transferred to India Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines for duty as an Infantry Squad Leader and Platoon Guide. In October 1994 Sergeant Ruiz deployed with 3/1 on a WESTPAC deployment with the 13TH MEU and participated in combat operation in support of Operation United Shield and Operation Restore Hope II in Mogadishu, Somalia. In March 1996, Sergeant Ruiz transferred to Headquarters Battalion as Platoon Commander, Military Police Company, 1st Marine Division. In March 1997, Staff Sergeant Ruiz transferred to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines for duty as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant. In October 1997 Staff Sergeant Ruiz deployed with the 31st MEU as part of the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan. In June 1998, Staff Sergeant Ruiz was reassigned to the Fleet Assistance Program for duty as Operations Chief, Division Schools, 1st Marine Division. In July 1999, Staff Sergeant Ruiz transferred to 1st Intelligence Battalion for duty as Platoon Sergeant - Ground Sensor Platoon, S-3 Training Chief, and Company First Sergeant. In November 2002 Gunnery Sergeant Ruiz deployed with 1st Intel Battalion to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In July 2003, First Sergeant Ruiz transferred to 9th Communication Battalion for duty as Company First Sergeant with Alpha, Charlie, and Service and Support Company. In August 2004, First Sergeant Ruiz deployed with 9th Comm Bn to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 091. In March 2007, First Sergeant Ruiz transferred to Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines for duty as a Battery First Sergeant. In August 2007, First Sergeant Ruiz was reassigned to a provisional infantry battery already in country attached to 3d Marines and immediately deployed to Haditha, Iraq as a First Sergeant Combat Replacement for Romeo Battery 5/11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 682. In January 2008, Sergeant Major Ruiz was promoted to his present rank and temporarily assigned to the 1st Marine Division’s Commanding General’s Inspector’s Office for duty as an IG Inspector. In March 2008 Sergeant Major Ruiz was transferred to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 for duty as Squadron Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Ruiz deployed with the Red Dragons in March 2009 to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09.1. Sergeant Major Ruiz’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguished Device, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral 4, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon with Gold star in lieu of second award. Sergeant Major Ruiz is also authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia and the Marine Combat Aircrew Badge (with two silver and one gold star). SgtMaj Ruiz is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Workforce Education and Development. Sergeant Major Ruiz and his wife have a son and two daughters.