Tom Ruck

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Tom Ruck (born Thomas M. Ruck in St. Louis, Mo., in 1954) 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 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.

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, 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. Additionally, 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

Private Sector

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 strategic partnership development, sales management, and market expansion.

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).

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 geared towards the veterans of Los Angeles.

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. He leads strategic engagement with partners across industries, including hospitality, Chamber of Commerce’s, and state governments. Ruck also contributes to designing targeted training, building national coalitions, and implementing high-impact awareness campaigns.

Publications

Ruck is the author of Sacred Ground: A Tribute to America’s Veterans (Regnery Publications, Washington, DC, 2007), which attained a number five sales ranking with Amazon within its category. The publication is a visually rich photo-essay book that tours many of America’s military cemeteries. Sacred Ground includes 144 full-color photographs from 47 national cemeteries and features a foreword by the late Senator Bob Dole. The book also contains essays and tributes from public figures such as Laura Ingraham, Oliver North, Sean Hannity, Buzz Aldrin, Mickey Rooney, Bob Hope, Fred Travalena, and Dennis Miller.

All royalties from Sacred Ground are donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which supports children of fallen service members.

The book has received favorable reviews, and has earned several national recognitions, including:

  • 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
  • Ronald Reagan Library Book Signing 2009 - 2012

Public Speaking & Advocacy

Ruck has appeared on over 100 radio and television programs to discuss veterans’ issues and has served as a keynote or featured speaker at more than 50 national and regional events. His engagements include Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Wreaths Across America ceremonies at over 20 national cemeteries across America. Ruck was honored to be an invited guest speaker at the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, France, honoring the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions.

Ruck’s dedication to patriotic service has also been recognized by the Boeing Corporation and the St. Louis Cardinals, and is  a “nationally recognized veterans advocate.” He has also been quoted in media reports about the Los Angeles National Cemetery’s columbarium expansion, with his remarks frequently cited in discussions of veterans’ access to interment, especially once cemeteries run out of space. For example, a 2019 report states that under Ruck’s leadership the L.A. columbarium project re-opened opportunities for interment that had been closed for decades, and he is quoted reflecting on its emotional impact.

Community Involvement

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.

Additionally, has been widely recognized for his contributions to civic and veterans’ organizations and  continues his service to the community and serves with the Freedom Alliance Foundation as a Visiting Fellow, a member with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and Sons of the American Legion, Post 176, Springfield, VA along with the Missouri State Society, and the Friends of the Naval Academy Music (FONAM).

Distinction

Ruck etched his name in history as the only person to have both marched and actively participated in the in America’s iconic parades. In 1971 he marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and then in the 1972 Tournament of Roses Parade. Later he returned and contributed as a volunteer in both events. He was selected for membership in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association in 2008 and has served on several of its most prominent committees 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 death in 2008.