Kori James

Richard Ruiz served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming.

Richard Ruiz was born in 1947 to a loving family of two parents and a handful of siblings in San Jose, CA. An American hero and inspiration to all, Ruiz embarked on the 29th Central Valley Honor Flight to visit the memorials dedicated to him and many others who fought for our country.

Ruiz served with the 1st Battalion/9th Marine Regiment/3rd Marine Division for 13 months in Vietnam. In 1967, Ruiz and his fellow soldiers were ambushed, outnumbered by over 2,000 Vietcong soldiers. On that day, 271 out of 280 died, leaving Ruiz one of nine alive in his squadron. Pushing past his injuries, Ruiz helped his wounded friends and called for reinforcements.

The 1st Battalion was named “The Walking Dead” because of its high number of casualties. Ruiz is one of few who lived to tell the story. His courageous acts under enemy fire earned Ruiz a Purple Heart, displaying the sacrifice he endured for this country.

Ruiz was struck by shrapnel in the fight for Hill 881, hitting his side and rendering him incapable of fighting. Using what was left of his strength, Ruiz made it to the helicopter where he was evacuated and taken to hospital care. After being treated for his injuries, Ruiz continued to help his comrades any way he could, working in the kitchen for two months. 

Once healed, Ruiz was sent back to Hawaii where had previously been based. Tragic news reached Ruiz that his brother, Gilbert Ruiz, had been killed in combat while stationed in Quang Tri province, a region in Vietnam. Gilbert had served in the United States Marines, fighting in Vietnam just as his brother had. 

Gallery • 7 Photos

Gene Day

Ruiz along with other Honor Flight attendees visited the United States Capitol.

Ruiz partnered with CVHF to honor his fallen brother, holding on to his goal of locating his brother’s name on the Vietnam Wall. After years of delay, Sonia Chaparro had the opportunity to accompany her father on the trip of a lifetime, visiting memorials and monuments and learning more about her dad’s heroic past.

“I was excited to be able to take my dad to have a different kind of outcome when he came home,” Chaparro said. “Having everyone there cheering for him was very emotional.”

Paul Loeffler was a part of the original founding members of Honor Flight back in 2013. He has since interviewed hundreds of veterans, ensuring that those who served continue to be honored for years to come, including Ruiz. 

“None of us will really understand what he went through,” Loeffler said. “We hope that by providing this experience for him we can maybe put a different light on all of that.”

In the aftermath of serving our country and constituting his name in history as an American hero, Ruiz went home to a hostile country that was angry at its soldiers. Tension in America was high, and some questioned why we were in Vietnam while others supported the fight and American involvement. Despite contrasting beliefs, U.S citizens shared a commonality, their hatred for returning soldiers. Associated with the war and treated as an outsider, Ruiz laid low. He became a wire fabricator and later joined the Mechanist Union, attempting to return to normal life and leave his war experiences in the past. 

In the face of hesitation and doubt, Ruiz jumped into uncharted waters, uncovering his past and obtaining the recognition he deserved. Many vets are scared to embark on this opportunity, worried it will bring back buried memories. Honor Flight shines a light on the servicemen and women, allowing them to receive the homecoming they never were given.  

Towards the end of his excursion, Richard was given the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  A grave created after WWI for an unidentified soldier who lost his life serving our country. Its meaning grew as it symbolizes all of those who were lost in battle unable to be identified by their comrades. Ruiz was selected because of his dedication and servitude for his country.

Ruiz is an exemplary man, part of an overlooked generation of heroes. His bravery, perseverance and resilience has created a legacy that speaks for itself. 

To read more about the Central Valley Honor Flight, visit their home page.

To donate to the honor flight, take a picture of the QR code or visit this link.

To read more from The Feather visit, HONOR FLIGHT: Veteran Arthur Dandridge or 2024 Homecoming Day Four.

Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11. Help us also welcome home Honor Flight #30 at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.