Derek Ruck

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ruck is a native of Madison, WI. He entered the WI Army National Guard as a Cannon Crew member and attended basic training in Ft. Benning, GA and advanced individual training in Ft. Sill, OK. Upon completion, SFC Ruck was assigned to his first unit in Marshfield, WI in July 2018  as an ammunition specialist, assistant gunner and ammunition team chief. In February of 2019, he transitioned to Active Guard Reserve (AGR) serving as a Badger Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist, where he set up pre, during and post deployment events for Soldiers and their families. In September of 2020 SFC Ruck transitioned to a Recruiting Assistant position in Janesville, WI.  In July 2021 SFC Ruck transitioned to Madison, WI as a full time Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiter and in September of 2024 become the on-campus college recruiter for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. In addition to his duties as a Recruiter, SFC Ruck has also served as a Military Science Instructor and National Guard liaison at UW-Madison since Fall 2005.

SFC Ruck’s notable assignments include, A BTRY 120th FA Marshfield, WI, DET 1 B Co RRB Madison, WI and DET 1 A Co RRB Madison, WI.

SFC Ruck’s military education includes the Basic Leaders Course, the Advanced Leaders Course, Army National Guard Non-Career Recruiter Course (SQI4), Distributed Leader Course II, Field Artillery Weapons Maintainer Course (U6), Combat Lifesaver Course, Structured Self Development LVL 1.

SFC Ruck’s awards include the Army National Guard Recruiter Identification Badge 3rd Award, Army Air Assault Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, The Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon 3rd Award and the Army Service Ribbon.

SFC Ruck is engaged and set to get married in October of 2025 to his Fiancé, Ashley from Verona, WI. They have 1 dog and plenty of plans for more.