Jose “Freddy” Ruiz was born in 1984 spending most of his childhood in Dallas, TX where he graduated from Mesquite High School in 2002. Freddy became the first in his family to serve in the US armed forces when he enlisted in the Army in 2004, becoming a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
On Sept. 16, 2010, Army Staff Sergeant Jose “Freddy” Ruiz was on his third tour in Afghanistan serving as personal security detail with the 1st Battalion, 6th Armor Regiment when an improvised explosive device (IED) caused his vehicle to roll over multiple times. Freddy, alive, but unconscious and severely injured, was the only survivor. The eight years he spent in the army and the career he loved came to a sudden end and he instead had to adjust to an entirely different future.
As a result of the attack, SSG Ruiz sustained a severe injury to his head, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and extremity fractures. The TBI was the most severe of his injuries. He describes his recovery experience as being “reborn.” SSG Ruiz had to relearn all basic functions including walking, eating, and talking, while coping with the emotional, behavioral and social challenges caused by his injuries. While he has made significant progress in his recovery, he still loses his balance and has difficulty with cognitive functions. “Every day is a struggle, but I won’t give up,” he says.
Freddy now lives in San Antonio TX with his family and enjoys sports and being outdoors including riding with Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship (UTTH). Freddy’s community support specialist with Simple Steps, LLC., quoted, “Freddy is committed to showing up once a week and enjoys coming early to help out with the horses. Since attending the program we have noticed a huge increase in Freddy’s balance. I have also noticed that immediately after a session at Upward Transitions, Freddy is more calm and relaxed. One thing I like is how friendly and positive the staff are. They work at the veteran’s pace and explain what is expected very well. I have found the experience to be a very useful tool in the recovery process for Freddy.”
“As a life coach/community support specialist who primarily works with wounded veterans I am constantly looking for activities that will improve the quality of life for my clients. The client that I introduced to Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship is SSG Jose Ruiz, an Army veteran who was injured during his third tour in Afghanistan. Jose suffered from a severe traumatic brain injury and an extremity of fractures. Jose described his recovery to the likes of being reborn. He had to relearn basic functions such as walking, eating, coping with emotional, behavioral and social challenges. I approached Upward Transitions because I had read about the numerous benefits of equine therapy and saw that they offered a program for veterans. Upward Transitions has helped Jose develop a sense of responsibility. Jose is committed to showing up once a week and enjoys coming early to help out with the horses. Since attending the program we have noticed a huge increase in Jose’s balance. I have also noticed that immediately after a session at Upward Transitions Jose is more calm and relaxed. One thing I liked is how friendly and positive the staff are. They work at the veterans pace and explain what is expected very well. I found the experience to be a very useful tool in the recovery process for Jose. I would recommend Upward Transitions to any of our veterans. Not only is it a positive outlet but also a great core exercise.”
Testimonial for Jose Ruiz written by Jonathon Franco, Simple Steps LLC, Jose’s Support Specialist
Dated Thu, Mar 29, 2018
More about SSG Jose Ruiz is available at:
https://www.hfotusa.org/building-homes/veterans/ruiz/