Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff

Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff

Michael L. Ruoff Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 3, 2007.
Michael L. Ruoff Jr.''s 10-year-old daughter Danielle spoke at her father''s funeral. "This is a poem I wrote," she said. "I love my dad. That''s why when he died I was so sad." Ruoff, 31, of Yosemite, Calif., was killed July 1 in Ta''meem by small-arms fire. He was assigned to Schweinfurt, Germany. Fort Carson''s Brig. Gen. James Milano said the Army will have a difficult time filling Michael Ruoff''s boots. "He was a selfless warrior," Milano said. Born in Ukiah, Calif., Michael Ruoff joined the Army out of high school and served in posts around the globe as a crew member on M-1 Abrams tanks. Eulogists described Ruoff as an avid fisherman and a storyteller who could mesmerize with his humorous accounts of Army life. "If you didn''t see that smile, you knew something was really wrong," said friend Sgt. Maj. Malcom Parrish. His uncle, John Ruoff, said despite the pressures of combat, he sent e-mail at least twice a week, often talking about his love for his wife. "We are all so proud of him," John Ruoff said. Ruoff also is survived by his wife, Tracy, and daughter Grace.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael L. Ruoff's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2012

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

July 1, 2011

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

December 25, 2013

I will always remember this day. I'm so sorry.

Peggy Childers

July 4, 2012

July 1, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

July 1, 2011

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

July 1, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

July 8, 2009

To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

SSG Mike Ruoff in Germany, during platoon training. June 2006

January 13, 2009

Peter Waters

January 13, 2009

SSG Ruoff was one of the best mentors I had, bar none. I took what he said to heart and absorbed as much as I could. As one of his juniors, he coached me to train as best I could, and do anything I could to give his troops a better edge. I miss his leadership.

"Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.


Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.


Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green..."

- Fiddlers' Green, A Cavalryman's Poem

Lead the way, brother.

Kenna Larra

December 30, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Wendy Uyeno

November 8, 2008

Thank You for your service.
Wendy Uyeno

In Memory of Michael Lee ~ (Debra Estep)

July 1, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

June 30, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Ruoff!

Leslie Thurman

May 4, 2008

Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen you or your family in over 2 years and found the information that your dear husband was killed almost one year ago by accident. My heart broke for you and your family. You and I were in PWOC together, I left Schweinfurt in April of 2006. I just want you to know that I am terribly sorry for your loss and you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and take care of yourself and the girls.
By His Grace

Captain Carla Sizer, USAF

February 21, 2008

I can't even find the words...I lost my 19 year old son--5 Sept 2007, Balad, Iraq. I am absolutely devastated and I know that you are too...but find comfort in the fact that we will see our loved ones, our heroes again. Do I wish that I could trade places with my son? ABSOLUTELY not. He is in the arms of our Lord--"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" ~Rev 21:4
What a wonderful thought...
May God bless Staff Sgt Michael L. Ruoff, God bless you and your family and God bless America!

Contact me if you want to talk.

PROUD Mother of
Specialist Dane R. Balcon
KIA, 5 September 2007
Balad, Iraq

August 19, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Ruoff and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Angele Ackerson

August 16, 2007

Tracy,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your husband was such a great guy and loved by so many. My husband thought of Mike as a friend. He was deeply saddened by his loss. I pray for you and your two beautiful girls that you will get through these very difficult times. You are very loved by this community and we are behind you. Your family will be missed greatly. Please remember your friends are always here.
Love and prayers go out to you.....

We pray for our soldier to be out of harm's way,
We pray for our soldier night and day.
He's living in danger and ready to fight,
As a bomb goes off in the dark of night.
There's no sacrifice too great,
No sacrifice too small,
Every action he makes.....touches us all.
He's our American Soldier......
Holding freedom in his hands,
He's entering Heaven's gates from a foreign land.
He's one of God's children who sacrified it all,
No sacrifice too great,
No sacrifice too small.
God Bless you, the girls and Mike's family for all you have sacrificed.

Rosales

August 2, 2007

"THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; MY GOD, MY STRENGTH, IN WHOM I WILL TRUST; MY BUCKLER, AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, AND MY HIGH TOWER."
Psalms 18:2
I pray for your family and continue to lean on God because only He can carry you thru your tough times!
Your neighbour

August 1, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Susan Stanley

July 28, 2007

Dear family of Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff Jr., I am so sorry for the loss of your hero. He was a hero in many ways to many people. He was helping to maintain our freedoms and helping to bring freedoms to those that have never known freedom before. I send many packages to contacts listed at AnySoldier.com. Your Michael, being a volunteer contact for Any Soldier.com, was an angel to many in the field. He cared enough for his unit to help pass out mail to those who maybe did not receive any or as much mail as others. Helping them to know that they were supported, cared for and prayed for by us at home in the USA. What a true hero. Freedom isn’t free.
Thank you Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff Jr.. We miss you greatly.
May God’s Holy Spirit grant your family comfort as they progress through grieving for the loss of their very special hero.
From a Gold Star Mother (SSG Russell J. Verdugo KIA 5/23/05 - Baghdad)

SFC David Harris

July 27, 2007

Mike, I can't belive you're gone man. Mike and I served together in Fox Troop, 2/3 ACR at Fort Carson. You were always the most professional and knowledgeable NCO in the platoon, and taught me so very much in reference to being a professional Soldier. I miss you man, and the world is a darker place without you in it. My sympathies go out to your family. God bless you guys.

Karen Meehan

July 24, 2007

Tracy, I can not express my feelings over such a great loss. I am here for you and the girls. If you ever need anything, I will be there for you all. May God bless you and ease your pain. Love, Karen

Vickie Pingo

July 24, 2007

Tracy,
My heart hurts for you and I send all the strengh I have to you so you can get through this rough time. You will be missed in Schweinfurt. I hope that one day I will see your smile again and hear your laugh. Jason is heart broken at your loss--we all feel it. He was proud to serve with Mike in OIFII. Mike will always be in his heat as a WarPig. I pray for you and the girls every night--KNow that my heart is with you and it was a joy to know you and the girls.

Chad Cirillo

July 23, 2007

I'm sorry for your loss. Mike and I were in the same platoon in BNCOC and also served together in 3rd ACR. Mike also had such a great attitude and was always smiling. We lost a great soldier and he will be sorely missed.

Krystal Carpenter

July 17, 2007

Tracy, It's been a long time. I had the pleasure of living above you and your family a few years back in Shweinfurt Germany. I was sad to receive the news that Mike was killed in action. God Bless him. He was such a great guy. Great Dad and I know how deeply he felt for you. The girls must be so big now. I lost my Mom a couple of years ago and know the pain of losing a parent. Their poor little hearts must be breaking. It's to bad that it takes such a horrible reminder that this war is still so real. My husband is about to deploy for the second time in about four more days. I'm so scared. From one Army wife to another if you or your family need any thing please contact me. Thanks you and the girls for serving our country as well as Mike did. He is in Gods arms now, but he will never be forgotten. RIP Mike

Cliff Rodrigues

July 15, 2007

Mike & Vicky , We are all sharing in your grief . Words cannot express how I feel. He was a wonderful son , friend and soldier.
Cliff Rodrigues & family

andrea muschong

July 15, 2007

I remember Mike from Middle School in Fort Bragg, Ca. I remember his huge, beautiful smile. Mike's dad and my dad worked together for the county road department, so I felt like we had a special bond. We would hang out and tease each other on the playground. He was a sweet, sweet boy who I will always remember. I am so sorry for your loss. We are so sad. Mike was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ruoff families. And to Mike Sr., My father Cliff Rodrigues is mourning for you. With much love and respect, Andrea Muschong

ROBYN GARSIDE

July 13, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR DAUGHTERS. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

TODD BAZZELL

July 13, 2007

SSG. RUOFF WILL BE MISSED DEARLY, NOT ONLY BY HIS FAMILY, BUT BY ANY SOLDIER THAT KNEW HIM. I AM ONE OF THOSE SOLDIERS. HE WAS MY TANK COMMANDER IN OIF-2,2004 HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND SOLDIER. MY HEART IS BROKEN THAT I WILL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN. I CANNOT BEGAIN TO EMAGINE WHAT TRACY AND HIS GIRLS ARE FEELING. OUR COUNTRY HAS LOST A GREAT PATRIOT, HIS FAMILY HAS LOST A GREAT MAN, I HAVE LOST A GREAT FRIEND. GO IN PEACE MIKE, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. SGT RICHARD T. BAZZELL

Dennis (USMC - Vietnam) & Pam Robertson

July 13, 2007

We are deeply saddened at the loss of this brave young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06 Anbar Province

Lisa & Bill McKenzie

July 12, 2007

We are all thinking about you Staff Sergeant Michael L. Ruoff and your family. Thank you for protecting our families and our freedom. You are a true HERO....

Kristen Kniss

July 12, 2007

Although my heart was breaking for you, I counted it an honor to be able to attend the service today. I live in California, but happen to be in Colorado this week visiting my sister, when I realized that I would be in the right place at the right time. You see, my nephew, Ryan Kniss, who lives in Schweinfurt, Germany was serving under your son's command in HC 1 77 AR-BN. Ryan wrote to me on July 1st and told me that his Platoon Sargent had been killed. I could tell in his email that his heart was hurting. He said he and Mike used to talk for hours about California and motorcycles. When he wrote last week, he had asked me to pray for Mike's wife and 2 daughters. He also sent an email a few days ago asking me to watch for the flag being flown at half mass in honor of his sargent. I know Ryan thought very highly of him and misses him very much. I am so thankful for your husband/son's leadership, and concern for his men. Learning a little more about him today throughout the service, I am so thankful that God had placed Mike to be Ryan's Platoon Sargent. I had prayed that Ryan would have Christian influences around him while he was in the army, and now I know for certain that God had provided that through Mike. I am deeply grateful for the sacrifice he was willing to give, but I wish with all my heart that it did not have to end that way. You will be forever in my thoughts and prayers. The service was beautiful. May the God of all comfort be with you in the days and months ahead.

Kim Sisco

July 12, 2007

Tracy and girls,
We were at the funeral today and I want to tell you how proud I am of Mike and all of you. Sometimes we forget what the spouse and children give up for their soldier fighting for us. I want to say thank you! Danielle, I know your mom and dad love you so much and like I was saying to you at the funeral... I remember during Sunday School you were scared to go into your own class and your dad kept you with him on his lap while we were in the same class. Grace, I remember when you were brought home from the hospital and how proud your parents were of you. You all will always be in my heart. Again thank you for the sacrifice you also gave to this great country we live in.

Tom Gugliuzza

July 10, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Ruoff family in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Michael you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Tisha Turner Schmulisn

July 10, 2007

My heart is broken for the entire Ruoff family. Please accept my most sincere condolences and know that many prayers are with you and with Michael. He made the ultimate sacrifice--as did all of you.
Tisha

tricia luttrull

July 10, 2007

Thank you Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff You gave your all for my freedom. God Bless your family.

d sims

July 10, 2007

Peace be with you. I leave you with my deepest sympathy. We have many heros you have fought for our country. We shall never forget.
d

Emma Saucedo

July 9, 2007

Michael was an honorable and selfless man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He will never be forgotten. To Michael's family, may God's love hold you and comfort you in these difficult times. I am praying for you and I share in your sorrow.

July 9, 2007

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Ronn Massie

July 8, 2007

God bless the family and friends of Michael.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Michael for being such a brave hero.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

July 8, 2007

Rest in peace brother
You will be missed

deborah rivers

July 7, 2007

To the family of Michael, my grief for the loss of your son is felt. I know what it's like to loose your child in war as my son was killed in action too. It feels that your heart has been ripped from you and you don't understand why this happened to your child. I've felt all you will feel in the coming days and weeks and though I’m not close in relation to area, but I am very close by email. I offer any support to you and your family that I can. It's with the Grace of God that I've gotten through each day and with His healing love and comfort that I've been able to once again sleep at night and not cry each day. Believe me I do know how hard it is. May God continue to heal you and your family and contact me when and if you are ever ready, even if it's to vent or cry.

In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq with the 2-505th PIR 82nd Airborne Div

Wendi Goodman

July 6, 2007

I didn't know you but you were a good friend to my nephew, Justin. Justin always spoke very highly of you.

May you rest knowing that you were loved by many.

My deepest condolences to your family.

Shawnee (Austin, TX)

July 6, 2007

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry-
I am not there... I did not die...

..

Sandy Bonesteel

July 5, 2007

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is in the Army and now deployed; I want to send my condolences.

Garnet Jenkins

July 4, 2007

The price Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of this Brave Young Soldier.

May Michael rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Ruoff family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May you find Peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Not Forget Michael's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

valorie

July 4, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and now they are protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Linda Clifton

July 4, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gary Allain

July 4, 2007

you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

SHIRLEY DONEY

July 3, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Carol Cline

July 3, 2007

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

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