JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- This article discusses suicide and may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line for immediate assistance. Call or text 988, then press 1, or visit 988lifeline.org.
The adage “Time heals all wounds” is sometimes applied when it comes to pain felt from the loss of a loved one. The sentiment is sinking in for the New Jersey Guardsmen who learned during the June 2026 drill weekend that retired Tech. Sgt. Luis Ruiz, a respected and well-loved member, had recently died by suicide.
Ruiz enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1994 and served for eight years before transferring to the Air National Guard. He worked as an avionics technician on the KC-135 Stratotanker until he retired in 2018.
"My husband, Luis Ruiz was so proud of his service to his country. Lou also loved helping others and passing on his knowledge and experience. He took his service in the military seriously," said Andrea Ruiz.
Known for his stellar work ethic and aircraft maintenance expertise, Ruiz was also known by his fellow Guardsmen from the 108th Maintenance Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, for his sense of humor, loyalty and direct communication skills.
“If we worked a 14-hour shift, he would still crack a joke and make us smile,” said Capt. James Testa, director of operations for the 108th Maintenance Squadron.
“Those long shifts, he made them feel a lot shorter,” said Tech. Sgt. Zenia Arroliga, an avionics technician with the 108th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “With him, it was work hard and then play hard, and he had a way of motivating us while on the flightline - he never had an excuse not to do what we came here to do.”
It is no wonder that his death came as a heavy shock to his fellow Guardsmen.
“There is a ton of heartache throughout the avionics shop,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Weaver, fellow 108th AMXS avionics technician.
“The support the unit gave was excellent,” said Tech. Sgt. Ray Guadalupe, an avionics technician with the same unit. “Leadership pulled us off the flightline and they referred us to the chaplain and sent us to Sean’s Room. We were given a place to breathe amongst ourselves. We’ve been talking a lot. We are making sure we’re keeping these peer sessions going.”
Sean’s Room provides a safe, peer-to-peer, confidential and informal environment for service members, civilians and dependents to access mental health support without the stigma. Located on the corner of POW-MIA Blvd and East Arnold Ave., on JB MDL, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, book a conference room or to reach the 24/7 hotline, call (609) 864-7210.
“We had opportunities to talk to the wellness agencies; we've talked to each other, and at some point, you have to process things on your own," Weaver said. "Come to some conclusions on your own and choose to remember the good things; the things we love about him.”
“Please know that even though he has left us, Lou cared so much for so many of you. I was honored to be in his life to witness a portion of his military service and to also be there as he retired,” Andrea Ruiz, wife, wrote in a letter to unit members.
Lessons Learned from Ruiz's Life
Former AMXS co-workers and Andrea shared the following lessons learned from Ruiz’s life:
Connection is important: After retirement, Lou missed his time at the base, being in the shop and working out on the flight line. When paths crossed with some of you after his retirement, know that those were times he really looked forward to. Even a call or text was grounding for him.
Live in the moment: Don’t take anyone for granted. Don’t put things off because you think there’s time.
Communicate: Everyone struggles with things they don't tell other people about, but it’s important to find someone who you can trust, whether it’s a professional or a friend.
Acceptance: Time doesn’t heal all wounds; you do learn how to live with them.
Authenticity: Be genuine to each other. Lou was a genuine guy. If he liked you, he would let you know, and if he didn't like you, he let you know. He was a protector, and he protected us.
“I cannot emphasize it enough to all of you: If you are dealing with physical or emotional battles, ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. You are never alone. You have people who love and care about you, and there are resources available to get you through the difficult times," said Andrea.
Tara Johns, director of psychological health for the 108th Wing, lists additional resources for those in need:
Military OneSource - 800-342-9647
Vet Center Call Center - 877-927-8387
SAMHSA National Helpline - 800-662-4357
inTransition Live Chat - 800-424-7877 (CONUS) or 800-748-8111 (OCONUS in Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea only)
Psychological Health Resource Center Live Chat - 866-966-1020
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - 800-959-8277
NJ Hopeline (mental health and suicide prevention) - 855-654-6735
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
NJ Mental Health Cares - 866-202-HELP