Tom Ruck

Tom Ruck envisioned a book honoring the American Veteran. As an unknown author and photographer, the journey to publication was difficult, yet remarkable, and is a story in itself. The result of Tom’s efforts, "Sacred Ground, A Tribute to America’s Veterans," was released by Regnery Publishing achieving a #5 ranking on Amazon. As he describes, “I created this book as a labor of love to honor the truest of American heroes, our veterans.”

Acting Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield presented Ruck with a Special Commendation Award in Washington, DC. “Tom Ruck has brought honor and recognition to America’s heroes and the VA,” said Mansfield. “His respect and admiration for the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families is reflected on every page of this book. Sacred Ground has heightened the public’s awareness of the courage, commitment and sacrifices of America’s Veterans.”

Sacred Ground was awarded a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. It was named the Overall Grand Prize winner at the Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards, and was the Winner of the USA Best Book Awards in the Military History category.

All of the royalties generated by the sales of Sacred Ground go directly to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. “What I love about this book is that kids who have been dealt a traumatic blow by the loss of a parent while they were serving this great country of ours will know that America has not forgotten them or the sacrifice of their parent,” states Ruck.

Mr. Ruck is a frequent guest speaker to veteran support groups nationwide and he has appeared on over 200 radio and television stations promoting the causes of America’s Veterans. Tom has been honored to deliver keynote speeches at many of America’s national cemeteries during their Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Wreaths Across America events. Among his most notable appearances, Mr. Ruck was a guest speaker at the Defender of Freedom Symposium in Washington D.C., and at the Freedom Alliance West Coast Gala in Laguna Beach, CA. He was honored by both the Boeing Corporation and his “hometown” St. Louis Cardinals for his achievements in supporting America’s Veterans and his contributions to veteran causes. Additionally, Ruck has also been honored by conducting an unprecedented book signing four years in a row (2009 – 2012) at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

In 2009 Mr. Ruck was presented to President Obama for consideration to the position of Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, based in Washington, DC. Mr. Ruck states that he was honored to have been considered for such a noble position honoring our veterans.

Ruck is a graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia, grew up in the St. Louis area where he was active in many volunteer and philanthropic organizations. He resides in both Southern California and St. Louis, MO. He serves as a Visiting Fellow to the Freedom Alliance Foundation, is a member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the Newport Beach, Ca., Post 291, Sons of the American Legion. He continues traveling the nation inspiring and honoring Veteran’s and their loved ones through his many speaking engagements.