Flushing resident Carmela Ruiz is commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard
Former personnel specialists aims to become an Army Chaplain
Latham, NY (05/03/2019) — Carmela Ruiz, a Flushing resident, has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard and will serve as Chaplain Candidate.
Ruiz, who has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2015 and attained the rank of specialist, was sworn in as an officer by Brigadier General Michel Natali during a ceremony on Friday, May 3 at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham, N.Y.
Ruiz is currently a second year student in the Master of Divinity program at Alliance Theological Seminary. Once she completes her seminary education she will be considered to become a chaplain in the New York Army National Guard and assigned to a unit.
Until then she will be assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham.
Military chaplains conduct religious services for service members and handle their spiritual needs while also serving as counselors to help Soldiers deal with the stresses of military life.
Ruiz has been working as a human resources specialists in the 369th Sustainment Brigade which is based at the Harlem Armory in New York City.
She has also served as a recruiting assistant in the New York Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
Ruize holds an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Interboro Institute in Queens and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Monroe College in the Bronx. She also has a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Hunter College.
She is an elementary school teacher at Esperanza Preparatory Academy in New York.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michel Natali administers the oath of office to 2nd Lieutenant Carmela Ruiz as she is promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant during a ceremony held at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. on May 3. ( Photo by William Albrecht)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- North Tonawanda woman excels during South African Military Skills competition
- East Moriches resident retires from Air National Guard after 32 years of service
- NY National Guard chaplain Timothy Miller, a Colonie resident, represents U.S. at South African conference
- New 42nd Infantry Division Commander is promoted to major general in the New York Army National Guard
- Palm Harbor resident Jack James is promoted to major general in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Rivera Smith takes command of 53rd Troop Command
- Carl Rosenkranz, a Poestenkill resident, is promoted to Major in New York Army National Guard
- NY Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing begins 37th year of support Antarctic Science
- Army Guard command headquartered at Camp Smith gets new commander on Saturday, October 19
- Darien Center resident Mike Bank, promoted to two-star general during ceremony on board C-17 at Stewart Air Guard Base on Tuesday, October 8