Loudonville Resident Heather Ruter Retires after 28 Years of Military Service
Latham, NY (04/09/2024) — Retired New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Heather Ruter, a Loudonville resident will continue to serve Soldiers as the state equal employment manager.
Ruter retired after 28 years of service on December 31, 2023.
Ruter, was serving as the human resource warrant officer for the Troy - based 42nd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion prior to retiring.
"The National Guard has various support mechanisms and programs available to service members, allowing them to serve their country and community," she said.
"I wanted to help people," said Ruter. "At the end of the day, my job is to help my Soldiers; no matter what happens, I know I worked my hardest, no matter the outcome.
"This is not Ruter's first foray into helping Soldiers. While on active duty, she served as an equal opportunity leader and a sexual assault victim advocate.
"I have handled all sorts of issues like discrimination complaints from service members to civilian employees," remembered Ruter. "Everyone should be afforded the opportunity in the workplace to be treated equally.
"Through her years of service, Ruter did more than just human resource work; she was also instrumental as a master fitness trainer assisting Soldiers with fitness and nutrition.
Ruter also served as a Master Fitness Trainer, she played a key role in the rollout of training for graders for the Army's Combat Fitness Training Program.
Ruter did not just assist Soldiers at the organizational level but also the individual level.
"She juggled so much being a full-time Army soldier, a mom, and being in such incredible shape," said Ruter's sister Master Sgt. Brooke Leavitt. I've always been impressed by Heather as a Soldier, but she also does a ton with her son and is a great mother."
She focuses on nutrition and fitness in her professional life and is also a professional bodybuilder.
"I am so proud of her career in the military; she is why I joined," said Leavitt. "It is a shock to see her leaving, but I know it's the perfect transition to helping Soldiers as a civilian."
Media Attachments
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Heather Ruter
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- 500 Soldiers from NY Army Guard's 42nd Infantry Division deploying overseas
- Clifton Park resident Patrick Clare promoted to one-star general in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army National Guard Capt. Danielle Dias, a Wappingers Falls resident, takes command of Army Guard public affairs detachment
- New York National Guard Headquarters Marks Memorial Day with short ceremony
- NY National Guard Maintainers are Runner-ups for Best in Army Guard Medium Units in 2025
- Lt. Col. Eric Fritz, a Webster resident, takes command of New York Army Guard helicopter battalion
- NY Army Guard's 153rd Troop Command presents delayed Purple Heart Medal to former Army MP and Jamestown native Justin Oaks
- Greenville resident Justin Oaks, a graduate of Bradford Area High School, receives long-delayed Purple Heart medal from New York Army National Guard
- Master Sgt. Michael Schin, a Ballston Spa resident, retires after 41 years in the Army National Guard.
- Ten NY Army National Guard Soldiers receive Purple Heart during May 10 ceremony