Biography
SFC Manuel Cruz is a native of Ocala, Florida and is a 14G Air Defense Battle Management Systems Operator with 14 years of active service.
His military education includes: Master Driver Trainer, Mission Command Digital Master Gunner Course, Unit Prevention Lead, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, Senior Leader Course, Advance Leader Course, Basic Leader Course, Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Course, Command Post of the Future, Air Assault, Combative Level 2, Combative Level 1, Combat Life Saver
Civilian Education: Currently enrolled at Ohio University for Human Services
SFC Cruz's assignments include: Chemical Equipment Maintainer, 7th ENG BN, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY; Assistant Operations SGT, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Red Cloud, ROK; Team leader, HHC, 101 Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Campbell, KY; Basic Leaders Course Instructor, 101st Airborne Division Non-commissioned Officer Academy, Fort Campbell, KY; Instructor, Bravo Btry 2-6 ADA, Fort Sill, OK; Battle System Manager, HHC, 52d ADA Brigade, Sembach, DE; Military Science Instructor, Ohio University, Athens, OH
His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (9 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 OLC), Certificate of Achievement, NATO Medal, Air Assault Badge, Senior Army Instructor Badge, Basic Army Instructor Badge. His foreign decorations include the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship- Bronze.
SFC Cruz, and his wife Avery have three children, Dalia, Ivan, and Alexis.
Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.