U.S. Army Master Sgt. Pablo A. Ruiz Remembered at Florida Tech

Soldier's service draws several hundred to Florida Tech
FLORIDA TODAY
Chris Bonanno
June 6, 2015

People sign the guest book during a memorial service for
Master Sgt. Pablo A. Ruiz at Florida Tech's Gleason Auditorium.

(Photo: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY)

A near-capacity crowd packed Gleason Auditorium at Florida Tech in Melbourne on Friday to pay respects to U.S. Army Master Sgt. Pablo A. Ruiz, who died in Afghanistan in May.

"He's a fallen comrade," said Allison Givens, who serves in the Army National Guard. "I consider him a brother-in-arms and I wanted to pay my respects."

The service for the 37-year-old included a three-volley military salute and the presentation of three American flags to members of Ruiz's family before the playing of Taps. The Department of Defense is investigating his non-combat death.

"Men as young and as full of life as Pablo aren't supposed to die," said Chaplain John Scott, who presided over the service.

The service also included speeches given by four members of the military who were among the closest to Ruiz.

"He was my best friend and undoubtedly irreplaceable," said Sgt. 1st Class John Ashe to the crowd.
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