Jessica Ruyts

Share your military spouse story:
I have been a military spouse for many years. During these years I have also had 6 amazing children with my amazing husband. I have been on the units FRG as a president, and treasurer. I have also founded and presided over The Ruyts Foundation of Veteran Suicide Prevention. I am an advocate for mental health crisis and prevention for our military veterans, soldiers, and their families. I fight the mission daily to save our heroes from such a preventable death. I also give back in many ways to our military communities outside the nonprofit sector, but providing food, meals, holiday assistance, and tax services.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership within the military community was when I was President of the 310th Engineer Company FRG. I was President from 2017-2022.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I have a high level of involvement within the military community through my nonprofit and through my day to day life. I am always thinking of ways I can support our heroes and their families especially the ones who have no support systems locally.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I support our military communities but advocating for mental health awareness, offering support services for both veterans, soldiers, and military families. I also help with different types of assistance that our heroes and military spouses may need from food assistance to tax services free of charge.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I advocate to end veteran, soldier, and military family suicide. I do this because no one deserves to die by suicide. Everyone should be able to live a full life knowing we care, and show support for them no matter what they are going through.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I have a very active presence on Facebook, instagram, and other social media. I am very active in my community, chamber of commerce, military chamber, and many other organizations that aid our military communities.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With this title I hope to bring more awareness and prevention to mental health/crisis within our military communities and help combat suicide and suicide attempts.