“The Freedom Fund” is proud to announce Tony Cruz of Team RWB as the February 2020, “Friend of Freedom” award winner.
After retiring from the Army, Tony Cruz realized he missed the camaraderie, team work and sense of purpose the military offered. In searching for a way to feel needed, and to duplicate his Army experience he finally found purpose in becoming part of Team Red White and Blue (RWB).
“I joined the military in February 1993 and retired in July 2013. I was a Combat and Construction Engineer. During my last 6 years I was on an Emergency Response Unit as the Operations Section Leader in the ICS structure. I had numerous deployments, all over the world, including combat deployments in Iraq.”
“The reason I belong to RWB is because it feels like family to me. When I retired in 2013, I missed the camaraderie of my soldiers, and RWB fulfills that gap. I love playing an active role in RWB because we impact people’s lives, including my own, and we always help our military community. Military members, whether current or prior, often enjoy sharing war stories to gain a warm sense of camaraderie back or may want to vent about certain issues. RWB is there for them, whether it’s over coffee or out on a hike. Last year, my wife and I talked with the spouse of a veteran who committed suicide, and I lost track of how many times she thanked us, simply for listening to her struggles and offering our future companionship.”
Tony is very happily married to his beautiful wife, Caroline. They have 5 children and 2 sweet and sassy granddaughters. Tony is the only member of his family to serve in the military, but he hopes that one day one of his children will follow in his footsteps.
Please visit the Team RWB website: https://www.teamrwb.org/chapter/team-rwb-charlottesville-va/ to see all of the wonderful support and activities they offer veterans in our Greater Charlottesville community.
Each month, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will chose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. Winners will get a trophy and sometimes a monetary award. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at gratitudecville@gmail.c
