Camp Humphreys Associate Exemplifies Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier … Soldier for Life
CAMP HUMPHREYS – As a volunteer for the Chief of Staff, Army Retired Soldier Council’s medical team, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Rusch spends endless hours with retired Soldiers. His nearly 32-year military background in administration serves him well as he conducts research and prepares recommendations that will improve the lives of more than a million retired Soldiers worldwide.
On July 15 at the Exchange’s Express Family mini-mall, Rusch, the Express’ assistant manager, was recognized for representing the retirement community in South Korea and worldwide as a member of the council from April 2018 to April 2022.
On behalf of Gen. James McConville, 40th Chief of Staff of the Army, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and Area III Commander Col. Seth Graves presents retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Rusch with McConville’s Coin of Excellence and the Department of the Army’s Public Service Commendation Medal. The presentation took place at the Camp Humphreys Express mini-mall, where Rusch is the Express’ assistant manager. (Exchange Photo by Mun, Yong-chin)
Col. Seth Graves, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and Area III commander, honored Rusch on behalf of Gen. James McConville, 40th Chief of Staff of the Army.
McConville awarded Rusch with his Coin of Excellence and the Department of the Army’s Public Service Commendation Medal for his hard work and dedication as a volunteer.
“It’s nice to be recognized but that is not why I am part of this council,” Rusch said. “I want to help the retired community worldwide with their medical concerns so retirees can have a better quality of life.”
The CSA, Retired Soldier Council was established Nov. 10, 1971.
Nine months earlier, retired Gen. Bruce Clarke and retired Brig. Gen. Hallett Edson met with Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Lt. Gen. Walter Kerwin Jr. to discuss the Army’s lack of involvement in the affairs of retired Soldiers and suggested establishing the council.
Today, the CSA, Retired Soldiers Council is made up of 14 retired Soldiers with seven retired officers and seven retired enlisted. Retired Lt. Gen. David Halverson and retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey are the current co-chairs.
The council provides the Army’s Chief of Staff with advice and recommendations regarding issues and concerns of retired Soldiers, surviving spouses and their families while providing feedback on Army programs and policies that affect the retired community.
“I am proud that I am a part of the Chief of Staff, Army Retired Soldier Council,” Rusch said. “This council’s job is to give our Army retirees a voice to the leadership in the Army, to ensure their needs and medical concerns remain a top priority.”
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