A trust fund has been set up for a local man killed in action this week during a skirmish in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Sgt. Clinton Ruiz, 22, was fatally injured by small arms fire while in Khas Uruzgan, Oruzgan province, the Department of Defense announced Saturday.
Ruiz was born in Poway and graduated from Murrieta Valley High School in 2008.
He was assigned to the 9th Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne), 8th Military Information Support Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Ruiz attended the Psychological Operations Advanced Individual Training and Korean Language School at Ft. Bragg, N.C., graduating in August 2010.
"His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge," the station said.
An account has been established for Ruiz's year-old baby boy at California Bank and Trust, 41615 Winchester Road in Temecula, under Caleb Ruiz.
Please contact Elizabeth at 951-719-1245 or MaryAnn at 951-296-2424. Checks would be payable to Caleb Ruiz and may be sent in lieu of flowers.
