MCN’s ‘Veteran of the Week’ – Ruben Borjas, Jr., Honoring a Life of Service, Strength, and Support

This week, we proudly recognize U.S. Army veteran Ruben
Borjas, Jr. as our Veteran of the Week – a man whose dedication to
country and community has never wavered.

Ruben’s military journey began in 1985, during one of the
most tense periods of the Cold War.
Stationed in West Germany, he was assigned the formidable task of
escorting American convoys through the infamous Helmstedt-West Berlin Corridor
– a narrow Soviet – controlled route known as “the most tense 110 miles on
Earth.” Under constant watch by armed
Russian forces, Ruben ensured the safe passage of critical military personnel and
supplies, processing transit documents with precision and courage.

After this high-stakes service in Europe, Ruben continued
his military career in the sands of the Middle East, serving in Operation
Desert Storm. He was honorably
discharged in 1992, having served his country with distinction.

Sadly, his battle didn’t end when he hung up his uniform.

As part of his transition to civilian life, Ruben underwent
a routine final physical – a standard military procedure that revealed a
potential issue. Like many young men, he
dismissed the concern. Seven years
later, that decision would catch up to him in the form of testicular cancer.

What could have broken many instead became a new mission for
Ruben. Drawing on his Army training, he
met cancer with the same grit and resilience that defined his military
career. And in the aftermath of that
fight, he found a renewed purpose:
helping others navigate their own.

Today, Ruben is a steadfast advocate for cancer awareness
and support. He actively seeks out those
affected by the disease, offering them a hand to hold, a story to share, and
the strength of someone who’s been there.

In his civilian alter ego, Ruben holds a degree in
Technology from the University of Houston.
He worked briefly as a Database Administrator and Special Projects
Coordinator for Huntsman corp. His
cancer battle forced him out of the corporate world. Once he was able, he had a short career
teaching in Pearland, but found this too taxing.

In 2005, he moved to the Conroe area, and became a private
tutor to home schoolers.

As a disabled veteran with a Purple Heart, Ruben has endured
extensive medical challenges, including over 70 bowel obstructions and numerous
surgeries. Despite this, he remains
active and passionate-especially about writing.
He contributes to the Montgomery County News, covering everything from
veterans’ issues and politics to food and entertainment. He is quick to cover a story to highlight his
fellow Veterans accomplishments.

Ruben has mentored veterans in the jail and court systems
and is a tireless volunteer in the veteran and local community. He is a charter member of VFW Post 12223,
a board member of the Montgomery Historical Society, the Lone Star
Honor Flight Veterans Group, and one of the founding members of the Wisecrack
Warriors taking on the role of Propaganda minister – a group known for its
camaraderie, humor, and devotion to uplifting fellow vets.

Ruben Borjas, Jr. represents the very best of us – a
soldier, a survivor, a servant to his community. It is with great pride and heartfelt
gratitude that we name him this week’s Veteran of the Week.