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 1984, during one of the most tense periods of
the Cold War. Stationed in West Germany, he was assigned the formidable
task of escorting American civilians 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 the passengers,
processing the transit documents in the presence of Russian soldiers,
whom he eventually felt sorry for, especially after the Berlin Wall
fell.
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 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 on his body.
In 2005, he moved to the Conroe area, and became a private tutor to home schoolers.
As
a disabled veteran, 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.
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