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About Stephen Ruiz
Stephen Ruiz is an associate editor and content writer for Military.com who edits articles mainly about television shows and movies with a military angle, military benefits, military history, military fitness and veteran jobs, et al. Stephen also occasionally writes, primarily about military history, and fills in as needed on Military.com’s online desk.
Before joining Military.com in March 2021, Stephen worked in the newspaper industry for more than 30 years. For most of his career, he served as a copy editor but also was a copy chief -- the person who gives the final edit to stories before they are published; a manager; writer; and social media producer.
During his time at the Orlando Sentinel, Stephen was part of a sports desk whose section was rated in the top 10 nationally multiple times by the Associated Press Sports Writers organization. He also won a statewide writing award while working in Louisiana.
Stephen is an avid runner who has completed four marathons, including the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon. He lives in Orlando, Florida, with his girlfriend and dog, Holly. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989.
Expertise
- 1989-94: Copy editor, The Lakeland Ledger, Florida
- 1995-96: Copy editor, The Kansas City Star
- 1997-2020: Copy editor, social media producer and writer, the Orlando Sentinel
- 2021-current: Associated editor and writer, Military.com
Education
- Holds a degree in journalism from Louisiana State University
Achievements
- Part of a nationally recognized sports staff whose sections were ranked in the top 10 nationally.
- Took first place for best sports game story in Louisiana Sports Writers Association contest.
![WWII Veteran Volunteer-100th Birthday](http://images04.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2026-02/ApNewsroom_WWII_Veteran_Volunteer-100th_Birthday_66730.jpg?itok=KXmNcZIZ "John "Johnny Q" Quinesso Sr, a WWII veteran, holds a photo of his younger self during his 100th birthday celebration on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 in Camden, N.J., aboard the Battleship New Jersey. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)")
![Lieutenant General Karsten "Hazel" Heckl leads the Combat Development and Integration and Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Marines and sailors on a farewell run, Aug. 8, 2024, aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. (Matthew Krogull)](http://images05.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2026-02/8585135.jpg?itok=Edy9jsYc "Lieutenant General Karsten "Hazel" Heckl leads the Combat Development and Integration and Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Marines and sailors on a farewell run, Aug. 8, 2024, aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. (Matthew Krogull)")
