Captain Russell “Rusty” Brian Rippetoe

“He was very outgoing, strong, sensitive—a person you always wanted to be around. He made you feel good. Rusty was always running to help. He was always there for you.”

- Jim Mason, Peer of CPT Rippetoe

Captain Russell “Rusty” Brian Rippetoe was born in Arvada, Colorado on July 21, 1975. He attended Broomfield High School where he played soccer and was celebrated as Homecoming King, a reflection of his charismatic spirit.

Captain Rippetoe joined AFROTC as a junior at Metro State College, two years later than most cadets in the AFROTC program. Despite this, his dedication and perseverance set him apart. His peer, Jim Mason, recalled, “He was very outgoing, strong, sensitive—a person you always wanted to be around. He made you feel good. Rusty was always running to help. He was always there for you.”

After spending some time at Detachment 105 in the AFROTC program where he became well known by the ‘99 class, Captain Rippetoe transferred to the Army ROTC program, commissioning into the Army as a Field Artillery officer on August 9, 1999. In April 2002, he was assigned to Company A, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA where he served as a fire support officer. He then completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, the Basic Airborne Course, and Ranger School preparing him for deployment to Afghanistan. From October 2001 until January 2002, Captain Rippetoe deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On April 3, 2003, Captain Rippetoe and fellow Rangers Staff Sgt. Nino Livaudais and Spc. Ryan Long were killed by a massive car bomb while trying to help a pregnant Iraqi woman yelling for help at a checkpoint in Hadithah Dam, Iraq.

Capt Russell Rippetoe was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Ranger Tab and the Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and the Purple Heart. Additionally, a plaque with Captain Rippetoe’s name is permanently engraved on the bronze boot, the trophy of the annual David E. Grange Best Ranger Competition.

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