Mr. Ruppel-Lee received his commission in 1998 through the Ohio University Army ROTC department. His first assignment was with the 3rd Infantry Regiment “Old Guard” at Fort Myer VA where he was a rifle platoon leader and Executive Officer. Ruppel-Lee moved on to “The Great Place,” Fort Hood, Texas where he was assigned to III Corps and the 1st Cavalry division. He served as a Staff Officer and Company commander for B/3-8 CAV and HHC/3-8 CAV. MAJ Ruppel-Lee’s most recent assignment was as an Observer Controller at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA.

Ruppel-Lee is a graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic Course, Infantry Captains’ Career Course, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commanders Course, Airborne Course, and Ranger Course. He has earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman badge, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge, and the German Troop Proficiency Badge (Gold Award). He has been awarded the Bronze Star, Mefritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), and the Army Achievement Medal (5 awards). He is married to Sarah and they have two children Liesle and Jackson.