Sergeant First Class Barruga is a Military Science Instructor for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Army ROTC Program, Lincoln, Neb.

Sergeant First Class Barruga was born and raised in Orange, California, and enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman in July 2008. Over his career, he has served in multiple tactical and leadership positions, including Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Radio Telephone Operator, Sniper, Fire Team Leader, Sniper Team Leader, Squad Leader, Sniper Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, and Drill Sergeant Instructor.

SFC Barruga’s assignments include service with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy; the 25th Infantry Division in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas; the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and the 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, Texas. He also served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and as a Drill Sergeant Instructor at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He currently serves as a Military Science Instructor supporting Army ROTC cadet development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

SFC Barruga has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield, and to Bulgaria in support of Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. Throughout his career, he has completed numerous professional military courses, including Infantry OSUT, Airborne School, Combat Lifesaver Course, Combatives, Sniper School, Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Air Assault School, Drill Sergeant School, Senior Leaders Course, Basic Army Instructor Course, and the SHARP Foundation Course.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (with five Bronze Knots), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Army Instructor Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Master Combat Infantryman Badge.

(Current as of November 2025)