Major Gabrielle M. (Ruska) Dunn, a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend went home to rest in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022, in Fort Carson, CO at the age of 35.
Born August 14th, 1986, Gabrielle grew up in Gardiner, NY and graduated from New Paltz High School in 2004. She then attended SUNY Oneonta and graduated in 2007. During her summer break from college, she interned in the office of the Adjutant General at The United States Military Academy, West Point. Helping others was always at the forefront of her mind and she took after her father by donating blood to The Red Cross beginning in high school and continued to donate throughout her life.
After college, Gabrielle spent 10 months with AmeriCorps. While in this program, she volunteered for thousands of hours in communities across the United States which included time in St. Bernard Parish, LA helping to clean up after Hurricane Katrina.
Gabrielle joined the Army to become a social worker and further her career. One of her many gifts was being a light to others who were going through a dark time in their lives. She considered it an honor to serve our nation’s Soldiers and help them through difficult times. During her distinguished career as a behavioral health officer, Gabrielle served our country with Delta Company, 187th Detachment, Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Womack Army Community Hospital; Headquarters, Combat Aviation Brigade (BSB), 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC; and finally, at the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, Ft. Carson, CO. During Gabrielle’s time with the 64th BSB she was forward deployed to Kuwait for a period of nine months.
Gabrielle received the following awards & decorations during her service: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and The Army Service Ribbon.
Faith and family were the two most important parts of Gabrielle’s life. She is survived by her sons; Ryan and Connor, her loving husband, Jon & their 2 dogs; Hudson & Penny. She is also survived by her parents; William and Angela Ruska of Gardiner; her sisters Patricia Ruska (Jodie Sclafani) of Poughkeepsie, Stephanie Pfeffer (Scotty Pfeffer) of Wallkill and Colleen Moultry (Jermaine Moultry) of Savannah, GA as well as her nieces and nephews.
Giving to others was her love language. Although her passing was unexpected, we take comfort in knowing that Gabrielle continued to give selflessly even after she took her last breath. As an organ donor, she will give life and a second chance to many people around the world. We would like to encourage everyone to consider signing up for organ donation when renewing their driver’s license.
During her time in the Army, Gabrielle volunteered with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.), and their “Good Grief” camp as a mental health provider and a mentor. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made in her name to T.A.P.S.
Friends may call on Wednesday, June 29th from 4-7 p.m. at Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York.
The next day, Thursday, June 30th, the family will leave from Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home at 11 a.m. and a chapel service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.
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