Colonel Bruce Arrington (Retired) is the CEO and President of Ruth’s Education and Relief Services (RERS) Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 Service Organization focused on Education improvement and Disaster Relief Support. As a youngster, I spent countless hours and precious time with my grandparents, who resided in Jones County (Mount Olive Community) and served as educators and passionate leaders for their community for over 50 years. With both of my parents also being born and raised in Jones County, I developed a strong desire to continue serving and supporting the residents of Laurel, Mississippi, and Jones County Pine Belt region.

After my graduation from Grambling State University and achieving my MBA degree from Webster University, I embarked on an exciting 26-year military career in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer and as a Nuclear Missile Launch Officer. During my military career, I had the pleasure of living and learning in over 20 countries abroad, which further heightened and strengthened my passion for Community Service. Upon completion of my rewarding military career, I chose to work in the following areas due to my passion for helping others: High School AFJROTC Professor (Maryland); Critical Infrastructure Protection Director (US Embassy Saudi Arabia), US Agency for International Development Intelligence Director (Washington DC) and currently CEO, Arlandus and Arlandus Consulting Company specializing in Operations Management.

Sustained educational development of our youth and disaster preparedness have been my passions for many years and consume much of the discussion with my own three kids and close associates. My early passion was formed during my 1-year tour with the United Nations while serving in the West African nation of Liberia as the Director of Civil-Military Coordination, serving over 3 million mostly marginalized citizens. Conversely, as the Operation Center Director for a National Federal Agency, I also led and managed a worldwide mission on behalf of the White House to provide timely updates for disasters as well as potential threats facing the United States and our allies. Prior to this executive opportunity, I was also competitively selected to lead and manage two other Operation Centers with a similar challenging mission.

With the help of my Foundation's trusted volunteers, I aim to improve the quality of education for our youth and reduce the burden on our tremendous teachers and school staff in the Pine Belt region. The kids are our future, and they deserve nothing but the best. Utilizing my varied background and available resources, we will work diligently and tirelessly to provide timely supplies to Laurel, Mississippi, and Jones County's most urgent citizens during times of unimaginable disasters facing our community.

My family and I reside in Jones County a great deal and want to ensure the best for each of us. We would like for each willing and enthusiastic person to consider joining our organization and being an active member. Each Ruth’s Education and Relief Services (RERS) volunteer will allow us to support the Pine Belt region more effectively and efficiently to achieve our vision.