About Chris

Chris Ruggles was born and raised in a hard working family from Eastern Jackson County. He is an Eagle Scout and after graduation from Fort Osage High School in 2001, he went on to serve his country. Chris proudly served as a Sonar Technician and Search and Rescue Swimmer in the U.S. Navy from 2001 to 2004.

Chris distinguished himself from his colleagues by constantly going above and beyond the call of duty, which earned him quick promotion and several medals in the process. However, in 2003 Chris suffered a life-threatening accident while serving overseas that permanently paralyzed his right arm and partially disabled his left. After six months in the hospital, Chris was put on disability and honorably discharged from the Navy.

Following his discharge, Chris re-evaluated his career opportunities and decided the best route to success was to start college. However, with tuition fees high, he spent his first two years earning an associate’s degree from Kansas City’s Metropolitan Community College. While in school, Chris helped organize and set up the Blue River Political Coalition. As vice president of the club, he was responsible for raising money and awarding scholarships to hard-working single parents. Chris is dedicated to helping those in need and continues to help the less fortunate.

Upon graduation from MCC, he began school at the University of Central Missouri, pursing a degree in Political Science. He currently serves as Vice President of Public Relations for the Political Science Student’s Association. Chris is also a member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the NRA, and attends services at Crown Point Church and East Side Baptist with his family.

Although Chris is disabled and only has use of one arm, his ingenuity and determination have enabled him to live a fairly normal life. He continues to fish, hunt, shoot archery, and scuba dive, all with only the use of one hand.