Dr. Michael A. “Bo” Cruz, LTC, USA (Ret), age 69, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, peacefully passed away on November 30, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bo was born in Manhattan, New York and raised in the South Bronx. He was the second of four boys of Victor Cruz and Susana (Vargas) Cruz.
Bo attended Our Lady of Victory Grammar School, Cardinal Hayes High School and is a graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx. Bo was not only a man of strength and courage, but a man of wisdom and knowledge. Bo received a Masters of Education from the University of Southern California and his Doctor of Education from Fayetteville State University, North Carolina
Bo’s greatest devotion aside from loving his family was the Military. Bo’s Army career launched when he graduated from Army Ranger School as a Distinguished Honor Graduate. Upon graduation, he remained as a Ranger Instructor with the Training Support Bridge at Fort Benning, Georgia. Bo always had a passion for flying and decided to branch transfer to Aviation. After completing flight school, he was assigned as a Flight Leader (Air Cavalry Squadron) to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) flying the AH-1 Cobra in Fuecht, Germany. He continued to serve with the 2nd ACR when he accepted a position as Tank Troop Commander.
Bo’s next assignment brought him to Fort Bragg, home of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, where he completed the rigorous training to become a Special Forces Green Beret. Bo served as a Special Forces Company Commander with 7th Special Forces Group (A). Bo subsequently served with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta Operator and then the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as a MH-6 Little Bird Pilot.
Bo decided to take a break from active duty and persue a civilian career for about a decade. After September 11, 2001, Bo was recalled to Active-Duty for the National Guard as the Director of Counterterrorism for the state of North Carolina. With prior aviation qualifications, Bo returned to Fort Rucker and completed the AH-64 Apache qualification course for the North Carolina Army National Guard. Bo seized the opportunity again to serve alongside of his Green Beret Brothers. He was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group (A) and deployed to the Afghanistan and Iraq Theater of Operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Bo culminated his career as both the Professor of Military Science at Fayetteville State University, NC and as Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Where he continued to inspire young cadets into strong leaders.
LTC Michael A. “Bo” Cruz’s military career was one filled with pride and honor serving the United States of America, which he held dear to his heart. Bo attended Command and General Staff College, earned the US Special Forces Tab, US Army Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge (2), Expert Infantry Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Special Operations Diver Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Honduran Jumpmaster Parachutist Badge, and the German Armed Forces Parachute Badge Gold. He most certainly was a “Quiet Professional”!
Bo had many honorable accomplishments throughout his life, 2nd Degree Black Belt, Body Building and Weight Lifting Competitor and Eagle Scout, to highlight just a few. One of Bo’s greatest passions was hunting. Bo knew he hit the jackpot and found his soulmate when he married his wife Nicola. His joy of hunting was not only encouraged by Nicola, she became an accomplished hunter herself with guidance and training from her husband. In recent years, Bo also enjoyed being a Shriner. Many a days he could be found at the Al Kaly Shrine Mule Barn grooming his “other love” his mule CB (short for Cola and Bo) and saddling her up for a ride.
Bo is survived by the love of his life Nicola Natale; his daughters Brandy Cruz and Shannon (Benny) Karpus; his mother Susana Cruz; his brother Albert (Eveliz) Cruz; his grandsons Cameron Moore and Samuel Karpus; his nephew Christopher Cruz; his niece Jacqueline Gutierrez; his great-nephews Liam, Manny and Abraham. He is preceded in death by his father Victor Cruz; his brothers Pedro Cruz and Victor Cruz, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 5-8 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 12150 Falcon Highway, Peyton, CO; with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in memory of Michael A. Cruz to:
Green Beret Foundation, 14351 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216 (https://greenberetfoundation.org/donate/ ) or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Bo, we Love you and your absence has left an enormous void within our Hearts. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and we all thank the Lord for blessing us to be a part of your life. We know there was a Chariot with Mules waiting to take you through the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
De Oppresso Liber!
Luis A Diaz Jr., M.D
7 Dec 2021To my brother from a different mother who I was privileged to meet when I was 9 years old and a member of Boy Scout troop 81 in the Bronx. He inspired me to always give 110 % in all of my endeavors. I will miss him, continue him in my prayers and memories. God bless my brother.
Nicola
13 Dec 2021Thank you!
Robert Torrance
1 Jan 2022It was an honor to serve under Bo while I was with K Troop 3/2 ACR in Germany! He was a great and inspiring leader. He’s in all of our hearts and prayers! Toujours Pret! RIP until we meet again at fiddlers green!
Nicola
8 Jan 2022Thank you!
Anonymous
7 Dec 2021Nicola. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers
Nicola
13 Dec 2021Thank you!
Annette Junglas
7 Dec 2021Nicola,
My heart is heavy for you and your family. Those you love don’t go away, they walk beside you everyday… unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Thinking of you.
Nicola
14 Dec 2021Thank you!
Gabe and Minerva Flores
7 Dec 2021Even in death, Bo continues to underscore the need for fellowship and service for causes greater than oneself. RIP Hero! Our condolences to all of his loved ones, especially Nicola and his mama.
Nicola
14 Dec 2021Thank you!
Derrick Dembowski
7 Dec 2021I only met him once but he definitely had a big presence when he walked into a room. He was obvious a man who served and strived hard to be his best. A true one in a million! I’m sure there’s a big hole left behind from his passing. I send my prayers to you and all his family and friends. No doubt, he will be missed. Sorry for your loss!
Nicola
14 Dec 2021Thank you!
Cassie Caraballo
7 Dec 2021He was truly an inspirational leader. I was one of his cadets at UCCS and he was the best and most unforgettable instructor. I have yet to come across a leader of his caliber. He will truly be missed.
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
James Prairie
7 Dec 2021I met LTC Cruz as cadet at UCCS. He was an amazing man. One of his speeches to our cadet battalion is largely the reason I am pursuing my second masters and I tend to be a life long student. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
Salvelia Lugo (Burgos)
7 Dec 2021I am truly sorry for your loss . I went to school , Our Lady of Victory with Michael. May he Rest In Peace.
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
Ray Singmaster
7 Dec 2021It is my honor to have known Bo. He was an exceptional man and will be missed.
Nicola
9 Jan 2022Thank you!
Parrish Witherspoon
7 Dec 2021Rest well Brother, it’s our turn to stand post on the wall. Your wisdom and Knowledge you passed down will be applied daily in your Honor.
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
Joseph J. Zapater
7 Dec 2021My Deepest Condolences and Sympathies to His family and friends. We were classmates at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School class of 1966. I remember Michael winning All the Awards at Gradution in every subject all Ten of them. We will miss Him dearly and His memory will on
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
José A. Quesada
7 Dec 2021Nicola:
I cannot be present for the funeral service, but will be there in spirit. Even though Mike and I saw each other infrequently over the years, there was a brotherly love and mutual respect that lasted a lifetime. I was not aware of all of his accomplishments and feel sad to have discovered them only after his death. He was more special than I even knew. We shared a bond that was formed in our adolescence and no politics or differences of thought could ever change that. I loved him dearly and miss him immensely. Cannot comprehend that he is no longer here with us in body. You have my deepest condolences. José A. Quesada.
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
Daniel Torres
8 Dec 2021Sir – you have been a tremendous source of inspiration and service to our Nation. Thank you for your selfless service, mentorship, and wisdom. You’ve positively impacted so many lives, myself included, and you’ll be deeply missed by so many. May God welcome you and may your legacy live on in all those who came to know you. RIP, Sir.
Til Valhalla.
MAJ Danny Torres, FSU ROTC Class 2009.
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
Chris and Pam Johnston
8 Dec 2021Our deepest condolences to you, Nicola. We are praying for peace and comfort for you during this difficult time. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed tremendously.
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
Duane Whitaker
8 Dec 2021I worked with LTC Michael BO Cruz at Fayetteville Stare University, he was an awesome leader and the Cadets loved how he challenged them to go beyond the standard. Take your refreshment from your labor BO Cruz, I’ll see you on the high ground Sir!
Nicola
20 Dec 2021Thank you!
Anonymous
27 May 2022He definitely challenged us! LTC Cruz was a one of a kind leader and person who knew just what to do and say to pull you up to a higher level— mentally, physically, and spiritually! Missing his leadership still today! Thanks for being an example! Tough act to follow!
-CPT Marlon N. Whitaker, FSU, class of 2012
Nicola
7 Nov 2022Thank You!
Mary Reiss
8 Dec 2021I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and the family always.
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
Buck Cassidy
8 Dec 2021Bo was both a friend and a brother, sincere heart felt condolences to Cola, Shannon, Brandy and all of the family. Bo will be missed but his legacy will live on. Peace be with all. We’ll meet again my brother.
Nicola
8 Jan 2022Thank you!
Orlando and Marie Maez
9 Dec 2021With deep sympathy to you Nicola and family . We are at a loss for words . You are all in our thoughts and prayers . God had a need for a great person . ‘BO’ you will be missed , although we never told you in person . Thank you for your many years of service. Rest In Peace!
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
LD Younts
9 Dec 2021It is my honor to have known you
Rest in peace
LD Younts
Georgetown Kentucky
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
Bart Guthrie
9 Dec 2021Bo was the real deal. I cherish his wisdom, humor, and friendship. I look forward to the day we can again meet for coffee. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Nicola
15 Dec 2021Thank you!
David Linebaugh
9 Dec 2021Bo was a true friend and Brother. Once he offered his hand in friendship is was forever. In my year as Master of our lodge Bo stepped forward when I really needed his help. Has he and four others not done so, the year would have been a dismal failure. That’s the kind of man he was, when he saw a person in need, he stepped forward.
I will miss you Brother, more than words can tell!
Nicola
13 Dec 2021Thank you!
Andy Anderson (Col USAF Ret)
16 Dec 2021Nicola,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I just learned of Bo’s passing. I have been in GA for my sister’s funeral. Bo and I were brother Nobles and brother’s in the service. I was not aware of his distinguished military service. He was such a humble gentleman. May God bless you and your family during your time of grief.
Nicola
8 Jan 2022Thank you!
Thom Knott 3/2 ACR, Killer Troop.
25 Dec 2021Sir, your leadership inspired soldiers to give their all and they would follow you into hell and back with smiles on their faces. Some of us have waited and other yet to join you at Fiddlers Green. Sincere Condolences to your family for a great loss, he was one in a million.
Nicola
9 Jan 2022Thank you!
Rafael Rivera
25 Dec 2021Best Troop Commander Ever! He changed our Tanker riding leisured life into a hard charging dismounted tankers!! We all thought that we just joined the green berets when he came aboard!! We loved the man. Proud to have served under him! What an accomplished life!!
Nicola
16 Jan 2022Thank You!
Stewart Smith
26 Dec 2021Rest in Peace Mike
Nicola
9 Jan 2022Thank you!
Sgt. Richard Spell 2nd Cavalry
26 Dec 2021Alas, my brother…
We honor a life well lived and remember a just and upright man and Mason. May God’s blessings remain with you all.
Nicola
9 Jan 2022Thank you!
Ryan Runyan
27 Dec 2021I still remember his troops would yell K****r as he walked around Amberg. Hey Al, text me as Sharon and I were just talking about you guys. Your brother was badass. Ryan Runyan.
Ranger Al
18 Jul 2022Ryan Thank you for for your kind words. My contact number 540-273-8115
Brian Judy
27 Dec 2021Sorry to hear this news, I met him as Captain Cruz when I first arrived in Germany and was assigned to K-Troop, the unit he was in command of at that time, he was just getting ready to be re-staitioned so I didn’t know him long but heard a lot about him from the other guys there, he was highly respected by everyone, RIP sir and Toujours Pret!
Nicola
8 Jan 2022Thank you!
Pete Johnson S2, 3/2 ACR and 5/19 SFGA
22 Jan 2022The Second Cav Regiment newsletter arrived today with this sad news. This is being written with a heavy heart. Mike cut such a swath through this world; it’s impossible to calculate the positive ripples upon ripples that he so happily sent out with his thoughtful actions. His kindness and wisdom made me a much better person and permanently put me on a better trajectory of life. Mike was a rare man and lives forever in all our memories. My deepest condolences to his family during this time of grief.
Nicola
28 Jan 2022Thank You!
Bill Garcia
31 Aug 2022Over the last few decades I have searched high and low for Mike Cruz. With great sadness today I found him through this remembrance. We were in Scheeinfurt Germany together. I was a young enlisted man from the streets of Los Angeles. I had no father or older brother. He filled those shoes. Martialarts brought us together. He was a fresh second lieutenant. This man was special and we had a kindred spirit. We were on a German karate team. We did many competitions together. To me he became my mentor and the older brother I never had. We would do the long Volks marches in the black Forrest. He made a profound impact on my life. I wanted to be like Mike throughout my life. I went on to do well. I thank him for his example and for believing in me. May you Rest In Peace my brother. From your brother from the other coast.
Anonymous
7 Nov 2022Thank You!
Nicola
7 Nov 2022Thank You!
Ryan Derrick
3 Nov 2022LTC Cruz was my instructor at UCCS. I’ve never met someone so intense. His list of accomplishments in the military is so extensive it doesn’t seem possible until you met the man. Some of my first military training was dive school themed training led by LTC Cruz. I’ve never seen someone so eager to jump in cold water at 4:30am. When he spoke, you listened- I’ll never forget our conversations. He taught me to focus 100% on the task at hand, to be a lifelong student, that anything was possible if you commit enough.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Nicola
7 Nov 2022Thank You!
Harry LaFevers
14 Jan 2023Sorry for your loss. Mike and I were in the same Special Forces Officer Qualification Course at Ft. Bragg, NC in 1985. Subsequently he was my Company Commander while assigned to 7th SFGA. We did several missions in Central America in 1986. RLTW, AATW, De Oppresso Liber, RIP.
Harry S. LaFevers
Major, US Army
Special Forces (Retired)
Anonymous
6 Jul 2023Thank You!
Do you happen to have any photos from those days?
Nicola
Roger Ketterman
28 Dec 2023Here it is over two years later. I’m just now hearing about your passing. You were in my life for a brief time. However you made a huge impact on my life. Mike you are truely missed. You will always be remembered as my dear friend. Love you . Your friend
Roger Ketterman
Myrtle Beach SC
Anonymous
2 Feb 2024Thank you!
Nicola