Ruby Carlisle-Thomas

Ruby Carlisle-Thomas is a minister, mentor, trailblazer, author and a proud veteran of the United States Army.

Ms. Carlisle-Thomas was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and came to Yonkers as an infant. She attended Yonkers Public Schools and graduated from High School in 1974. She has always had a strong sense of patriotism, which led her to join the United States Army in April 1977, immediately following her graduation from Elizabeth Seton College in 1976.

Ms. Thomas trained as a Morse Code Operator at Fort Davens, Massachusetts and then was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland from 1978-1981 where she was placed at the National Security Agency. Due to her strong work ethic, skill set, and expertise, Ms. Carlisle-Thomas was promoted to Sergeant in 1980 and received the Good Conduct Medal. The AGCM (Army Good Conduct Medal) is awarded to those who are of exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service.

Ms. Carlisle-Thomas’s bravery and service continued as she re-enlisted and was sent to Augsburg, West Germany, a tour that she completed in 1985 and then went right into the Randy Reserves for an additional three years. Her knowledge and expertise was noted and utilized often by the Army, as they would send her on special assignments, one of them being Japan in 1986 for a number of days. She completed her service in 1988 though one could say she never stopped serving as she works with communities and specifically Veterans on their experiences and spirituality following their service.

Ms. Carlisle-Thomas was part of the Veterans Ministry at her church and ran a prison ministry for 16-18 year-old males. In addition, she coordinated community-wide events for those less fortunate.

The COVID-19 crisis didn’t stop Ms. Carlisle-Thomas as she continued to volunteer her services and was an integral part of the Yonkers community effort in feeding individuals in need.

Ms. Carlisle-Thomas married the love of her life, Ben, and together they have one daughter, Kendra, who lives with her husband and their child, in Richmond, Va.

We are extraordinarily proud of Ms. Carlisle-Thomas’ service in the Army and her continued service to Veterans as they adjust to life outside of the Service and we thank her for her continued commitment to her country and those who served it.