Former Soldier’s Unraveling Journey Through Federal Employment

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After two-and-a-half years of service overseas, A.J. Ruggieri returned to the U.S. only to face unforeseen challenges in his new federal job. The former soldier, who recently transitioned from the U.S. Army, found himself navigating unexpected turmoil in the federal employment landscape.

Upon returning home in October, Ruggieri was welcomed by family who expressed how much he was missed. Shortly afterward, he secured a position as the state public affairs specialist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Champaign. Excited to leverage his extensive experience, he began his role on December 1, 2024.

“I was happy to do so, as there was a lot of work to be done,” he said. Ruggieri’s previous work alongside federal agencies, including the Department of State and USAID in Africa, led him to believe he could contribute significantly to his new office.

However, in January 2025, a shocking email arrived from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) introducing a deferred-resignation program that prompted many federal employees, including Ruggieri, to reconsider their future. By April, Ruggieri was informed of his termination during the probationary period. The reason cited was that his performance was deemed not to be in the public interest.

“I was in shock,” he recalled. “My supervisor was not consulted about my performance; she didn’t even know this had occurred.” Ruggieri affirmed that he had not received any formal performance evaluation during his short time in the role.

On February 14, just as he prepared to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his wife, who was recovering from illness, Ruggieri received the email announcing his termination. “I had the shock of finding my employment had been revoked just a day after I accepted the terms of the resignation program,” he said.

With growing concerns about his family’s financial stability, especially with a sick wife and children to care for, he was left without health insurance or clarity on his future. “How were we going to pay for prescriptions? How was I supposed to find a new job while managing all these responsibilities?” he questioned.

Ruggieri’s termination reflects a larger issue within federal employment systems as workers grapple with bureaucratic shifts and the ramifications of new policies enacted during the recent administration change. Many former federal employees echo his sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of communication and support.

“This situation feels like an intentional oversight that disregards the human element of public service,” he remarked. “It is not just about efficiency; it’s about people who dedicate their lives to serve.”

As Ruggieri cleans out his office and turns in his government ID, he reflects on the twists his life has taken since his military service and questions the future of what he once believed was a stable government career. “I find myself asking, is America great again?” he pondered. “I guess I really don’t know.”

Ruggieri, now without a job and navigating the unexpected challenges of unemployment, hopes to find clarity and support as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.