JJ Cruz, 58, is married with two adult kids and four grandchildren.
Since 1997, JJ has made Barnwell County his home. A retired South Carolina State Trooper who served for twenty-one years and retired from the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 2011. His service included tactical supervisory and leadership positions in Allendale, Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg and Hampton Counties.
Retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant (E8) with a total of twenty-six years active duty and reserve. He served two tours in Iraq as a Brigade Non Commissioned Officer in Charge. He was injured in Iraq and was put in a recovery program for 18 months. He received the Bronze Star Medal for leadership duties served in Combat.
Since August 18, 2015, a business owner in Barnwell, SC with certifications as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone). Bronze Star LLC provides industrial and medical supplies to federal, state and local government agencies.
Charity and Non-Profit affiliations include Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Wounded Warriors Project. In 2015, served as Master of Blackville Lodge# 63 in Blackville, SC. In 2020, served as Potentate (President), of Omar Shrine Center in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Currently, a Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
As JJ defended the flag of our country, the Constitution of our great State and Nation, he will serve, protect, and defend the Citizens of Barnwell County.
Favorite past time is spending time with Family, Friends and Gamecock Football.