Captain Russel B. Rippetoe was killed in Iraq on April 3rd, 2003 by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

He was an alumni of the Army ROTC Program at Metro State, and in honor of his memory the Russel B. Rippetoe foundation was created. Each year, the Russel B. Rippetoe foundation awards the Rippetoe Saber Award and Scholarship to an outstanding senior army cadet, who has performed admirably through the four years of his officer training.