Haberreiter has been assigned to be Chief of the Strategy Branch at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. New Mexico National Guard leaders and Soldiers in the 1-200th recognized Haberreiter with a Meritorious Service Medal, a commemorative display of his achievements, and a homemade gift for his time and service to the battalion and his fellow Soldiers. Haberreiter will be remembered for leading the battalion in its first regular live fire exercises. “[Haberreiter] is a good and intelligent guy,” said Hughes, “calm, really good decision maker, [and] he takes mentorship naturally. He’s the ultimate quiet professional.” Enlisting as an armored cavalry scout in 1988, Haberreiter received his commission as an infantry officer in 1995. Haberreiter held various command and staff positions before becoming the commander of the 1-200th. As commander, Haberreiter took part in planning and executing the battalion’s largest training exercise to date at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. Holding bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Education and having completed several military schools, including the Basic and Advanced Infantry Officer Courses, Advanced Operations Course, and the Basic Strategic Arts Program, Haberreiter believes that Soldiers should get as much education possible. “I would ask the Soldiers to get all the education and experience they can,” Haberreiter said. “[Soldiers should] make the most of their Army careers.” With over 20 years of experience, Hughes believes that making people feel valued and challenged provides a sense of direction, allowing the organization and its members to become self-sufficient. Hughes expects the Soldiers of the 1-200th to maintain a high level of physical fitness, participate in meaningful, realistic, and combat-focused training, and to be proud of not only their unit and state, but their Army and country as well. “I don’t know where it will take me,” said Hughes, “but I hope my work here contributes to the success of the 1-200th and the New Mexico Army National Guard.” “I expect the next commander to build on the collective readiness we achieved,” Haberreiter said. “During my command, we did the first squad live fire and platoon live fire exercises. He (Hughes) will now make those part of the normal training cycle.” “You are Soldiers in the most dominant military force that history has seen,” said Hughes to the Soldiers assembled. “Go out there and work hard, uphold [your] integrity, and have fun.”
