Hubert pops smoke after 21 years

Story by Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs

1st Sgt. Robert Hubert recently retired after 21 years of service to the state and nation.

A native of Albuquerque, Hubert joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school in South Dakota. He served all three years (1999-2002) of his active duty as an Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Accordingly, he holds the U.S. Army parachutist badge and the German Armed Forces parachutist badge (in bronze).

Hubert joined the New Mexico Army National Guard before separating from active duty. He was initially assigned to 4th Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery, but later transferred to the 126th Military Police Company.

Hubert qualified in Military Police and deployed with the 126th to Iraq from 2005 to 2006.

“I learned the value of teamwork, how to effectively work and communicate as a team for the betterment of the people in our host nation,” Hubert said. “I believe in our mission and what we were there to accomplish—to root out tyranny and oppression from a regime and to give back a democratic system to the people of Iraq to make their lives safer.”

Hubert earned a Bronze Star medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, and the Combat Action Badge during his tour of duty in Iraq.

Military service is a family tradition for Hubert. He had a great uncle who served in World War II with the British Royal Air Force and a grandfather in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hubert’s father served in the U.S. Navy, his stepfather served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and he had an aunt and uncle who both served in the U.S. Army.

“I enjoyed the challenge that the military brought, being able to push myself and accomplish things I could not have imagined I could do,” Hubert said of his own service.

As he progressed through the ranks, Hubert served as a team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, instructor, training NCO, readiness NCO, operations NCO, and state quota source (schools) manager. His favorite assignment was being the first sergeant of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry.

“This duty assignment (1SG) taught me more about myself and my capabilities,” Hubert said. “It gave me the ability to help and take care of Soldiers.”

Through it all, Hubert made time to complete a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies through American Military University.

Mentors played a key role in Hubert’s career. He said that he sought out some leaders for active mentorship while quietly observing others to learn from their examples.

“Some of the most prominent mentors in my career were Col. Steven Garcia, Command Sgt. Maj. William Griego, CSM Rudy Checkley, CSM Matt Aragon, and CSM Kenny Adair,” Hubert said.

“They were always—and still are even to this day—supportive of me and my objectives, always willing to lend an ear and great friends whom I am lucky to have had to privilege and honor of serving with.”

Having retired from the Active Guard Reserve program, Hubert will now work as a Junior ROTC instructor at Mesquite High School near Dallas, Texas. He sees this as a continuation of service and a chance to groom future leaders.

Hubert has straightforward advice for young leaders, which includes caring for those whom they lead.

“Never be afraid of listening and instilling ideas from your subordinates,” he said. “Some of the best ideas come from those you’re in charge of. Listen to them and build a cohesiveness throughout your ranks.”

Hubert plans to spend more time with his wife Mindy and daughters Mia and Kylie as they explore their new home state of Texas. He readily acknowledges their support and sacrifices during his military career.

“With knowing how hard it can be to deal with all the stressors while serving, none can compare to that of a military spouse,” Hubert said. “My daughters have been tremendously supportive of my career as well.”

Hubert also said that he is looking forward to playing more golf and taking his family on more camping trips.

Leaving, however, will not be easy.

“I will miss the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Mexico National Guard the most,” Hubert said. “The relationships and the strong bonds that are built will last a lifetime.”