Knowledgeable and truly inspiring educator.
Robert Haebel earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Chester State Teachers College in 1951, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico in 1967, and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1971. From August 1964 to July 1967, he served as Marine Officer Instructor for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) unit at the University of New Mexico. His role involved leading field exercises and contributing to the training of naval reserve officers as a Major and later Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps.
Haebel's distinguished 42-year career in the Marine Corps culminated in his retirement as a Major General in 1987, with his final assignment as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He enlisted in June 1945, advanced to sergeant, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Throughout his service, he held positions including platoon commander, company commander, operations officer, battalion commander, plans officer, assistant chief of staff G-3, commanding officer, and commanding general in locations such as the Republic of Korea, Republic of Vietnam, Okinawa, Japan, Taiwan, San Francisco, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California. He commanded the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island and the 3rd Marine Division, earning decorations for combat service in the Korean War and Vietnam War. His major awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and gold star; Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Purple Heart Medal with gold star; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation Cross of Gallantry with Frame; United Nations Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. After retirement, Haebel worked with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, facilitating updates and openings of public health centers.
