RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service

By Dan Lafontaine, RDECOM Public AffairsApril 28, 2016

RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM officer retires after 28 years of service
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (April 28, 2016) -- The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command honored the 28-year career of Col. Fred Hughes during his retirement ceremony April 28.

Hughes arrived at RDECOM in June 2013 and has served as G3 operations officer; deputy chief of staff; acting chief of staff; and deputy director of Programs, Engineering and Operations.

About 100 Soldiers, Army civilians, family and friends gathered at Myer Auditorium to remember Hughes' service.

"I took pride every day in wearing this uniform, knowing that I represent the highest ideals of our country, the highest ideals of liberty and freedom," he said. "It's also a gentle reminder to all of us of the men and women who are sacrificing on a daily basis to protect those freedoms.

"I ask everyone in the room to please never to forget what you do. Each of you supports the greatest fighting men and women in the world. Your work, efforts and labor are much than a task or a bottom line. It's been my highest honor to serve my nation. It's been a tremendous privilege that will live with me forever. Rangers lead the way! Army Strong!"

Hughes, a native of South Florida, entered military service when he enlisted as an infantryman with the Georgia Army National Guard in 1988. Following his graduation from Georgia Military College in 1990, he received a commission in the infantry. He served in the Florida Army National Guard for two years before entering active duty in 1992. He has held command and staff positions from platoon to division level in infantry and logistics units.

Maj. Gen. John F. Wharton, RDECOM commanding general, commended Hughes for his commitment to mentoring the next generation of Soldiers.

"The work that Fred has done and his accomplishments are going to impact the Army well beyond this retirement day. He's leaving us a legacy that will long outlive his service," Wharton said. "All of his work is in support of the Soldier and ensuring they have decisive overmatch on the battlefield.

"Fred will tell you that the things of real consequence in his career were not his personal accomplishments but those that impacted other Soldiers' lives. He's leaving us a legacy of freedom. You've been an impact player for us. The Army is a much better place because of your service."

Hughes holds a bachelor of arts from Florida State University and a master of arts from Webster University. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, 2007 Canadian Forces NOVA Leadership Award and Legion of Merit.

Hughes is married to Suzanne Julien-Hughes and has two children -- James, 14, and Laura, 11.

-----

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.