Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Staff Sergeant Glenn Terry Shubert, U.S. Army (Retired), served twenty-eight years in the military, with fourteen and a half of those years overseas.
Drafted in May 1965, Shubert initially served two years in Germany. Reflecting on that period, he says, “It got into my blood. After Germany, I was out for two and a half years. I couldn’t figure out whether I needed to go back into the military or what, but I do know one thing: I was miserable.”
Shubert returned to active duty, completing his initial physical in Montgomery, Alabama, before heading to Korea. There, he served in the 2nd Infantry Division as a cavalry scout, with his unit conducting DMZ patrols. After thirteen months, he received orders for Fort Ord, California, where he became a Senior Infantry Instructor, teaching land navigation.
“I had just come back from overseas, and I needed some time to unwind before I went overseas again, so they offered me an instructor position,” he says. “I instructed basic trainees, advanced trainees, ROTC, and West Point cadets on land navigation—essentially, map reading. They would come out for two-week camps during the summer. I did this for a couple of years before I had orders to leave.”
Over the years, Shubert was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; back in Germany; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Alaska. While in Alaska, he served with the 172nd Infantry Brigade as a cavalry scout. He spent a significant part of his career in Alaska, completing three tours at Forts Wainwright and Richardson, and both his daughters were born there.
Shubert’s career included an extensive military education at seven military schools, including noncommissioned officer (NCO) academies in Alaska and Germany. He was awarded several letters of commendation and appreciation, and numerous other honors, his highest being the Army Commendation Medal. His additional awards include five Good Conduct Medals, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the M16 Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, M1911 45-caliber pistol Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Pistol Bar, and M60 Machine Gun Marksman Badge.
“I always did the best I could under the circumstances, though at times it was very trying,” he says. “When I was in Korea, there were a lot of nights I would be sleeping outside during the monsoon season. During that time, it rained for about nine consecutive weeks, and I’d be lying in my tent, thinking, ‘I’d give a $100 bill for a warm bed right now.’ But it wasn’t to be at the time, and the good Lord let me make it through it.” He adds, “All in all, I had a pretty rounded military career, which I’m very proud of, and I’ve got the credentials to back it up. I would do it all again.”
After 28 years, Shubert retired and returned to Jasper. Yet, he never quite lost his passion for service. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he sought to re-enlist, visiting Army and Marine recruiters in hopes of reaching thirty years of service. When that proved unfeasible, he focused on finding new ways to stay active.
Shubert completed nearly two years of schooling at Walker Technical College, now Bevill State Community College, and later worked seven years as a field security officer. Returning to his roots in agriculture, he began working in produce at Walmart in Sumiton, drawing from his upbringing on a farm where he learned to work “the hard way.”
Now 81, Shubert works five days a week in the produce department, one of the store’s most demanding areas. “Growing up, we had to do things the hard way. We raised crops and cattle, and we didn’t have all this machinery,” he says. “But I’ve enjoyed my time at Walmart.”
He values the people who make the job worthwhile, like Gabe Dollar, Jason Elmore, Derrick Freeman, Cassandra Moore, and all other members of Walmart management and associates at Store #2723, saying, “They’re all as good as gold!”
Although he completed his military career more than three decades ago, Shubert looks back on it with pride.
“There have been some ups and downs, just like in everybody’s life. And there will probably be some more before I leave this world, but I have certainly enjoyed my life up to this point. I always say the military is like anything else; it’s what you make it. You can make it easier on yourself, or you can make it rough, but I take pride in my country. I served under Old Glory for 28 years, and I’ll always be thankful and proud of that.” WL