Ruben A. Cubero

Ruben A. Cubero (born December 17, 1939) is a retired brigadier general of the United States Air Force who became the first Hispanic graduate of the United States Air Force Academy to be named dean of the faculty of the Air Force Academy.

Early years During the 1930s, Puerto Rico's economic situation suffered because of the Great Depression and many of the islanders moved to the northeastern coast of the United States in search of jobs. Cubero's parents, who were from the towns of Isabela and Camuy, were among the many Puerto Ricans who moved to New York City seeking a better life. Cubero's parents settled down in the Bronx borough of the city where he was born. Cubero went to school in the city's public school system receiving his primary education at P.S. (public school). His family moved to Queens, New York, when he was a teenager and he continued his education at Xavier High School, a Jesuit institution in Manhattan. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Jr ROTC unit and was an All-City guard on the football team despite his light weight. Cubero graduated from high school in 1957.

Military career Cubero entered the United States Air Force in 1957 and was accepted into the Air Force Academy. During his time at the Academy, he was a starting guard on the football team and won many honors. He was the lightest starting lineman in major college football at the time. On June 7, 1961, Cubero graduated from the third graduating class of the Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant. < Vietnam War

Cubero was sent to the Republic of Vietnam in May 1969 and was assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Tay Ninh West where he flew an OV-10 and served as a forward air controller supporting the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. In November 1969, he was reassigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (standards and evaluation), at Bien Hoa Air Base.

Awards and recognition Among Cubero's decorations and medals were the following:

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