Troy resident promoted to master sergeant in New York Army National Guard

Latham, NY (05/06/2022) — Troy resident Brooke Albert received a promotion to the rank of master sergeant in the New York Army National Guard during a ceremony held at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on May 6, 2022.

She was promoted to her new rank by Major General Michel Natali, the Assistant Adjutant General of New York, and her father, retired Master Sergeant John Leavitt.

"Today is a great day for the New York Army National Guard and the Army," Natali said, "But a better day for the Albert and Leavitt families."

Albert, who serves as the Senior Human Resources Administrative Readiness NCO for the Headquarters Detachment of the New York Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Latham, is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan who has served in the Army National Guard since 2006.

With this promotion to master sergeant, Albert will move to a new responsibility as the senior military personnel sergeant for the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade Headquarters, also based in Latham.

"In her future role, Albert will be responsible for the personnel readiness of hundreds of Soldiers across the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade," Natali said. "This promotion is truly recognition of your future potential in providing Soldier care and support to our New York Army National Guard."

Albert was joined by her step daughter, Nicole Albert, to pin on her new rank and her sister, New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Heather Ruter to place her new shoulder sleeve insignia for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on her uniform.

"Its wonderful to see so many faces in the audience that have guided me throughout my career," Albert said. "Without the support from you, I would not be standing here today accepting this promotion. Thank you."

"Last and certainly not least, thank you to my wonderful friends and family. It means more than anything to me that you were able to be here today," she said.

Albert has served as a full-time Army National Guard Personnel Services Sergeant since 2006 as part of the Active Guard and Reserve Program.

She served in role of increasing responsibility in the personnel management career field across the Joint Force Headquarters, with positions related to personnel services, retirement point accountability, information technology, retirement services and medical personnel readiness.

She deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan with the 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups as the personnel readiness sergeant.

Albert holds an associate degree in Music Business and Voice from Schenectady Community College and a bachelor's degree in Business management & Technology form Excelsior College.

Her awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, fifth award, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, Army Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral four device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Achievement award and the Combat Action Badge.

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