Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr., a McDowell County native, is preparing for a 12-month assignment in Saudi Arabia as the Director of Operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command. With 38 years of military service, Baird has emphasized leadership amid personal sacrifices, expressing gratitude for his family’s support and the importance of maintaining regional stability.
Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr., a native of McDowell County and raised in Nebo, has dedicated nearly four decades to military service. Currently assigned to the Pentagon, he is preparing for a new role as the Director of Operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command in Saudi Arabia. Baird’s extensive career includes over 22 years spent away from family, reflecting a commitment to serving his country.
Baird most recently served in Poland as the Deputy Commanding General (Europe) for the 82nd Airborne Division and concurrently as the Deputy Commanding General (Forward) of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine. His upcoming assignment in Saudi Arabia will last for 12 months, following a nine-month deployment in Europe.
In his own words, Baird stated, “It has been an honor to serve this great nation. No military officer should ever pin on the star of a general to say no. When our nation’s leaders ask us to go, we go.” He emphasizes the importance of resilience and leadership, noting, “My soldiers do not have the luxury to quit when it gets hard, and the Army is hard. So as a leader, how can I quit when things get a little uncomfortable for me?”
Baird is proud that his two sons serve in the Army and expresses his commitment to setting an example for them, avoiding easier assignments. He credits his wife, Leslie, for her unwavering support, saying, “She is why I am still in uniform. It is she who pushes me to achieve more.” With her encouragement, he feels ready to take on this significant new role.
As he prepares for his assignment, Baird reflects on the challenges he has faced. Despite feeling guilty for not addressing storm damage at home, he trusts his wife to manage until his return. He acknowledges the vital mission of Central Command, which operates over a vast area of 4 million square miles and represents a diverse population of over 560 million people from multiple ethnicities and religions.
U.S. Central Command works with 21 allied nations to enhance regional security and stability, emphasizing the importance of peace within the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and surrounding strategic waterways. Baird recognizes, “The importance of regional stability has never been more important in foreign lands,” reinforcing his commitment to maintaining peace for future generations.
Anticipating his return to the desert, he humorously notes that the climate will be significantly warmer than his recent experiences in Poland. During his command, Baird will lead service members from all branches, including the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Space Force, and Army.
Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr. is a dedicated military leader embarking on a new assignment in Saudi Arabia, reflecting his commitment to service amidst personal sacrifices. His insights into leadership, regional security, and family support underscore the values he upholds as he prepares to lead U.S. Central Command operations. Baird’s experiences illuminate the significance of maintaining stability in a complex and diverse region, while setting a positive example for his sons and others in the military.
Original Source: mcdowellnews.com
