Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr. Commits to New Mission in Saudi Arabia
Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr., a McDowell County native, will be assigned to Saudi Arabia as the new director of operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command after nearly 38 years of service. He emphasizes leadership and resilience, drawing support from his family. His new role involves overseeing military operations across a vast and strategically important region, highlighting the importance of maintaining regional stability.
Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr., a native of McDowell County and a Nebo resident, is embarking on a new assignment to Saudi Arabia as the director of operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command. With nearly 38 years of military service, he has spent over 22 years away from his family, serving primarily in the Army and Army National Guard as an active-duty officer. His previous role included a nine-month deployment in Poland as the deputy commanding general for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Set to leave this spring, General Baird will serve for 12 months in Saudi Arabia, following his extensive military career. In reflecting on his service, he remarked, “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.” Baird emphasizes the importance of resilience in leadership, stating, “My soldiers do not have the luxury to quit when it gets hard.”
General Baird expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Leslie, who motivates him to continue his service. He mentioned, “Her favorite line to me is, ‘You still have more in the tank, we can do this.’” He noted his regret about not having enough time at home to address damage caused by Hurricane Helene but affirmed that Leslie is helpful and supportive during his absences.
The U.S. Central Command’s mission involves coordinating military operations to enhance regional security across an area encompassing over 4 million square miles and 560 million people. Baird’s responsibilities will include countries such as Israel, Afghanistan, and Iraq, among others that fall within the strategic U.S. interests.
He highlighted the significance of these missions in maintaining stability in foreign lands and stated, “We live in an amazing nation, secure and prosperous more than most can imagine.” Moreover, Baird expressed a desire for his sons, also Army officers, to avoid deployment under combat conditions, saying, “I’ll do this now, so they may never have to.” His return to the desert is accompanied by a practical mindset as he prepares for the hotter climate compared to his recent experiences in Poland, mentioning, “I am packing accordingly.”
General Baird will lead service members from all sectors of the military, including the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Space Force, and Army, in this pivotal role.
The appointment of Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr. to lead operations in Saudi Arabia underscores his dedication to military service and the strategic objectives of U.S. Central Command. His commitment to resilience, his family’s support, and understanding the imperative for regional stability reflect the responsibilities facing military leaders today. As he embarks on this significant assignment, General Baird’s reflections provide insight into the challenges and motivations inherent in military service.
Original Source: mcdowellnews.com
