Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr. Heads to Saudi Arabia for New Assignment

Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr. of McDowell County is assigned to Saudi Arabia for 12 months as director of operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command. A dedicated leader with nearly 38 years of service, he emphasizes the importance of family and regional stability. His mission encompasses a vast area with a complex demographic landscape.

U.S. Army Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr., a native of McDowell County, is currently stationed at the Pentagon. With nearly 38 years of military service, he has dedicated over 22 years away from his family, fulfilling various roles in the Army and Army National Guard. His most recent assignment involves a 12-month deployment to Saudi Arabia as the new director of operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command.

Having just completed a nine-month tour in Poland as deputy commanding general (Europe) for the 82nd Airborne Division, General Baird emphasizes his commitment to service. He shared, “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. My logic has always been, 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?”

General Baird highlighted the inspiration he receives from his wife, Leslie, stating that her support motivates him to remain in uniform. He noted, “The best part is I have an amazing wife, Leslie, who frankly is why I am still in uniform. It is she who pushes me to achieve more. Her favorite line to me is, ‘You still have more in the tank, we can do this.'” He acknowledged the challenges of being away from home and the sense of unfinished repairs due to Hurricane Helene, but expressed faith in Leslie’s strength.

His upcoming role at Central Command encompasses an area of responsibility exceeding four million square miles, serving over 560 million people across 25 ethnic groups. The mission entails directing military operations alongside allies and partners from 21 nations to enhance regional security within the Middle East, Central, and South Asia. Nations within his oversight include Israel, Afghanistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and several others.

Reflecting on the importance of his mission, General Baird remarked, “We live in an amazing nation, secure and prosperous more than most can imagine, but with advances in technology, our moats (the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) have never been smaller. The importance of regional stability has never been more important in foreign lands.” He aspires for his sons, who also serve as Army officers, to avoid the need for military intervention in these regions.

As he prepares for his assignment in Saudi Arabia, General Baird anticipates adjustments for the climate, humorously recalling his past experiences in the desert. He will be collaborating with service members from all branches, including the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Space Force, and Army.

In summary, Brigadier General Jerry Baird Jr. exemplifies dedication to military service with impending deployment to Saudi Arabia. His commitment to family, leadership, and regional stability underscores the critical role of U.S. Central Command. Baird’s remarks reflect a deep understanding of both national security and personal sacrifice, hoping to pave a path for future generations to serve without conflict.

Original Source: mcdowellnews.com