Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr. Departs for Saudi Arabia Assignment

Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr., a veteran of nearly 40 years, is set to embark on a 12-month deployment to Saudi Arabia as the new director of operations for U.S. Central Command. His dedication to military service, familial support, and commitment to maintaining regional stability reflect the broader responsibilities of U.S. forces abroad.

Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr., a native of McDowell County, is transitioning to a new role. Currently stationed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., Baird has dedicated nearly 40 years to military service, including 22 years away from his family. His new assignment as the director of operations (Forward) for U.S. Central Command will see him heading to Saudi Arabia for a 12-month deployment.

Before this assignment, Baird completed a nine-month deployment in Poland as the deputy commanding general (Europe) for the 82nd Airborne Division, while also facilitating Security Assistance for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of duty in military service, stating, “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.”

Baird finds motivation in his family, particularly his wife, Leslie, who encourages him to continue serving. He shared, “Her favorite line to me is, ‘You still have more in the tank, we can do this.'” As he prepares for his upcoming move, Baird expressed his regret about not being home long enough to address damage from Hurricane Helene but affirmed, “Leslie says she and it will be here when I return.”

The regional responsibilities of U.S. Central Command encompass over 4 million square miles and include interactions with diverse populations of over 560 million individuals. The mission focuses on coordination in military operations with allies from 21 nations to strengthen regional security and uphold U.S. interests across the Middle East and Central and South Asia.

Baird highlighted the critical nature of his mission, reflecting on the challenges America faces in maintaining its security. “The importance of regional stability has never been more important in foreign lands,” he noted. He expressed hope that his sons, who are also Army officers, would not have to serve in hostile territories, stating, “I’ll do this now, so they may never have to.”

Reflecting on his past experience in the desert, Baird humorously noted the weather difference as he prepares for deployment. He will be leading a team that integrates service members from all branches of the military, including the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Space Force, and Army.

Brig. Gen. Jerry Baird Jr.’s forthcoming assignment to Saudi Arabia marks a continuation of his extensive military career. With a solid commitment to serve, family support, and an understanding of the importance of regional stability, his leadership is poised to impact U.S. interests in a strategically important area. Baird’s personal reflections further underscore the dedication that military families uphold during service.

Original Source: mcdowellnews.com