Tom Baird's Biography

   Tom Baird’s achievements began in 1957 with his appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point.  After graduating from West Point, he served this nation with a highly distinguished 20 year military career. 

   Prior to graduating from West Point in 1961, Tom accepted a commission in the Infantry.  After graduating from the Infantry Officer School, the Ranger School and the Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA,  Tom’s assignments included: Ft. Bragg, NC with the 82^nd Airborne Division; Okinawa and Vietnam with the 1^st Special Forces Group; Vietnam with the 173d Airborne Brigade; Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC while recuperating from wounds in Vietnam; Oslo, Norway with the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG); Vietnam with  the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) ; Fort Leavenworth as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC); Ft. Polk, LA where he activated and commanded a Mechanized Battalion in the 5^th Mechanized Division and Fort Monroe, Virginia with The training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

   As stated above, Tom served three tours in Viet Nam: (1) with the Special Forces (64-65); (2) with the 173d Airborne Brigade (67) and (3) with MACV (70-71).  He is particularly proud of having the opportunity to command American soldiers in combat. Author Edward Murphy, in his book Dak To, documents Tom’s actions with the 173d Airborne as Commander of their Long Range Reconnaissance Platoon (LRRP) and Commander of Dog Company, 4/503 Infantry. Dog Company was the lead company into the area of the Battle of Dak To, one of the largest battles of the Vietnam War. During the battle of Dak To, Tom was wounded.  He was awarded, for his actions under fire, a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart.

    Tom was later selected to activate and command a mechanized battalion in the 5^th Mechanized Division at Ft. Polk, LA (’77-’79).  During his military career, Tom is proud to have been an Army Ranger, Airborne with over 70 parachute jumps, a Green Beret and an instructor. His awards included 4 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 6 Air Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals (1 for Valor), a Purple Heart and numerous other service and campaign medals.

   As he neared 20 years service, Tom was selected for promotion to full Colonel. That brought a dilemma-- stay in the Army or return to his “roots” in Haddonfield. His brother Dave made it an easier decision by “making him an offer he couldn’t refuse”-- to join Dave at Haddonfield Lumber Company, the business that their father founded and Dave had made very successful. Tom’s decision to retire from the Army offered him the opportunity to provide stability to his family, be with his parents in their waning years and prepare for retirement.

    The “world of business” was a new challenge for Tom but dealing with people, particularly employees, was not. During the period June 1981 to November 1998, HLC increased their number of yards from one to 14 and sales from $50 to over $ 180 million. Through his Brother Dave’s tutelage and mentoring, Tom was able to contribute to the growth of the company and earn the esteem and respect of the building industry. Later, Tom was selected as President of the New Jersey Lumber Dealer’s Association and, in 2003; he was named “NJ Lumberman of the Year” which is the highest honor the industry can bestow on a member.  As stated by Richard Alampi, Executive Director of the NJLDA, "Tom has brought a vision and an energy to his position that are unsurpassed.  His ability to communicate that vision and the ability to lead the industry in New Jersey were exemplary.”.  According to Gene S. DiMedio, owner of DuBell Lumber Company and a competitor of HLC, “Tom has always been the consummate gentleman.  Tom treats everyone with whom he interacts with courtesy, respect and a genuine sense of warmth.  He is always unselfish with his time and resources in support of the many charitable causes with which he is involved.”. 

   In addition to his military and professional careers, Tom has been dedicated to “give back” to those institutions that gave him the opportunity to succeed. After he retired, he got involved with his HMHS Class (’56), his high school, his college Alma Mater (West Point) and veterans organizations. Tom served as Chairman for the HMHS Class of “56 45^th Reunion. He is a Past President of the Haddonfield Alumni Association (HAS), was instrumental in the creation of the Society’s website and, was instrumental in the growth of the Society which now serves 14,000 alumni. 

   Tom has been a member of Haddonfield American Legion Post #38 and was elected Commander in 2005. He now commands 211 “terrific veterans” from our wonderful community of Haddonfield and surrounding areas. . Per Alfred C. Peak, former Commander and present Adjutant, “Tom is a proud American who is grateful for the opportunities he has received and seeks ways and means to give back”.  Tom’s friends describe him as “driven to be the best he can be”-- whatever the assignment may be.  Tom has the ability to make friends, enlist their assistance and have them participate in meaningful activities.  He is a loyal American, has the courage of his convictions, is considerate of his fellow members and is generous to a fault.  To sum it up, Tom has been able to rally the troops and be an effective Commander.

   Tom retired in June of this year from The Strober Organization (TSO), which acquired Haddonfield Lumber in 1998. Tom is very proud of his wife Judie who grew up in Moorestown. They were married on the 22^nd of July, in 1961, shortly after his graduation from West Point. They reside in Haddonfield, NJ  and some of Tom's hobbies are playing tennis, golf and computer projects. Tom and Judie happily devote a lot of time to their three children and their five grandchildren's endeavors & activities.