Born in the waning months of World War II, Jim Baird (A’67, MS A’69) recalls the post-war atmosphere of his childhood in rural west central Indiana.

“All these men who’d been stationed overseas were getting back from the war, looking to start moving forward — raising families and adapting what they had learned during the war to civilian life back home.”

Being raised in this milieu had a profound impact on Baird, shaping his identity and calling — to serve community and country alike.

And that’s exactly what Baird has gone on to do. After finishing a master’s degree in animal science at Purdue, Baird served as 1st lieutenant in the US Army during the Vietnam War. In the process, he amassed an impressive number of awards and recognition, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Cross of Gallantry just to name a few.

Having grown up in a place and time when American veterans were treated like heroes, the reception of servicemen returning home from Vietnam weighed heavily on Baird.

“The soldiers who served in Vietnam were every bit as capable, well trained, and patriotic as the soldiers who served in World War II,” reflects Baird. “They were the best of America — as they were in World War II. I’m glad to see that we as a society have recognized that the way we treated Vietnam veterans back then was inappropriate.”

Baird’s military experience was deeply informative.

“I wouldn’t trade that experience,” Baird says. “That gave me a tremendous opportunity to learn about leadership — and not only that, but what it means to care for one another and be a member of a team united in your mission.

“When you’re in a combat situation, you certainly recognize how important training and education are. The only way you’re going to survive an ambush is if you each take care in order to protect the whole unit.”

Baird’s Time at Purdue

Hailing from a rural community, Baird describes his first time on Purdue’s campus as “unbelievable.”

“Take a young man from that kind of situation and send them to Purdue University … I was almost awestruck,” Baird shares. “You’re on your own and away from home for the first time. Then you start to look around and see that there are others from all parts of the country and around the world.”

From a wide-ranging montage of places and memories — Ross-Ade, campus fountains, ice cream socials at Smith Hall — Baird doesn’t hesitate to mention the University library among them.

“My desire for knowledge and information was unquenchable,” Baird reflects. “I could spend hours in the library.”

Little surprise, then, that Baird went on to earn his PhD from the University of Kentucky after his return from Vietnam.

Speaking directly to students on Purdue’s campus today, Baird says that regardless of whatever field someone might be in, he wants to be an encouragement. 

“I have the same appreciation for any occupation and someone willing to put in the energy, time, and discipline to do it well,” Baird comments. A student during the 1960s Space Race, Baird cites the astronauts who studied and trained on Purdue’s campus as a personal inspiration.

“Whatever it is you choose to pursue, make sure you find the right people to help you maximize your potential in that area,” Baird says. “We all benefit by having people that are committed and take great pride in what they do.”

Service to the Community

After serving in the Indiana House of Representatives, Baird decided to run for Congress in Indiana’s fourth district.

“Through all of my interaction with the Cooperative Extension Service at Purdue and my PhD from the University of Kentucky, I realized what a great impact the government has on our country and on people’s lives,” Baird comments. “You want individuals in office who are really going to do a thorough analysis as part of their decision-making and make sure that these decisions are beneficial to a majority of the people.”

Baird started something of a family legacy. His son, Beau Baird (HHS’04, MS M’18), ran for the seat his father left vacant in the Indiana House of Representatives.

“It’s really good to see him apply himself not only in the business world but also in the political process,” says Baird. “He was the one who decided he wanted to run for that position. I think the time he spent helping me with my campaigns made him keenly aware of the consequences of government and its impact on people. So, I think he came to realize that his experiences and skill set might be beneficial in Indianapolis.”

In Washington, one of Baird’s top concerns is ensuring the United States’ standing in the global economy.

“We need to increase innovation and encourage research to make sure that we’re leading the world in progress,” Baird says.

And as a member of the Congressional Veterans Caucus, Baird brings the team-first mentality he first learned in cooperative housing at Purdue and later in the US Army to bear in his work still today.

“It is imperative that we recognize the need to cooperate, resolve our differences, and come up with solutions that make our country competitive on the world stage. The United States provides hope for a better life for people around the world. We need to encourage and maintain our leadership and standing in the world.”