Rep. Baird honored for his service to the Indiana General Assembly
INDIANAPOLIS -- Members of the House of Representatives at the Statehouse honored retiring State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) for his eight years representing House District 44.
"Serving in the Indiana General Assembly has been one of my greatest honors," Baird said. "This has been such a wonderful opportunity to make positive changes not only in our community, but also across the great state of Indiana."
During his time in the Indiana House of Representatives, Baird served as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Statutory Committee on Ethics, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, and the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he served as chairman of the Health and Medicaid Subcommittee.
"Jim has been a strong advocate for his constituents and Hoosier veterans across the state," House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said. "He was instrumental in commissioning a POW-MIA Chair of Honor in the Statehouse that serves as a permanent tribute to our American heroes. We are grateful for Jim's public service and wish him the best in the future."
Earlier this year, Baird was awarded the Civility in Government Award by the Association of Retired Members of the Indiana General Assembly.
Baird is a decorated Vietnam veteran who served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was awarded a Bronze Star with V device to denote heroism in combat and two Purple Hearts with oak leaf cluster. In 2012, his unit became the first company inducted into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame due to its heroic actions in operation Lam Son 719 near the demilitarized zone and Khe Sanh, Vietnam.
Before his time at the Statehouse, Baird served as a Putnam County commissioner and a livestock specialist for the Cooperative Extension Service. He owns and operates Baird Family Farms and a home health care agency.
"I'm so very thankful for the opportunity to serve House District 44 and for the friends I have made at the Statehouse," Baird said. "Community service is my passion and I will continue to find ways to enhance the lives of Hoosiers."
Baird is a candidate for the 4th District seat in the U.S. Congress.