Sgt. Maj. Samuel D. Baird is a native of Muskegon, Michigan. Pvt. Baird enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2004 attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. and was promoted meritoriously to the rank of private first class upon completion. Pfc. Baird then reported to Marine Combat Training (East), at Camp Geiger, N.C. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training, Pfc. Baird completed the “A” school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Flor. and “C’ school Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. and received the Military Occupational Specialty of F/A18 Hydraulic and Structural Mechanic (6257). From May 2005 to August 2009 Pfc. Baird was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA-533) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., where he was promoted to the ranks of lance corporal, corporal, and sergeant.
Lance Cpl. Baird deployed with VMFA-533, in January 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal. In March 2008, Cpl. Baird deployed with VMFA-533 to Iwakuni, Japan and supported the Western Pacific Unit Deployment Program. In May 2008, Cpl. Baird was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Baird attended the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor course in January 2009 and received his 1st Degree Black Belt Instructor certification and earned the secondary military occupational specialty of 0916.
In October 2009, Sgt. Baird reported for Drill Instructor duty, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, Sgt. Baird was assigned to Second Recruit Training Battalion, Company F as a Drill Instructor. Sgt. Baird was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in August 2011, and served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. Upon the successful tour of duty, Staff Sgt. Baird was awarded the Drill Instructor Ribbon in December 2012.
In December 2012, Staff Sgt. Baird reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122), Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., where he was assigned as Airframes Division Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge and Division Chief. Staff Sgt. Baird deployed with VMFA-122 in 2013, 2014, and 2016 in support of the Western Pacific Unit Deployment Program in various areas of responsibility. Staff Sgt. Baird was assigned to maintenance control in July 2014 and received his authority to sign aircraft Safe for Flight MOS (6012). Staff Sgt. Baird was promoted to gunnery sergeant in January 2016, and served as the Maintenance Control Chief for VMFA-122 until May 2017.
In June 2017, Gunnery Sgt. Baird reported to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Quantico, Virginia where he served as a Junior and Senior Faculty Advisor for the Advance School. In June 2019, he reported to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, where he served as Headquarters Battery First Sergeant. He was promoted in November 2019 and was subsequently assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines in December 2019 and deployed with Battery C in support of the Unit Deployment Program in August 2020. In September, 2021 1st. Sgt. Baird was assigned to 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion where he served as Headquarters Company and Intelligence Company First Sergeant. In February 2023, Sgt. Maj. Baird assumed his current duties as Recruiting Station Louisville sergeant major.
Sgt. Maj. Baird was conferred his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in January 2021 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 4 gold stars, the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars, and various other Service and Campaign medals.