07/08/2021
LTC (RET) Baird is known as the Mother of ACS because she initiated the work during her assignment at the Pentagon in 1963. She initiated work to establish a program addressing the growing needs of military families. She recognized that as the composition of the Army changed, the normal problems of family life combined with the special circumstances of military living affected the morale and retention of active-duty soldiers. Many who would have made the Army a career left due to pressure from family members dissatisfied with military life.
As a result of her efforts, the Army Chief of Staff, General Harold K. Johnson, announced on July 25, 1965, the creation of Army Community Service. Later that same year, regulation was issued outlining the procedures for establishing Army Community Service at Army installations throughout the world. LTC Baird was twice presented the Legion of Merit for her work and became affectionately known as the "Founder of Army Community Service," the "pioneer of today’s Army Family Programs," and as the "Mother of ACS."
LTC Baird was known as being a mentor in the most supportive possible way to the volunteers who were trying to grow into leadership responsibility. A great debt is owed to her from all of us who work on behalf of Army families. Her foresight and unfaltering dedication were the cornerstones upon which Army Community Service was built.
After her retirement in 1968 at Fort Sam Houston, LTC Baird remained active with Army Community Service programs throughout the country, especially with the Fort Bliss Army Community Service, where she regularly volunteered her time.
Come learn more about the Mother of ACS at our ACS Birthday Celebration, July 30, from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm at ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Rd.
#acsbirthday #servicemembers #fortbliss #acs56thbirthday #emmamariebaird #motherofacs #armyfamilies
LTC (RET) Baird is known as the Mother of ACS because she initiated the work during her assignment at the Pentagon in 1963. She initiated work to establish a program addressing the growing needs of military families. She recognized that as the composition of the Army changed, the normal problems of family life combined with the special circumstances of military living affected the morale and retention of active-duty soldiers. Many who would have made the Army a career left due to pressure from family members dissatisfied with military life.
As a result of her efforts, the Army Chief of Staff, General Harold K. Johnson, announced on July 25, 1965, the creation of Army Community Service. Later that same year, regulation was issued outlining the procedures for establishing Army Community Service at Army installations throughout the world. LTC Baird was twice presented the Legion of Merit for her work and became affectionately known as the "Founder of Army Community Service," the "pioneer of today’s Army Family Programs," and as the "Mother of ACS."
LTC Baird was known as being a mentor in the most supportive possible way to the volunteers who were trying to grow into leadership responsibility. A great debt is owed to her from all of us who work on behalf of Army families. Her foresight and unfaltering dedication were the cornerstones upon which Army Community Service was built.
After her retirement in 1968 at Fort Sam Houston, LTC Baird remained active with Army Community Service programs throughout the country, especially with the Fort Bliss Army Community Service, where she regularly volunteered her time.
Come learn more about the Mother of ACS at our ACS Birthday Celebration, July 30, from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm at ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Rd.
#acsbirthday #servicemembers #fortbliss #acs56thbirthday #emmamariebaird #motherofacs #armyfamilies
