JOHNSON CITY (Aug. 17, 2021) — East Tennessee State University Army ROTC Cadet Chase
Baird recently graduated with honors from the U.S. Army’s Airborne School, becoming
a paratrooper.
Cadet Baird, a Marion, North Carolina native and 2018 graduate of McDowell High School,
is a rehabilitative health sciences major at ETSU where he also plans to obtain a minor in military science. In addition to this recent accomplishment, Baird, a rising senior at ETSU, has also
completed Army Air Assault School.
“Attending Airborne School has been a goal of mine for quite some time,” said Cadet
Baird. “Since I was a little kid, I have been fascinated by the stories of American
paratroopers throughout history, and the incredible feats they accomplished that set
them apart. I am very grateful to the ETSU ROTC program for allowing me to attend
this legendary school, and it was an honor to be the cadet honor graduate of my class.”
Airborne School teaches soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes
and landing safely. The final test includes five unassisted jumps. The purpose is
to qualify the volunteer in use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment and
to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and
physical conditioning.
To be an Airborne honor graduate, strenuous dedication and attention to detail is
required. Each lesson requires undivided attention, and limited free time must be
spent studying airborne procedures and jargon.
“The entire ETSU Buccaneer Battalion is very proud of Cadet Chase Baird’s outstanding
performance at Airborne School that resulted in his recognition as honor graduate
of his class,” said Major Kent Monas, ETSU professor of military science. “Chase is
one of our top Cadets and epitomizes the ‘Scholar, Athlete, Leader’ that Army ROTC
strives to develop. He is currently completing cadet summer training at Fort Knox,
Kentucky. When Chase returns to campus this fall for his senior year he will serve
as the Cadet Operations Officer. Chase upholds the proud legacy of ETSU’s Army ROTC
program that has produced 11 army general officers and six additional flag officers
in the sister services. Chase and his fellow cadets have volunteered to lead America’s
sons and daughters in defense of our freedom, and ETSU has provided the training and
resources to develop them into leaders of excellence.”
Cadet Baird is the son of Colonel Jerry E. Baird, Jr., who is actively serving in
the U.S. Army, and Leslie Baird.
For more information about ETSU ROTC visit www.etsu.edu/cbat/rotc.