Haddonfield Lions Club members and citizens of Haddonfield gave a mighty roar of cheers and applause for the King Lion, Tom Baird, at the Mayor’s Breakfast on Jan. 16 as he was named Haddonfield’s 2016 Citizen of the Year.
Baird said he was surprised to be named the Citizen of the Year, as the Lions and his family did an amazing job hiding it from him. He had many people to thank, saying he accomplished so much thanks to them.
“Thank you so much, it means so much to me and this town means so much to me … It is a great privilege,” Baird said.
Born in 1938, Baird grew up in Haddonfield and attended Haddonfield Memorial High School, where he was a varsity wrestler on a championship team.
“One of my proudest moments was pinning my Paulsboro opponent my senior year in front of a large crowd,” Baird said.
Upon graduation, he attended Rutgers University for one year before being accepting into the United States Military Academy at West Point.
After graduation and his marriage to his wife Judie, Baird served in the Army for three tours in Vietnam. On his second tour, Baird was in the Battle of Dak To. He and his company were surrounded by the North Vietnam army and were almost overrun. However, United States Air Force fighters saved the lives of him and his soldiers that day. During the battle, Baird was wounded. For his actions under fire, he was awarded a Bronze Star of Valor and a Purple Heart.
Baird continued to be in the military, staying in Norway and all across the United States, for 20 years. After, Baird was asked by his brother Dave to join the family’s lumber business, then called Haddonfield Lumber Company. Dave made it an easier decision by “making him an offer he couldn’t refuse.” Baird joined a successful business and had the opportunity to provide stability to his family, be with his parents in their waning years and prepare for retirement.
“I made the decision it is time to go back home and be with the family, and perhaps make some money,” Baird said with a laugh.
The brothers helped grow the company from one lumber yard to 14, and from sales of $50 million to more than $180 million. He also received the Lumberman of the Year honor in 2003 for all of his work.
Baird retired from the lumber business in 2004, and set his sights on helping others.
His volunteerism stems from a variety of places. He said going to West Point, students are taught to be the best they can be and give back. With being wounded at Dak To, he made a commitment that if he survived, he would give back in some way.
“My family has pushed me and encouraged me to give back where I can,” Baird said.
The Bairds have been married for 54 years and had three children — Tom, Jennifer and Ken. All of them got married and had children, giving the Bairds many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
Baird served as chairman for the HMHS Class of 1956’s 45th Reunion; as past president of the Haddonfield Alumni Association and was instrumental in the creation of the society’s website and the growth of the society, which now serves 14,000 alumni; as a member of Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 and was elected commander in 2005; as a member of the Haddonfield Celebrations Association; as guest speaker at HMHS’ Vietnam social studies course; as chair for the Boys State and Girls States, summer leadership programs sponsored by the American Legion; and as current president of the Haddonfield Lions Club.
“I enjoy doing it, though it is a lot of work,” Baird said.
When Baird isn’t giving back, he is enjoying time with family and being involved in sports. To this day, he attends games and matches of the youth sports. When he is free, he still tries to get some tennis or golf in.
As for the Citizen of the Year award, Baird would like for people to take away that giving back helps better your town and it is important to do so when you can.
“I’d like them to give back and make Haddonfield a better town. There are so many people doing it. It is just amazing. This town is a better town than any there ever was as far as giving back,” Baird said.
Next year, he hopes a non-Lions Club member receives the award, so the knowledge of the Haddonfield Citizen of the Year spreads in the community and recognizes those in town who aren’t often recognized.
“I’m looking forward to living in Haddonfield. It is well worth the taxes that we pay, and just try to have fun and do a good job,” Baird said.
