Beyard Appointed to the Top Maryland Army Guard Enlisted Position

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Beyard will serve as the next Maryland Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major. Command Sgt. Maj. Beyard currently serves as Command Sergeant Major of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Area, Md., a job he has held since 2008.

As a civilian, Beyard is employed as the director of Housing and Preservation Services and Code for the city of Westminster.

Beyard enlisted in U.S. Army Reserve in 1982 and joined the 357th Transportation Company in Greencastle, Pa. He completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Dix, N. J. in 1982. In 1983, he completed Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Rucker, Ala., graduating as a utility helicopter repairer. In 1997, Beyard enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard. His military career spans over 31 years of service, almost all in Army Aviation. 

Beyard deployed twice to the Middle East between 2006 and 2012 in support of the Global War on Terror and ongoing military operations. From 2011 to 2012, he served as Command Sergeant Major of Task Force Normandy (29th CAB), which deployed to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield and United States Army Central missions. From 2006 to 2007, Tom served as Command Sergeant Major of Task Force AVCRAD 06-08, a unit that deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Beyard’s individual awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (gold hourglass and “M” device), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Master Aviation Badge, Maryland Distinguished Service Cross for Service, Maryland National Guard Outstanding Unit Ribbon (2nd award), Maryland Military Department Emergency Service Medal (3rd award), Maryland State Service Medal (3rd award) and the Honorable Order of St. Michael Bronze Award. His unit awards include the permanent wear of the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Army Superior Unit Award.

Related Articles: 

• Westminster Planning Director Beyard Checks in From Iraq
• Beyard Sends Happy Thanksgiving Wishes from Iraq
• Happy Father's Day Wishes from Kuwait
• Planning Director Beyard: This is Kuwait
• Planning Director Beyard Returns to Kuwait After R&R
• Planning Director Beyard: Merry Christmas from Kuwait
• Beyard Sends Christmas Greetings from Iraq
• Local Soldier Plans to Return Home by end of August

Information in this article taken from a Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office news release.