Planning Director Beyard Sends Spring Greetings from Afghanistan

Westminster's Department of Planning, Zoning and Development Director Thomas Beyard departed for a 400-day rotation with the Maryland Army National Guard late last summer.

Beyard joined the Guard in 1997 after years with the Army Reserve. He has worked for the city of Westminster for close to 24 years.

Until his return, his position is being filled by interim Director Steve Horn.

Beyard sends occasional correspondence to Patch and we will post his letters and photos as we receive them.

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April is here in Kuwait. That means a number of things for me and our unit. First, it means that we are one month closer to returning home this summer. Second, it means that temperatures are starting to increase. For example, high daily temperatures this time of year hit about 100 F. In a few months, the temperatures will reach up to 130 F. Is dry heat hot? Yes, it is hot, especially when it is coupled with blowing sand, which is also common this time of year. It is very important to drink lots of water, which is critical to good health.

I traveled to Afghanistan for the third time a few weeks ago. For the first time, I didn’t need to wear a cost the entire time I was there. The high elevations in and around Kandahar bring weather that is unpredictable. Luckily, we didn’t have any bad weather and travel went as planned. I had the opportunity to present a Soldier of the Week award to one of our Soldiers and to assist our unit with some small issues. I know from experience that the small issues of a unit are important to them, so they are also important to me. Most importantly, it is critical that I pass along concerns to the chain of command. I am my commander’s eyes and ears, so it is important that he know what I know.

One day at the installation north of Kandahar I watched HH-60 Medevac helicopters bringing in wounded Soldiers. It is always a very serious process, but I was amazed at the professionalism of the flight crews, the flight medics, as well as the ground medical personnel that met the HH-60 Medevac helicopters.   Apparently, a bomb detonated nearby the facility where I was located and the HH-60 Medevac helicopters saved lives by their work. My hat goes off to their work!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the accomplishments of the Soldiers of the 29th CAB during our deployment. I will first say that our Soldiers are now part of American military history, having served with the last CAB in Iraq. The success for the 29th CAB was due in large part to the commitment and professionalism of our Soldiers, who worked long hours and endured many hardships to accomplish the mission. With the beginning of 2012, our Soldiers did not have time to “take a knee” after Operation New Dawn ended. The 29th CAB immediately received new missions and a task organization to support both Third Army as well as the warfight in Afghanistan. Our CH-47 Chinook flight crews, along with a maintenance and support component, were sent to Afghanistan. Our AH-64 Apache flight crews undertook dunker training, leading up to deck qualification and overwater missions off the coast of Kuwait.  And the 29th CAB task organization was modified, placing two airfield operation battalions, responsible for operating airfields in Kuwait and Afghanistan, under our command and control, as well as a second General Support Aviation Battalion. All told, the 29th CAB assumed command and control for over 2,500 Soldiers, approximately 100 + aircraft, spread over seven battalions.  

Our Soldiers have also excelled in individual training and self-improvement. We have had a number of Soldiers make the Commandant’s List in the Warrior Leader Course. Our Soldiers have improved their results on the Army Physical Fitness Test and individual weapons qualification, as well as having completed Army correspondence and college-level classes. I am proud that Soldiers are using the opportunities available here in Kuwait for self-improvement. In many cases, there is no cost, but the Army also provides financial resources to allow Soldiers to complete courses leading to Bachelors as well as Masters degrees.

I continually thank our Soldiers for their service. They have served with pride and distinction. And I thank each and every Family for your ongoing support. The constant encouragement and expressions of kindness make it possible for your Soldiers to excel. I want each of our Soldiers to return to their family and loved ones, having served with honor and having pride in their service.

I have attached some photographs from my recent visit to Afghanistan. First, is me in the back of a C27 aircraft. Second, is a photo of the back of a C27 to give you some idea of what it looks like. Third, is an Australian memorial to fallen warriors – notice the kangaroo. Fourth, see some MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) vehicles. Fifth, is a HH-60 Medevac helicopter – notice the Red Cross on the side. Sixth, is a CH-47 Chinook helicopter readying to go on a mission. Seventh, is a working air traffic control tower.

Regards,

Tom