I got the word over the weekend…probably about the time you did. \u00a0Dr. Keith Baird, Class of 1956, Space pioneer as a flight doc, Wabash legend, Wabash sports fan, has passed away.<\/p>\n
“Doc” Baird was a special man in several ways. \u00a0Let me give you the Grunge take.<\/p>\n
As a fighter pilot, doctors are your worst enemy. \u00a0Heck, when your health is perfect, like it always is until something goes really wrong, the only thing a flight surgeon can do is ground you. \u00a0Pure and simple. \u00a0Keep them happy…at a distance.<\/p>\n
Dr. Baird became my “flight surgeon in residence in Indiana” doc. \u00a0If I had something I needed to get taken care of while back here, I always went to see Doc Baird. \u00a0Typical appointment went something like this – 3 minutes on medical, 7 minutes on Wabash, 20 minutes on flying and space. \u00a0 Little to no variance.<\/p>\n
I didn’t know him when I was here…I got to know him, by legendary reputation, through family.<\/p>\n
When I returned to Wabash, Doc was a regular as sporting events. \u00a0In fact, last fall, despite some breathing challenges, he often made the trip to away games…solo. \u00a0Well, sort of solo…Doc Baird and one of the Porsches. \u00a0He was a fixture on the sidelines…always positive, always cheering for our men. \u00a0Same for other sports.<\/p>\n
He loved aviation – so the bond between us was strong. \u00a0He loved Wabash…and counted this good place as a cornerstone of his entire personal and professional lives. \u00a0He touched the lives, and the souls, of countless Wabash men.<\/p>\n
“Go….Wa….bash..” \u00a0If you listen next fall, really listen, when there’s a quiet moment before a football game, you’ll hear that. \u00a0I hope you will. \u00a0I know I will…I am flat out counting on it…<\/p>\n
Doc – keep the pointy end forward and your speed up.<\/p>\n
Keith Baird – Some Space Pioneer, Some Flight Surgeon, and Some Little Giant!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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