Brig. Gen (Ret.) Mark Allen Baird served in the U.S. Air Force, but his instrumental work in creating the U.S. Space Force earned him Space Force honors at his funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery on May 21, 2025.
Both the Air Force and Space Force rendered honors at Baird, who retired from the Air Force in 2019. The escort formation consisted of an Air Force commander of troops and guidon bearer; the Air Force Band; an Air Force escort flight consisting of 22 airmen and a Space Force escort flight consisting of 22 guardians (as members of the Space Force are known); and an Air Force color team of three airmen and two guardians. Baird’s service marked the first time the Space Force honor guard participated in military funeral honors at the cemetery.
“Mark’s dedication to the Air Force and later to the Space Force, was unwavering,” U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Matthew Lanham told nearly 200 mourners. He called Baird’s work on the Space Force Planning Task Force “a testament to his vision and his leadership.”
Lanham quoted the quip Baird famously used throughout his career and into retirement: “‘I don’t have coworkers; I have friends whom I have the privilege of working with.”’ Lanham emphasized that Baird cherished his relationships, nurturing them “with genuine care and unwavering loyalty.”
Lanham also spoke about Baird’s wedding to his wife, Beth Ann, on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 24, 2018. Their marriage was “a testament to their love for each other and this nation,” he said, noting that Baird often wished they had met 30 years earlier.
After the Air Force honor guard folded the American flag over Blair’s urn, Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein presented it to Beth Ann. When Guetlein’s official duties concluded, he gave a hug to Beth Ann and each of her three grieving daughters.
Baird’s mother, Gloria “Rusty” Baird, explained that Beth Ann wanted her husband to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery because he had served there as a member of the Air Force honor guard, and she wanted him to be honored here as well.
Space Force members also spoke about Baird’s legacy. “He was very much a people person, trying to take care of families and individuals,” Space Force Director of Staff Maj. Gen. Steven Whitney said.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna, who served with Baird at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia, recalled, “He loved talking about his family, but he was interested in what was happening behind the uniform, to make sure people were happy and being taken care of.”
Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Eric Kensel met Baird only once at Cape Canaveral, but the general left an impression on the young man. “He was gracious enough to coin me [present with a coin of appreciation] and ask questions about me and my life,” he said. “When I learned he was being buried at Arlington, I wanted to be here.”
Guests’ comments reflected Lanham’s description of Baird’s character: “He led from the heart,” Lanham said. “His legacy and memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all of those that he leaves behind.”
