Harold Beard

Always interested in serving his country in the Armed Forces, Staff Sergeant Harold Beard followed in the footsteps of many family members before him along with his mother, father, sister, uncles, and grandfather, and his great-uncle who was also the Congressman of Pennsylvania, Francis Eugene Walter.

A member of the American Legion and The Wounded Warrior Foundation, Staff Sergeant Beard is quoted as saying “Serving in the United States Army to me means being a part of something more than myself while serving the Country that I hold dear to my heart.”

Staff Sergeant Beard was  deployed twice for a duration of nine months for each tour: Afghanistan (2013-14) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq (2016-17) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Following his deployment in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Beard attended the Advanced Leaders Course where he graduated with Distinguished Honors.  Due to his work ethic and leadership, Staff Sergeant Beard was promoted quickly and often.  He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in four years and 10 months.

Staff Sergeant Beard was twice awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his actions in the line of duty while deployed in Afghanistan where he saved the lives of four pilots who were grounded.

Staff Sergeant Beard met Vice President Joe Biden and received a Challenge Coin while graduating from the Air Assault Course in Iraq.  He has been awarded numerous medals, including: Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award);  Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award); Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award); Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award); NATO Medal;  Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal; Aviation Air Crew Wings; Air Assault Wings; and Army Recruiter Badge.

Staff Sergeant Beard is a patriot who has served his country with honor and distinction.