Major General (RET) William Gary Beard graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1980 and was commissioned as a 2LT in the Signal Corps. After release from active duty, MG Beard entered service in the US Army Reserve as an officer in the Civil Affairs Corps. MG Beard commanded units that were deployed to Kosovo and to Iraq.
MG Beard’s served in command and staff assignments of increasing responsibility including two tours in Iraq as Deputy Commanding General of the Multinational Coalition and on the Army staff. His culminated assignment was as the Deputy Command General, Hawaii and as senior Army Reserve advisor to the Commander, Pacific Theater.
MG Beard served for 37 years in the active and reserve component, beginning as an enlisted soldier achieving the rank of E-5 Sergeant and then as an officer in rank from 2 LT to Major General.
MG Beard’s civilian career is in the legal profession. He served in the Florida (West Palm) 15th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and currently serves the 4th Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender.