SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — November is a time for thanks, and as Veterans Day approaches, the community is honoring those who have served the nation. Among them is Chris Baird, an Ozark High School graduate who spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, and who now dedicates his time to helping fellow veterans heal.

Baird, a B-52 pilot, was part of the first squadron deployed following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"Just about ten days later, after 9/11, I left a beautiful bride at home and a brand new baby," Baird recalled. "And it really got real at that point."

A heart for service led Baird to the Air Force, but a life of deployments and long missions, sometimes flying for 18 hours straight, took a toll on his family life.

"It can take a toll, you know, missed birthdays," Baird said. "My oldest

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