Colonel Foard was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a graduate of Archbishop Curley High School and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Essex Community College in Industrial Management. He also attended National-Louis University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and Development.
Following graduation from high school, Col. Foard enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard and completed Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX in 1971. He completed technical training at Lowery AFB, CO as an Inventory Management Specialist, graduating with honors. In 1978, Technical Sergeant Foard was selected to attend the Air National Guard’s Academy of Military Science where he graduated and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant
Assigned as the Squadron Intelligence Officer for the 104th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Col. Foard completed numerous intelligence courses, making him the resident expert on Soviet Military Weapon Systems and Soviet Military Doctrine. In 1981, Col. Foard volunteered for extended active duty and was assigned to the National Guard Bureau (NGB) as a Mobility Contingency Plans Officer. Completing the USAF Personnel Officer Course at Kessler AFB, MS, he was assigned as the ANG Wartime Personnel Analyst to the Air Force Wartime Manpower Personnel Readiness Team (AFWMPRT) at the, Alternate National Military Command Center, Site R, Fort Ritchie, MD.
Numerous personnel assignments followed at the NGB and the Air National Guard Readiness Center (ANGRC) before he returned to the Headquarters, Maryland National Guard as Director of Military Personnel. In 1993, he assumed the duties of Executive Support Staff Officer to the Adjutant General.
August of 1995 saw Col. Foard returning to the ANGRC as the Chief, Manpower Resources and Organization Branch. Holding several key positions within the Manpower organization, he then became the Chief, Manpower and Organization Division in January 1999. On 12 September2001, Col. Foard was assigned to the Joint Staff as the ANG Advisor to the J5, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate.
Col. Foard has completed Squadron Officers School, Marine Command and Staff College, Air War College as well as numerous specialty courses. Awards presented to Col. Foard include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf dusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal.
He is a member of the Society of Human Resource Managers, the Air Force Association, the National Guard Association of the United States and the National Guard Association of Maryland.
Col. Foard is married to the former Caren Echo of South Burlington, VT. They live in Severn, MD and have three children, Angela, Laura and Aiexander.
