Honoring WWII Vets — Especially Proud of Our Very Own Jack Baker

Jack and Susi

Preparations were made to secure a charter jet to honor 76 World War 2 veterans, allowed one escort each, from Springfield MO to Washington DC on Tuesday, November 17 2009. This memorial flight demonstrated the deep and sincere appreciation and support of the American public for military service, for sacrifices made for the cause of freedom.

Our very own Jack Baker was among these distinguished officers and infantrymen from the Ozarks, who was honored. Susi was allowed to join the flight as Jack’s medical escort. On the way home, Susi presented Jack with personal letters of gratitude. Below are some presented to him.

Jack, we are humbled by your selflessness and courage to step up to bat at times when life was at it’s worse. Many Thanks!

 

Michele Dean writes:

Uncle Jack,

I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to someone who is most deserving of all the gratitude this world has to offer. First of all I would like to thank you for years of commitment to a family who would not have been the same without your character and your strength. To me you were more than an uncle—you were a grandfather when your brother passed away and I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to see you be a father figure to my mother, her sisters, and brother. Your caring, strength, and commitment to your wife and children has given me a blueprint for what I want to be as a mother and a wife—now and in the future. I can only hope to be looked upon by my children, my grandchildren, my nieces, my nephews in the same light as we have all held you for all these years.

I would also like to thank you for your service to our country. In a time where patriotism is often overlooked, I want you to know that there are people out there who realize that our way of life was born of the courage and the sacrifice of those soldiers who bravely fought in the conflicts of this country. I have a good life, Jack, and it was made possible by heroes like you.

Thank you again for being the man that you are. We love you.

Sincerely,

Michele Dean

Diane Walters writes:

Dearest Jack,

I got the news that you were going to recognized for being a veteran in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, and I wanted to let you know how very proud I am of you.

It’s so hard to find words to express how proud I am of all the sacrifices you made for our country, and how many of your friends that you fought with who may have lost their lives fighting so that we may have our freedom in this great nation.

What a price we all paid for that freedom !!!!

We sent our soldiers into battle not knowing what the outcome would be, Being kept a prisoner, and coming back alive was a miracle in itself, but we all know that God had a very special purpose in his plan to keep you alive for us.

You joined to Army to stay with our daddy because of your love for him, and to be with him, and you and he were split up immediately, sent each one on his own way to a different army base. I know Kirby also joined so it was hard on your mom with 3 boys overseas, not knowing what their fate would be. I also know you wrote whenever you could to let her know you were safe.

I know you & daddy both had different experiences over seas, and each came back with memories of their own.

I thank God that he did bring you both home safely , along with daddy. God’s special plans for you were to included being a loving son to Fred & Tissie Baker, and Your special place was to be a devoted husband to Mary Jo. Also a loving father to Patty, and Butchie, a special grandpa to Steven, Stacey, Joey, Chris, & Mark, and great grandfather . God also knew that the Baker bunch in Mississippi would also need another dad and he provided us with one in you. I love you as my dad, and I know in my heart I can speak for the rest of us as well.

You & Mary Jo opened your home to me & my kids, just like we were your own when we had no place to go on vacation, no money to our names, more times than I can remember. You always took care of us there and we felt safe and loved. . Michael, Michele and April were always so excited to go to “Uncle Jacks house where you & Mary Jo fed us, entertained us with swimming, fishing & boat riding, so many, many memories I have at the lake, I will never forget your loving kindness…

After daddy died, you were here in Mississippi to help mommy & get the house finished daddy had started so she would have someplace to live. You also came when I was building a house with Brian, and while he was on the coast having a good time, you, Mary Jo , Butchie, Dennis & Patty all came down in your campers, parked in my yard, and worked on my house.

I know the many times you bailed out Patty & Dennis, and did it with love in your heart. I know the many times you gave your relatives, brother, and nephews jobs when they couldn’t find work any where else.

Jack, you have a heart of gold.…. and great your reward will be in heaven. I’m proud to know the soldier ” SYLVESTER JACK BAKER” and proud he is being recognized as he deserved for his service in the United States Army.

We love you and thank God for the man he gave us.

Love always in my heart,
Diane Walters (Baker) — Clinton, MS

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