SFC Jeffrey C. Baker, of Hesperia, was killed in action on May 14, 2013, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, After an explosion, caused by enemy forces, killed Baker and two other soldiers.
Baker enlisted in October 2004 and was on his second deployment. He was assigned to the 766th EOD Company (FSGA), 63rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), Fort Drum, New York.
In a blog posted on Bakers MySpace over 6 years ago, he wrote:
“I have been thinking about my past a lot recently. There are many things in my life that I have gone through that have contributed to the way I am now. Decided that maybe I should write it down, so that the next time someone read my blog, they could remember the good times with me.
Moving up to FLO may not have been the best decision. I wanted to help people. Directly. I wanted to move down. But I was always a hard worker, and the promotions came easy for me. I studied hard, I learned, I moved up fast. Too fast? Who knows?
Fontana. Finding my first love, but never being able to get her. It was a rough time, but when I think about the late night discussions with Aunt Terrie and the partying. A little Rey of sunshine. Over night gas station attending. A dog that is afraid of fireworks and lightning. Two new little brothers and an entire family that welcomed me in. Learning to cook with Uncle Mike. Scrabble. A rottweiler that eats walls, but still fell in love with me. A ribs recipe from Nikki and a bread recipe from grandma. Do you remember Mitch’s Pad??? I guess the next step is growing up though. Had to do it sometime.
Vicki. The biggest change of my life. I think that is the main problem with relationships. Most people are looking for the perfect person. You have to look for “perfect for you”. Well we found it. Trips to AZ and sleeping on the floor with Fernando. Kisses all over my face for taking care of a couple of dogs. Late night basketball, skating, tag. Kissing in the rain. Driving to Riverside. Being run over by a minivan. Threats of beatings with a flip flop. Ugghhh, I know you will hate this one, but Yahoo Games. The infamous “weed smell” in the minivan. A ride to get new glasses. Fixing screens on windows and shoulder muscles. A small wedding in the rain and all the craziness that night.
Joining the army. Finding my dad. Losing my dad. The weird feelings of doing the same things as my relatives in a different time. A christmas at home. Being “nursed back to health”. Its A Wonderful Life. Redstone, AL and finally being able to call home.
I realize that these times are gone, but you have to remember to hold on to the good times, the good friends, the good memories. I have made a lot of friends in my time, people I could never forget. Monique, Josh, Carisa, Rachel, Sarah (A. and B.), Pierre, Colin. And where would I be without my family. I am so glad that I found them again. Becca, Nathan, Jack, my mom, my aunts and my uncle. My new families. The Barbers, Aunt Terrie, Grandma, etc. The Blanco’s. Renee, Colleen, Fernando.
I cherish all the times I have. Vicki. I love you so much. This past year, I would never have made it without you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, and all the times you were there for me. I love you and miss you. Jeff “
“Baker is survived by his wife Vicki and his young daughter. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and the members of 766th EOD Company and all of Combined Joint Task Force Paladin’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Civilians as well.” said LTC Davis & CSM Standley in a release made available on Friday.
Spc. William Gilbert, 24 years old, of Hacienda Heights, California, and Spc. Mitchell Daehling, 24 years old, of Massachusetts were also killed in the attack.
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