Widow of Medal of Honor recipient can't afford to attend Arlington burial

[bluebb]

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Widow-of-Me...100447779.html

Vernon Baker died at his St. Maries home in July and will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, served and was wounded in World War II. Vernon was 90 years old.

But Baker's wife of the last 17 years, Heidy Baker, can't afford to attend the burial of her own husband's ashes

I guess honoring an MOH awardee and his family is to expensive but the FLOTUS can jet set her way around the world.

Blue

[PSM]

but the military is not covering any of the cost of the trip for Heidy.

Hmmm. While my son was in Basic, a recruit was killed in a non-training, off base, accident and yet the Army flew in the family for the memorial service and paid for the burial. He wasn't even a soldier yet. This was early this year.

Pat

[Utah Bob]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll send a check when they get the account set up.

[18DWife]

If possible I would literally go get her and take her there myself

[Tatonka316]

I have a significant number of frequent flyer miles - if someone has a good POC, PM me and we will see what we can do for her.

It sickens me that this HAS happened - I am speechless and those of OUR family that know me, KNOW that THAT takes alot


molon labe

[forward]

All donations can be made to Heidy Baker at any AmericanWest Bank location, thanks to the Post Falls National Guard
ST. MARIES, ID. -- Phones all over North Idaho and Eastern Washington have been ringing off the hook with people who want to help the widow of a local Medal of Honor recipient.
KREM 2 News first told you about Heidy Baker on Tuesday. She lost her husband, Vernon Baker, 90, last month to a brain tumor.
Vernon was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his service with the U.S. Army in World War II. Former President Bill Clinton honored him with it in 1997.
Heidy and Vernon made their home in St. Maries, Idaho for the last 17 years.
Since his death, a public memorial was held for Vernon, and his body was cremated. His ashes will be buried in September in Arlington National Cemetery.
But Heidy told KREM 2 News she, her daughter and grandson would not be able to attend the service because she could not afford the travel and lodging expenses, and that the U.S. military would not cover the costs.
Since that story aired on KREM 2 News at 6 Tuesday, we have fielded dozens of calls from people around the region who want to help Heidy.
We've taken calls from companies who want to make corporate donations, families, and people hundreds of miles away from her hoping to get Heidy to Arlington, Virginia this fall.
KREM 2 News also received word from officials with U.S. Representative Walt Minnick, who said the Congressman wants to donate his air miles to Heidy and her family.
The Post Falls National Guard set up an account for donations that will go straight to Heidy and her family. Donations can be made at any AmericanWest Bank location.

http://www.krem.com/community/Commun...100482599.html

Waiting to hear back on how to wire a donation.

V/r,

Forward

[Tatonka316]

Thanks, Forward! Keep me in the loop

molon labe

[forward]

One more update from the nice people at KREM.com.

The flight for the entire family to attend has been covered. Congressman Walt Minnick, from Idaho's 1st Congressional District, worked out a deal with US Airways and donated his frequent flier miles to cover the airfare.

There is no word yet as to accommodations and I will be speaking with AmericanWest Bank and the Idaho National Guard tomorrow to see if they need any help/donations (and online procedures) to make sure the family is taking care of accordingly.

V/r,

Forward

[Snaquebite]

Good news....Stay on this...they will still need accomodations etc.

[alright4u]

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm

Maybe she has no idea?

[NousDefionsDoc]

Somebody in the Army needs their ass whipped for not taking care of this in-house.

[alright4u]

Roger that. This woman deserves much more then all the elected jerks. And she has to beg? Shame on those who know.

[Maytime]

Dammit, I was very fortunate enough to meet Vernon Baker in spring 2009 after reading his book. I cannot believe someone who has the power doesn't have the stones to step up and make this right for his widow.

[forward]

Talked to the AmericanWest Bank where the account was set up and below is what I have:

Bank Information:
AmericanWest Bank Saint Maries Idaho
Address: 1500 Main Ave, Saint Maries, ID, 83861
Phone: 208-245-4700

Checks can be mailed to above location and made out to Heidy Baker.

Wiring Information:
(Fees still associated)
Bank Name: AmericanWest Bank
Routing Number: 125107037
Account Number: 100120
On the instructions be note; "To be credited to Heidy Baker account. Contact Saint Maries Branch located at 1500 Main Ave., Saint Maries, ID, 83861."

As referred to by the Idaho National Guard, the POC in concerns for all donations to Mrs. Baker, is John Dunlap (208-272-7342) of the American Legion. Spoke with him briefly on the phone and he informed me that he is getting calls from all over the country in regards to donations.

Hope this helps and hopefully she will be covered for all associated expenses.

Very Respectfully,

Forward