I was sent this yesterday from the editor of the local news paper.
As requested...
The letter to the editor with the apology (ran September 12)
To the Editor
This is for all the
people I have hurt.
My name is Michael Baker and I have brought great shame to my military service in the war. I have never served with the elite Special Forces of this country. I have lied about being a member of these great men. I serve as a member of the military police in Afghanistan and Europe. There is no excuse for what I have done and for this I am truly sorry.
The anger and disappointment I have caused all of you is beyond measure. It is because of my actions of dishonor I have returned ownership of the motorcycle to Jim Soder for I am not befitting of such a great gift
I will live with the shame of the mistake that I have made for the rest of my life and pray everyday for God’s forgiveness. I have sought out help and extensive therapy into a veteran treatment facility where I shall remain in order to better myself.
Upon my release my release I will make personal formal apology to all those I have hurt and ask for forgiveness. I had served my country in the war with honor, however, because of my action I will never look upon my time in war as honorable. This mistake has cost me so much and I have brought shame to my family and for this I am sorry. I will not allow myself to run and hide in shame, I must do the honorable thing and admit my mistake and do all that I can to correct it. I beseech any veteran please never dishonor your service with a lie. No matter what you have done in service of our country, please be proud of it and I beg of you to learn from my terrible mistake.
We have all made mistakes in our lives; the only salvation is the truth and strength to right the wrongs in our lives. I pray that some day you will all give me a second chance to right my mistake simply by my actions and not by my word.
“A true brother never turns his back on a brother when he slips. A true brother is always there to pick him back up and help him correct his mistakes.”
I humbly bow before you as a shamed man begging for forgiveness.
Mike Baker
Here is the story which ran in the August 1 issue
CHICK RIDGE - The Herald-News has been notified by Jeff Hinton, retired Special Forces (Green Berets) master sergeant, that the story about Michael Shane Baker which appeared in the June 13 issue on Page 8B was full of falsehoods.
According to Hinton, Baker was never a Green Beret and never served in the Special Forces. Baker claims to have been wounded four times but no mention of a purple heart is listed. His record shows serving with the military police for five years and six months. His record shows he left the service as an E-4 instead of a SFC (E-7) he would have been if the story was true. He served eight years and only served one tour instead of four in a war zone.
Hinton said the worst part of the lies was the fact that many local people worked very hard to get Baker a motorcycle which was presented to him at a bike rally on June 2 through an effort by several individuals and organizations.
The bike has been returned by Baker. He apologized for embellishing his service record and just felt he had not done enough when in the service.
The Herald-News apologizes for not verifying what the individual told about his service record.
Please reply that you received this message.
Thanks.
David Hayes
Breckinridge Herald-News
editorialthn@bbtel.com
David W. Hayes
P.O. Box 6
Hardinsburg, Ky 40143
270-756-2109 (work)
270-547-0487 (cell)