End of mission, close station, march order.

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:07:44 -0600

Some missions simply weren't meant to be completed. Priorities change, reality on the ground catches up... God issues a recall order. So it seems with Gulf War Vet Kevin Baker and his mission to Honor and Remember. From Soldier's Angels: Disabled veteran Kevin Baker has a new mission: spreading the word about the Honor and Remember flag, a new design to be flown in celebration of all who have served in the Armed Forces of America. How is he doing that? By riding a recumbent bike from Texas to Washington, D.C. Kevin is a Gulf War (Desert Storm) veteran who suffered an attack by the enemy that gave him neurological damage that makes it hard for him to stand. He later developed cancer due to various substances he encountered during his time at war and recently finished chemotherapy, but he doesn’t let his health keep him from his mission. In fact, he says biking has helped him feel stronger. Kevin’s ultimate goal is to present an Honor and Remember flag to President Barak Obama as a statement of the importance of both citizens and government taking care of all who have served and continue to serve the nation. “Everyone needs to be involved,’ he says. “I want to get the word out that the men and women who are over there or home still need America’s support. Even though we’re not hearing about the war every day, they’re still there.” Read the whole story here. Kevin was both tough, and an optimist. He was nothing if not determined. But, like milblogger Bunker Mulligan some years ago, God apparently had a change of mission in mind for Kevin: Soldiers' Angels is deeply saddened to report that Kevin passed away in his sleep on Friday morning (3/13/09). We will post more information as soon as it becomes available. Kevin had a wonderful spirit of joy and confidence, and he was so happy to be beginning his trip. We are honored to have known him, even for this short time. So, today, at Castle Argghhh! we will both Honor and Remember Kevin Baker. Fair winds and a following sea, Sailor. Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam

Comment from FbL on 2009-03-15

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:03:42 -0600

Thank you so much, John.

Comment from AFSister on 2009-03-15

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:44:06 -0600

Damn. What spirit.....

Today I got a call from my Dad. He could hardly speak... but my Mom's wails of "I can't believe it... MY DOG IS DEAD... MAGGIE IS DEAD....!!!" in the background said it all. My boys have no memory of "life before Maggie". We buried her this afternoon, in the field, in a place she loved. She, like Kevin Baker, are in good company now, free of the pain and binds of this earth. And those left behind mourn them.

*sigh* What a day.

Comment from BillT on 2009-03-15

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:29:53 -0600

My VietVet bunch had waystations and escorts lined up for him.

Now they'll line the streets he would have traveled and render a slow Hand Salute.

He won't need the bike -- he'll walk onto Fiddler's Green and be welcomed when he does...

Comments for End of mission, close station, march order.

End of mission, close station, march order.

Comment from FbL on 2009-03-15

Comment from AFSister on 2009-03-15

Comment from BillT on 2009-03-15