'It's a brotherhood'

Earlier this month, local media reported that World War II Navy veteran Harold Eugene Baker was going to be laid to rest with no friends or family present at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Ore. Past Department of Oregon Commander Bob Huff wasn’t about to let that happen.

President of the Jackson County Allied Veterans Council, Huff sent out emails to more than 200 of his contacts to make them aware of the situation. As a result, Huff and a large American Legion contingent were among the more than 500 people who attended Baker’s funeral Oct. 6 to give the veteran the proper final respects.

Huff worked with the Missing in American Project and also reached out to possible attendees while at his office at the Southern Oregon-White City VA Rehabilitation Center & Clinics.

“We can do things pretty fast around here,” said Huff, who served as department commander from 2012-2013 and currently is the department finance officer. “And we already do quarterly similar funeral services at Eagle Point, so we’re used to something like this.”

At Baker’s funeral, representatives from the Navy and Coast Guard joined emergency services personnel, members of multiple veterans service organizations and others from the community to honor Baker. A full military burial was provided, and members of the Old Guard Riders provided a flag line. “Taps” was played, and six vintage World War II biplanes provided an aerial salute.

“The chapel at the cemetery was completely full, and so many attended that there was no parking and people had to walk a mile to the cemetery,” Huff said. “It was really pretty amazing, and it was a beautiful ceremony.”

Huff said organizations like the Legion and the Missing in America Project have an obligation to make sure veterans like Baker get the funeral they’ve earned. “It’s a brotherhood,” he said. “It’s important to pay final respects to our veterans – especially those without family.”