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Rotterdam resident retires from Army National Guard after 30 years of military service

New York National Guard aviator completes career with family, awards

Latham, NY (07/24/2020) — JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, LATHAM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Colonel Jeffrey Baker, a resident of Rotterdam, has retired after 30 years of service.

He was honored at a ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Latham, N.Y. July 23rd.

During the ceremony he was presented with the Legion of Merit for his many accomplishments during his storied career, as well as with the Order of Saint Michael, an award specific to the Army Aviation community, which recognizes aviators who show uncommon distinction during their careers.

His most recent assignment has been as the Deputy State Army Aviation Officer, a position he has held since 2015.

On his success, Baker was quick to turn it into praise for his peers and subordinates.

"If it ever sounds like I'm bragging, it's truly not about me. I'm really bragging about the men and women I've served with all these years, past and present. I would not be here without you, I really mean that," he said.

Baker's children Noah and Gaby, were in attendance.

"Most of all, I want to thank my family. I have missed so much of your lives over the years, but you have never complained and have always supported me one hundred percent. Thank you so much."

Baker's previous assignments include the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, where he served as a platoon leader, company commander, logistics officer, operations officer, executive officer and eventually the battalion commander. He also served as the flight detachment commander while deployed to Bosnia in 2002, and as a staff officer and Pilot in Command while deployed to Iraq in 2008, where he flew over 200 combat hours.

He has also been a part of a NATO support missions to Iceland, training in Nicaragua, rotations to the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, the 1998 Ice Storms in upstate New York, two missions to Honduras, and relief support for Hurricanes Katrina, Irene, and Superstorm Sandy.

While serving as Pilot in Command in the New York Army National Guard aviation community, Baker has flown more than 2,000 accident-free flying hours.

Col. Baker has a degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy and is a pharmacist at Price Chopper in Johnstown, N.Y. His children both attend the University at Buffalo.

Media Attachments

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the New York Army National Guard Adjutant General, presents Col. Jeffrey Baker with the Legion of Merit during Baker’s retirement ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Latham New York, July 23, 2020. Baker is retiring after 30 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew Gunther)

Col. Jeffrey Baker poses with his children, Gaby and Noah, at his retirement ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Latham New York, July 23, 2020. Baker is retiring after 30 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew Gunther)

Col. Jeffrey Baker, the New York National Guard deputy state aviation officer, addresses attendees during his retirement ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Latham New York, July 23, 2020. Baker is retiring after 30 years of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew Gunther)

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