POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs today remembered the life and legacy of U.S. Army Sergeant Jacob Baker, a former Town of Poughkeepsie resident, at the County’s latest “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony, held at American Legion Post 1302 in Poughkeepsie.
Born in Poughkeepsie on March 31, 2000, Jacob Baker was a gifted athlete, talented artist, natural leader and dedicated soldier who lived a life defined by service, determination and creativity. A graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, he excelled academically and athletically, earning recognition as a top-ranked pole vaulter, a National Honor Society member and a leader in the Civil Air Patrol. After briefly attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on a full ROTC scholarship, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2019 and proudly served with the 10th Mountain Division, which was deployed to Afghanistan. Sgt. Baker later trained in Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin (Fla.) Air Force Base before passing away on July 21, 2023. Laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Sgt. Baker is remembered by family and friends for his intelligence, humor, compassion and drive to constantly challenge himself and inspire others.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Sgt. Baker’s life, though cut far too short, touched so many around him in a positive way. Jacob’s Ketcham classmates, his fellow service members; his parents, Vanessa and Mike; siblings Samantha, Weston, Zachary and Emma; and his wife, Mariah, are forever better for having known him. His vibrant, spirited personality will live on in all who met him, and Dutchess County is proud to honor his service to our country through our ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ program.”
Dutchess County invites nominations for its monthly “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremonies, held April through November, to pay tribute to deceased U.S. Armed Forces veterans who served in wartime or peacetime. Community members can submit nominations and required military documentation for consideration through the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs, with the next ceremony scheduled for June 18. Learn more and download applications at dutchessny.gov/honoraveteran.
