Vets mourn loss of Vietnam Veteran Ken Baker

Vets mourn loss of Ken Baker, 61
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
FLORIDA TODAY
August 29, 2010


When it came to helping veterans, Ken Baker was always there.

Today, fellow veterans will gather at 2 p.m. for a memorial service for Baker at the Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island. Baker, who was 61, died Aug. 18.

Friends and fellow veterans said Baker would do whatever he could for veterans' causes. He would also enlist others to help.

"He used to come to me," Ralph Earrusso said. "He'd say 'Ralph, it's easy. I'll help you.' He did help me. He was always there for me."

Baker was there so much for others that friends say it will be difficult to replace him in all he did through his volunteer work for Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard. He served as president and in many other capacities for veterans' organizations.

Baker, a Vietnam War veteran of the Army's 1st Cavalry Division, began his work with veterans organizations after coming to terms with his critical war injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"He was a charter member and the backbone of the organization," said Bill Vagianos, past president of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard. "At the time of his death, he was still on the board of directors."

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Vets mourn loss of Ken Baker