Local Veteran Honored as Outstanding Marine of the Year

Lacey resident Bruce Baker joined the U.S. Marine Corps 46 years ago but was just honored as Outstanding Marine of the Year.

“It’s men and women like you who would make this township great and we have a lot of great people in this town,” Deputy Mayor Mark Dykoff said during a township committee meeting. “Thank you for your years of service in Lacey and this country, as well.”

Baker served in the armed forces for 29 years and is a Vietnam veteran. He was nominated by the William H. Smith Detachment 667 to receive the award for his work at the Ocean County Veterans Service Office.

“He’s a great guy,” said Ernie Dolan, a volunteer for the county’s Veterans Service Office. “He does a lot of work for Ocean County veterans.”

Mayor Gary Quinn said Baker is “well deserving” of the honor.

“He’s so involved in local veteran services,” he said. “He does a tremendous job not only for the vets but for everyone in Lacey Township.”

Although he’s retired, Baker continues to serve his country. As a service officer at the county vet’s office, Baker assists veterans by filing necessary documents and claims so they can receive their veteran benefits.

“We’re not lawyers but we’re damn good fighters,” Baker said. “It’s my way of helping people.”

Baker also volunteers in town. He puts flags out for veterans at the cemetery, volunteers in the memorial parade and Veterans Day ceremony and helps with food and toy drives. He was recently appointed to the township’s Veterans Commission.

“I talk to people wherever I can,” he said.

Baker entered the Marines in 1965 and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 as a Cpl. E4. He retired in 1971 as a Sgt. E5 and joined the Army National Guard, retiring in 1996 as a Master Detachment 667.

Influenced by his brother and neighbors who joined the service, Baker did the same.

“I had no intention of being drafted,” he said. “It was one of the greatest things I ever did.”

Serving in the marines changed his mindset and lifestyle, he said.

“All I ask is that you support the troops the way you did when the conflict began,” Baker said.

Baker recently came to know a captain who had his leg blown off in war. When he returned home, he requested to go back.

“These are a whole new breed. All volunteers, no draftees,” Baker said. “I’m a Vietnam vet and I make it my business to thank the men and women coming back. I don’t want to see the men and women go through what I went through back in the 60s.”

Baker is married with three kids.