[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[EXTENS]
[Page 6486]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING MS. MARY BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2014

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Mary E. 
Baker of Eureka, California, on the occasion of her retirement as Team 
Leader of the Redwood Vet Center.
  Ms. Baker began her career with the Readjustment Counseling Service 
in 1999 as a Readjustment Counselor for Veterans in Kansas City, 
Missouri. With a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of 
Kansas, she has an extensive background in the treatment of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a Military Sexual Trauma Therapist and 
Bereavement Specialist. Since 2005, she has ably led the Redwood Vet 
Center in providing counseling services to combat Veterans and their 
families, helping them adjust to life after deployment.
  A 20-year Army Veteran, Ms. Baker's awards include the Korean Service 
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, Army 
Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Award, amongst other awards 
and decorations. She is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
for whom she also served as the Women Veterans Committee National 
Chairwoman, District 21 Commander, Department of California Surgeon, 
and Department of California Woman Veterans Chair. She is a life member 
and Adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans, member of both the 
Women's Army Corps Veterans Association and Vietnam Veterans of 
America, and has served as President and Treasurer of the Korean War 
Veterans Association. Ms. Baker also belongs to the National 
Association of Social Workers and University of Kansas Alumni 
Association.
  Ms. Baker's contributions to her community and fellow Veterans extend 
well beyond her military and public service. She formerly served on the 
North Coast Stand Down Board of Directors and North Coast Veterans 
Resource Center Advisory Board. One of her most significant qualities 
is her demonstrated passion for helping women Veterans embrace their 
role in American history, including her work to start the annual 
``Honoring Women Veterans'' Program in 2009, serving as Women Veterans 
Lead Social Worker of the Women's Odyssey Project, and Committee Member 
of Women Veterans Retreat Region 4A-4B. The Soroptomist International 
of Eureka recently acknowledged Ms. Baker's efforts with their Ruby 
Award, which honors a woman who makes extraordinary differences in the 
lives of other women.
  Ms. Baker is known for being a vocal and tireless advocate for her 
fellow Veterans with a talent for helping them to take pride in their 
service, heal from their wounds, and access available resources. Please 
join me in expressing deep appreciation to Ms. Mary E. Baker for her 
long and impressive career, and her exceptional record of service to 
our great Nation.

                          ____________________