Topeka – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has ordered flags in the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, August 13, in honor of Pfc. Cody G. Baker, of Holton, Kansas, who died on August 3, 2011, while serving in the U.S. Army in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
“On behalf of the state of Kansas, Lt. Gov. Colyer and I offer our deepest sympathies to the Baker family,” Gov. Brownback said. “Pfc. Baker answered the call to serve and he is a hero for his sacrifice. Kansas and her citizens are deeply grateful for his service to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
In a year and a half of service, Baker was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
The Pentagon said Pfc. Baker and Pfc. Gil I. Morales Del Valle, 21, of Jacksonville, Florida, were killed when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Pfc. Baker was an infantryman with the Fort Polk, Louisiana based 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton with burial to follow in Holton Cemetery.