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Vietnam veteran, community leaders speak of unity at ceremony

2016-12-06
Vietnam veteran and Jackson County native Tom Baker was the keynote speaker at SCC’s Veterans Day event on Nov. 10 at the Jackson Campus in Sylva.
 

Two days after one of the most divisive elections in American history, Vietnam veteran Tom Baker delivered a profound message of unity during Southwestern Community College’s Veterans Day celebration.

With community leaders representing various counties and political parties in attendance, Baker told of his wartime experiences delivering supplies and picking up wounded soldiers in Vietnam.

“I loaded white soldiers, I loaded black soldiers, I loaded Hispanic soldiers, Native American soldiers,  and Asian American soldiers onto my chopper,” Baker recalled. “At the end of the day when I was tasked with washing the blood off the floor of the chopper, it was all the same color. We all bleed the same color.

“In combat you don’t care what color the skin is of the man who has your back and he doesn’t care by what name you call God,” Baker added. “That is a lesson that in today’s world we truly need to remember.”

Before Baker spoke, County Commissioners from throughout SCC’s service area addressed the gathering to thank veterans for their service. They also struck a similar tone of healing the nation’s racial and political divides.

Among the speakers were Boyce Deitz, Jackson County Commissioner; Kevin Corbin, chairman of the Macon County Commissioners and newly elected member of the N.C. House of Representatives; Phil Carson, chairman of the Swain County Commissioners; and Vice Chief Richard Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Members of the William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104 Color Guard presented the colors, and a slideshow was presented featuring SCC students as well as faculty and staff members who served in the armed forces.

“It was a powerful service,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC president. “All the remarks were very heartfelt. They reminded us all of what a wonderful country we live in. I’m so grateful for Tom Baker’s service and for the message he delivered, and I truly appreciate each of our community leaders for taking time to participate in this event.”

A video of Baker’s speech is available in its entireity at https://youtu.be/JuIXXSHSzsU, courtesy of Bobby Coggins.

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