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thedrifter
01-13-09, 03:12 PM
Marines, alumni respond to student letters in person

By ROSEMARY KUBERA
Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:50 PM EST
A couple of U.S. Marines, physically fit and impressive in their crisp, dress-blue uniforms, were on the scene at Hilliard Memorial Middle School last week.

It wasn't an official government visit.

Hilliard high school alumni Bryan and Mark (Chip) Baker were on hand to talk to eighth graders in teacher Linnet Knight's social studies classes.

In honor of Memorial Day this past fall, students sent Chip Baker, Knight's former student, thank-you letters for his service.

While home on leave, Chip Baker opted to say, "You're welcome," in person -- and he brought along Bryan Baker who two months ago completed duty in Iraq.

Students sent their letters as part of a class project, because part of the social studies curriculum in eighth grade focuses on good citizenship.

"Honoring those who are serving our nation is part of being a good citizen," Knight said.

The Bakers' visit enabled students to spend time with Hilliard graduates who, themselves, demonstrate good citizenship by serving in the military, Knight said.

Chip Baker, 20, a lance corporal, graduated from Darby High School in 2006. He is in the security forces and guards nuclear missiles at the Kings Bay, Ga., Naval Submarine Base. He currently is undergoing training as a shooting instructor, said his father, Roger Baker of Hilliard.

Bryan Baker, 27, a corporal, graduated from Davidson High School in 2000. He is a member of the Marines 2nd LAAD based at Cherry Point, N.C.

While in Iraq, Bryan Baker was in air defense, handling shoulder-held stinger missiles, his father said.

"When they came in, they seemed to be really proud of what they do as Marines. They seemed like they had fun being here and seeing us and being back at Memorial," said student Hailey Butterfield.

The brothers talked of their many experiences, but what Butterfield said she remembers most about the visit was feeling inspired by the good character they projected.

The brothers' comments, especially Chip Baker's talk of guarding nuclear missiles, made student Pallavi Kalva feel like joining an organization such as the Marines, but one that's not so tough, she said.

Kalva said one thing she learned from the visit was although Marines don't have it easy, they are dedicated to working hard to protect the U.S.

Asked their impression of Chip Baker, to whom they had sent their letters, student Brandon Fisichella said, "He seemed really tough but also he seemed down to earth and nice."

Student Meaghan Summers said, "He was easy going for someone in the Marines."

During their visit at Memorial, the question students most often asked the Baker brothers was to name the hardest thing about being in their branch of service.

"Other than boot camp, both said being away from your family," said Roger Baker who had attended the visits with his sons.

While in town, along with their father, the brothers visited their mother Monica Snyder and their two other brothers: Matt Baker, 29, who graduated from Davidson in 1998: and Josh Baker, 23, who graduated from Darby in 2003 and currently plays for the Columbus Mid Ohio Jets football team.

Bryan Baker also got to spend time his daughter, Saylana, 4, said his father.

"When they came in, they seemed to be really proud of what they do as Marines. They seemed like they had fun being here and seeing us and being back at Memorial."

--Hailey Butterfield

Ellie