Photo By NMCCL Public Affairs | Master Chief James Baker receives a gift from Chief Randolph Waldburg and Command...... read more read more
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC- As guests began to fill the Tinian Room of Marston Pavilion and the time for Master Chief James ‘Jay’ Baker’s retirement ceremony grew closer, an extra row of chairs was needed and Baker was the first to lend a hand setting out the additional seats July 13, 2018.
The immediate response to a call for help is the foundation upon which Baker built his 30-year Navy career.
Borrowing guidance and philosophy from the state of North Carolina’s motto, Esse Quam Videri, Baker has spent the last three decades of his career bettering the lives of those around him.
“It [the state motto] says, ‘to be rather than to appear.’ Many people, we like to appear tough, we like to appear smart, we like to appear rich, we like to appear whatever society wants us to be. We don’t have to appear. Be. Be who you are. Own what you are. Own what you have and own what you do,” said Baker. “If you do that, the world is yours once again…What we should be doing is looking at who we are as people and trying to be the best we can possibly be and help as many people around us as possible be the best they can be. If you focus on this you will always make a difference and you will always be successful.”
This mindset of helping others find their potential paints a clear picture of Baker’s career, especially his nearly 20 years as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman and SARC Independent Duty Corpsman.
The process to achieve the title of SARC is not easily earned, Baker explained.
Sailors must complete rigorous courses in medical care, diving and jumping, many from the most elite in the military such as Army Special Forces.
According to Baker, the SARC community is one that operates purely to provide the best combat medical care to service members no matter the time or place.
During his retirement ceremony, Baker explained SARCs are unique individuals dedicated to their craft, who do so silently and without the desire to be recognized for their actions.
This attitude of humility and silent dedication common within the SARC community was present at Baker’s retirement ceremony. He spoke almost entirely on how others have helped him or influenced him over the last 30 years instead of focusing on his actions and accomplishments.
Much of his time as a SARC was spent with various Marine Corps reconnaissance battalions completing missions and training operations in six continents and 48 countries.
The nature of his career doesn’t warrant much to be shared due to security reasons, but according to Baker, that doesn’t stop him from sharing what he can of his experiences with others to encourage them in their careers.
Since stepping away from direct work as a SARC, Baker has been an integral part in helping junior Corpsmen get into the demanding program through a SARC Prep Program.
“These guys do so many amazing things,” said Baker. “The SARCs who are out there now, they are so well trained. It is amazing what these guys go through just to get qualified. Then when they operate they are the utmost professionals. I have so much respect for the SARCs.”
A “highlight” of his career, said Baker, is watching junior Sailors realize the potential he sees in them, opening up the world to them to conquer.
“Many young folks don’t realize their own potential. They allow the world to tell them that they can’t do something, and they believe it,” said Baker. “One thing I’ve tried to do my entire career is to get young folks, bring them under my wing and let them know, ‘Hey. You can do anything you put your mind to as long as you’re willing to work for it.’ I try to help them get outside their own head and get past their own limitations.”
Baker’s dedication to junior Corpsmen continued up until his last days at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, assisting and leading various trainings.
CAPT James Hancock, commanding officer NMCCL explained Baker’s dedication and desire to the future of the Hospital Corps is only one of many reasons he was nominated for the first presentation of the Admiral Cullison Award.
“He has had all of the hard jobs and has lived the life. Days before his retirement, at 8:30 at night, is training corpsman, on leave. That speaks volumes,” said Hancock. “As every year goes by, I want every one of you [Corpsmen] to want to be that [Baker’s] name, to be ready to go tonight.”
The Admiral Cullison Award is a brand new award specific to NMCCL Corpsmen.
Named after former Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Thomas Cullison for his dedication and contributions to furthering the Hospital Corps, the award aims to annually recognize both a senior and junior Corpsman.
Hospital Corpsman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick O’Meara was presented the junior honor from Baker, the nomination citation highlighting O’Meara’s always-engaged nature.
O’Meara said he was honored to have received the award, but more honored to share the inaugural presentation with Baker.
“If anyone asks who is Master Chief Baker, you don’t have to elaborate on who he is; everyone already knows,” said O’Meara. “If you say you’re doing something with Master Chief Baker, it is automatic accreditation because of who he is.”
Over the course of his career Baker has served under numerous titles of leadership within medical centers and training facilities, more recently serving as Command Master Chief of NMCCL.
Even after hanging up his uniform following three decades of service, Baker continues to encourage young service members to find success for themselves.
Baker’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and multiple campaign and service ribbons.
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2018 14:24 |
| Story ID: | 285124 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,352 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Master Chief Dedicates 30-Year Navy Career to Helping Others Succeed, by NMCCL Public Affairs, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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