Individuals for whom government buildings, highways and bridges are named usually fall into one of four categories. They are:

1. Politicians;

2. Wealthy benefactors;

3. War heroes who died on battlefields far from home; or

4. War heroes who lived to tell about their experiences.

As a small token of appreciation, the folks at the Quad Cities Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America held a ceremony Saturday morning in Rock Island, Ill., to dedicate the I-280 bridge in honor of one of those individuals — John F. Baker Jr., a man who, without a shadow of a doubt, falls into the fourth category above.

Baker, a retired Army sergeant and Vietnam veteran, earned his nation’s highest honor — the Medal of Honor — for service above and beyond the call of duty on Nov. 5, 1966. The award citation read by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the East Room of the White House included the following language:

“Sgt. Baker’s selfless heroism, indomitable fighting spirit, and extraordinary gallantry were directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.”

Ironically, a man who falls into the first category above was invited to join in honoring Baker but did not. That man was U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, the stumbling, bumbling incumbent Democrat from Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.

Take a look at this video, and you’ll understand why Sergeant Baker used the words below in a letter endorsing Hare’s challenger, Republican Bobby Schilling:


To Whom It May Concern,

Soldiers, like congressman, swear to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. This is not a suggestion nor is it open to individual interpretation or is it to be enforced only when it is agreed with.

There is no selectivity in that oath. We do not have the luxury of choosing which parts of that cherished document we choose to uphold or to ignore for our own convenience or political expediency. There is no compromise to facilitate an agenda.

As one of the custodians of our Nation’s highest military award, I am honor bound to protect and defend as well as uphold and follow the provisions of the Constitution. This sacred duty is shared by all servicemen and women as well as our congressmen and senators. It is tragic that any one of them needs to be reminded of their duty. I believe that every citizen of this country expects every elected official to execute their sworn duty to “protect and defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

As we now find ourselves worrying through some difficult times, it becomes even more important that we cleave to this inspired, sacred document created by our founding fathers as a legacy and the fundamental road map for our Country. The Constitution is the bedrock document of this Nation. No man sworn to uphold and defend it, under any circumstances, can ever say it doesn’t matter. Too many men have made the ultimate sacrifice to now denigrate the importance of our Constitution.

I believe that Bobby Schilling is committed to America. I believe that the Constitution does matter to Bobby Schilling and that he will protect and defend the Constitution of these United States.

With respect to all,

John F. Baker Jr. — Medal of Honor — U.S. Army (Ret.)

If you live in Illinois’ 17th CD, encompassing a triangle of Western Illinois between Decatur, Quincy and the Quad Cities, please vote wisely!