Rapid response

Vern Baker's supporters weren't able to raise enough funds for home improvements before the Medal of Honor recipient died of cancer last month.

So they're finishing the task for his family, along with sending them to attend his burial at Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 24.

Baker, who was the last living African-American Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died July 13 at age 90 at his home south of St. Maries.

"He helped us out quite a bit, so we thought the least we could do is help him," said 1st Sgt. Ray Katus of the Idaho National Guard, which has been raising funds and is being assisted by American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls.

News of the fundraising efforts has spread throughout the country - and with rapid response - after Heidi recently told reporters the family could not afford to travel to Virginia for his ceremonial burial.

U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, is donating his frequent flyer miles to Baker's widow Heidi, her daughter Alexandra Tawlik and Tawlik's 9-year-old son Vernon to attend the burial.

An anonymous man in Fort Worth, Texas, touched by Baker's military service and the family's situation, also offered on Thursday to buy the three tickets for a total $2,100, only to learn later from Legion Commander John Dunlap that Minnick's office indeed already booked the flights. Dunlap said he was unaware at first that Minnick's office acted on the offer.

Dunlap said the Knights of Columbus will pay for the hotel during the trip.

Dunlap said a donation from the Texas man and others can still be used to pay for meals, home improvements and other expenses.

The Guard is eying about $19,500 worth of work that needs done on the house, including a roof and porch and drainage repairs, and about $9,000 is needed to complete the projects, Katus said.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at any American West Bank in North Idaho as an account in Heidi's name has been set up.

"Any additional money (not used for the trip) will be used to better her life," Dunlap said. "This account will help her get back on her feet after the funeral. This is veterans helping veterans."

Katus said the Guard had hoped to have the home repairs done before Baker died, but fundraising slowed.

"He wasn't in good enough health to do it and it just got put off," Katus said.

Baker received his Medal of Honor, the country's highest award for war valor, from President Bill Clinton in 1997, 52 years after his 28-year Army career.

Baker received the Medal of Honor for leading a two-day assault in 1945 as a lieutenant against an Italian stronghold occupied by Germany and securing it for American forces.

He was also the last survivor of the 92nd Infantry Division's Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-black unit to see combat in the war.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter in December proclaimed Dec. 17 - Baker's birthday - as Vernon J. Baker Day in his honor.

For more information on the fundraising efforts, call Dunlap at 773-9054.