After graduating from Texas A&M, Ken Baker found himself at a crossroads: continue down a corporate path or enlist in the military. Choosing the latter, he embarked on a remarkable 20-year journey with the U.S. Air Force. On Nov. 11, 2024, Baker will be recognized for his service in a special ceremony in Frisco.
For Baker, the Air Force was more than just a job — it was what he calls a “leadership laboratory,” offering him invaluable experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. His journey began in Oregon, where he was first stationed before heading to Michigan State University. There, Baker enrolled in graduate school and was selected for the Air Force Institute of Technology, a prestigious postgraduate military program that set the stage for his future assignments.
One of the most memorable chapters of Baker’s military career took place during the Vietnam War, when he was stationed in Thailand. He describes his time there as “the most interesting assignment.” While in Thailand, Baker worked to bring order to the management of non-appropriated funds, helping to establish more organized financial processes. He was also tasked with managing the cash payroll, a responsibility that required him to travel to Bangkok to "buy money" to ensure payroll could be met on time.
After his assignment in Thailand, Baker’s career took him to various locations around the world. From Massachusetts, he moved to Wichita Falls, where he taught accounting to newly commissioned lieutenants and ROTC cadets. He was also stationed in Hawaii, where he lived just 400 feet from the entrance to Pearl Harbor. His military journey continued with assignments in Korea, Japan and the U.K. Throughout these moves, Baker and his wife adopted two children, a baby girl and a young boy, who accompanied them on their travels.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Baker returned to Texas, first settling in Lufkin before moving to Austin. Now, as a resident of the Parkview senior living community in Frisco, Baker is among several veterans who will be honored during the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony.
The ceremony, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Veterans Day, will include a special pinning ceremony for all resident veterans, celebrating their service and sacrifices.
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