Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker (DND picture)I wrote of this Canadian hero on Saturday, when it was reported that he had paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and for the freedoms of the Afghanistan people. (Go here)
My regular readers know that I always honour the service and sacrifice of the families of our fallen.
Corporal Baker's family has released a statement. In their loss, they share their most precious son, brother, uncle with us. I could just link to it, but I reprint it in full here, as my small way of acknowledging the life and the loves of this young Canadian:
Let us never forget our heroes and their families.
STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF CPL JOSHUA BAKER
Joshua Caleb Baker was soft-spoken man, with a great sense of humour, who loved his family above all things. We'll remember him as someone with a big heart, someone who got along with everyone he met and someone who would do anything for anyone.
Josh was proud to be in the military and looked forward to pursuing all the opportunities it gave him. While he was frustrated that progress was slow, Josh was hoping to make a difference in Afghanistan. He valued the experience working with Afghans gave him. We were surprised to find out he developed a real taste for tea from his short time there.
Josh was hoping to start a new chapter in his life when he returned from Afghanistan. He looked forward to applying to The Edmonton Police Service, but vowed to maintain his service with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a reservist. He was most excited for the house he just purchased and continuing to foster a budding relationship with his girlfriend.
We were blessed to have Josh home from Afghanistan for an early Christmas. He never missed a Christmas with our family and he wasn't going to let his vacation in November change that. Josh was very excited for the simple pleasures of decorating the Christmas tree and playing with the kids. Josh was a wonderful uncle to his niece and two nephews. He bought a new bike for his niece and cheered-on his eldest nephew at hockey games. Josh loved kids and would have been a great father someday.
While Josh was in Afghanistan, he posted a Bible Verse on Facebook:
(Isaiah 41:10) "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am the Lord your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Josh will be missed always and loved forever. His memories will always live on in our hearts.
-The Family of Joshua Baker
