In 1938, Congress set aside November 11th as Veterans Day to honor all veterans; however, for one local veteran, the day happens to be extra special. Basil Baker, born on the family farm south of Bristow to John Henry and Cordelia “Cordie” Overstreet Baker on November 11, 1920, entered the world without expectation of the full life he would go on to live over the next century. Thursday marks his 101st birthday. Moreover, as a veteran of the United States Cavalry, Basil not only celebrates his birthday each year on November 11th but his military service as well.
As he reminisced, an infectious smile oft adorned his face. Occasionally, he humbly apologized for being unable to remember details to his liking, but for a beloved father and veteran of 101 years, he remembered more than many of us— decades his junior—might ever hope to recall. As dying leaves floated upon the breeze, dancing as they landed about his feet, and ladybugs flew in, gracing his gentle hands, his eyes twinkled in the autumn light with the delight of a child upon awakening on Christmas morning. Sparkling, his personality revealed his love of people and joy as he recounted the events of his life.
With his glowing attitude, he shared his story: As a child, Basil grew up on the family farm five miles south and one mile east of Bristow, sharing life with his eight siblings. His parents farmed the land. Although his parents raised him on the farm, Basil knew at a young age, as did many of his siblings, that he did not desire to be a farmer. Even as a twelve-year-old and teen, he worked as a ranch-hand and substitute teacher. Basil lived through the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and every president since Woodrow Wilson. He has lived through times of great illness, poverty, and world strife, serving in the United States Cavalry during World War II.
Prior to the draft, Basil chose to enlist in the military. In 1940, at the young age of 19, Basil enlisted in the U.S. Cavalry, beginning his service at Fort Bliss as Private Baker assigned to the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division before injuring his leg in 1942, when he found himself trapped between two horses at the Doña Ana firing range. After healing and returning to duty, Basil again injured his leg while on a horse in parade formation.
Believing his military career over, Basil prepared himself for discharge; however, the military found additional ways for him to serve, eventually sending him to Europe. During the war, he served in Salzburg, Austria as Sergeant Major Baker, working with the counterintelligence and police operations corps to help protect the troops.
Throughout his time serving in the military, Basil received many promotions from beginning as a private in 1940 to earning his rank of E8 Post Sergeant Major Baker before retiring after 26 years of service in 1966. During his military career, Basil traveled across the country and Europe, visiting places in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Hawaii, New Jersey, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and others.
After retiring from the military, Basil worked as personnel director for Saint Vincent Hospital in New Mexico, where he met his wife, Ganda in the early 1970s. They married in 1974, moving back to Bristow in 1977. Together, they have three children: John, James, and Jessica. Basil has one child from a previous marriage: Charles Phillip.
Over the last four decades, Basil raised his family and worked in various jobs as a bookkeeper, handyman, and maintenance assistant, helping business owners meet their needs. He most treasures the personal connections and relationships he developed throughout his life, especially with his wife and children. Although he no longer works, he continues to enjoy golfing, but his favorite hobby is gardening. He enjoys spending time outside in the sunlight and fresh air, tending his onion and tomato plants. He even boasts a top-secret fertilizer recipe for growing his tomatoes. His recently constructed home boasts a beautiful veranda, on which he sits in his rocking chair and basks in nature’s abundant beauty and serenity.
For his birthday, Basil says he has no special plans other than to enjoy life and a lovely meal with his wife. As for the community, may we all wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his service this Thursday.