Marine veteran continues service at home
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HOWLAND -- For Corban Baker, serving others did not end when his military career concluded.
Today, as Outreach Coordinator for the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, he helps fellow veterans and their families access benefits and services they have earned through their service.
Baker enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 27, 2002, while still a senior in high school.
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the beginning of the Iraq War influenced his decision.
“I wanted to serve my country during a time of war,” Baker said. “I also wanted to see the world, learn a trade, earn money for college, and become independent and self-reliant.”
After graduating in May 2003, he left for boot camp that August.
“I chose the Marines because if you’re going to do something, do it 100% all the way,” he said. “I wanted to join the best.”
Following training, Baker became an O-Level Avionics Technician for F/A-18 fighter aircraft. His duties included maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing communication, navigation and weapons guidance systems.
His primary duty station was Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, but his service took him around the world.
He completed three overseas deployments, including a six-month deployment aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005.
He later deployed to Japan and Korea from 2006 to 2007 and returned to Iraq for a seven-month deployment in 2008.
Among the challenges he remembers most was the demanding operational tempo.
“There were so many challenges, but I’d say just the grind of working 12 on, 12 off, seven days a week for six to seven months straight was rough,” he said.
One mission remains particularly memorable. An aircraft maintained by his unit participated in a successful bombing mission against a terrorist training camp during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While deployments and missions were important parts of his service, Baker says the friendships he developed remain one of the most meaningful aspects of his military experience.
“I’ve met and worked with so many types of people from all walks of life,” he said. “Three of the Marines in my unit became some of my best friends and still are to this day.”
Baker credits the Marine Corps with teaching him lessons that continue to shape his life.
“The Corps teaches and nurtures leadership from day one,” he said. “Teamwork is essential, and you’re taught that the team is only as strong as its weakest link.”
He also learned perseverance.
“There’s no option to give up. You must press on,” he said.
Like many veterans, Baker found the transition to civilian life challenging. He returned from his final deployment to Iraq in September 2008 and was discharged just over a month later.
“The adjustment was very hard,” he said.
Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Baker attended Youngstown State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications with a minor in theatre in 2012. During college, he occasionally performed stand-up comedy.
After graduation, he moved to California to pursue opportunities in acting and comedy, but ultimately found a career in television journalism. He worked his way up to become a news anchor before returning to the Mahoning Valley, where he spent more than five years as lead anchor at WYTV-33 News.
Today, Baker uses his communication skills in a different way. Through his work with the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, he helps veterans and their families navigate benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of Ohio and local programs.
His commitment to veterans extends beyond his job. He remains active in several veterans organizations and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Today, Baker and his wife, Kate, are raising their two daughters, Gwen, 5, and Flora, 8 months.
Looking back, Baker said the leadership, teamwork, adaptability and perseverance he learned in the Marines continue to guide both his personal and professional life. Those same values now fuel his efforts to assist veterans throughout Mahoning County, allowing him to continue serving long after his time in uniform ended.
Corban Baker
AGE: 41
RESIDENCE: Howland
SERVICE BRANCH: Marines
MILITARY HONORS: Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2 Letters of Appreciation, Letter of Commendation, Certificate of Appreciation, and 2nd Award Rifle Expert Shooting Badge.
OCCUPATION: Outreach Coordinator for the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission
FAMILY: wife, Kate Baker; and two daughters, Gwen, 5, and Flora, 8 months.