A member of the Marine Corps Reserve for over five years, Sergeant Jim Baker, a criminology graduate of Ohio State University, was called to active duty in January 2005.  A member of the Scout Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company Akron, he trained in California for about two months and his unit arrived in Iraq in early March 2005 to serve alongside Lima Company. 

Baker’s battalion was responsible for securing the Al Anbar Province, sweeping for insurgents, weapons, and IEDs.  As part of the scout sniper platoon, members of Jim's unit were “guardian angels" over watch for riflemen and infantrymen during patrols and security.  They performed forward observation, looking for anything possibly dangerous or unfit.  Baker says he was in harm’s way “everyday.  It was totally unexpected.  You’re prepared to expect the worst.”

Despite its many casualties, his battalion carried on, triumphantly, working like a well-oiled machine.  During Operation Matador, an IED hit an assault vehicle, carrying 10-12 marines.  Everyone pounced on it immediately, not only rendering aid to the injured, but also assuring that everyone was secure while doing so.

Baker is also happy to report that his battalion was able to create a safe haven for the Iraqi election; voter turnout went up radically because they felt safe coming to this area.  “The American people may not see it because it’s not shown on the media,” he says, “but I believe the mission is really important.”