Special to
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Rudolph Charles Baker, 85, has been a resident of Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home for two years.

The home’s committee councilman is graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in New Orleans.

He began his military career when he joined the United States Navy in 1947.

After boot camp, Baker was enrolled in Hospital Corpsman School for 16 weeks.

He served on the USS Mckean, which is a U.S. Navy Destroyer.

In Osaka, he served with the 3rd Marine Division for 14 months. In Rhode Island, he served on the USS Purvis Destroyer.

He also served in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division — 1st Battalion, 9th Marines for 13 months and also in Morocco.

Baker was discharged to the Fleet Reserve Division in 1970, officially retiring from the Navy with the rank of chief hospital medical corpsman before returning home to St. Bernard Parish.

He was married in 1952 to the former Doris M. Reggio. They had four children: Dolores, Cynthia, Raynette and Rudolph. Doris died in 2011.

The veterans home is always looking for volunteers to help in various roles from activities, room visits and talent shows.

Those interested in helping can call Sonya Hebert, resident activity director, at 985- 479-4080, ext., 1028, or email sonya.hebert@vetaffairs.la.gov.