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"You become so detached. You read about Afghanistan everyday and Iraq and the men and women over there, they're sacrificing their lives. But it never hits home until it becomes personalized and it's just gut-wrenching," said Jim Baker. Baker is David's uncle and was among the family, friends and strangers who received Baker's body at Hopkins Airport.
Baker was raised in Painesville and graduated from Riverside High School in 2006.
"He was a man of faith and doing the right thing and he would definitely put himself in harms way to protect others and obviously that's what he did," said Matthew Kohls. Kohls is also David's uncle.
Marine Lance Corporal David Baker was just weeks away from the end of his tour. According to his uncles, the mortar man for the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment knew his first tour in Afghanistan would be dangerous.
"Lots of times, David was always on point on the patrol and his dad said, why do you put yourself in harms way like that? He said, dad it's my job," said Jim Baker. "He had a premonition, he said that he didn't have a good feeling, you know, that he might not be coming back."
Members of the community gathered at Monreal Funeral Home in Eastlake to escort David's body, including Eastlake Battalion Chief Mike Pandy. "He gave his life in honor of, for his country and we're here to honor that dedication."
"I keep calling him a boy and a kid, but you know what? The last time I talked to him, he was a man. He was a man's man in my book and certainly a hero," said Jim Baker.
David has an older brother who also served in the Marines.
Calling hours are Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Monreal Funeral Home. It is located at 35400 Curtis Boulevard, Eastlake.
The funeral service is Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. It is located at 508 Mentor Avenue, Painesville.
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