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Josh BakerRob Baker, originally of White Lake, now lives in Three Lakes, WI with his wife, Heather, where the couple own and operate Baker's Grocery. In honor of his son, Josh Baker, he has helped fund a fishing trip to Key West, FL for a disabled Iraqi War Vet. ----- At the time of the accident, Josh had just returned from a seven-month tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Marines. He was living at Camp Pendleton in California. He had been given his own 13-man squad, and was preparing to return to Iraq for a second tour. "He saw some heavy combat in Iraq as part of the Marine offensive in Fallujah," Rob says. "Weeks went by when we didn't hear from him. But then, one night on CNN's 11 o'clock news, I saw him-saw his eyes and forehead-just above the tank gun. I yelled out to Heather, 'there he is!' I managed to get the image taped and blown up, and it clearly showed his nametag." Rob adds, "Josh loved more than anything to fish and hunt. That was his life's passion. He told us his hunting skills had made him a good soldier in Iraq. He said, 'Dad, what I learned from hunting with you has helped me survive here." The car accident happened while Josh and some friends were on their way to visit one of the friends' home. The California expressway was slippery from the rain. The car spun out of control and slammed into a stalled vehicle. The fearless Marine, who had survived hell in Fallujah, was severely injured. When Rob got to the hospital, he saw that Josh was mostly unconscious, suffering from a broken back,pelvis and a deeply fractured skull. But he was far from alone. More than 30 Marines were gathered around, squeezed into the room and corridor. "They kept watch over him all night," Rob says. "They never left his side."
Carl Landis25 years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and successfully fought that cancer, then about 12 years ago was diagnosed with leukemia. On 11/16/08 my Dad finally won his battle with cancer because now he is in Heaven and I promise is not at any Doctor Appt, getting shots, poked or prodded or getting dialysis….he is in a much better place and pain free. I have to tell you about how God works. You see on 10/9/08 Alan his Dad and my Dad and I went to The Wilderness to get pictures of the rams for our upcoming TWO hunt and to scout the place. Alan snapped a picture that day and it’s now framed and in my office. I will never forget that day that I got to spend with my Dad. It was only 5 weeks later that he would pass onto Eternity. This picture will bring back great memories and my son, Trent reminded me shortly after “Pap” had gone to be with the Lord that we visited him that week and the last thing he we said to him was We Love You and the last words that Pap/Dad said to us was that He Loved Us Too! What more could we ask as a lasting impression of our final words together. God writes terrific endings……………May God Bless You Always.
Have a safe and terrific hunt with Grandfather and Grandson and I bet my Dad will be watching from above! He’ll have just as big a smile on his face as all will who are involved in this wonderful ministry and hunting experience!!!!
Ralph BartenRalph Barten became blind as a result of a lower back surgery gone wrong. While recovering he saw a TV program about kids living with cancer. "They became my heroes" Ralph says. Ralph attends a number of functions for sportsmen with disabilities. (mainly kids) making "stuff" for them, and it has grown into an activity that he enjoys doing for various charities for youth with disabilities and illnesses. Ralph makes among other things Diamond Willow walking sticks, Antler tip zipper pulls, and antler jewelry. Ralph is always in need of antlers for his jewelry, and if you know of someone that could donate some antlers please contact The Way Outfitters.