Naming of Middleburg VA Clinic passes congress

Florida’s two U.S. Senators and Congresswoman Kat Cammack said they applauded the passage of a law that would name the Veterans Administration Clinic in Middleburg after a Navy chief petty officer killed in a helicopter crash.

In a news release, the three lawmakers said the House of Representatives recently passed their bill to name the new clinic: the “Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.” The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“Honoring U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Kenneth Baker’s legacy of bravery and service to our country is the right thing to do,” said Senator Marco Rubio. “The new VA clinic in Clay County provides quality care to our veterans who have dedicated their lives to serve, just like Chief Petty Officer Baker.”

“Our veterans make countless sacrifices to defend our nation,” added Senator Rick Scott. “We must do everything possible to provide them with the support and care they need. I’m proud that this legislation honoring the legacy of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Kenneth Baker has passed the House and is now headed to the president’s desk.”

Cammack said: “It is so special to see this bill across the finish line during the 117th Congress. I worked on this project during my time as deputy chief of staff for the district, and to see it finally pass both chambers and head to the president’s desk is an honor. I’ve come to know Ms. Tina Baker, Andrew’s widow, over the last decade, and it’s surreal to soon see her husband’s name in huge letters on the front of the building in Middleburg. His distinguished legacy will live on in the community that was such a huge part of who he was. Thank you to Senators Rubio and Scott and all of my Florida colleagues for your support of this effort.”

Baker died during a helicopter crash on the USS Taylor on March 13, 1997. His Seahawk, operating off the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, crashed at about 11:30 P.M. during a training exercise about 80 miles off North Carolina. It crashed while trying to refuel from the Taylor.