All donations can be made to Heidy Baker at any AmericanWest Bank location, thanks to the Post Falls National Guard
ST. MARIES, ID. -- Phones all over North Idaho and Eastern Washington have been ringing off the hook with people who want to help the widow of a local Medal of Honor recipient.
KREM 2 News first told you about Heidy Baker on Tuesday. She lost her husband, Vernon Baker, 90, last month to a brain tumor.
Vernon was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his service with the U.S. Army in World War II. Former President Bill Clinton honored him with it in 1997.
Heidy and Vernon made their home in St. Maries, Idaho for the last 17 years.
Since his death, a public memorial was held for Vernon, and his body was cremated. His ashes will be buried in September in Arlington National Cemetery.
But Heidy told KREM 2 News she, her daughter and grandson would not be able to attend the service because she could not afford the travel and lodging expenses, and that the U.S. military would not cover the costs.
Since that story aired on KREM 2 News at 6 Tuesday, we have fielded dozens of calls from people around the region who want to help Heidy.
We've taken calls from companies who want to make corporate donations, families, and people hundreds of miles away from her hoping to get Heidy to Arlington, Virginia this fall.
KREM 2 News also received word from officials with U.S. Representative Walt Minnick, who said the Congressman wants to donate his air miles to Heidy and her family.
The Post Falls National Guard set up an account for donations that will go straight to Heidy and her family. Donations can be made at any AmericanWest Bank location.
