2010 News

July 14, 2010

“A Father, A Friend and A Patriot”
Commissioners, Gold Star Families and County Department of Corrections Honor U.S. Army Sgt. Mark C. Baum as Bucks County “Hometown Hero”

On February 21, 2009, Pennsylvania National Guard member and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum of Quakertown was killed in action in Mushadah, Iraq. He was 32-years old. This morning, during a solemn ceremony that included his wife, Heather, and his two young daughters, Alexis and Kailey, Sgt. Baum was honored as the 18th Bucks County “Hometown Hero.” Heather Baum joined Pennsylvania National Guard, 28th Infantry Division representatives and the Bucks County Department of Corrections Honor Guard and officials to unveil a banner recognizing her husband’s sacrifice. The banner, located on the N. Main St. side of the Bucks County Courthouse courtyard, features a profile picture of Sgt. Baum in his combat fatigues.

“Hardly a week goes by when I don’t see someone looking at these courtyard banners, saying a silent thank you,” Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin stated during his welcoming remarks, noting that Sgt. Baum also served as a Bucks County Corrections Officer. “A man of courage, leadership and conviction, Sgt. Baum left behind a loving family that includes Heather and children Alexis, Kailey and Conrad. He also left behind a work family that includes the hard-working, dedicated members of the Bucks County Corrections department. Sgt. Baum made it clear that his love of country was supreme.”

Bucks County Military Affairs Director Dan Fraley opened his tribute with a quote from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” Fraley praised Sgt. Baum’s addition to the “sacred courtyard” of memorials to fallen Bucks County soldiers – including 27 Vietnam-era heroes from the community of Levittown alone. Fraley spoke of the Hometown Heroes’ “true sense of community,” tracing how their passion for service was a key factor in bringing the Washington Crossing Federal Veterans Cemetery to fruition over the last several years.

Offering a heartfelt tribute to his friend Sgt. Baum, PA National Guard, 28th Infantry Division and county Department of Corrections Sgt. Brendan Triplett lauded him as “a father, a friend and a patriot.” “The Army was more than just a job for Mark. This was a calling,” Sgt. Triplett said. “Of course, his time was cut far too short. I was lucky to call him friend.” Describing Sgt. Baum’s “awesome” sacrifice, he called it “something profound and amazing.” As the father of three children, Sgt. Baum was able to “shape the tenderness of a man and the hardness of a soldier.”

While Heather Baum lifted the black drape from her husband’s banner, a trumpeter played “Taps” in the background. Chairman Martin read the 18 names of Bucks County servicemen and women who have been killed in the line of duty over the last decade. “It is indeed our honor to add Mark to the list of Hometown Heroes ringing this memorial courtyard,” the chairman concluded.

BUCKS COUNTY HOMETOWN HEROES
Kristofor Stonesifer, Airborne Army Ranger, Doylestown
Patrick R. Nixon, Cpl. USMC, Doylestown
William J. Maher III, US Army Spc., Yardley
Brian R. Faunce, US Army Captain, Bensalem
Tamarra J. Ramos, US Army Spc., Quakertown
Maurice J. Johnson, US Army Spc., Levittown
Edward Brabazon, US Army Spc., Levittown
Barton R. Humlhanz, Cpl. USMC, Hellertown
Robert T. Minninger, Lance Cpl. USMC, Sellersville
Kurt E. Krout, US Army Spc., Spinnerstown
Nathaniel E. DeTample, US Army Pfc., Morrisville
Jae S. Moon, US Army Staff Sgt., Levittown
Travis L. Manion, 1st Lt. USMC, Doylestown
Colby J. Umbrell, 1LT US Army Ranger, Doylestown
Allen James Dunckley, US Army Sgt., Yardley
Robert H. Dembowski, Jr., US Army 82nd Airborne, Ivyland
Shawn M. Suzch, US Army Sgt. First Class, Hilltown
Mark C. Baum, US Army Staff Sgt., Quakertown