In Her Own Words

“I had to check everyone’s ID no matter who they were, including the Base Commander’s wife much to her dismay. I got a congratulations for following orders even though it upset her so much. Her husband, the Base Commander, was happy I was following orders. I worked as a Store Keeper doing Inventory, Ordering, Balancing at NAS Whiting Field in FL and also enjoyed being in the choir there. I was living in West Point when my first son was born as my husband was out to sea, he got back in time for his birth. I worked at the Commissary in the Navy at Whiting Field, and then again as a civilian at West Point. I got a 99.5 on the Civil Service test.”

Born on July 15, 1931, in West Point, New York, Elaine Katherine (Hollingshead) Baker grew up in the shadow of military tradition. The daughter of William and Margaret Hollingshead, she lived in Highland Falls until the 1960s, but it was her own decision to don the uniform that defined her early adulthood. Elaine enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War era, serving from 1952 to 1954.

During her service, Elaine held the rank of Seaman (SN) and was stationed at NAS Whiting Field in Florida. She excelled in the meticulous work of a Store Keeper, handling inventory, ordering, and balancing accounts at the base commissary. Her discipline and commitment to protocol were absolute; she famously recalled an instance where she insisted on checking the identification of the Base Commander’s wife, despite the woman’s dismay. Her adherence to Navy regulations earned her high praise from the Base Commander himself, who commended her for following orders without exception.

Elaine’s military journey was intertwined with her personal life. She balanced her duties while starting a family, memorably living at West Point when her first son was born. Her husband, also serving, was out to sea at the time but managed to return just in time for the birth. Her excellence extended to her transition back to civilian life, where she scored an impressive 99.5 on the Civil Service test, continuing her career as a civilian employee at West Point before eventually moving to the Laconia and Gilford areas of New Hampshire.

In her later years, Elaine became a fixture of the Tilton, NH community. She resided at the New Hampshire Veterans Home, where she remained a fierce advocate for her fellow veterans. Serving on various boards to improve the quality of life for residents, she proved that her spirit of service never truly retired. Whether she was singing in the choir, dominating a game of “Chicktionary,” or baking holiday treats for the local mailmen, Elaine moved through life with a sharp mind and a generous heart. She passed away on May 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and “following orders” with a smile.