Congresswoman Cammack's Legislation To Rename Middleburg VA Clinic Signed By President

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, S.2159, the bill to rename the VA Clinic in Middleburg, Florida after Andrew Kenneth Baker, was signed into law by President Biden at the White House.

After the bill passed the House and Senate earlier this fall, the president's signature was the final step before the formal designation and name change ceremony in Middleburg.

"It's an amazing day in Florida's Third Congressional District," said Cammack."To have this bill across the finish line during my freshman term is a major accomplishment, and to do it in memory of Chief Baker and his service and sacrifice is truly an honor. I look forward to seeing the new name go up on the building in the new year, and to celebrate this project's completion. Thank you to Senators Rubio and Scott and all of my Florida colleagues for your support of this effort."

“I am grateful that President Biden has signed my bill to honor U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Kenneth Baker’s legacy into law. The VA clinic in Clay County provides quality care to our veterans who have dedicated their lives to service, just like Chief Petty Officer Baker,” said Senator Rubio.

"Our veterans have made countless sacrifices to defend our nation. We must do everything possible to provide them with the support and care they need. I'm proud the president signed this bill into law and that the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Clay County will pay. homage to U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Kenneth Baker," said Senator Scott.

The clinic's new name honors Antisubmarine Warfare Chief Andrew Kenneth Baker of Middleburg, Florida who was killed during a SEAL training event when the Trident 615, an H-60 Seahawk, crashed at sea on March 13, 1997.

Chief Baker served on the USS Carl Vinson and USS Coral Sea as a Ship's Serviceman and completed training in Search and Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola and Fleet Replacement Aircrewman training at NAS Jacksonville, earning his "Wings of Gold." Chief Baker then reported to HS-9, serving on the USS Nimitz, then in HS-3, assigned as the Training and Operations Chief.

###