Dorothy Baker’s long and illustrious military career included, but was not limited to, helping keep airplanes in the air.
The Military Women’s Memorial periodically recognizes “Living Legends,” trail-blazing women patriots whose accomplishments “deserve recognition while they are still with us to be appreciated.”
Orinda’s Dorothy (Dottie) L. Baker, 93, received her Living Legend award in Orinda in February during a ceremony hosted by Mayor Latika Malkani and Robin Diamond from the Military Women’s Memorial, which is based in Washington, D.C.
The room was full of friends, family and other invited guests, listening intently to the presentations, and to Baker’s stories about her career highlights, which included becoming the first female in the U.S. Air Force to achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
She had an extraordinary military career, which began with her enlisting in the Armed Forces at 18 and serving over 40 years before retirement in 1991 at age 60.
Baker was stationed in a variety of locations during her career, including spending two years (1951-1953) in Yokohama, Japan, where she was able to explore the country and also became fluent in Japanese.
She was an administrative specialist, an administrative supervisor and an administrative superintendent. In 1972, she cross-trained into aircraft maintenance and became superintendent of maintenance. There were times in her service when she supervised as many as 500 troops.
Baker was also a career advisor, counseling airmen who were having difficulties or were unsure what path to take within the military system.
At one point, she was offered a promotion to officer – but declined it – believing she could help younger people best by being an enlisted person just like them, only at a higher rank.
During the question-and-answer portion of the program, she was asked if she had experienced any difficulties as a female or a person of color. She acknowledged that there were times in her career when she was one of very few women in her unit; at one time, she said, she was the only female. But “I gave respect and I got respect,” she said. “I had no problems.”
And when asked “Would you recommend today the military as a career for a young woman?” she replied, “Yes, I would. It’s a growing experience. It was with me, I was 18 when I went in. It really helped me a lot. It helped me to get along with people, it helped me to understand everybody, all the different people I encountered.”
After retirement, Baker joined the Lafayette Senior Recreation Center and was involved with this organization for nearly 30 years, eventually becoming president. She continues to lead an active life, engaging in varied community activities, tending to her garden and reflecting with gratitude about a life filled with remarkable experiences.
Contributing Writer
Laura Tow can be reached at mslaurat33@gmail.com.
