Meet Candace Baker of The Mission Continues in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Baker.

Candace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story begins in Portsmouth, Virginia, where I was born and raised. My childhood was filled with abuse: mental, emotional and physical. I grew up very sheltered and, in my later Sadolescence, an only child. Alot of my time was spent with my mother, her adult friends, or with the comfort of my music. The socialite in me begin to bud, and my yearning to socialize and be part of a team led me to organized sports. After many attempts to find my niche, I finally found basketball. We had a longstanding relationship until my true love came along. Sometime in the year prior to my freshman year in high school, while roaming the halls and gymnasium of the high school, my stepfather coached and taught at…

I found a group of individuals who changed my life forever! They were members of the JROTC program. As it was explained to me, they honored teamwork. They respected the concept of discipline, they emphasized selflessness and promoted integrity. I was hooked! Little did I know by selecting that elective (which by the way curriculum), it would change the trajectory of my existence. The lessons, training and camaraderie helped me come out of my shell. I would later become the cadet commander of my high school JROTC and receive an ROTC scholarship to attend college. How did I get to Atlanta, you ask? Well, in my search for a college, I attended a college fair in which then-current cadets of Fort Valley State University ROTC program presented. I thought to myself, these young black students have traveled from middle Georgia to represent themselves and their organization in such an honorable way. I must at least research who they are and more about their program. Despite the distance, and the fact I would be so far from home and knew absolutely no one in GA…

I decide to attend FVSU anyway. The rebel in me was born! My perspective on life as I knew it had been confined to only what I had been exposed to in a very controlled environment. In my eyes, there was so much to explore, and unfortunately, my studies suffered a bit. During my college days, I met some people who have become some of my lifelong friends. I had some experiences that definitely shaped me… some good and some bad. By the hair on my chinny chin chin, I managed to graduate college but in the meantime, I had been disenrolled from ROTC after being a completion cadet. This meant, I would not receive my commission as a 2nd Lt in the US Army, yet I had to go in as an enlisted soldier in order to “payback” my scholarship. My time in the Army is nothing less than bittersweet. The best way I can explain it is: “The best times, I NEVER want to have again!” The highs were high, but the lows were extremely low. Growing up being an active individual, an athlete was my identity. I could somehow, even in my small stature, manage to hang with the best of them physically.

But running I was never too fond of, I later found out why. After pushing through many miles of road marching and group runs for physical training, a condition I battle with known as exertional compartment syndrome begins to present itself. My leadership, doctors, nor myself could understand why such a physically fit individual would be in such constant immobilizing pain after physical activities. Finally, while stationed in Korea, a doctor recommended I be tested for compartment syndrome. My tests came back off the charts, I was an immediate candidate for surgery. Surgery! I had never so much as had an injury that required hospitalization before. Needless to say, my world was rocked after the first surgery. The second leg surgery, coupled with the disappointment of how I was disregarded by leadership, led to the beginning of the end of my short-lived Military career. Substance abuse, including those prescribed to me, mental health counseling to manage my anxiety and depression became a routine part of my life. I was medically reclassed because I could no longer meet the physical requirements of my first MOS, which later led to me being medically retired from the US Army in 2011.

I’ve spent the majority of my time post Military trying to find an reclaim my identity. Many years of isolation, depression and mistreatments of diagnoses. The biggest battle has been within, knowing where I came from and who I once was… trying to find her again. Along the way the VA, and other Veteran Service organizations I will not mention by name have not aided constructively to the reintegration of veterans back into society. I am a walking testament to that. I will save those stories for another time. Along my journey to recover, I found a group whose mission is to get Veterans back into their communities and provide an opportunity for them to serve again. I’ve recently accepted a volunteer position as one of the organization’s platoon leaders, which I described as “leaders on the ground.”

As fate would have it I was offered the same position in Atlanta but a series of unfortunate events led me back to my hometown of Portsmouth, VA, where I’m currently working to bring awareness to our organization and encourage engagement during our service projects in the communities. My story is nothing short of interesting, but it’s not complete. I have much more to do, more Veterans to help. I’ve learned my strength lies in my authenticity, and nothing is more important than self-care. Although I am not currently in Atlanta, many of the experiences that helped mold me are. My vision is to bridge the gaps. To be an example of hope and inspire those coming behind me, to expose those who do not know… to help traverse down paths I was not helped through. If nothing else…keep smiling, you have that choice “Random Acts of Kindness”.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, but I will insert a quote that changed my perspective on obstacles/challenges. “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Some of the struggles along the way are unfortunately some of the same struggles relevant today. Racism, sexism, homophobia, lack of competent care for Veterans, the stigma surrounding mental health care, the ungodly choice between side effects, or temporary benefits of prescribed medications.

Please tell us about The Mission Continues.
The organization I have the privilege of being a part of now is set apart by its unwavering mission to put Veterans back in position to serve again. We provide opportunities for Veterans to not only serve alongside each other but to serve the communities they live in. We are literally in schools building outdoor learning environments, building community gardens and utilizing our influence to provide resources and manpower that many underserved communities desperately need.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I loved most about Atlanta is a plethora of resources and a sense of volunteerism. The thing I enjoyed the least about Atlanta was the time of travel from one destination to another.

Now that I’m back in my hometown of Portsmouth, VA, it is completely opposite. Yet there is a familiarity that comes with being back and a sense of connectedness to my community that is unmatched.

Contact Info:

• Website: Themissioncontinues.org
• Email: cbaker2@missioncontinues.org
• Facebook: The mission continues – Hampton Roads

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