15 September 2015
Iraq Medical Ward Named After Fallen Kiwi Soldier
A medical ward in Taji Military Camp has been named in honour of fallen New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) medic Lance
Corporal (LCPL) Jacinda Baker, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
The Jacinda Baker Ward is part of the medical centre in Taji Military Camp where LCPL Baker’s friends and colleagues are
deployed as part of the New Zealand-Australia Building Partner Capacity mission.
The New Zealand Defence Force contingent is working alongside the Australian Defence Force to train the Iraqi Security
Forces (ISF). The training focuses on techniques for the ISF to use in the fight against Daesh.
The Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Tim Gall, said the ward is a fitting tribute to Jacinda and the
sacrifice she made in the service of our country.
LCPL Baker, a 26-year-old medic from Christchurch, died alongside Corporal Luke Tamatea and Private Richard Harris when
their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Bamiyan province in Afghanistan on 19 August 2012.
ENDS