Friends and family of Staff Sgt. Mark Baum gathered in Bucks County Monday to say their final farewell. The National Guardsman was killed in combat in Iraq last month. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack has more.


[ 3/2/2009 REPORT: Friends, Family Say Goodbye ]

  
Reporter: Two black horses pull the flag- draped casket that carried Staff Sgt. Mark Baum. The 32-year old Pennsylvania National Guard soldier from Quakertown was killed in Iraq February 21st. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood in the March wind holding American flags as Baum's casket was carried out of Calvary Church of Souderton in Bucks County. 

Barbara cunningham/patriot guard riders: "We honor them the best way we know how, we'll not let another generation be forgotten or lost." 

Reporter: Baum was awarded the bronze star and purple heart. The father of three was also a corrections officer at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. Many corrections officers - from as far away as New Jersey - showed up to pay their respects. 
Bean Sprich/NJ Department of Corrections: "I felt it was the least i could do, coming here from Jersey in the weather to pay respect to a great man and his sacrifice for our country." 

Reporter: His loss will be felt among his fellow guardsmen.. and in his Bucks County community. 

Charles Martin, Chairman of the Bucks County Commissioners: "I think it's been felt primarily by the people who work with Sgt. Baum, in our corrections department." 

Reporter: Baum was buried at Leidy's Cemetery in Franconia Township. He is the 33rd Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldier killed in action. 
In Hilltown Township, Bucks County Jackie Shutack, 69 News.

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