DENVER (KDVR) The strong impact of African Americans in the U.S. military is evident throughout history. Colorado is home to a celebrated retired lieutenant colonel who, at age 97, is still making a difference.

The Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia has proclaimed Lt. Col. Martha Baker a living legend in a special ceremony attended by state dignitaries.

Baker served her country for 20 years before retiring in 1971 and moving to Colorado with her husband.

“Here 70 years later, my whole life’s changed because I joined the Army,” Baker told affiliate KDVR.

Baker developed a passion for helping others early in her life, saving money to pay for nursing school and then caring for patients at a New Jersey hospital. Her salary was $78 for two weeks of night duty.

Baker enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

“I went to Germany from LaGuardia, 18 hours across the Atlantic on a Flying Tiger plane (with) two propellers,” she said.

President Harry Truman ended segregation in the military in 1948, integrating 300 hospitals around the world, including in Korea where Baker served as an operating room nurse. She would go on to serve her country in Japan and Vietnam.

“Went so many places, I met so many people,” she said.

Even with the admiration and respect she earned among her peers in the military, Baker still experienced racism at home. She recalled a painful memory of what happened when she tried to enter a store in Maryland.

“When I went to the door to go (in), he said you can’t come in here, and I’m wearing my uniform,” Baker said.

Baker’s display at the National Military Women’s Memorial will feature her story on a large screen. Evidence of Baker’s impact can be seen among those who organized the tribute.

“To know someone like Colonel Baker that did things, because she was Black, couldn’t do certain things that I just take for granted, that could’ve taken for granted even then,” said Military Women’s Memorial President Phyllis Wilson.

Today, Baker sits surrounded by love and support from those who remain inspired by her bravery, service and courage.

“It’s like everything that happened, it was like God was just leading me,” Baker said.