Mike has been the featured speaker on a 2-hour national
radio talk-show hosted by Richard Osborne; "Washington on
Trial".
Became an NRA member in the early '70's, upgraded to Life in
'82 and to Endowment in '90, and is currently a Patron member.
A founding member (1989) of a pro-gun activist group, The
North Central Florida Sportsman's Association (NCFSA) in
Gainesville, Florida. He was Vice-President ('89-'90,
'91,-'92), President ('92-'93) and Vice-President again in '94-'95.
During his tenure as club Vice-President and President, the
NCFSA won seven major national awards, including NRA's Most
Outstanding Club (in the nation) ,'92 for exceptionally high
achievement in all areas of club operation, but especially
for effective political activism and public firearms
education.
Under Mike's leadership, the NCFSA grew to be the largest activist organization of ANY kind in Gainesville, with over 500 members.
Mike is a certified NRA instructor active in local firearms
teaching programs, and helped organize the Florida Hunter
Safety Education program in his region. Mike and the NCFSA
also work with the local community college to bring quarterly
firearms safety courses to the public.
A recent project attracting much attention is a "PIP"
(Politicians Info Package), a quarterly firearms issues
newsletter edited by Mike and sent to Florida politicians.
An ardent supporter of law enforcement, Mike has been recognized and
commended by local agencies for his public service activities on their
behalf.
Mike was recognized by the NRA/ILA as the "1986 Defender of
Freedom" for support and activity on behalf of NRA/ILA.
He is a charter and sustaining member of NRA Golden Eagles.
He has been a Benefactor Member for many years of the
Unified Sportsmen of Florida (Marion Hammers' lobbying
organization in Tallahassee)
.
Mike is a also member and supporter of Gun Owners of America and The
Second Amendment Foundation.
On returning to the USA, Mike attended the University of
Kentucky. He has a background in electronics and is employed
by the University of Florida (Gainesville) as a staff engineer
involved in satellite telemetry, communications and satellite
uplinking of special courses, teleconferences, and training
seminars.
When time is available, Mike enjoys all
types of hunting, from pursuing rabbits with a high-powered
air-rifle, to taking Florida feral hog with a lever-action
.45-70. Still-hunting, or "woods creeping" as Mike calls it, is
his preferred hunting technique.
He participates occasionally in IPSC, bullseye and
silhouette and "cowboy" matches, but is primarily
interested in reactive target and bowling-pin shooting.
Self-defense issues and teaching personal protection courses
consume a great deal of Mike's time and efforts. He has graduated
from the American Pistol Institute (Col.Jeff Cooper's GUNSITE) in Arizona
as well as Massad Ayoob's Lethal Force Institute, often finishing at
the top of each class.
Mike and his wife Nancy have been married for 30 years and have two
children. His daughter Lynn and her husband Scott live in Ocala, Florida
and have a daughter. Lynn and Scott are both graduates of
Toccoa Falls College (GA).
Mike's son Stephen,13, is an NRA Life Member
and his primary interests at this stage of life are
video games and Little-League Baseball.
The Baker family have been long-time members of the
Christian and Missionary Alliance Church where Mike has
served several terms on the church Executive Board.