National Conference of State Legislators, Medal of Honor, 2003
Christian Coalition of Florida "Defender of the Family" Award, 2003
Florida Chamber of Commerce, "A" Honor Roll, 2005, 2004, 2003
Florida Association of Property Appraisers, Legislative Award, 2001
Trust for Public Land, Legislative Leadership Award, 2001
Florida Chamber of Commerce, "Top 20" Freshman Quick Starter, 2001
Affiliations
Golden Triangle Kiwanis, President 2000-2002
American Legion Post #21, Vice Commander 2000
Ducks Unlimited
National Rifle Association, Life Member
Enlisted National Guard Association of Florida
National Federation of Independent Businesses
Post 8087 Veterans of Foreign Wars
Advisory Board of Lake Magazine
Foundation Board Lake County 4-H
Biographical Information
Occupation:
Owner, The A. W. Peterson Gun Shop; Oldest gun store in the country and a Florida Retail Federation Centennial Retailer
Spouse:
Lori Baker of Leesburg
Children:
Leighton, Caroline, Reagan
Education:
Attended Lake Sumter Community College, 1981-1982
Born:
March 16, 1963
Military Service:
Florida Army National Guard, 1981-present, currently serving as a First Sergeant, Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom;First sitting legislator, state or federal, to participate in the invasion of Iraq as a member of the 2nd Battalion-124th Infantry in OIF I.
Historical:
Father, Leighton L. Baker, former State Representative 1962-1964 from Lake County, was the first Republican elected to any office in Lake County since Reconstruction