There is absolutely no reason the command group can not pick the five — Wheeler L. Baker

"The Exxon Corporation was, and is, working hard to take the lead in setting the standard for the environmental clean-up along the 1,200 miles of damaged Alaskan coastline. Yet, despite all their efforts they still hear cries of foul. News articles claim the corporation is falling short of its responsibilities. Video footage of out-of-work fishermen sitting in idle boats carries the depressing message that the fishing industry cannot provide a livelihood for several more years. Exxon has spent billions of dollars related to that tragic oil spill. In spite of their efforts they continue to pay the price in money, damaged reputation, and ill-will."

"It is natural for government and business leaders to want to make the best of a bad situation. For example, articles on Watergate postulated that we are now better off because the crisis demonstrated the strength of a democracy. Some contend that the Exxon Valdez oil spill had a good side in that there were many "lessons learned". THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I do not subscribe to the "I have to fail to learn and improve" theory. A set-back leading to "experience and growth" is one thing; total failure is another. Few corporations could sustain as much bad press as Exxon, not to mention the opportunity cost of billions of dollars that could have been applied more profitably elsewhere. An organizations most precious resources are its time, energy (individual and corporate) and capital. They should be directed toward increasing profit, providing better service and improving the organizations reputation. They should not be wasted on damage control. Yet we continue to hear stories of crisis situations that drain organizations of that valuable energy and focus."

"Police, federal agency and military operations are fraught with the potential for catastrophic disaster. The nature of operations routinely conducted by counter narcotic agents, special weapons and tactics units, special response teams, and military special operations units leave no room for error. A drug bust in the wrong house or a botched hostage rescue situation will be on the evening news with some senior official hemming and hawing and wishing hed planned better. Once that occurs there is no defense. The best that can happen is to convince everyone that it will not occur again because of all the "lessons learned, and hope that there is a crisis somewhere else that will take your place in the medias attention. THIS IS A LOSING STRATEGY."

"Everyone has attended meetings that resemble a free-for-all: No control, no leadership, no guidance, and yet energy abounds. This is a classic waste of precious time and energy. A high stress meeting characterized by disorder and disjointed introduction of ideas is the final signal that management is not in control and has succumbed to the emotions and pressures of the moment. The end is near."

"Over the years many of the faculty and staff of Hargrave Military Academy have played vital roles in the lives of cadets. Cadets tend to attach themselves to a certain staff member in whom they confide, seek advice from and go to for guidance. These people become role models for the cadets and often find themselves that cadets "go to" person in times of need. None are more effective than the Bakers at giving advice, being role models, or being that "go to" person. Col. Baker is a retired Marine Corps Colonel who rose through the ranks to command a Marine Expeditionary Unit, a Battalion, and much more. Dr. Baker has worked as a nurse, worked with animals and traveled around the world. Both have brought a lot of experience to HMA. All cadets agree that the Bakers are what the Hargrave faculty and staff should strive to be. Most cadets have spent time in the Guidance Office talking to Dr. Baker about something that they are having trouble with in their lives, or just eating candy out of her jar. Walking around campus, cadets will often run into Col. Baker, the President of the school, and are always greeted with a smile and a pat on the back. Very few people are as legitimately concerned about how your day is going than Col. Baker. And if you are having trouble, he will do anything in his power to help you. No matter what your trouble may be, the Bakers are always there to help you, and they always care. They are the mother and father figures of Hargrave."

"Wheeler Baker has spent many years studying management and decision making. He holds graduate degrees in International Affairs, Management, and National Security and Strategic Studies. His academic accomplishments are complemented by extensive experience in teaching and implementing crisis management techniques with military special operations organizations. These units are trained to respond to events that arise unexpectedly; events characterized by their complexity and demand for rapid solution. Of note, on short notice he planned and led the military side of the security for the presidential Drug Summit in Cartagena, Colombia, utilizing these same procedures. In the business world, he has assisted several senior corporate executives, federal agency supervisors and small business owners in developing solutions to complex problems. They have ranged from improving security at the nations nuclear sites to critical examination of a businesss ability to expand its market. Additionally, he has applied these management techniques in preparing for short notice ambassador level negotiations internationally. At the other end of the spectrum, he has assisted social workers in structuring their sensitive work with severe emotional family problems."