Began shooting at age 3, didn't enjoy it. Father, a career soldier, persisted and I joined a club at age 10. Started shooting rifle competitively. Continued through age 17 and was certified as an Assistant Instructor at age 18. Enlisted in the Air Force and was exposed to handguns. Worked in career field dealing with extremely sensetive material securing telecommunications thereby learning physical and electronic security procedures. Worked with a various Special Operations agencies, both police and military, over a 7 year period as part of an evaluation for command staff to learn methods and procedures to coordinate efforts in getting multi service units to work together. They also evaluated for future training of the specialist that would be accomplishing these missions. Qualified with various firearms and was recognized as Expert with rifle (M-16) and pistol (made Expert with Model 15 S&W revolver, continued to hold it with Model 1911 Colt auto). Retired after 24 years and decided to renew and upgrade my credentials to an NRA Certified instructor in 1993, at the same time becoming a Missouri Hunter Education instructor. In 2002 was talked into taking the courses necessary to become certified as a Training Counselor. In 2007 was offered an opportunity to teach a specialized course oriented towards women; “Refuse To Be A Victim®”. Conducted the first such seminar presented to high school students in the state of Missouri. Helped set up program through the School Resource Officer to continue the effort. Have worked with police officers, military personnel as well as the average citizen to improve skills in shooting. Studied what women need as information and how to teach it (taught by two female police officers) so the participant would learn how to shoot succesfully. Currently certified to teach all NRA basic and advanced courses offered to civilians, teach individuals to instruct these courses and teach instructors in conducting “Refuse To Be A Victim®” seminars.
