KERRY DUGAN JR.

Owner, Chief Instructor, Coach & Training Counselor
Archangel Defense, LLC

Kerry Dugan Jr. didn’t set out to simply teach people how to shoot—he set out to change the way they understand it.

What began as a passion for competitive shooting quickly evolved into something deeper. On the range, Kerry became known not just for performance, but for precision—the kind that comes from truly understanding the mechanics behind every movement. Today, as the owner and lead certified instructor of Archangel Defense, LLC, he brings that same mindset to his students, breaking shooting down to its core elements. Grip, stance, timing, equipment—nothing is left to chance. His focus on biomechanics helps shooters find that rare balance between speed and accuracy, where performance becomes instinctive.

In 2018, Kerry and his wife Felicha turned that vision into reality, founding Archangel Defense with a clear purpose: to equip everyday people with the knowledge and confidence to defend themselves and their families. Their mission is rooted in faith and conviction—the belief that the right to protect life is God-given, and the responsibility to be prepared is personal. Together, they’ve built more than a training company; they’ve built a community centered on accountability, growth, and empowerment.

Kerry’s influence doesn’t stop at the range. Across the country, he works with instructors, helping shape the next generation of trainers and raising the standard within the firearms education space. Through his online series The Hurtful Truth, he pulls back the curtain on the industry—challenging norms, addressing hard realities, and pushing for a culture built on honesty, collaboration, and continual improvement.

Back home, Kerry remains deeply rooted in his community. He serves as President of the Marianna Field and Stream Club, supports advocacy efforts with Gun Owners of America, and hosts Full Send Freedom Fest—an event that brings together professionals, enthusiasts, and supporters to celebrate freedom, responsibility, and the Second Amendment.

Behind it all is a relentless commitment to mastery. With an extensive list of certifications spanning firearms instruction, defensive tactics, medical response, and instructor development, Kerry continues to invest in his craft. His work has earned national recognition, including nominations for the 2025 and 2026 Gundie Awards for Firearms Instructor of the Year and the 2026 A Regular Meetup Male Firearms Instructor of the Year.

But titles and credentials only tell part of the story.

At his core, Kerry Dugan Jr. is a coach, a mentor, and a builder of capability—driven by the belief that when people are properly trained, they don’t just perform better… they live with greater confidence, awareness, and responsibility.

Kerry’s credentials: Level 4 MOS Glock Instructor, Level 4 MOS Glock Professional Operator, Level 4 Glock Professional Operator, Level 4 Glock Low Profile Professional Operator, Glock Armorer, USCCA CCHD & DPP Training Counselor, USCCA Defensive Pistol Program, Concealed Carry & Home Defense, Women's Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals: Level 1, Countering the Mass Shooter, AR-15 Fundamentals Instructor, USCCA Range Safety Officer, NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, 5.11 ABR Academy Instructor and Certified for MPOETC Rifle and Pistol, Handgun Combatives: Combative Pistol, CQB Pistol, Defensive Handgun, Combat Handgun Fundamentals, I.C.E. Intuitive Defensive Shooting, Carry Trainer: Three Day Rifle Pistol Course, Modern Samurai Project:AIWB & Red Dot Pistol Fundamentals & Performance, Stop the Bleed, US Law Shield First Aid for Gunshot Wound and USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals Instructor, competitive shooter, 2025 & 2026 Gundie Award Nominee for Firearms Instructor of the Year, 2026 A Regular Meetup (ARM) Nominee for Male Firearms Instructor of the Year

OUR TEAM

FELICHA DUGAN
​Director of Operations & Certified Instructor

Felicha’s path has never followed just one lane—it’s been built at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and purpose.

An award-winning graphic designer with more than a decade in communications and marketing, she began her career shaping messages and visuals that connect. That same attention to detail and strategy now drives her role as Director of Operations for Archangel Defense LLC, where she leads business, media, and marketing efforts behind the scenes. Working alongside her husband—the company’s owner and lead certified instructor—she helps turn vision into action, ensuring every moving piece aligns with their mission.

But Felicha doesn’t always stay behind the curtain. As a certified firearms instructor, she steps directly into the field, especially in spaces designed for women. She serves as a trusted guide and advocate, leading women-only events and managing Concealed Carry Women, an online community where knowledge, experience, and confidence are shared freely.
Her influence stretches even further into the community. Felicha coordinates Full Send Freedom Fest, bringing together industry professionals, educators, and enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind experience. She also serves as treasurer for the Marianna Field and Stream Club and volunteers her time with Gun Owners of America—continuing to support and strengthen the communities she cares about.

Her foundation is built on both education and experience. Felicha holds an Associate in Specialized Business Degree in Graphic Design and Web from Douglas Education Center, along with multiple certifications through the USCCA, including Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals, Emergency First Aid, and Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense. She is a certified firearms instructor, a USCCA Range Safety Officer, and trained in Stop the Bleed, with continued coursework spanning handgun and rifle disciplines over the years.
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At every step, Felicha brings the same mindset: build something meaningful, share what you know, and help others step forward with confidence.

JOE BREZE

Assistant Instructor

Serving 30 years as a United States Marine with the majority of his career in Force Recon/ Recon units.  A combat Veteran of Desert Shield/ Storm, Somalia, and Iraq. Certified in several different licensed programs, including NRA and USCCA.  After retiring, Joe seen the need for training new and inexperienced gun owners in effective use of firearms.  Joe believes the journey for the gun owner is more than buying a fancy gun or taking a simple safety class, it requires time and effort.  He is committed to take the necessary time with his students by mentoring and utilizing relevant realistic training techniques for a capable competent licensed firearm owner.   Joe currently is a civilian contractor as an assistant instructor supporting the US Marine Corps MarSoc
command.

Joe's  credentials are GLOCK Professionals; Operator course, Operator Instructor Development, Low profile,  and MOS Instructor Development; Modern Samurai Project, AIWB and Red-dot;Dave Spaulding Handgun Combatives, Red-dot Fundamentals; USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense, Emergency First Aid, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1; NRA Basic Operation Pistol and Concealed Carry, PA Act 235

KYLE RICHTER

​Assistant Instructor & LEO Liaison​

Kyle started his career in 2015 with the the Fayette county Sheriff's Department. Where he began work as courtroom security. In 2016 he graduated from CALU with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and the PA Police Academy through IUP. In 2017 Kyle moved to full time Sheriff's Deputy, where he completed the act 2 Sheriff's Deputy training,  which included training in establishing defensive plans for buildings. He worked primarily in prisoner transport and criminal warrant service. In 2017 he also began his career as a Police Officer in Mt. Pleasant Boro. In 2019 he left the Sheriff's Department and Mt. Pleasant PD to begin working as Police Officer for the City of Uniontown where he continue to work to the current day.
 
Kyle's credentials are USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Instructor, NTOA Basic Swat Certified, Achilles Heel Tactical 3-day CQB Foundations, Defenders Series Training Group CQB Fundamentals, Modern Samurai Project AIWB and Pistol RDS Fundamentals and Performance, Characteristic of an Armed Gunman Certified, Archangel Defense LEO Handguns and Rifle Dynamics, Warriors Way of the Handgun, RDS Handgun, Advanced Rifle, 2 Day Rifle Dynamics, Handgun Dynamics, Stop the Bleed Certified, First Aid CPR and AED, Critical Incident Certified (CIT)

TODD LIPPENCOTT

Assistant Instructor

Todd has a background in martial arts with 25 years of experience and a 3rd degree black belt, 8 of which he was a karate instructor. Todd is also the owner of Appalachian Weapons and has a federal firearm license. He is strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and our constitutional rights.  He believes through hard work and dedication you can become a champion in life by developing discipline, control, self esteem and confidence in yourself with courtesy, respect and compassion for others. 
                                                                                     
​Todd's credentials are USCCA Basic Pistol, Home Defense and Concealed Carry and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals: Level 1 Instructor,  USCCA Range Safety Officer and Certified for US Law Shield First Aid for Gunshot Wound, USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals Instructor and Modern Samurai Project: AIWB & Red Dot Pistol Fundamentals & Performance.​

ERIK TRENT

Assistant Instructor

Erik has always been a supporter of firearms and our second amendment. His love for helping other and his training has driven him to become an instructor. There is a lot more to self defense than just having a permit to carry. Training is invaluable. Erik understands this, so he dedicates his training in teaching people to become better protectors for their families and more responsible firearm owners. 

Erik's credentials are Level 3 Glock Professional Operator, Glock Armorer,  USCCA Basic Pistol, Home Defense, Concealed Carry and Countering the Mass Shooter Instructor,  USCCA Range Safety Officer, Certified for US Law Shield First Aid for Gunshot Wound and USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals Instructor.
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CHRIS KRASHNA

Assistant Instructor

Chris is an avid firearms enthusiast and is a committed advocate for Second Amendment rights, promoting responsible gun ownership and education within the community. Chris started off doing security for a school district and doing armed security for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is always a student, not only with firearms but he is also a current Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student. He is a USCCA member as well as a Gun Owner’s of America member. Chris is ALICE Certified and holds his Federal Act 114, Pa Act 151 and Pa Act 34 Clearances as well as Mandated Reporter Training.

Chris’ credentials are USCCA Defensive Pistol Program Instructor, USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Instructor, Range Safety Officer, Stop the Bleed Certified, First Aid & AED Certified, Tactical Handgun Course, Concealed Carry Handgun Course, Advanced Tactical Handgun Course, Armed Citizen response to the Active Shooter Course, Pistol Gunfighter Low Light shoot Course, Carbine I, Carbine II, Tactical Rifle Clinic, Defensive Handgun, Defensive Handgun Phase 2, Pistolcraft Weekend, Rifle & Pistolcraft Weekend, Defensive Rifle, Performance Rifle, Handgun Dynamics, Rifle Dynamics, Performance on Demand DPP Instructor Development, Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals, Violent Encounters and the Aftermath, and Defensive Pistol Program Modules 1-5.

Archangel Defense Pistol standard patch holder, Archangel Defense Pistol Pro standard patch holder, Archangel Defense Rifle Pro standard patch holder, USCCA patch holder for quickest first shot in Instructor training, and a USCCA patch holder for the quickest 5x5 in Instructor training. 

ALEX SHAY

Assistant Instructor

​Alex Shay, The GOA West Virginia State Director, natural born West Virginian, served in the US Army as a Combat Medic for 10 years. Six years Active Duty and four years Reserve. In his time in the Army, he became a Combat Medic, certified EMT-B. Then became a CPR, AED, CLS, BLS, and First Aid Instructor though the American Heart Association. Alex served one 15 month tour of duty in Iraq. After returning to the USA, Alex moved to Morgantown, WV and started his own DJ & Event Coordination company Called Total Party Package. After 10 years as a professional DJ, Defense In Depth approached him about Membership and Event Coordination. He took the job and since then he has established incredible membership benefits, established the GSSF, Master Academy Cup and has become Glock Armorer Certified, Glock Operator Certified and a USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Certificated Instructor and Training Counselor.

Our Commitment to You!

We feel it is our responsibility to make sure each student leaves feeling confident with their firearm so we dedicate ourselves to offering you the following:

Up-to-date Training

Our instructors constantly continue their training and certifications and have certifications from nationally recognized organizations. We never stop being a student of the gun.

Student/Instructor Ratio

We try our best to ensure that you get one-on-one instruction  that you deserve, even at an event so, we keep a low student/instructor ratio.

Training at Your Convenience

We are open 7 days a week for private courses. Just give us a few days notice and we'll be ready to meet you at the range!

Book a course now

Questions?

If you have questions or aren't sure what courses are right for you, please send us an email and we'll do our best to answer and make recommendations. 

Contact us