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KERRY DUGAN JR.Owner, Lead Certified Instructor
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Gundie Award NomineeWe are truly blessed and incredibly honored to have been nominated for the Firearms Instructor of the Year category for the 2025 Gundie Awards. Voting is now open, you can vote twice daily through Dec. 15. Many thanks to our team, students, sponsors, affiliates, family and friends for all your support through the years.
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OUR TEAM |
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JOE BREZE
Assistant InstructorServing 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 LiaisonKyle 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 InstructorTodd 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 InstructorErik 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. |
ALEX SHAY
Assistant InstructorAlex 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.
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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 TrainingOur instructors constantly continue their training and certifications and have certifications from nationally recognized organizations. We never stop being a student of the gun.
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Student/Instructor RatioWe 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.
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Training at Your ConvenienceWe 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!
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