The last 12 years of my Air Force Career was as a weapons instructor. Coming into contact with diverse types of military personnel taught me several valuable lessons. I have found over the years that there is no such thing as a "Language Barrier," an "Age Barrier," or a "Gender barrier." In fact, I would rather teach a handgun class to a room full of young people and women.

The purpose of the family home class is to teach handgun safety and fundamentals to adults and children within the security of their living room. My experience has taught me that people learn best in a relaxed, informal, comfortable environment. By encouraging discussions and questions, families have the desire to learn. Whether you have just purchased a handgun or have inherited one from your grandfather, training is the key to safely handling and using any type of firearm. What I teach in my class is that a handgun should only be used as a last resort; that your TV and VCR are not worth a burglar's life.

Furthermore, you should have a room in your home that your family can retreat to in case of danger. This type of room is called a "Safe Room". Once in your "Safe Room", an attacker shows criminal intent of harm, with repeated attempts to get to you! At this point, you have a right to use force to protect your family. To help prevent an attack or a burglary, you must ensure that good locks are used on all window and doors, that you have good lighting around your home, that you lock your electric box and your phone box, and you keep alert for any open windows or doors upon your return home. This type of preparation will ensure your surviving an attack. "Preparation is half the battle won!"

The first hour of the class covers handgun parts, ammunition, handgun operation, safety, selecting a handgun, cleaning, and storage. The second hour is learning the fundamentals of shooting. I can train you on your own handguns or I can bring training aids for demonstration. Children learn a valuable lesson while handling a firearm under adult supervision, i.e. that a handgun is not fruit from the "poisonous tree."

My qualification as an instructor is the completion of a four month weapons training academy with the US Air Force. Completion of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Training Instructor Firearms(called a TIF #1089) licensing process. Completion of a 12 hour NRA handgun instructors course. I also taught handgun training as a Deputy Sheriff for the Riverside Sheriff's Academy.

For additional information, please call me at 800-704-2310 or send me an e-mail at phillip@phillipfsmith.com.

* A safe room is a room that has a lockable door on the inside, it has emergency lighting (due to power being cut), a backup flashlight, a cellular phone (to dial 9-1-1), and bathroom facilities (small children need a bathroom when scared). Most households use the master bathroom as a safe room or the master bedroom closet.