2021 Annual Conference

23rd Annual TxHGA Conference Announcement

Events concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) have been ever-changing, as we all know this past year. Through it all the Texas Handgun Association has remained strong thanks to the support of our members, customers, and partners.

The Texas Handgun Association (TxHGA) Board of Directors is proud to announce the 23rd annual conference, May 14-16, 2021 at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, Texas. And, for the first time, the 23rd annual conference will be offered both in-person and virtually.

Our keynote speaker for the upcoming conference will be Edmundo Mireles, Jr., author of FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau. The topic for his keynote address at the Saturday evening banquet is “Overcoming Adversity and Surviving/Thriving.” It is his story of survival and the fight to save the lives of his brother agents on that fateful day in 1986. In five minutes, two bank robbers and two FBI agents were dead; five other agents were wounded, three critically. This incident would change FBI and law enforcement training, tactics and weaponry forever. Mr. Mireles will also be teaching a class on Saturday morning titled Case Study of the FBI Miami Shootout.

The range day activities are being handled by guest range instructors Aaron Marshall and Jamie LaBarbera of Guncraft Training Academy. They will also be teaching two classes: Winning the Rights Fight: Securing our 2nd Amendment Rights and Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense. Additionally, highly qualified instructors will offer nine other excellent training classes such as Empty Hands Tactics, Advanced Bleeding Control, Handgun Safety Training, interacting with law enforcement, ASP baton, preparing for an emergency, instructor development, gun cleaning, and OC Spray.

In addition to the training and range day activities, there will be other activities for those attending in person: President reception, Saturday luncheon & banquet, silent auction, and free-play bingo. Below is detailed information regarding the conference registration process (both in person and virtually), schedule, hotel accommodations, raffles, training programs, instructor bios, etc.

We look forward to seeing you there!

23rd Annual TxHGA “In-person” Conference

TxHGA is continuing its effort to offer excellent education opportunities to LTC licensees, LTC instructors, law enforcement personnel and concerned citizens during the Twenty-Third Annual Conference. These programs are designed to improve the knowledge and skills of all gun owners. The goal is to set a standard of excellence that may become the normal requirement within the LTC community. Several classes will be offered:

1. *Empty Hands Tactics, by Erwin Ballarta, CEO, Armatek USA Security Group Inc
2. *Advanced Bleeding Control, by Nathan Dee, National Protective Services Institute
3. Handgun Safety Training, by Tim Koebke, National Protective Services Institute
4. Winning the Rights Fight: Securing our 2nd Amendment Rights, by Aaron Marshal, Guncraft Training Academy
5. Case Study of the FBI Miami Shootout, by Edmundo Mireles, Jr., author of FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau
6. *Armed Citizen Interacting with Law Enforcement, by Larry Dean Bloomquist, U.S. Law Shield
7. *ASP Baton Tactics and Utilization, by Armando “Ace” Caballero, Safety & Security Programs Manager, Roku
8. Emergency Preparedness: Are you doing enough?, by Steve Lehman, Hill Country Prepper
9. Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense, by Aaron Marshal, Guncraft Training Academy
10. Instructor Development Training, by Ken Lewis, Director of Training, National Protective Services Institute
11. Gun Cleaning and *Civilian Less Lethal Options: OC Spray, by Ken Lewis, Director of Training, National Protective Services Institute

Note: Classes marked with an asterisk (*) may be eligible for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) continuing education credit for licensed police officers. For IN-PERSON attendees only. Ask your department training officer.

In addition to the classes being offered, in-person conference attendees will have the option to participate in any of the range day activities, as well as attend the President’s reception, bingo night, luncheon, and banquet. Of course, during the Saturday evening banquet, those in attendance will be able to hear keynote speaker, Edmundo Mireles, speak about “Overcoming Adversity and Surviving/Thriving”. In-person attendees will also be eligible for door prizes that will occur during the training classes, as well as the President’s reception and bingo night. Additionally, there will be a silent auction table and a special gun raffle for those attending in person.

The complete 23rd Annual Conference Schedule is available here and the detailed class descriptions and instructor bios can be found by clicking here.

23rd Annual TxHGA “Virtual” Conference

The Texas Handgun Association is also presenting a virtual online conference. All of the classroom teachings and business meetings will be available live online via ZOOM. You may use ZOOM on the website by clicking here or downloading the ZOOM application on to your phone or tablet. Detailed information on how to access the training and/or meetings will be provided with your registration confirmation.

The decision was made to create an online conference that allowed the maximum number of members, as well as others within the TxHGA community, to attend while growing and expanding the relationships, both nationally and internationally, we have built over the years.

The TxHGA Online 2021 Virtual Conference was created for you to enhance knowledge and ability in tactics, practical skills, concepts, safety, and training development. Along with our partners and speakers, we invite every attendee to take advantage of everything this world-first training event has to offer.

Cost of the conference for TxHGA Life Members is $89.00, Members is just $99.00, and Non-members will be $109.00. Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to learn, share, and network with peers from around the world! See the “Registration” section to find out how to sign-up today!

In addition to the member’s meeting and board meeting, here is a list of the training topics that will be streamed live or available for later viewing:

1. *Empty Hands Tactics, by Erwin Ballarta, CEO, Armatek USA Security Group Inc
2. *Advanced Bleeding Control, by Nathan Dee, National Protective Services Institute
3. Handgun Safety Training, by Tim Koebke, National Protective Services Institute
4. Winning the Rights Fight: Securing our 2nd Amendment Rights, by Aaron Marshal, Guncraft Training Academy
5. Case Study of the FBI Miami Shootout, by Edmundo Mireles, Jr., author of FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau
6. *Armed Citizen Interacting with Law Enforcement, by Larry Dean Bloomquist, U.S. Law Shield
7. *ASP Baton Tactics and Utilization, by Armando “Ace” Caballero, Safety & Security Programs Manager, Roku
8. Emergency Preparedness: Are you doing enough?, by Steve Lehman, Hill Country Prepper
9. Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense, by Aaron Marshal, Guncraft Training Academy
10. Instructor Development Training, by Ken Lewis, Director of Training, National Protective Services Institute
11. Gun Cleaning and *Civilian Less Lethal Options: OC Spray, by Ken Lewis, Director of Training, National Protective Services Institute

Note: Classes marked with an asterisk (*) may be eligible for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) continuing education credit for licensed police officers. For IN-PERSON attendees only. Ask your department training officer.

The complete 23rd Annual Conference Schedule is available here and the detailed class descriptions and instructor bios can be found by clicking here.

Registration

In-Person Conference Registration:	Virtual Conference Registration:
The easiest way to register for the In-Person Conference is online. You can also register by Mail-In Form. For those who preregistered, you will receive confirmation of your registration by email prior to the event. At the event, please make sure you check in at the registration table to pickup your conference packet and name tag.Total Package per person, includes classes, luncheon, and banquet, $139.00 [*See Note Below.]Life Members, including all of the above, $105.00 [*See Note Below.]Range Fun Shoot, Friday, May 14, not included in the above prices, $20.00Range Training Session, Saturday, May 15, not included in the above prices, $20.00For those individuals who will not be attending all three days of training, but can attend one or more days:Friday classes only, $30.00 [*See Note Below.]Saturday classes only, $60.00 [*See Note Below.]Sunday classes only, $30.00Luncheon only, $30.00Banquet only, $59.00Luncheon and Banquet only, $89.00[*Note: Does not include either range day activity.]	The easiest way to register for the Virtual Conference is online. You can also register by Mail-In Form. You will receive confirmation of your registration and the access link by email prior to the event.The virtual conference includes access to the training classes, member’s meeting, and board meeting that will be simulcasted, as well as continued access to the training videos after the conference is over. Life Members registration, $89.00Member registration, $99.00Non-member registration, $109.00
Preregistration for the in-person conference is highly recommended and preferred to allow for proper conference planning. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by May 5, 2021. Online registrations will close at midnight (CST) on May 11, 2021. Onsite registration at the conference will be available as well; however, a $10.00 late registration fee will be assessed and there may be limited availability to participate in the luncheon and/or banquet. The conference registration table, which will be located in the hotel lobby, will be open Friday, May 14, 2021, from 8 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday, May 15, 2021, from 8 am to 12 pm.	Mail-in registrations for the virtual conference must be postmarked by May 5, 2021. Online registrations will close at midnight (CST) on May 12, 2021.

Note: Photographs will be taken at all events and may be published.

Speakers, Special Guest Range Instructors, and Instructors

Luncheon Speakers

The Saturday luncheon speakers will be Huel Haynes, Deputy Manager, from the Texas Department of Public Safety, and P.J. Hermosa, CEO, from Texas Law Shield.

P.J. Hermosa brought his innovative and customer-focused thinking to the U.S. & Texas LawShield Program during the early stages of development. His experience in sales management, along with his entrepreneurial spirit, helped propel him from a part-time Sales Representative to where he is today. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, P.J. works tirelessly to develop programs that add value to the lives and experiences of the U.S. & Texas LawShield member community. He understands that businesses are run by and for people first and foremost, and he focuses on building a company that fulfills the customers’ expectations. He continuously looks for ways to improve the company and the member experience, and finds great accomplishment in building a community around the people who matter. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, P.J. resides in Houston, where he is a proud father and avid supporter of the Second Amendment.

Banquet Keynote Speaker

Our keynote speaker is Edmundo Mireles, Jr. who is a former special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is known for his part in the 1986 FBI Miami shootout. In five minutes two bank robbers and two FBI agents were dead, five other agents were wounded, three critically. This incident would change the FBI and law enforcement in general. He has published his account of what happened on April 11, 1986 in his book “FBI Miami Firefight, Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau” that can be found at www.edmireles.com or on Amazon. For the last 30 years, Mr. Mireles has been a guest lecturer and instructor at police academies and military centers across the US and Canada.  As a firearms instructor and survivor of violent encounters, Mr. Mireles is a subject matter expert (SME) in Deadly Force confrontations, deadly force policy, wound ballistics, street survival, the physiological and psychological responses to “fight or flight” incidents and the physiological and psychological responses to gunshot recovery. To learn more about the 1986 FBI Miami Gunfight, check out this YouTube video by clicking HERE. Mr. Mireles will be talking about “Overcoming Adversity and Surviving/Thriving” during his keynote address.

Special Guest Range Instructors

The special guest range instructors are Aaron Marshal and Jamie LaBarbera from Guncraft Training Academy, located in New Braunfels, Texas.

Aaron Marshall is a two-time combat veteran, having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and is currently a major in the US Army Reserve. He has been a shooter for almost twenty years and a firearms instructor for over fifteen years, in both military and civilian settings. He holds instructor certifications from Glock, Sig Sauer, and the NRA Law Enforcement division, and is a US Army primary marksmanship instructor for both pistol and rifle. He worked for three years as a range master at Front Sight, the largest private firearms school in the county, and has personally trained over 6000 students. He sits on the board of directors for the Texas Handgun Association. He is a master trainer for Guncraft Training Academy in New Braunfels, Texas, where he manages and instructs in training programs on defensive handgun, rifle, and shotgun.

Jamie LaBarbera is a former police officer for the Fremont and Oakland police departments. He was also a senior training specialist for the California Motorcycle Training Program, and is a licensed private investigator. He is a POST-certified and NRA Law Enforcement certified firearms instructor. He is the Training Coordinator for Guncraft Training Academy.

Meet our other Instructors

Erwin Ballarta began his law enforcement career with the Big Spring Police Department in 1982 and moved up the ranks as a Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Sergeant, and Criminal Investigator Sergeant. In 1987, he accepted a position as a recruit with the Texas Department of Public Safety and after graduation, he found duties in Highway Patrol, Safety Education, Governor’s Protection Detail, and Training Academy. Before retirement in August 2008, he attained the rank of Lieutenant coordinating the In-Service Program, Defensive Tactics Program, and the Specialized School Program of the Texas Police Association. Since retirement from Law Enforcement, Erwin has been Senior Vice President of CCNG Inc. and CEO of Armatek USA Security Group Inc.

In 2001, he received the Wallace Beasley Association of Texas Law Enforcement Educator of the year award. Erwin received the “Texas Professional Achievement Award” from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education for his contribution to Law Enforcement in the field of training. On November of 2001, he acted as Liaison between Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President George W. Bush on mutual alliance to combat world terrorism in Washington, D.C.

Erwin is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy. He is also the owner of True Blue Coffee Company dedicated to supporting fallen officer’s family and programs for inner city kids.

Nathan Dee is a retired U.S. Marine. Mr. Dee spent 14 years in the Marines with three combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He also deployed on multiple times to humanitarian situations around the world. He has been a logistics and embarkation chief, ground safety officer, weapons instructor, and police tactics advisor during his deployments. He helped to setup the first Iraqi police training academies during his last tour before he was wounded. After being medically retired due to combat injuries, Mr. Dee turned his sights on school. Receiving a bachelor’s degree of science in biology with a teaching licensure. Mr. Dee has taught middle and high school science and math. During his time as a teacher, he also assisted with security of the schools. He is an NRA Certified Instructor for pistol, rifle, CCW, and is a range safety officer. He is also a certified License to Carry Handgun and Private Security Program Instructor for the state of Texas, a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Instructor, and U.S Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Instructor. In his spare time, Mr. Dee trains service animals for other wounded veterans, he helps with equine therapy for veterans, and is a peer mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Tim Koebke is an Instructor, Range Safety Officer, and seasoned firearm enthusiast with over five decades of shooting experience. He has over 40 years of combined work experience in business, engineering, agriculture and animal husbandry, encompassing assessment of business and technical operations in US and Latin American organizations; sustaining accreditations of Testing Labs, manufacturer Inspection Agencies, and Quality Assurance inspections. Tim holds an A.A.S in Electronics from San Antonio College, a B.A.A.S. Summa Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a Master of Science in Management with emphasis in Project Management from Colorado Technical University.

Larry Dean Bloomquist is a Board-Certified Criminal Defense attorney. As a Prosecutor for eight years, he fought in the courtrooms and argued to juries, that those that chose to hurt others be prevented from doing so. In case after case, he sought justice. Over time Larry realized the criminal justice system sometimes caught innocent people and tried to put them in prison for crimes they did not commit or tried to punish the guilty beyond all reason and without compassion. Those people needed protection and help, more so because they faced the overall power of the state. So now he defends people charged with crimes. Larry defends gun owners and protects their rights to own and carry firearms. He travels the state to protect those that act in self-defense and educate gun owners on their rights and responsibilities. For more information on Larry:

Steve Lehman grew up during the Cold War as an Air Force brat. Duck and Cover exercises in grade school were his first introduction to emergency preparedness. He has been a native Texan since his Dad retired in 1967 and moved to Kerrville. After several years in the Army, thirteen years in private security, and twenty years as a computer tech, he began teaching emergency preparedness in 2012. Steve is also a volunteer member of, and instructor with, the Kerr County Citizen Emergency Response Team under the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.

Ken Lewis is an Eagle Scout, 24-year Air Force veteran, Range Master, Firearms Instructor, NRA Training Counselor, NRA Practical Pistol Coach Development Staff, NRA/USA Shooting Shotgun Coach, Range Consultant, use of force expert witness and subject matter expert, and college professor with active security, military, and law enforcement experience. His experience includes emergency management and disaster response, working with numerous employers and enterprise-level corporate customers to manage and minimize risk through the application of periodic assessments, intelligence, and threat management techniques. Ken holds several undergrad degrees, and a Master of Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Lodging

The conference hotel is the YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center, 2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, Texas 78028. You can register here or contact the hotel at (877) 967-3767. Please make sure you tell them you are with TxHGA. The special rate for a single or double, which is valid through noon, April 30, 2021, is $104.00 per night plus taxes for two queen beds or one king bed.

Gun Raffle

We will raffle off a CZ P-07, 9mm, 3.75” Barrel, black polymer frame, 15-round single/double action pistol. This raffle will be drawn at the beginning of the board meeting on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at noon. You need not be present to win. Winner will be contacted immediately upon conclusion of the board meeting. Note: If the winner is not present, then the firearm must be shipped to and transferred via a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) within the recipient’s State of residence.

During the conference, the “In-person” conference attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in additional gun raffles. These raffle drawings may take place at various times during the conference.

Luncheon & Banquet

The Saturday luncheon, 12:15 to 1:30 pm, is a Mexican Buffet with marinated beef or chicken fajitas, beef enchiladas, pork tamales, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican style rice, charro beans, tortillas, chips, salsa, and sopapillas with honey. The speakers will be a representative from the Texas Department of Public Safety and P.J. Hermosa, National Director with Texas Law Shield.

The keynote speaker for the Saturday evening banquet, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, is Edmundo Mireles, Jr., author of FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau.

The Saturday evening Banquet is the Traditional Hill Country Buffet with three entrée choices: Pork Loin in a mustard cream sauce, Chicken breast with a Madeira sauce, and Roast Beef au jus. The meal will come with oven roasted red potatoes, garden green salad, seasonal vegetables, hot rolls with butter, and apple cobbler with whipped cream.

Range Day Activities

Aaron Marshal & Jamie LaBarbera with Guncraft Training Academy will be holding two range sessions at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center. On Friday, May 14, will be a Range Fun Shoot and on Saturday, May 15, will be a Range Training Session. Each session will start with a discussion of firearms safety and safe range conduct. Students may attend both sessions; however, each session will be $20.00. Participation in each session will be limited to the first 20 paid attendees.

IMPORTANT: All participants are required to attend a safety briefing. If you fail to arrive to the scheduled safety briefing(s) on time, 2:00 pm on Friday and/or 3:00 pm on Saturday, you will not be able to participate and will forfeit your range fee.

During the Friday Range Fun Shoot, you will be testing your mettle against your fellow TxHGA members! During this time on the range, you’ll test your skills through a series of five challenging shooting events. Every stage will require your very best in speed, accuracy, and consistency of shooting, as well as a little creative thinking. For each event, you’ll receive a score that indicates your overall performance. At the end of the day, the highest score will earn the title of 2021 Conference Top Shot.

During the Saturday Range Training Session, you will focus on developing and improving an essential set of defensive techniques that are vital to prevailing against a deadly attacker. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of these essential skills, whether you’re a brand-new shooter or have been shooting for years. Through a series of demonstrations, dry practice, and shooting exercises, you will deepen your understanding and abilities on:

• The Two Key Elements that will enable you to hit your target, every time
• Using proper trigger control for improved accuracy and speed
• Finding the optimal balance between speed and accuracy
• Consistently presenting your handgun from the holster
• Primary and alternate shot-placement strategies and when to use them
• The one “step” that cuts your chances of getting shot by your adversary in half

The session will conclude with two fun and challenging exercises that will test your speed, accuracy, and consistency. The individual who comes out on top in both of the exercises will be recognized at the banquet.

Equipment required for range day activities:

• Reliable, modern semi-automatic pistol or revolver chambered in 9mm or larger. Semi-autos must have a barrel at least 3” in length. If you have questions about a particular pistol, please contact Guncraft at [email protected].
• Minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition for the Friday Range Fun Shoot and 150 rounds of ammunition for the Saturday Range Training Session. Factory ammunition is preferred but high-quality reloaded ammunition is acceptable if you loaded it. Do not bring reloaded ammunition loaded by someone else as there is no way to assure safety and quality. Revolver shooters will need at least two speed loaders and semi-auto shooters will need three magazines.
• A good quality, strong side belt holster on a sturdy belt is required. The holster must remain open and not flatten when the gun is withdrawn. The gun’s trigger guard must be completely covered when in the holster. A Kydex or reinforced leather holster is recommended. No Serpa, cross-draw, shoulder holsters, or appendix carry holsters.
• Speed loader or magazine pouches are recommended to hold spare ammunition.
• Suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes as well as a brimmed cap.
• Hearing protection. Electronic hearing muffs or plugs are highly recommended.
• Eye protection with side protection.
• Water will be available, but bring your Gatorade or other drink if you like.

Parts of the road at the range are rough and could pose a problem for low clearance vehicles. Please plan accordingly.

Additionally, on Saturday afternoon (prior to going to the range), Aaron & Jamie will be presenting a 45 minute class on Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense. You’ll gain valuable insight into the following self-defense related topics:

• The cost of poorly-trained gun owners (and why there are more of them than you think)
• The Five Levels of Competence, and how to recognize which applies to you
• The four types of defensive firearm skills, and which ones you can’t afford to neglect
• Why understanding the difference between training and practice helps you do both better
• How some practice can actually HURT your ability to defend yourself
• Evaluating whether the techniques you’re using are best for self-defense
• The two most common training mistakes made by both students and instructors

Note: This class is a pre-requisite for the Saturday Range Training Session, but is open to all participants.

President’s Reception & Bingo

The President will be hosting a hospitality/welcome gathering Friday, May 14, 2021, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This will be a great opportunity to meet other conference attendees and check out the vendors. Plus there will be door prizes and a firearm give away for those attending in person. Following the President’s Reception, we will be playing bingo for prizes. There is no cost to participate. Just come and enjoy the fun!

Membership Meeting

The Association’s Regular Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Elections will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center, 2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, Texas 78028. The meeting is open to all Association members and guests at no charge. During the member’s meeting, there will be a legislative update provided by Larry Arnold, TxHGA Legislative Director.

Are you interested in serving? For many, serving on the board of Texas Handgun Association (TxHGA) is a way to support our second amendment rights and promote high standards of instruction and training.  During the 2021 annual conference members’ meeting, May 15th, the TxHGA members will be electing four director positions (three three-year terms and one two-year term). A board member must be an active member of the association and actively participate in board functions.  Nominations may occur during the members’ meeting, but if you would like to submit your interest beforehand, you can download the Directorship Interest Form here and submit the completed form no later than May 10, 2021 to TxHGA, PO Box 161713, Austin, Texas 78716 or by email to [email protected].

All members are encouraged to attend.

FAQs

Event Sponsors & Donors

Event Vendors

Vendor Invitation

If you are interested in being a vendor at the upcoming conference, May 14-15, 2021, please click here for detail information.