2022 Annual Conference

24th 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 24th Annual Conference, May 13-15, 2022 at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, Texas, as well as virtually, via Zoom.

We are honored to introduce to our members a great Motivational Speaker and Encourager, Brian Holmes, author of the internationally acclaimed, “The Ties That Bind, a Study on Identifying and Breaking Unhealthy Connections and Limitations“. The topic for his keynote address at the Saturday evening banquet is “From Good To Great: Leveling Up To Lead in 2022”.

Founder and President of Strategic Influencers, LLC, a company dedicated to Transforming Minds and Developing Leaders. For over 25 years, he has been involved in the Personal and Leadership Development space. His experience and expertise in building people has been utilized in numerous areas, including corporate training, executive coaching, leadership development trainer, personal development program facilitation, and church leadership.

He has authored numerous books and curriculums, and is an author and presenter of many video and audio programs which are specifically designed to provide both personal and leadership development to individuals who desire to take their lives and their leadership to new and exciting levels.

He is a board certified counselor; a certified facilitator for The Pacific Institute; an author and lecturer; a Certified Life, Business, and Leadership Coach; a Master Coach Trainer; and mentor to people in all fields.

As a keynote speaker and trainer, he traveled extensively each year speaking in conferences and leadership forums around the world. He helps entrepreneurs and emerging leaders fine-tune their focus, maximize their impact, and expand their influence.

Brian is also a Texas Handgun Association member.

Learn to Reach your potential as a person, trainer, instructor, employee, or business owner through Brian Holmes’ amazing message at our next Texas Handgun Association Conference this May, 2022.

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: The Four Pillars of Firearms Training and Filling Your Self-Defense Toolbox: Evaluating, Selecting, and Mastering Effective Defensive Techniques. Additionally, highly qualified instructors will offer nine other excellent training classes such as Active Threat / Killer, Medical Everyday Carry, Modern Day Human Trafficking, Observation and Reasoned Inference: The Art of Situational Awareness, The Business of Firearms Training, Holy Cow! If You Shoot Someone, Your Life is Never Going to Be the Same, The State vs Realistic Training Standards, The Evolution of Firearms Training and Promoting Your Firearm Business in a Multi-Media World.

In addition to the training and range day activities, there will be other activities for those attending in person: President’s Reception, Saturday Luncheon & Banquet, Silent Auction, and Texas Hold’em / Game Night. 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!

24th 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-Fourth 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. Active Threat / Killer, by Dan Graeber with The Trainers Group
2. Medical Everyday Carry, by Jeremy Burgett, Westen Graham & Chandler Stock-still with T3R Medical Training Group, LLC
3. Modern Day Human Trafficking, by Cynthia Aulds with The Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking – Texas and Helen Mireles, Ph.D., LMSW (Retired) formally with Homeland Security
4. Winning the Rights Fight: Securing our 2nd Amendment Rights, by Aaron Marshall, Guncraft Training Academy
5. Observation and Reasoned Inference: The Art of Situational Awareness, by Dr. Stephen C. Craig, DO, PH.D, MTM&H, FRCP (EDIN.)
6. The Business of Firearms Training, by Brian Holmes with Strategic Influencers, LLC
7. Holy Cow! If You Shoot Someone, Your Life is Never Going to Be the Same, by Larry Bloomquist with Texas Law Shield
8. The State vs Realistic Training Standards, by Karl Rhen with KR Training
9. Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense, by Aaron Marshall, Guncraft Training Academy
10. The Evolution of Firearms Training, by Karl Rhen with KR Training
11. Promoting Your Firearm Business in a Multi-Media World, by Alison Adams with 4Range Training and Kari Grayson with License 2 Kari

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, game night, luncheon, and banquet. Of course, during the Saturday evening banquet, those in attendance will be able to hear keynote speaker, Brian Holmes, speak about “From Good To Great: Leveling Up To Lead in 2022”. 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 24th Annual Conference schedule is available here and the detailed class descriptions and instructor bios can be found by clicking here.

24th 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 2022 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 $99.00, Members is just $109.00, and Non-members will be $119.00. 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, here is a list of the training topics that will be streamed live or available for later viewing:

1. Active Threat / Killer, by Dan Graeber with The Trainers Group
2. Medical Everyday Carry, by Jeremy Burgett, Westen Graham & Chandler Stock-still with T3R Medical Training Group, LLC
3. Modern Day Human Trafficking, by Cynthia Aulds with The Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking – Texas and Helen Mireles, Ph.D., LMSW, (Retired) formally with Homeland Security
4. Winning the Rights Fight: Securing our 2nd Amendment Rights, by Aaron Marshall, Guncraft Training Academy
5. Observation and Reasoned Inference: The Art of Situational Awareness, by Dr. Stephen C. Craig, DO, PH.D, MTM&H, FRCP (EDIN.)
6. The Business of Firearms Training, by Brian Holmes with Strategic Influencers, LLC
7. Holy Cow! If You Shoot Someone, Your Life is Never Going to Be the Same, by Larry Bloomquist with Texas Law Shield
8. The State vs Realistic Training Standards, by Karl Rhen with KR Training
9. Training That Wins: Being Truly Prepared for Armed Self-Defense, by Aaron Marshall, Guncraft Training Academy
10. The Evolution of Firearms Training, by Karl Rhen with KR Training
11. Promoting Your Firearm Business in a Multi-Media World, by Alison Adams with 4Range Training and Kari Grayson with License 2 Kari

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 24th 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

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, $149.00 [*See Note Below.]
• Life Members, including all of the above, $115.00 [*See Note Below.]
• Range Fun Shoot, Friday, May 13, not included in the above prices, $25.00
• Range Training Session, Saturday, May 14, not included in the above prices, $25.00
• For those individuals who will not be attending all three days of training, but can attend one or more days:
  • Friday classes only, $40.00 [*See Note Below.]
  • Saturday classes only, $70.00 [*See Note Below.]
  • Sunday classes only, $40.00
  • Luncheon only, $35.00
  • Banquet only, $65.00
  • Luncheon and Banquet only, $94.00

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 4, 2022. Online registrations will close at midnight (CST) on May 10, 2022. 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 13, 2022, from 8 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 8 am to 12 pm.

[*Note: Does not include either range day activity.]

Virtual Conference Registration

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, $99.00
• Member registration, $109.00
• Non-member registration, $119.00

Mail-in registrations for the virtual conference must be postmarked by May 4, 2022. Online registrations will close at midnight (CST) on May 11, 2022.

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

Speakers, Special Guest Range Instructors, and Instructors

Banquet Keynote Speaker

Our keynote speaker is Brian Holmes is the founder and President of Strategic Influencers LLC, a consulting and coaching firm based in Dallas, TX. He is a Certified Master Coach, Business Strategist and Consultant, and Nonprofit expert. Brian is also a Texas Handgun Association member. At the core of Brian’s work is his passion to build people, develop leaders, and empower influencers to accomplish their dreams and make a difference in their world.

Brian’s work has taken him to 18 countries on 4 continents, and has afforded him the opportunity of working with influencers from all backgrounds, walks of life, and belief systems. Through his books, audio programs, seminars, and online training courses, Brian has helped thousands of people to experience personal healing, discover their unique ability and identity, design and execute life and business strategies, and grow their leadership influence both personally and professionally.

Brian has over 25 years in the non-profit sector, and is particularly drawn to helping such organizations expand their vision, scale their reach, achieve their mission, and impact their chosen sphere of influence.

What makes Brian unique is his perspective on the firearms industry and passion for the 2nd amendment. Brian is a Texas Handgun Association member, a Certified Training Counselor and Instructor with the USCCA, a Certified Instructor for the State of Texas, and a Certified Instructor and Chief RSO with the NRA.

Over the last 10 years Brian has worked with:

• Government contractors
• Pharmacists
• Chiropractors
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Creative Arts and Theatre Companies
• Financial Counseling Companies
• Missions Organizations
• Professional Speakers
• Authors and Writers
• Aviation Mechanics
• Virtual Assistants
• Course Creators
• Internet Marketers
• And so many more!

Luncheon Speakers

The Saturday luncheon speakers will be Sherie Zgabay, Service Director of Licensing and Review Service, from the Texas Department of Public Safety, and P.J. Hermosa, CEO, from Texas Law Shield.

Sherrie Zgabay began her career with the Department of Public Safety in 1987 and is privileged to have worked in various divisions including Driver License, Texas Highway Patrol, Infrastructure and Operations, and Regulatory Services.

Sherrie joined the Regulatory Services Division leadership team in August 2010 and became the Service Director of LRS in May 2020. Sherrie is responsible for all aspects of licensing and review operations, overseeing applications from intake to issuance for the various regulatory programs entrusted to DPS. These programs include: License to Carry, Capitol Access Pass, Private Security, Vehicle Inspection, Metal Recycling, Ignition Interlock Device, and most recently, Compassionate Use Program. Sherrie places strong emphasis on customer service and the Division Chief’s initiative to build processes around the concept of Lean, Efficient, Nimble and Scalable (LENS).

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.

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.

Meet Our Other Instructors

Ken Lewis is the President and Director of Training at P3 Training and Consulting, and the Vice-President of the Texas Handgun Association. He is a Range Master, Firearms Instructor, NRA Training Counselor, NRA Practical Pistol Coach Development Staff, NRA/USA Shooting Shotgun Coach, Training and Shooting Range Consultant, a college professor with active security, military, and law enforcement experience, and formerly a National Shooting Sports Foundation Range Action Specialist. Recognized as an expert witness and subject matter expert he is often called to review and testify regarding training and use of force. 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. After retiring from 24 years in the US Air Force, he was the Range Program Manager at UXB International Inc. and Concept Planner with AMEC Earth and Environmental. Mr. Lewis is the principle operational adviser in development of RATPAC™. He has held leadership and management doctrine positions and worked a broad range of specialties throughout his career, e.g. communication systems, facility maintenance, law enforcement/security, Emergency Service Teams (SWAT), small arms training and repair, and instructing/teaching intellectual and mechanical skills. Mr. Lewis has extensive experience in project and program management. Noted speaker, writer and an Eagle Scout, he is (or was) a member of the NRA-Life, TxHA-Life, TSRA, IALEFI, ILEETA, a ILET-Founding Member, and NSSF. He holds an A.A. in Security Administration from the Community College of the Air Force, an A.A. in Business Management from Wayland Baptist University, a B.S. in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master of Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Dan Graeber is a well-seasoned Master Firearms Instructor teaching in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and Black Powder disciplines from Basic to Advanced skills, NRA Training Counselor, First Aid Instructor, Ropes Course facilitator, former Applications Engineer in the A/V world, and currently is the VP – Faith Based Initiatives with The Center for Personal Protection and Safety, Inc. where he works with Faith Based Organizations and Houses of Worship to create enabling environments through education in Facility Vulnerability reviews, Situational Awareness training, advanced training for leaders in De-Escalation and Extreme Violence Response, and Threat Management Team creation. Dan has been training for over 32 years. Before developing his own business, The Trainers Group, and joining the National Protective Services Institute team, Dan held a Worldwide Training position that enabled him to travel much of the world training in mechanical skills, trouble shooting, problem solving, and applied engineering of specialty products. Dan has also worked as General Manager for 2 large outdoor ranges and consulted with and assisted in opening several indoor ranges. Dan is a very successful team leader and “crisis manager” on an as needed basis domestically and overseas. Dan has worked with many clients with physical injuries and permanent impairments in which they learned new ways to enjoy shooting and/or defend themselves. Dan has worked with various executive protection/operational groups. He has developed shooting curriculum for advanced and intermediate shooters. Dan continues to work with Boy Scouts, Venture’s, and other youth groups as often as he can; developing tomorrow’s leaders. Dan is an Eagle Scout, Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, NRA life member, THA active member. and TSRA active member.

Jeremy Burgett is the Owner and Senior Instructor with T3R Medical Training Group, LLC. He is also a United States Army (Retired) Combat Medic of 22 years. He has served overseas in 4 combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served 13 months on a remote assignment in Israel as a US Medical Liaison/Instructor for US and Israeli forces. Jeremy currently still works as a Tactical Medic and EMS Instructor within the state of Texas.

Western Graham is the Senior Instructor and Course and Product Designer with T3R Medical Training Group, LLC. He is also a former United States Navy (Green Side) Corpsman of 8 plus years. In his Navy career, he was embedded in a United States Marine Corps platoon as their “medic” , and he was and still is very good at his job. Westen now works as a trauma instructor, tactical medic, and private ranch security.

Chandler Stockstill is an Instructor and Website and Marketing Manager with T3R Medical Training Group, LLC. He is also a former United States Army Combat Medic of 5 plus years. Chandler’s experience is quite unique in how it differs from that of Jeremy and Westen’s. Chandler served as the Lead Medic in the US military’s Level 1 Trauma Center at Fort Sam Houston,TX. He brings an unprecedented knowledge of civilian trauma experience to the table that easily matches the combat trauma experience of Jeremy and Westen.

Cynthia Aulds is Director of the Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking – Texas. Prior to her current role, Cynthia spent 21 years in the Healthcare field as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, a Clinical Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and as Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, Texas. Cynthia transitioned into the position of Missions Minister at Sugar Land Baptist Church (outside Houston) in 2009, taking on the role Full-time in 2013. While in her ministerial role, she was a part of the initial core group who started the Coalition.

In Cynthia’s Words: My work as Missions Minister involved anti-human trafficking efforts in Houston. I grew up in Houston, have lived the majority of my life there, and had no idea human trafficking existed, much less to the extent that it does. The more I learned, and the more I saw how prevalent trafficking is throughout Texas, from the smallest of towns to the largest metropolitan areas, the more I felt my passion changing to focusing my efforts on bringing awareness and education to others to help combat this horrific industry.

Dr. Helen Mireles, Ph.D., LMSW, (Retired) is a Retired Victim Assistance Specialist with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), SAC (Special Agent in Charge) San Antonio. Dr. Mireles supports the SAC’s areas of responsibility which includes offices in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo, Falcon Dam, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Austin, and San Antonio. She provides victim assistance services to victims of human trafficking and to victims of other crimes, including but not limited to, crisis intervention, short term counseling, referral and coordination of social services nationally and internationally, facilitating U and T-visa law enforcement certification requests and continued presence parole. Her responsibilities also extend to community outreach, internal and external victim education training and victim assistance training instructor for HSI’s International Law Enforcement Academy. Dr. Mireles works closely with Special Agent Victim Collaterals from each office to identify, rescue, and restore victims of crime. She was previously assigned to HSI’s Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit for five years and the Child Exploitation Unit.

Dr. Mireles is a long-standing member of the Alamo Area Coalition Against Trafficking in San Antonio, the Central Texas Human Trafficking Task Force in Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley Human Trafficking Coalition, in Pharr, TX. Prior to her HSI position, Dr. Mireles was a Supervisory Asylum Officer for over fourteen years and an Asylum Officer for three years with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Houston Asylum Office, Houston, TX. As a supervisor, she was responsible for determining that fair and sound Immigration Asylum decisions were rendered to refugees fleeing human rights abuses and persecution in their native countries. As an Asylum Officer, she interviewed refugees from all over the world to determine if they qualified for Immigration Asylum relief. Dr. Mireles has also worked for the State of Texas as a Child Protective Services Specialist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Caseworker for disabled children. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Ph.D. in Leadership/Management studies.

Dr. Stephen C. Craig, DO, PH.D, MTM&H, FRCP (EDIN.) is a retired US Army Medical Officer. During his 26.5-year military career he served as a flight surgeon and diving medical officer with deployed conventional and special operations forces, as Chief of Preventive Medicine at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC and the USMA, West Point, as an epidemiologist at US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Clinical Operations, 30th Medical Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany.

He also served as Associate Professor, Military and Emergency Medicine and Assistant Professor, Medical History, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD from 2004-2015. Dr. Craig is now fully retired and lives in San Antonio.

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:

Karl Rehn has been a firearms trainer since 1991, attending more than 3000 hours of formal training from more than 80 different trainers to develop his skill and knowledge of defensive handgun skills and related topics. He is a full time instructor, range owner, shooting competitor and author. His credentials include Grand Master ratings from USPSA in 5 divisions, Rangemaster Master Instructor, Massad Ayoob Group Deadly Force Instructor, Force Science Analyst, NRA Training Counselor, DPS certified LTC and School Safety instructor, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement instructor, and Simunition Certified Force on Force instructor.

Most of his courses are taught at his A-Zone Range facility near Lincoln, Texas, supported by a team of 10 male and female assistant instructors. He has also taught classes on the road in more than a dozen states, been featured in three episodes of the Outdoor Channel’s “Shooting Gallery” show, been a guest on dozens of podcasts and writes a blog focused on handgun training. Visit www.krtraining.com and blog.krtraining.com for more information about classes.

Alison Adams is the owner of 4Range Training and takes her instruction to local ranges in the San Antonio area and Gulf Coast Region. She is also an NRA and USCCA Instructor, Range Master Certified Instructor, MAG 40 Graduate, and Chief Range Safety Officer. Facilitator of A Girl and A Gun San Antonio Chapter, Member of The Well Armed Women of America, Assistant Texas State Director of The DC Project, Board Secretary of Texas Handgun Association, Life Member of the Texas Handgun Association, the NRA, and Texas Rifle Association. Alison is a Teacher by nature and recognizes opportunities to turn experiences in to teachable moments. Much of her students training, these days, is with the Smokeless Range and it has proven to be the best dry fire practice for her students, whose dry fire training has been effective in improving efficiency in marksmanship and accuracy in self defense situations.

Kari Grayson is the founder and creator of License2Kari. Her journey into firearms instruction came about in 2018 when her and her husband and became part owners of Buck & Doe’s Mercantile Gun Range and Boutique. When we first acquired the business, I was only interested in the boutique side and had no desire to even visit the gun range. I had no shooting experience and had been a music instructor for the previous 20 years with a Master’s of Music Education degree. I finally took a shooting lesson and discovered how much fun it was and that I wasn’t too bad either! With a passion for teaching, I decided to fully embark on the path to becoming a firearms instructor. I quickly became an NRA Pistol Instructor and USCCA instructor followed up by acquiring my License to Carry instructor certification. I started teaching classes at Buck & Doe’s and have continued to expand my course offerings as well as my own personal certifications. I believe it’s never too late to re-invent yourself and pursue your passions. I continue to train with the top instructors around the country on a frequent basis so I may bring the best training and knowledge to my students. My personal motto is “Sometimes the Instructor…Always the Student”.

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 and give our group code # TXHGAT0522. The special rate for a single or double, which is valid through noon, April 30, 2022, is $104.00 per night plus taxes for two queen beds or one king bed.

Gun Raffle

We will raffle off a Model # 53820 | Charter Arms, a CPX-1 | SCCY and a Bond Arms | Texas Defender. This raffle will be drawn at the beginning of the board meeting on Sunday, May 15, 2022 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 Sherie Zgabay, Service Director of Licensing and Review Service from the Texas Department of Public Safety and P.J. Hermosa, CEO with Texas Law Shield.

The keynote speaker for the Saturday Evening Banquet, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, is Brain Holmes, Founder and President of Strategic Influencers, LLC and author of the internationally acclaimed, The Ties That Bind, a Study on Identifying and Breaking Unhealthy Connections and Limitations.

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 13, will be a Range Fun Shoot and on Saturday, May 14, 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 $25.00. 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 2022 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, Texas Hold’em & Game Night

The President will be hosting a hospitality/welcome gathering Friday, May 13, 2022, 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 Texas Hold ‘em / Game Night for prizes. Bring your favorite game to share and come enjoy the fun!

Membership Meeting

The Association’s Regular Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Elections will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 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 2022 Annual Conference Members’ meeting, May 14th, the TxHGA members will be electing three director positions (each are three-year terms) as well as filling a vacancy position that will expire next year in 2023. 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 9, 2022 to TxHGA, PO Box 161713, Austin, Texas 78716 or by email to [email protected].

All members are encouraged to attend.

FAQ

Event Sponsors & Donors

Event Vendor

Vendor Invitation

If you are interested in being a vendor at the upcoming conference, May 13-15, 2022, please click here for detail information.