RICHMOND HILL, Ga.--3rd Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers took part in a new privately owned weapons mentorship program at the Richmond Hill Police Shooting Range May 2.
The program started at the beginning of the year when 3rd CAB leaders asked volunteers to step forward and act as mentors for the Soldiers in their battalion. The mentors quickly made contact with experts in the local law enforcement and federal agencies to help train Soldiers on local laws.
It came at the perfect time for Capt. Jarod Hahn, commander, Company A, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd CAB who was mentoring a Soldier already.
"A Soldier first discussed a firearm with me before the mentorship program was created because I have openly expressed my interest in firearms and stressing safety among Soldiers with their own privately owned weapons," Hahn said.
Spc. Liwandra Stowers, Co. A, 603rd ASB, 3rd CAB had just bought her first pistol and was curious what her commander thought of it.
"When I told my commander what pistol I had purchased, he said that I needed to sell it and purchase one from a better company," Stowers said.
Stowers purchased another firearm based off Hahn's recommendations and her own research. She broke the weapon in during her first training event.
"We trained her to safely use her firearm and we were able to see a dramatic increase in her ability to handle her pistol safely and engage targets effectively at close range," Hahn said.
Stowers was not only trained on firing her weapon, but also on how to maintain it and store it safely.
"I would say for myself that I went from a zero to a six, and I am only going to get better the more I go," Stowers said. "I hope we keep this program because it taught me something. I even looked for classes on firearms and they are crazy expensive. Some of the prices started at $100 just to register."
Stowers second training event continued working on progressing her technique of drawing and engaging targets.
Additionally, Stowers commented on how other Soldiers were shocked that no body armor, helmet or weapons registration was required. Many were eager to join the program, and some even invited their spouses to participate with them.
The continued increase of new Soldiers into the program coupled with success stories like Stowers transformation have some wondering why it is just starting now.
Mentors like Sgt. 1st Class Jason Rocco, brigade safety noncommissioned officer, HHC, 3rd CAB are hoping that future events will have even greater success.
"It is our hope that this program will really take off and become Army wide like the motorcycle mentorship program," Rocco said. "This program really has great potential to save lives."
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