Georgia Firearms And Security Training Academy (GAFASTA)

Bios

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  Chief

  CEO, Founder and Director of Training

  Rodney Smith (Chief) is a retired U.S. Navy Chief with 24 years of Military Service and 12 years of Law Enforcement. His Military and Law Enforcement experience encompassed a variety of duties which included U.S. Navy Master Training Specialist, Chief Security Force Supervisor, trained with U.S. and Foreign Special Forces, Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Firearms instructor, Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agency Firearms Instructor, NRA Training Counselor, Chief Range Safety Officer, Active Shooter Instructor and Emergency Preparedness Instructor,

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  Link: Chief

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  Apollos Stanek

  Senior Firearms Instructor and Lead Instructor

  Apollos is a U.S. Navy veteran with over 9 years of experience as a Gunner’s Mate (GM 2) Petty Officer Second Class. Apollos has earned the title of U.S. Navy Master Training Specialist (MTS). He instructed and trained the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marines on Anti-Terrorism, Force Protection, Physical Security and NCB/VBSS (Non-compliant Visit Boarding Search and Seizure). GM2 is well-versed in the maintenance and repair of a wide range of firearms and stands as GAFASTA’s head Armorer and Senior Firearms Instructor. Apollos has been involved with firearms and shooting sports since the age of six through programs such as the Boy Scouts of America and Project Appleseed.

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  Link: Apollos Stanek

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  Stacy Flanagan

  PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

  Stacy is currently working on her intermediate instructor certification. Stacy is GAFASTA Public Relations Officer and a Financial Adviser. Stacy works a full-time job at Heilind as a Customer Business Manager, but also enjoys being an integral part of the GAFASTA team.

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  Link: Stacy Flanagan

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  PATRICK COLLINS

  Firearms Instructor

  Competitive Shooter NRA Certified Pistol Instructor NRA Range Safety Officer Competitive Shotgun Shooter Patrick is a Mechanical Engineer by Degree, but passion for firearms comes in all forms of shooting. He is a competitor in United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), and frequents Sporting Clays + 5 Stand (Competitive Shotgun Shooting). When he is not shooting in competition, he also very active in supporting gun rights on Local, State, and National levels. He is a Certified Instructor, Range Safety Officer, and Life Member through the NRA. Patrick is currently working on his intermediate instructor qualifications.

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  CHUCK HICKS

  Firearms Instructor

  Chuck Hicks started early in life participating in Boy Scouts and YMCA Summer Camp where he learned at an early age about gun safety, recreational and sport shooting. Chuck believes guns represent family bonding, recreation, as well as home and personal protection. Chuck is GAFASTA’s Rome representative where he teaches basic pistol safety training courses. Chuck is active in church, community service and is the CEO and Owner of Three Rivers Graphics. Chuck is currently working on his intermediate instructor qualifications.

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  John Dempsey

  Firearms Instructor

  NRA Certified Pistol Instructor NRA Range Safety Officer GAFASTA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor John served 6 years in the United States Air Force stationed at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. Staff Sgt. Dempsey worked as a certified jet mechanic servicing F4E Phantom, F105 Thunder Chief, B52 Stratofortress, B66 Destroyer, KC135 Air Refueling Tanker and the A7 Corsair and NCOIC Phase Dock Inspections. John earned his bachelors of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology at DeVry University and served as a Journeyman Electrician, United States Labor Department. John is currently working on his intermediate instructor qualifications. John is the Founder, Owner and President of Sport Shooting Firearms and Supplies Gun Store since 2010 Certified Gunsmith from Ashworth College 2013 Certificate, Instructor, Georgia Hunter Education Training 2013 Certificate, Glock Armorer 2014 Certificate, NRA Pistol Instructor 2017

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  Jeff Southerland

  Firearms Instructor Jeff Southerland grew up around firearms and learned to shoot at a very young age marking the beginning of a lifetime in firearms experience. Jeff has extensive knowledge of a wide range of firearms, weaponry and federal rules and regulations on the transfers and sale of firearms as the Hunting Department Manager for Atlanta Bass Pro Shops. Jeff is also highly skilled in the design and assemblage of rifles, AR-15’s, and handguns, as well as the installation of shooting accessories and the production of ammunition. Jeff recently earned his GAFASTA advanced level pistol instructor certification.

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Products And Services

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  MORE ON "BASIC" PISTOL TRAINING

  GAFASTA Basic, Intermediate and Advanced 2017 Pricing: *Option 1 – (Just You) “New” GAFASTA Student price is $150.00 for the “basic” class *Option 2 – (Bring a friend) “2” Students and the price is $100.00 per student for “any” class *Option 3 – (Bring 2 friends) “3” Students and the price is $90.00 per student for “any” class *Returning GAFASTA Student – $125.00 for “any” class or if you bring a friend/friends options “2” or “3” apply *NOTE: There is a $5.00 adder if you do not use our shopping cart. Cash can be accepted but please email Chief@gafasta.com to advise this is your payment method. We will do our best to work around “your” schedule to get you trained! GAFASTA has several levels of tactical training that goes above and beyond your average firearms training class. This Basic class is designed for students interested in building their confidence, knowledge, and skills in handling and using a pistol. Get trained to GAFASTA’s high standard! You will learn some intermediate tactics that will take you to the next level!

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  MORE ON "INTERMEDIATE" FIREARMS TRAINING

  EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Georgia Weapons Carry License 300 Rounds Ear and Eye Protection (ear plugs and muffs) Belted Holster (no inside the pants holster) 10 snap caps BRING A FRIEND PRICING OPTIONS: GAFASTA Basic, Intermediate and Advanced 2017 Pricing: *Option 1 – (Just You) “New” GAFASTA Student price is $150.00 for the “basic” class *Option 2 – (Bring a friend) “2” Students and the price is $100.00 per student for “any” class *Option 3 – (Bring 2 friends) “3” Students and the price is $90.00 per student for “any” class *Returning GAFASTA Student – $125.00 for “any” class or if you bring a friend/friends options “2” or “3” apply *NOTE: There is a $5.00 adder if you do not use our shopping cart. Cash can be accepted but please email Chief@gafasta to advise this is your payment method. We will do our best to work around “your” schedule to get you trained!

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  MORE ABOUT "ADVANCED" FIREARMS TRAINING LEVEL "1"

  Pricing based on Attendee/s EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Georgia Weapons Carry License 400 Rounds Ear and Eye Protection (ear plugs and muffs) Belted Holster (no inside the pants holster) 10 snap caps Thumb operated flashlight that you can grip one handed GAFASTA Basic, Intermediate and Advanced 2017 Pricing: *Option 1 – (Just You) “New” GAFASTA Student price is $150.00 for the “basic” class *Option 2 – (Bring a friend) “2” Students and the price is $100.00 per student for “any” class *Option 3 – (Bring 2 friends) “3” Students and the price is $90.00 per student for “any” class *Returning GAFASTA Student – $125.00 for “any” class or if you bring a friend/friends options “2” or “3” apply *NOTE: Please pay via our “SHOP” page to avoid a $5.00 adder!

Calendar

• CCW Level 1

  Starts: 09.04.2024 10:00

  Video: CCW Level 1

• CCW Level 1

  Starts: 08.05.2024 10:00

  Ends: 08.05.2024 13:00

  Video: CCW Level 1

• House of Worship Security Armed Training

  Starts: 11.05.2024 10:00

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  Walterboro SC., House of Worship Security Armed Training

  Welch Creek Baptist Church Walterboro, SC

  Starts: 15.04.2024 11:00

  Ends: 17.04.2024 13:00

• POST Annual Firearms Qualifications

  Starts: 06.04.2024 11:00

  Ends: 06.04.2024 13:00

  Video: POST Annual Firearms Qualifications

• NRA LEO Firearms Instructor School Dora, Florida

  Starts: 18.11.2024 08:00

  Ends: 22.11.2024 13:00

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  Active Shooter Workshop

  You are cordially invited to attend our newest workshop WHAT TO DO DURING AN ACTIVE ATTACKER!? hosted by Georgia Firearms and Safety Training Academy (GAFASTA). Workshop will take place at United Methodist Church 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Sugar Hill GA 30518, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00pm. You will learn about self-defense laws, the aftermath of self-defense, and the different levels of force recognized in the State of Georgia. What to do when you find yourself in an incident in Georgia! This is ONE event you won't want to miss! Our communities are facing rising crime rates, and we need to be armed with knowledge. As a member or guest of GAFASTA, make sure that you use discount code: GAFASTA to come as our guest. There will be a Q&A session and refreshments will be available. Copy and paste the following link to register. Space is limited. https://righttobear.ticketspice.com/ga-gafasta-aa-0427

  Starts: 27.04.2024 10:00

  Ends: 27.04.2024 13:00

• CCW Level 1

  Starts: 20.04.2024 11:00

• CCW Level 1

  Starts: 21.04.2024 11:00

  Ends: 21.04.2024 13:00

• Armed Security and PI Firearms Range Training and Qualifications

  Starts: 07.04.2024 11:00

  Ends: 07.04.2024 16:00

  Video: Armed Security and PI Firearms Range Training and Qualifications

• POST Annual Firearms Qualifications

  Starts: 18.04.2024 11:00

  Video: POST Annual Firearms Qualifications

• POST EOT

  Starts: 27.05.2024 11:00

  Video: POST EOT

• House of Worship Advanced Armed Training

  Starts: 15.06.2024 10:00

  Video: House of Worship Advanced Armed Training

• Armed Security and PI Firearms Range Training and Qualifications

  Starts: 11.05.2024 11:00

  Ends: 11.05.2024 13:00