It’s been an interesting couple of weeks since we announced that we’d hold one of our Prairie Patriot Basic Self Defense courses for free.  Since posting the notification for the course on our calendar we’ve averaged two citizens a day coming to our facility sharing their stories.  Their stories have ranged from stalking issues to neighborhood brawls (no lie).  Each story has our staff shaking our heads.   It is scary to think but it seems like all heck is breaking out in our community.

On the other spectrum, we commonly hear “I didn’t see that on the news, so it can’t be true”.  Those comments have us cock our heads to the side in disbelief.  How can you live by the tabloids only and not realize it does, in fact, happen here?  Most average citizens realize that not every criminal act is newsworthy.

My days are spent sharing information on how to protect yourself.  The information I share is not limited to firearms training. Some folks are not wanting to use deadly force.  To assist, I offer other ways to be your own “bodyguard”.

One time when working with a gentleman in the range we paused for a bit and talked about other self-protection means. At the end of our conversation, he looked at me and asked “aren’t you worried about suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)?”  I thought that’s an odd question. Do I have PTSD? Not at all. I do not live in fear. My personal creed is that I am my own bodyguard. I do not expect protection from my husband or our law enforcement.  I have the utmost respect for my groom and our amazing folks in blue and all they do to keep myself and the community safe.  Will any of them be with me 24×7 to provide that protection.  Nope.

Every day I exercise situational awareness and will use my body as a weapon to be my own bodyguard. You can too! Join me on Saturday, August 18th at 2:30 for our free Basic Self Defense Course.  My passion is to share with you the tools I have learned along my self protection journey.  If you are unable to attend this session, we will hold future free sessions.  Always know our facility is here any time you want to chat about your situation and your self-protection journey.

Be Safe! – Josette

I remember the first time I had ever held a gun in my hands. I was at a conference for a federal position I held at the time with USDA Wildlife Services. My co-worker and friend asked: “Ever shot a gun before?” Shaking my head I nervously answered, “no, but I’ve always wanted to try.” After trying my first shots with a Ruger Mark II .22lr I was hooked. I felt excited, empowered, and thirsting for more.

The weeks after the conference my free time was spent digging into any information I could get my hands on about guns. Specifically, I was looking for where to begin. I had several seasoned friends anxious to guide me on my information quest. Truthfully it was information overload. Just the simple basics is what I was searching for. I wanted my journey to begin with handguns.

In the community I live in there weren’t many options for beginner handgun classes. I felt frustrated by the lack of finding what I was searching for. So I began my journey working part-time at local gun shops to learn hands-on and ask questions. From there I sought my certification as an NRA instructor and, as well as many of you know, Prairie Patriot was born.

Today as I read my firearms news briefs I was tickled to see the launch of LetsGoShooting.org by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “LetsGoShooting.org was created to be a go-to resource for all things target shooting and firearms safety. Those new to firearms and the shooting sports, especially those who haven’t yet taken their first shots or purchased their first firearm, will find a wealth of information about the various target sports, firearms retailer listings, maps showing area ranges, shooting and safety tips, and information on finding instruction.” How WONDERFUL I thought as I read the announcement. To myself, I said, “I sure would have enjoyed having that when I started.”

Starting on a new adventure can be a bit intimidating, especially when the sport you are interested in is firearms. Take advantage of the useful information on LetsGoShooting.org and when you are ready to meet me at the range for the next steps.

I remember five years ago sitting in my home office with my groom discussing what we should name the new firearms training company we had just created.  Ideas on the name bounced back and forth for a few hours. It wasn’t until we took a step back and discussed what made us proud. We both agreed it was “America”.

Looking around my office it was evident what was the core pride of our family. Several items tell visitors to our home what is important to us. Front and center is the proudly displayed American flag on my office door, given to me upon my installation at a local civic club.

In addition a keepsake wall of country pride displays:

° An iron American flag piece given to me from my all time favorite boss who is deeply fond of America.

° Framed business cards with Twin Towers photos reminding me of the position I held at a fortune 500 company based in New York.

° A certificate of merit from my service with the federal government along with a flag flown over the U.S. Capital.

° A framed photo of President Reagan riding his horse on his ranch. Along with a description of the ranch was a little sample in a bag of soil from the ranch.

We lived away from the beautiful state of North Dakota for 12 long years as we pursued education and our careers. I made it a point to have a reminder wall of why it was important for us to be back in our home state. Displayed on that wall are photos of the badlands, Teddy Roosevelt, and my grandfathers capital stock certificate in the Zeeland Farmers Union Cooperative Association dated November 1, 1947.

Rounding out our American pride is our family portrait wall. Captured reminders of what the core of our existence is, our love for our small family.

From the memory tour around my office the name “Prairie Patriot” was born.  As a female, small business owner I am thankful for the opportunities I have.  I work hard to not forget that I am fortunate to have what I have. In 2018 there are still many countries that do not allow women to own their own business.  Or for that matter own a gun!

As we celebrate our Independence Day take time and be thankful for being a citizen of our wonderful America. I am thankful for being an American.  For the love of family, self, country – I AM a Prairie Patriot.

Be safe!

A loud “grrrrr!” escaped from my lips yesterday evening as I read the news headline “Rural Mayville, ND woman suffers self-inflicted gunshot wound”. In the back of my mind I was pretty positive that the article would confirm the word that is a sore spot with me: accidentally.

“The unidentified rural Mayville woman was handling a firearm when she accidentally discharged it, resulting in a gunshot wound to her hand, Traill County Sheriff Steve Hunt said in a statement”. There it was! Accidentally. Nope. Not buying it. Accidental, no. Negligent, yes!

Plain and simple. Practice and live the four safety rules. Gun safety is plain and simple. Practice and live the four safety rules. The more you practice the safety rules, the more it will become ingrained.

The Four Safety Rules
1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
4. Keep you finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire.

When I teach handgun courses or concealed weapons test sessions I give examples from our local community of times when folks did not practicing the safety rules. My hope is that by sharing these examples it will plant a seed in my students minds to live the safety rules.

Ways you can stay on top of your safety discipline can include:
* Keep a list of the rules with your gun.
* Train properly and develop safe habits.
* Simply practice picking up a gun with your finger off the trigger.
* Promote safety, especially when you see someone not practicing safety rules.

Practicing firearms safety 100% of the time will help prevent a negligent discharge. As our hero, R Lee Ermey (GUNNY!) said, “one rule is just as important as the other”. Be safe and practice firearms safety. Always.

For many years now I have been mindful of my surroundings.  Whether it be shopping, in my business, or out and about on errands.  And truthfully, every now I do lapse in these skills.  Fortunately last Monday was a day that I did have my situational radar set to “on” mode.

As I was exiting my bank mid-afternoon, I did my usual visual scan left, then to the right for activities I should be aware.  Just like a sci-fi movie my brain sensed a “DANGER! DANGER!” warning in my head.  My eyes fixed on a man and woman around 20 feet to my right on the sidewalk of the parking lot.  Nothing unusual about that except the couple was having a hard time walking a straight line and basically staying upright.  To myself I mumbled Really., Middle of the afternoon and you are drunk.”

My SUV happened to be parked right near the entrance by the sidewalk they were attempting to navigate.  I promptly be-bopped to my SUV while keeping my eyes on them.  A habit ingrained in me by my mother since I started to drive is to immediately lock my doors once I get into my vehicle.  (Thanks Mom for that valuable life lesson!) Locking my doors I turned my attention to putting my bag in my center console.  Just as I put my keys in the ignition I view the stumbling man reaching for my drivers side door handle.  Instinct kicked in and I firmly, loudly said “NO” and jutted my finger in his direction.  Stepping back and shaking his head head looked perplexed at my command.  Again he stepped forward towards my handle.  “NO, stop” I barked through the glass.  He then indicated a drinking motion.  My assumption was he was asking if I had any alcohol for him.  “Move away from the car NOW” I bellowed. This last cut through the fog of his alcoholic stupor and he stumbled back to the sidewalk to catch up with the woman.  I kept my eyes on him as he cleared my SUV.

Most of my family, friends and members at my facility know that I work “what if” situations in my head to keep on top of my personal protection.  As soon as the man stepped away from my car I thought to myself “if” he had opened my door my first instinct would have been to start punching, yelling and basically going nuts.  I’m my own personal security guard.  I refuse to let anyone get into my personal space unapproved.

“Safe” areas no longer exist – even in North Dakota.  It does not matter the time of day, the location that you are at, or even if you are with someone you must be aware of surroundings.  Situational awareness is your responsibility.  Be confident, aware and smart in your daily travels!

Be Safe – Josette

I could see the shell casing flying in slow-motion. It arced up and back, flying towards my protective eye glasses. The casing rested inside my glasses and sat on the inner portion of my right cheek bone. In my head I could hear the sizzle. I did not “brass dance”. Casually I lifted up my glasses and let the casing fall out and away. The student I was working with in the range was none the wiser as to what had happened.

Wrapping up the lesson with my student my first thought was to head to the rest room to view the damage. Well, it could have been worse. My skin was starting to swell a bit and only a little raw damage could be viewed. In the five years of firearms instructing this one had never happened to me. The “usual” casing down the shirt has happened – even with fully buttoned up shirts. I’m proud of the fact that in all the times that these situations have happened I did not hop up and down and dance all around.

Reviewing the incident I realized that I am very fortunate that it was not worse. Many “what if” situations rambled through my mind. I did accept that I need to up my game in the range. Casings to the eye area can be prevented by simple things. Wearing eye protection that is fully closed around eyes. Where I position myself by my student as I instruct. And the easiest way, by wearing a baseball hat. Many of you know that for me that will be by wearing my Walther hat. (love my Walther’s!)

Simple steps can prevent minor range incidents.

Be safe! – Josette

Prairie Patriot will be at Runnings Ladies night.  Stop by our booth!  Runnings has a fun evening planned.

Join us for Ladies Night at Runnings WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19 • 5:00 – 8:00 PM NOT VALID AT ALL STORES. EVENTS MAY VARY BY STORE. PARTICIPATING STORES: MINNESOTA: Austin, Benson, Hutchinson,Litchfield, Marshall, Montevideo, Monticello,New Ulm, Red Wing, Redwood Falls,Springfield, Willmar & Worthington MONTANA: Glendive NORTH DAKOTA: Bismarck & Carrington NEW HAMPSHIRE: Claremont NEW YORK: Canandaigua, Gloversville, Clay& Rome SOUTH DAKOTA: Aberdeen, Belle Fourche,Brookings, Huron, Milbank, Mobridge, Pierre,Rapid City & Watertown *See store for contest rules. Event times may vary by store. No purch

Welcome to the PPFT website. Here you will find information on our classes and instructors, as well as some of the things we do in our community.