An Exceptional Training Experience That Restored My Faith in Firearm Education

As a professional executive and person of color, I approached firearm training with significant reservations. The stories I'd heard about how people like me are treated in these spaces made me hesitant to pursue my concealed carry license, despite understanding its importance for personal protection.

Finding Fort Vigil Academy Changed Everything

From my very first conversation with Derick Henshaw, I knew this would be different. His genuine passion for personal protection—for everyone, regardless of race or nationality—was immediately evident. This wasn't just talk; it was a commitment I experienced throughout my entire Maryland HQL and WCC training.

What Sets Fort Vigil Academy Apart

Professionalism Beyond Compare: Derick and Kenneth Henshaw don't just run a training facility; they've created a welcoming environment where safety, respect, and excellence are paramount. As someone who conducts thorough due diligence in my professional life, I was thoroughly impressed by their approach.

Genuine Flexibility: My demanding executive schedule could have been a barrier, but Derick and Kenneth worked to accommodate my needs without compromising the quality of training. This level of dedication is rare and deeply appreciated.

Mission Over Money: It quickly became clear that Fort Vigil Academy operates from a place of purpose, not profit. Their focus is on ensuring every student receives first-class training, understands their rights, and learns to carry responsibly. They're invested in our safety and our families' well-being.

The Comfort Factor

I cannot overstate how comfortable I felt throughout my training. In an environment where I initially expected to feel like an outsider, I instead found professional friendship, respect, and support. This is what firearm training should be—inclusive, empowering, and focused on building competent, responsible gun owners.

My Strongest Recommendation

If you're considering firearm training, especially if you've had reservations like I did, I cannot recommend Fort Vigil Academy strongly enough. Derick and Kenneth Henshaw represent the gold standard in firearm education. They understand that exercising our Second Amendment rights means ensuring everyone receives fair treatment and quality instruction.

I'm so confident in my recommendation that I'm happy to speak with you personally. Feel free to reach out for a one-on-one conversation about my experience.

Fort Vigil Academy didn't just help me meet my training requirements—they empowered me to exercise my rights with confidence, competence, and the knowledge that I was trained by people who genuinely care.

Five stars doesn't begin to capture the excellence of this experience. Thank you, Derick and Kenneth, for your dedication to what truly matters.

Todd Pittman