About Your Instructor

Kelly P. Fitzgerald

NRA Certified Instructor - USMC Veteran

I became an NRA instructor after receiving subpar CCW training myself—a class that was mostly administrative paperwork with little actual instruction. I left feeling that people were being sent into the world with inadequate preparation for the serious responsibility of concealed carry. I knew there had to be a better way.

My background includes 13 years of service in the United States Marine Corps (1993-2006). I started as a 0331 Machine Gunner and completed Scout Sniper indoctrination at Stone Bay Range in North Carolina. Throughout my career, I served with multiple units across both coasts of the United States and completed numerous deployments. My roles included time in Military Intelligence, S3 Training, and ultimately as a Motor Transport Chief with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, H&S Company out of Chicago.

When my unit faced a critical shortage of licensed drivers, I transitioned to Motor Transport and obtained licensing for M998 (HMMWV), M813, 5-ton, 7-ton, hazardous materials transport, and LVS (Logistics Vehicle System). I became a USMC licensing instructor in Chicago, training infantrymen (0311s) as drivers—an initiative that proved essential to unit readiness.

I deployed to Iraq's Triangle of Death region during 2004-2005, serving as Convoy Chief and leading Quick Reaction Force (QRF) missions. During that 9-month combat deployment, I survived 7 direct IED and mortar engagements. Throughout my entire Marine Corps career, I maintained Expert qualification with both rifle and pistol, training thousands of Marines in weapons safety, marksmanship, and tactical firearms proficiency.

Since becoming NRA certified in 2014, I've trained several hundred students in civilian concealed carry, bringing the same emphasis on safety, competence, and responsibility that I learned in combat and through training Marines.

My mission is simple: provide the thorough, professional training I wish I had received. Whether you're a new gun owner seeking fundamental safety knowledge or a traveler needing multi-state carry credentials, you'll get comprehensive instruction—not just a certificate.