Richard Bernardo

Instructor # 1376839 | Homeland Personal Protection Arizona

Certified with the USCCA since 6/30/2019

Certification Renewal Date 3/17/2025

Gilbert, AZ, 85298

5.0

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USCCA Certifications

  • Concealed Carry & Home Defense
  • Defensive Shooting

My Biography

Rich is a 23 year retired veteran of the United States Army. During his tenure in the military, he deployed into Iraq as an Infantryman, served in many leadership positions and retired as an Infantry Senior Sergeant. As a government contractor in diplomatic security, he worked his way up and became a Deputy Operations Manager of Security serving several tours in Afghanistan. Upon returning to the United States, Rich wanted to give back to the community and joined Homeland Personal Protection team as a Lead Defensive Firearms Instructor with an emphasis on personal defense against lethal threats.

Rich is a certified Defensive Firearms Instructor and has conducted both military and civilian training. He regularly participates in training with some of the best instructors from across the United States annually. He is qualified to teach the NV CCW, UT CFP, AZ CCW and holds multiple credentials such as the NRA Instructor – Certified Pistol, NRA Personal Protection In the Home, NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home, and NRA Range Safety Officer certifications. In addition, he is also a certified USCCA Instructor for Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1, Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals and recently completed an Intuitive Defense Shooting Instructor Development course, Active Shooter Response course, Armed Defense Around Vehicle course, and Two Person Armed Defense courses for Personal Defense powered by I.C.E.

Rich is dedicated to educating others and helping them to develop the skills that could potentially save their lives, their loved ones lives or the lives of others.

5.0

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22 Reviews

What Students Are Saying

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    Class taken on Thur, Jul. 25, 2024
    |Taught by

    "Richard was a very knowledgeable and patient instructor who took the time to make sure that my mom, sister and I were all informed and comfortable with the material that was covered in the classroom and out on the range. Once we were out on the range he made sure we all knew how to stand & aim correctly to hit the targeted area. He also made sure we knew how to load the ammunition and how to make sure that a gun is cleared of ammunition at the of the class. Richard made this class interesting and fun enough that my 12 year old sister stayed focused and was even able to correct our mom when she did not have her hands positioned properly on the gun! I Highly recommend him if you are looking for an instructor. Preston Cueva"

    Submitted on Thur, Aug. 15, 2024 by .

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    Class taken on Sat, Mar. 30, 2024
    |Taught by

    "Instructor Bernardo was fantastic. Incredibly professional and knowledgeable?"

    Submitted on Mon, Apr. 1, 2024 by Dan L.

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    Class taken on Sat, Feb. 17, 2024
    |Taught by

    "Richard was an exceptional instructor, taught the fundamentals in an easy to learn manner and made the overall experience a lot of fun. Will definitely do another course with him in the future. "

    Submitted on Wed, Mar. 20, 2024 by Ken O.