Jonathan Baldwin

Although my primary training was in water production and distribution, I have always found time to pursue my interests with firearms. The mechanical expertise required for my job has also lead me to researching firearm mechanics. I have pieced together several of my own weapons. My experience on the gun range both on my off time and while on duty is filled with inexperienced peers. I fully understand how quickly a day at the range can turn into disaster if rules are ignored or broken.

• Received 7 stateside awards
• Received 5 awards overseas
• 6 consecutive years of rating as expert marksman with M4
• Multiple recommendations for early promotion while deployed.
• 11 Earned military decorations for service.

After I joined the military I realized an Air Force plumber would not receive special weapons training or see combat. I started seeking out peers who could teach me skills that would increase my chances of surviving a terrible situation. Luckily, being in Alaska, I was able to find no shortage of useful skills to pick up. I eventually purchased my first rifle and pistol with the intent of beginning competitive shooting. I would spend weekends at shooting ranges just to help acclimate to the sound and get rid of my flinching. Within 2 months I noticed my flinching had significantly decreased and I began watching other shooters and instructors to see what I could learn. The very next time I went to qualify with an M4 I made expert and have made expert every time since. I met some people later on that wanted to improve their tactical movement and small team skills. We decided playing airsoft would provide us with a cheap and enjoyable simulation. I became the gun technician for my group before we even had played our first game. Realizing how much more complicated airsoft guns were compared to real weapons I got the confidence to modify and build my own real guns. Between both hobbies I have learned how to fix malfunctions in guns and the importance of following safety protocols. negligence in both fields by other participants has nearly ended in disaster on more than one occasion.