Facing Arizona: Teaching Arizonans how to protect themselves

Editor’s note: Facing Arizona is a series that will appear on KTAR.com and social media  — follow KTAR News on Instagram and Facebook for updates — highlighting unique and everyday people across our state and give you a glimpse into their lives.

My name is David Laird. I was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, until the age of 6, when I moved to Arizona.

I graduated from Westwood High School then promptly enlisted, where I served four years with the 82nd Airborne. When I rotated out, I spent four years as a volunteer with MCSO as a posse member in district one. I was deeply moved by the events of September 11th and not wanting to re-enlist, I found a civilian contractor’s position in the Middle East.

In 2007, I was in Baghdad and Mosul and returned stateside in 2008. I believe that is when I found my calling as a firearms instructor. Initially, I took it on as a hobby, teaching only family and friends. As time continued, I quickly realized there was a greater need here in the Valley for proper self-defense training. I have taken on this endeavor, as my mission, to be the person who provides that service to the residents of this state.

I have been an avid shooter since the age of 6. Seeing the things I did while overseas, and speaking to people in my community, as well as those communities around me, I understood that there was a concern from people on how they could protect not only themselves but their families, from any possible threat. Now that I am the director of training at C2 Tactical, I can provide that type of service and instruction to a broad base of individuals.

I am proud of the work I do and the people that I assist. I do not feel there is any shame in it. I look at it as strengthening our communities and offering average persons the opportunity to be empowered in what can feel like a powerless situation. — David