About us
meet the staff:
Nick Atkinson
Lead Instructor
Bio:
As lead instructor and founder of Flagship Defense Group, I mean every word when I say I want to bring relevant, scenario-based training in a safe environment.
My background is primarily counter-terrorism. The idea being there are people out there that wish to do you harm, and we must remain vigilant. We must fight for those that cannot fight for themselves.
I served for 6 years as a United States Marine, along side Alex during the peak of the Global War On Terror. We received specialized training in close-quarters combat, small arms proficiency, counter-intelligence, and more.
I have trained along side some of America's elite, to include various federal agencies and Blackwater. I taught with local Law Enforcement prior to starting FDG.
See you in class!
-Nick
Sam Shepherd
Associate Instructor, Staff Medic
Bio:
Meet Sam Shepherd. Sam is my team medic, and an associate instructor that assists in teaching roles and leads the ladies-only classes. It was a no-brainer to ask Sam to be part of the team. Like the other members of Flagship Defense Group, she is highly, highly qualified and boasts an impressive resume. Easily the best pistol shot of the staff. Sam is an awesome individual that shares the goals and mindset of FDG. We are proud and excited to welcome Sam to our team!
Hello all!
“My name is Samantha Shepherd and I am a 26 year old firefighter/paramedic. I have worked in the fire service for almost eight years and have been a paramedic for four years. I also work as an emergency room technician at a local hospital. In my free time, I enjoy riding horse and working out. I am extremely excited to be joining the Flagship Defense team and look forward to meeting you all!”
- Sam
Alex Sedlacek
Associate Instructor
Bio:
Meet Alex Sedlacek. Alex is an associate instructor that assists in teaching roles and acts as a Range Safety Officer. I served along Alex in the Marine Corps, and I can tell you that as we trained together over the years, even after leaving the Marines, he shares the same qualifications and credentials as I do. It is actually kind of difficult to tell us apart sometimes. When I approached Alex about starting FDG, we agreed that this would be a dream realized of bringing our knowledge and experience to you!
"I spent 4.5 in the marine corps where my foundation and enthusiasm for shooting began. Since then I have dedicated as much free time as possible studying and learning as much as I can about shooting as a sport and as a means to protect those whose cannot protect themselves. In doing so it has lead me to be an apprentice to an armorer and also an associate at a gun shop in Virginia."
- Alex