Meet Our Instructors - Frank

This is the first in a series where our instructors answer a few basic questions so that you can get to know them a little. First up is Frank.

1) What is your background? How did you get into Firearms instruction?

I started shooting back in 2010, but didn't get licensed and begin to take it more seriously until 2019. That same year I joined the SRA and became our first instructor in the state of Massachusetts. I wanted to help out with what I understood to be the central mission of the organization - making firearms and firearms education accessible to marginalized people. Given that I take my own training seriously and have easy access to a private range, I figured I was in a good position to take on that responsibility.

2) Why do you identify as a leftist (if you do)? What drew you to the comrade center's mission?

I do in fact identify as a leftist, and I would hope that anyone else in this organization does as well. Otherwise, why are they even here? I do so because I don't believe that human nature is ugly, pernicious, or selfish. I believe that our material conditions play an outsized role in governing our behavior and that we do in fact have the power to organize and decide collectively how to shape those conditions in pursuit of a more harmonious coexistence with one another. That's the lofty, theoretical aspect of it. Personally speaking, I hate life under capitalism. I hate being an individual with no strong communal ties. I hate being coerced to work under pain of homelessness. I hate seeing more marginalized people suffering even worse than I am. And while those negative feelings impel me forward, they're also balanced out by my deep love for other people. Nothing feels better than breaking bread with close friends or overcoming a challenge as a team. And I'd like to help build a world where those feelings are the norm, rather than the exception. The Comrade Center's mission is compelling to me because it represents a tangible, material gain for the oppressed. A place to gain invaluable skills without the violence of micro (and possibly also macro) aggressions from white supremacist macho chumps.

3) What is your go-to Everyday Carry (EDC) or home defense gun?

I carry a Beretta 92FS. Despite being so big and heavy it's surprisingly easy to conceal, even under a t-shirt. I will admit that it's very uncomfortable to carry, though. Even so, I choose to carry it because I can shoot it well. I am terminally paranoid that if I ever have to draw and fire in a defensive situation that I might miss and hurt or kill someone who intends me no harm. Because of this, shootability is my primary concern in a carry piece.

4) What experience in the field qualifies you to do this?

I've already taught over 100 people, most of whom are marginalized in one way or another. I hope you'll care because I care. I'm here, I'm doing the work, and that work can speak for itself.

5) Tell us about a hobby of yours?

I love to cook! More importantly, to cook for other people. I try to host small dinner parties as often as possible. It's one of the most important of my community building practices.