Wally’s lifelong connection to the Missouri outdoors began with years of hiking, fishing, and hunting—pursuits that naturally evolved into a specialized passion for handgun shooting and precision reloading. A former reserve police officer, Wally transitioned into formal education in 1993 as a Missouri State Certified Firearms Safety Instructor. By 1995, he earned his NRA certifications in Pistol and Personal Protection, and he has been a consistent leader in Missouri concealed carry instruction since the law’s inception in 2004.
As the presiding President of Armed Missouri, Inc., Wally brings over 30 years of experience and thousands of hours of instructional time to the organization. He has personally mentored more than 2,000 students, ranging from first-time shooters to advanced practitioners. His credentials are among the most comprehensive in the state, holding NRA Training Counselor and Instructor ratings in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection (In and Outside the Home), and Metallic and Shotshell Reloading.
In addition to his role as a Chief Range Safety Officer and NRA Life Member, Wally remains a practitioner of the skills he teaches. Over the years, he has been active as a competitive trap shooter, a participant in defensive pistol leagues, and a dedicated reloading enthusiast. This combination of administrative leadership and active field experience ensures that Armed Missouri, Inc. remains grounded in both traditional values and modern technical excellence.
Wally officially retired from teaching in early 2026.