By Okon Ekpenyong

Columbus, Ohio native Kurtis Foster, the owner of Foster Tactical Defense and Security, is one of the 20 entrepreneurs in the accelerated Columbus program under JPS Print. He has extensive knowledge of various firearm techniques, tactics, and strategies and is committed to helping people protect themselves and their loved ones.

Through the Accelerate Columbus Scale-Up and Grow program, JPS Print provides free business development training to New American and minority-owned businesses in Columbus. 

To engage legislators and community members in discussing gun violence prevention and conflict resolution, Foster plans to establish a private-public partnership with various businesses to restore public trust.

Since Ohio Governor DeWine signed legislation toward the end of his first term, joining 26 other states that allow permitless concealed carry and stand-your-ground law, many gun activists praise the legislation. In contrast, others continue to advocate against its aimed increase in gun violence. 

The number of individuals enrolling in firearms training in twenty-three states that do not require a concealed handgun permit has decreased slightly. Despite this, Foster urges all gun owners, especially minorities, to obtain a license and sign up for courses to reap the benefits. These benefits include learning about the latest laws and regulations that protect you, receiving discounts at shooting ranges, and learning fundamentals for handling firearms. 

Having witnessed gun violence in his family, friends, and colleagues, Mr. Foster is familiar with some of the challenges and stigma associated with gun ownership. 

However, he utilizes his experience as a firearms instructor and security consultant with over a decade of experience providing tactical defense and security training through the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) as a tool for educating the public on this subject matter. 

Kurtis Foster grew up in a military family and is well-known for providing quality instruction in these areas. He talks about his grandpa’s influence on him and plans to keep his legacy alive by inspiring others. 

“We live in a constitutional carry state, but we have reciprocity with other states when we possess concealed carry licenses,” said Foster.

Mr. Foster recommends purchasing firearms insurance for firearms owners just like you would anything else. “Firearms insurance gives you personal protection, as well as legal assistance in the aftermath of gun violence, but the amount depends on your base policy and any additional coverage you purchase.” 

For example, joining USCCA provides the opportunity to learn how to protect oneself in self-defense situations, how to secure a gun properly, and how to administer emergency first aid if an individual becomes injured. It also offers lessons on situational awareness, knowing what constitutional carry is, several mini-class on realtor safety and self-defense, and other related topics. 

During a course such as CCW & Home Defense, students learn about semi-automatic pistols and revolvers in the classroom and at the range. “You do not necessarily need to purchase a firearm to take these courses, but some students are interested in learning or becoming familiar with one,” said a former student of M.r Foster. 

Students will receive a certificate of completion upon certifying courses. There may be a list of what to bring and what the instructor will provide for specific classes. In the case of an introduction to a tactical shotgun, for example, students are allowed to carry a gun and 100 rounds of ammunition to the class. The participants can also bring 25 slugs, 100 buckshot, a magazine pouch, a brimmed hat, close-toed shoes, a thick belt, and long pants. It will be the instructor’s responsibility to provide water and targets for the students.

In the wake of a mass shooting, the National Rifle Association receives much criticism, but firearms supporters remain committed to protecting the second amendment. Mr. Foster believes that if we engage in more gun conversations and protect law-abiding citizens who have guns legally, we could deter a threat to save others, leading to a better outcome. 

According to Congress.gov, earlier this year California Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced bill S.25 earlier this year, which would make it a crime knowingly to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large-capacity ammunition feeding device. However, since the Republicans control the House and Senate, it would likely stall. 

Foster is not naive to the stigma and misconceptions associated with those who oppose illegal firearm possession, as well as those who desire to ban Armalite weapons and 30-round magazines. He keeps up with the latest developments at the city’s level, county, state, and federal levels regarding gun restrictions, firearm amendments, and mental health legislation. 

Knowing the latest or greatest training programs available to support the cause and keep the community safe at the time remains his grandpa’s legacy that he envisions for himself.

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