The 2024 recipient of the Colonel Charles H. Mitchell Trainer of Distinction Award is NRA Life Member Rich Clement of Gaithersburg, Maryland, who also came on permanent staff with the NRA Education and Training Division 17 March 2025 as a Curriculum Coordinator (after winning the award).
Clement retired from federal civil service after more than 23 years of dedicated service. His certifications include USA Archery level 1 Instructor; Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education Instructor; Maryland State Police qualified handgun instructor; NRA Training Counselor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, NRA CCW, Personal Protection In the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Muzzleloading, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, Chief Range Safety Officer; Certified Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor, and, last but not least, is a Level 1 Rifle and Pistol Coach.
Clement became an NRA certified Instructor in 2012, and Training Counselor in 2021. At the time of his selection in December 2024, he had led 67 NRA courses with 302 basic Students, and 33 Range Safety Officers and Instructors certified, additionally he had assisted with 47 more courses with 488 students.
He is an active member of training teams at the Izaak Walton League chapters in Rockville, Maryland and Centerville, Virginia. He is the chairman of the Montgomery County, Maryland Firearms Safety Committee. Rich is a Distinguished Expert in both Pistol and Rifle. Rich is also a competitor in NRA, Civilian Marksmanship Program, and Glock Sport Shooting Foundation matches.
Rich has also been an invaluable local asset to the NRA Education and Training Division, having assisted NRA Staff in conducting eight Training Counselor Development Workshops between September of 2023 and his selection for this award.
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