All NRA Trainers are excellent, but only one can take the Colonel Charles H. Mitchell Trainer of Distinction Award! The 2023 recipient of this award is NRA Benefactor Life Member Jim Sheckels of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who also serves as a volunteer Regional Training Counselor Liaison for Region 5, Mid-Atlantic.
Jim has been involved in the shooting sports for over 50 years, and just as long with Scouting America. As a Boy Scout he earned the Order of the Arrow; as an adult Scouter, he has completed the Woodbadge training three times, and is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He is also a Scouting America Range and Target Activities Director as well as a member of the Scouting America National Committee for RATA, and is the Chair of the 2026 National Jamboree Bows and Barrels Committee. He is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and DoD civilian employee.
His certifications include: National Muzzleloading Rifle Association Master Trainer (one who trains and certifies NMLRA instructor-trainers); North Carolina Conceal Carry Instructor and Master Hunter Education Instructor; NRA Training Counselor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, NRA CCW, Personal Protection In the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Muzzleloading (including Scouting America CoOp Rifle only), Metallic Cartridge and Shotgun Shell Reloading, and Chief Range Safety Officer; Certified Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor; Certified Level 2 Rifle Coach; and USA Archery Level 3 Instructor Trainer.
Jim became an NRA certified Instructor in 2007, and Training Counselor in 2011. At the time of his award at the May 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, he had led 215 NRA courses with 422 basic Students, 177 Range Safety Officers, and 811 Instructors certified. Jim has also been an invaluable local asset, having assisted NRA Staff in conducting seven Training Counselor Development Workshops since November of 2019. Congratulations, Jim!
