Recently, I had the opportunity to attend The Complete Combatants‘ 10th-anniversary event, The Mingle: Openness to Experience. As a media guest for the third year, I was honored to participate in a training event for women in the firearms industry and share some highlights of my experience.
First, let me say it’s not easy to describe the energy and enthusiasm at The Mingle. Not only pulsating from the 68 attendees (minglers), but also from the 16 people running the show, including both members of Team Mingle and featured instructors. As in the past, attendees included both alumni (some of whom had attended from the very beginning) and first-timers. Shelley Hill, the founder of this event, creates a platform through a Facebook page and private group that fosters the excitement long before the women begin arriving at Cohutta Pines in Cisco, Georgia. From questions about what to pack and where to stay, to photos of the road trip or where to meet for dinner, there is no question unanswered. It is truly a welcoming community and event.
Shelley Hill, the “Indispensable Organizational Wizard,” splits the minglers into three groups, each of which is then broken down into two subgroups. On Saturday, there are A.M. and P.M. training sessions; on Sunday, it’s a morning training session followed by The Mingle after lunch.
Brian Hill’s training block, Decisions, Movement and Tools, covered many aspects of shooting, including movement, use of cover and the three components of action in personal protection: time, information and processing. I always enjoy hearing Brian explain concepts with his extremely cerebral approach. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding the why, and he is a huge proponent of positive self-talk.
HK USA, the top corporate event sponsor for The Mingle, goes above and beyond in its role. Not only does HK cover the shirts (which were super cute), they also send swag, door prizes, cash and a training session. At the HK session, we had the opportunity to shoot a plethora of HK pistols (including one not yet released to the public) using ammunition they donated. We also had a little competition, shooting steel in a timed event. It’s fun hearing the cheers in support as everyone takes their turns shooting.
In the classroom session, Vicki Farnum shared a brief introduction to her FlexCCarry®Solutions course. She emphasized that it is OK to choose to carry in a way that works for YOU in your life. Vicki had an entire table of bags, each with a dedicated area to hold a firearm for attendees to peruse. She then briefly covered some important points and tips about carrying using other gear besides a holster on a belt.
Adam Winch, owner of Defenders USA’s block on dynamic encounters and the defense of others, was mind-blowing. He began by explaining how to build your structure right for shooting. He even took each mingler individually, had her draw and aim (with an empty gun), and then helped her build her structure. After live fire with more corrections, he moved on to the topic of defending others. His teaching style, information and enthusiasm were like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I have pages of notes and so many ideas swimming in my head just from his three-hour block. I cannot imagine how much he covers in his typical courses.
As in the past, we enjoyed delicious lunches and social time together. Through donations, raffles, a nationwide training giveaway and items sold, we raised $8,600 for Blue Line Ponies and $3,500 for the 2027 Mingle. If you’re part of the firearms industry, mark your calendars now for Saturday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 16th, 2027. As usual, Shelley has a great group of instructors lined up, including Brian Hill, Sarah Hauptman of PHLster, Kyle Thompson Jr. (focusing on bullseyes and accuracy) and Gedde Wilson (with co-instructors Shannon Pable and Howie Marbury) on the HK Steel Range.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
Start the Conversation