Range Team
Our expert staff is the backbone that ensures every shooter has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Meet GRITR Range Team
Eric Neal
Range Manager
Eric, 38, medically retired after serving 12 years in the military as an Army Special Forces, Green Beret. He is a highly decorated combat disabled veteran and graduate of the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Military Free-Fall school, Special Forces Sniper Course, and the Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis & Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC). He earned his bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Science from the University of North Texas, and a masters in business from the University of Southern California. Prior to retirement, he served as his unit’s Director of Training. On his free time he enjoys spending quality time with his 3 daughters, reading, cooking, and going to the gym.
Michael Conrad
Lead Firearm Instructor
Mike, 27, is a USCCA Range Safety Officer and CCHDF firearm instructor. He served 4 years in the Marine Corps as a machine gunner. Marine Corps machine gunners operate a variety of machine guns, including the 7.62 mm Medium Machine-Gun, the 50 cal., and the 40mm Heavy Machine-Gun. They provide direct fire support to infantry rifle squads, platoons, and companies. Currently, Mike is an 11B Infantryman in the Texas national guard. He aspires to become a US Army Special Forces “Green Beret”. During his free time, Mike has various interests such as Weight lifting, jiu-jitsu, red dirt country music, and going to football games.
Joshua Whiteurst
Firearm Instructor
Josh, 32, Is a USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He is a Texas native who started his career as a firearms instructor over a decade ago. He competed with the International Defensive Pistol Association (I.D.P.A.) in 2017. After learning the ropes in competition shooting, he found a new passion for defensive shooting and security. He currently holds an LTC instructor certification and went on to attain his Level 3 armed security certification. Additionally, he owns Secure the Mind Training Group. SMTG seeks to functionally and practically train citizens, security firms, and LEO professionals on the basis of protecting oneself by sharpening our most valuable asset, our mind. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and attending baseball games.
Stephen “Steve” Waschka
Training Coordinator
Steve, 28, is a USCCA Firearm Instructor, Range Safety Officer, certified in basic pistol and basic rifle instruction. He is also a United States Marine Corps reservist and has served 5 years as an Artillery Fire Control Specialist. These Marines are critical for defensive and offensive indirect fire missions. Steve has been with GRITR Range since September 2020. He is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. During his free time he enjoys fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
Farthest shot made: 800 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Beretta M9A3
Robert “Rob” Rose
Lead Firearm Instructor
Rob, 28, is a USCCA certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He is a former paralegal and avid researcher of 2A law. He has concealed carry training through Louisiana State Police, as well as a long personal life around firearms. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in pre-law from Louisiana Tech University. Prior to Gritr, he was director of operations for a clothing company, as well as an entrepreneur. On his off time, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, shooting, working on cars, paintball, and spending time with friends and family.
Farthest shot made: 1000 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Archon Type-B
Robert “Bobby” Harris
Firearm Instructor
Bobby, 25, is a USCCA Range Safety Officer and CCHDF instructor. He was an infantryman in the Marine Corps with 1st Bn, 3rd Marines; and the 3rd Littoral Combat Task Force. He acted as a designated marksman, combat life-saver, fireteam leader, and combat marksmanship instructor. He also competed in multiple Marine Corps shooting competitions. He is currently working towards his Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation, and is a licensed airplane pilot. He aspires to become an airline pilot. He enjoys flying, weight lifting, and studying history.
Coolest gun ever shot: Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle
Farthest shot made: 1125 meters
Favorite handgun for rent: Staccato XC
Jared Smithwick
Firearm Instructor
Jared, 27, Is a USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard as a Gunnersmate. In this position, he worked with everything from small arms to 76mm weapons systems. His responsibilities included training personnel in proper handling of weapons, ammunition, and pyrotechnics. During his time off he enjoys hunting, shooting, cooking, and gunsmithing.
Coolest gun ever shot: 455 Webley Revolver
Farthest shot made: 1000 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Scorpion EVO3
Kalyn “Bucky” Buchanan
Range Supervisor
AJ Lonky
Firearm Instructor