Derek graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and sociology with an emphasis on law and society. A minor in education was also completed. Academic interests are leadership and motivation within complex organizations. Criminal justice theory and adult training/education also sparks an interest.
Derek enjoys camping, barbecuing, hiking and firearms. He’s also an Eagle Scout, a member of the National Rifle Association, and NRA Certified to teach Pistol and Rifle courses.
Other associations:
- National Shooting Sports Foundation – Member
- Second Amendment Foundation – Life Member
- California Pistol and Rifle Association – Member
- National Eagle Scout Association – Life Member
CA DOJ Certified Handgun Instructor – Need a CA Handgun Safety Certificate? Contact me.
CA Sacramento License-to-Carry Instructor – I also instruct LTC classes with Mike Cecil at CS Tactical.
Purpose of the Blog:
I intend to write about my experience as a California gun owner and my attempt to normalize the “gun culture.” Other personal interests will follow: guns, gear and grub. I’m not an expert, but I maintain that these reviews are related to my audience from first hand experience. For those who might stumble upon this blog, I hope you may find it useful.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to return your email.
Why “the packing rat?” I was born on the Year of the Rat, according to the Chinese zodiac. “Packing” can be interpreted in two ways: my support for the carry of firearms by law abiding citizens and my firearm collecting habits.
MM of www.militarymorons.com was an inspiration for this blog.
Random facts about Derek:
- Derek likes Sweet Tarts and beef jerky.
- He doesn’t name his guns.
- Derek maintains this blog with an Apple computer.
- Derek is a fan of Dr. Joe’s cure for everything and so should you.
- Derek started cooking at an early age and contemplated a culinary career. In high school, learning how to cook was a means to impress girls. It works.
- He is awfully quiet in person. You should approach him first.
- Derek’s favorite merit badges were Lifesaving and Pottery. Rifle shooting was not his favorite because he disliked paying $5.00 for 50 shots of .22LR and waiting in line to shoot during his free time at summer camp.
- His first handgun was a Springfield Armory TRP .45 ACP. His first firearms ever were two stripped Sun Devil SD-15 lowers.
- Derek first held a firearm when he was 8 – a GLOCK 17.
- He is a lazy editor. It’s not unusual to post blog articles without reading them. If one is inclined to point them out, go for it. It won’t hurt his feelings.
- Prefers Reece’s miniature peanut butter cups for the perfect chocolate:peanut butter.
- It’s annoying when folks pronounce the letters of a measurement unit, predominately millimeter, or “emm emm.”
- Shenaniguns and other brothers-in-arms keep me focused on what’s important outside this blog. Thank you.
To be continued…
