MEET THE TEAM
Gina Vertucci — Lead Instructor
What started as a hobby became a passion and now a career!
My firearms journey began as a young child inspired by my dad and grandfather who were collectors and enthusiasts. I went on to marry a police officer with Station 42 and many of our dates occurred at the range. Given my enthusiasm and aptitude, I decided to seek training and pursue my CCW. Shortly after, I started Belle Stars, a gun club for women and became an NRA credentialed Firearms Instructor. Through my passion for teaching and competitive shooting, I created a fun, safe training environment for both men and women and developed a program unique to the firearms community. Empowering fellow marksmen and instruction in safety and skill are my hallmark and students return to be immersed in the camaraderie and growth that is part of the society we create at Forza Defense. I have a strong team of qualified and credentialed women and men who carry out the uniqueness we represent in our second amendment community. I am proud of my team and my students and welcome you with open arms.
Using shotguns for small game and clay shooting was always something I looked forward to on trips with my Dad when I was a child and as a young adult. When a friend asked me to go to the range to shoot handguns a few years ago, I thought it would be a fun experience. While shooting, I was introduced to my friend's instructor, Gina. I arranged a lesson and the rest is history. I continue to train regularly at Forza Defense, honing my skills and working on competitive shooting, striving for continual improvement.
The welcoming environment of Forza Defense has given me a desire to join and help grow this community. I help run the daily office operations, marketing and class planning. My involvement gives me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and experience the positivity of our team who are dedicated to supporting the growth of others.
Laurie LaRock — Instructor/RSO/Coordinator
Donna Luce — Instructor
Annie Oakley was one of my favorite musicals growing up, and I loved going to the shooting range with my daddy. As I became an adult, shooting became a casual hobby which eventually turned into more serious firearms training. My family and I travel to Texas several times per year to visit relatives and practice our target shooting. Gina persuaded me to train with her and training became a weekly event. I worked diligently to sharpen my skills. I believe in the right to bear arms and that training, safety, and proficiency are the key to upholding the second amendment. I have been a teacher for 25 years so becoming a firearms instructor was a natural transition. Forza Defense is committed to providing instruction in a safe, enthusiastic environment. The team at Forza Defense is a family, and I am proud and honored to be part of an amazing group of instructors.