Instructors | Mountain Readiness Expo 2026 in Harmony, NC

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Mountain Readiness

Meet the Mountain Readiness Instructors

Hands-On Training from Industry Leaders in Preparedness

Learn from the best in the field. Mountain Readiness Expo brings together a diverse team of expert instructors specializing in survival skills, bushcraft, homesteading, off-grid living, emergency medicine, and sustainable preparedness. Each instructor is passionate about empowering individuals and families to be ready for anything. Explore the lineup below to meet this year’s instructors and discover the skills you can master at the Expo.

Billy was a city kid. He went to college for a short while before joining the US Army to become an Airborne Sapper. After military service, Billy became an IBEW electrician and completed degrees in biology and business administration. He moonlighted as a part-time talk radio host and learned the craft of fine butchery at The Local Pig in Kansas City, Mo.

Billy was bitten by the permaculture bug and life was never the same. He earned his permaculture design certificate and has since designed several homesteads in several states…and has even installed a permaculture orchard (with chickens) on an active construction site. He loves experimenting and learning!

NC Scout is a former Infantry Scout and NCO with experience in top Reconnaissance Units, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. An avid hunter, bushcrafter, long-range shooter, prepper, and amateur radio operator, he shares lessons learned from real-world experiences to help others build essential survival skills. Focused on the Small Unit approach, NC Scout emphasizes teamwork and resourcefulness in prepping and survival situations, believing small, well-coordinated teams are key to success in uncertain times. He is also the author of the bestselling books The Guerrilla's Guide to Baofeng Radio and The Guerrilla's Guide to Signal Intelligence.

CHRIS WEATHERMAN, also known as ANGERY AMERICAN, is the author of 23 published works (and counting), including USA Today Best Sellers Forsaking Home and Resurrecting Home. His books include the Survivalist Series—a sensational hit that began with the Book 1, Going Home—and has now sold more than one million copies worldwide.

In 2023, Chris started the Angery American Nation Podcast, addressing the issues affecting America today with humor, insight, and unabashed honesty. Covering a wide range of topics including politics, social issues, current events, survival, and self reliance, he challenges conventional wisdom and encourages listeners to question the status quo. The Angery American Nation Podcast aims to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Angery American

Franklin Horton, an acclaimed author living in the rugged mountains of southwestern Virginia, has lived a life full of adventure and eclectic jobs before finding his true calling. From his early days as a voracious reader with a dream to write, he pursued a degree in English at Virginia Commonwealth University and embarked on a whirlwind career as a radio announcer, hotel clerk, photo processor, and more. His varied experiences also include stints as a delivery driver, substance abuse educator, retail store owner, carpenter, and general contractor.Today, Horton has penned over thirty thrilling science fiction and suspense novels, immersing himself in a life atop the remote Clinch Mountain peak. His days are split between crafting gripping stories and tinkering in his workshop, just like his characters.

Alan, a Georgia native, developed a deep passion for the outdoors from a young age, honing survival skills in the forests with his hatchet. As he grew, he studied under knowledgeable elders to expand his understanding of edible and medicinal plants, while also training in self-defense and tactics. With experience in law enforcement and as a contractor, Alan brings a unique perspective on what survival truly looks like in real-world scenarios.

Sergeant Major (Retired) Karl Erickson has over 25 years Military Experience; 18 years of experience within Army Special Forces, conducting all aspects of Special Operations, to include training, execution, and technical oversight at the detachment, company, and combined joint task force level. SGM Erickson has earned numerous awards, to include three Bronze Stars and a Army Commendation Medal for Valor. His military schooling includes Ranger school, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster, Special Forces Medic, SFARTEATC, Special Forces Sniper, to name but a few. After retiring, SGM Erickson now serves as the Director of Special Projects, at Ex Umbris International LLC, where he continues to train our military’s finest units, Law Enforcement ,and emergency first responders, to prepare them for tomorrow’s threats. Additionally, Karl provides specialized training to private sector personnel and companies , in many subjects; including Situational Awareness, Travel Safety, Post-Incident Medical Response, Modern Survival, and Advanced Firearms courses.

A man of two worlds, Imri Morgenstern grew up playing American football and wrestling—but it was immersed in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that he learned how to fight when the stakes are highest. During his military service, Master Sgt. (Res) Imri Morgenstern was an operator with a Special Operations unit, specializing in counter-terrorism warfare, demolition, breaching and hostage rescue. He executed countless missions within his unit as well as other Special Operations teams.

Imri was instrumental in creating the first high-risk breaching squadron in the IDF. He started the first “cold breach” team in the IDF and created SOPs for hostage rescue breaching. He is certified as a hostage rescue breacher/master breacher and breaching instructor.

Additionally, Imri is certified by the IDF as a range officer for a variety of weapons including small arms, RPG, Browning .50mg, LMG, grenades, M203, mortars, demolition, explosives and more. He is also a certified instructor in Martial Blade Concepts, a comprehensive system of edged weapon self-defense. He is proud to have studied under Mike Janich, the system’s creator. Imri’s experience includes instructing force combatives to a myriad of international Special Forces units. Imri has also served as a tactical advisor in the firearms industry.

Imri brings real world combat experience to his instruction. He can teach personal safety and combat shooting techniques to a wide range of people with different orientations and mind sets

Seaux Larreau, a distinguished member of the Joel Hardin Tracking Program (JHPTS) since 1993, has significantly impacted military tracking and combat training. Initially part of Universal Tracking Services (UTS), he transitioned to JHPTS, integrating its methodologies into the 10th Group Special Forces Sniper program and various combat disciplines.

His expertise led to his role as an instructor and advisor, where he effectively incorporated JHPTS techniques into sensitive site exploitation, counter-IED operations, and military K-9 training. Larreau's influence extended beyond military applications; he was actively involved in search and rescue operations and crime scene investigations across the U.S. and Canada.

His methods earned him recognition and featured him in publications. His efforts in revising military tracking manuals and advocating for practical tracking skills over expensive technology were noteworthy. Larreau retired from the U.S. Army in summer 2016 after a 28-year career. He is now a member of Tactical Rifleman and assists with many other tactical organizations.

Meet Wes Hightower with Gray Zone Activities. Wes is a seasoned military professional with extensive experience in special operations and engineering. He began his service with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he spent three years as an infantry mortar man. He then graduated from the Special Forces qualification course as an 18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant. Hightower spent seven years with the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an Advanced Forces Operator in C 1-1. He also spent four years as a special forces physical and technical surveillance instructor at the Special Warfare Center and School. In his final role before retirement, he worked as a technical security advisor and surveillance operator.

Dan Keating has an extensive background in security and military operations. After serving 8 years in the Marine Corps as an infantryman, completing 5 deployments, and earning an honorable discharge as a Sergeant, he transitioned to security contracting in Afghanistan, focusing on PSD missions around Kabul. Currently, he handles various security contracts, including critical infrastructure and executive protection. Additionally, Dan is the operational training expert for Nightline Inc., where he travels globally to train military and police units on night vision technologies and tactics, including training Georgian special reconnaissance units and Panamanian Border Police.

Chantal has been Stewarding the soil and Teaching others since 2011. Her Experience Spans From Gardening to Farming! Chantal has designed, installed, and maintained edible landscapes, gardens, and this upcoming year, her second farm. From plants to animals, butchering to seed starting, she creates integrated systems that are truly sustainable and regenerative. Her hands on experience is backed by an education in Plant and Soil Science, Agriculture Education, and Sustainable Food Systems.

“There is Freedom, Satisfaction, and Reward in growing your own food. Not only monetarily, and healthwise, but also for the Soul.”- Chantal Mullen

Pat Miletich is a former UFC Welterweight Champion and a UFC Hall of Famer, recognized for his achievements in mixed martial arts, including holding four black belts. An All-American wrestler and US kickboxing champion, Miletich dominated the UFC welterweight division for over 3.5 years. With 25 years of experience training and advising law enforcement, military, and special forces units, he specializes in physical and asymmetrical self-defense techniques.

Additionally, Miletich has spent 15 years as a combatives expert broadcaster with Showtime Sports, ESPN, and AXSTV. Drawing on 38 years of research in both combatives and human health, he now advises civilians on practical self-defense strategies, focusing on protection from physical, chemical, and psychological threats, including environmental synthetics and heavy metals.

Wil Spencer is a holistic health practitioner, master herbalist, and founder of The Body Electrician, with over 27 years of experience in natural healing. Growing up on a family farm in northern Minnesota, he witnessed the negative effects of industrialized agriculture on human health. As a child, he suffered from severe allergies, chronic illnesses, and was prescribed multiple pharmaceutical drugs. Seeking alternatives, he immersed himself in herbal medicine, training with Native American healers and exploring the healing power of herbs and wild foods.

After overcoming his own health struggles, Wil expanded his knowledge by studying 14 different holistic healing modalities, including endorphin therapy, reiki, and photonic therapy. A life-changing car accident further deepened his focus on the electrical aspects of the body and brain function in healing. Today, through The Body Electrician, he educates and guides people toward vibrant health using nature-based remedies, dietary lifestyle changes, and holistic wellness practices. Wil is a licensed member of the Professional Wellness Alliance, ensuring strong legal support for his work in natural health.

Randy Martin, with over 40 years in law enforcement, has extensive experience across various roles, including 5 years with the state of West Virginia, 12 years with the City of Lenoir, NC, and 30 years as a sworn deputy in Caldwell County. Now, he specializes in training and education on the use of deadly force for military, special agents, peacekeepers, and law enforcement officers. Randy's presentation will focus on the facts surrounding deadly force and human reactions to high-stress situations. A key aspect of his discussion will be the impact of Troy's Gate, a system that allows for controlled studies of behaviors in these critical scenarios.

SFC Charles Williams, retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces, served as a Special Forces Engineer and Assistant Operations and Intelligence NCO with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His extensive experience includes participation in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and exercises such as Bright Star in Egypt. His missions spanned Sudan, Jordan, Somalia, Kenya, and Panama. Williams also contributed as an instructor in the Special Forces Qualification Course and authored articles on guerrilla warfare for training new cadre and auxiliary forces.

Since the late 1980s, Williams has been involved in Search and Rescue in North Carolina, significantly influencing training development across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. As CEO of Pineland Resources Inc., he offers instruction in man tracking, wilderness search and rescue, wilderness survival, land navigation, and tactical mobility training for various vehicles and equines, catering to law enforcement and military personnel.

Brian Duff, the founder of Mind 4 Survival, brings a wealth of experience in tactical and preparedness training. With a background that includes service as an Army Ranger with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, overseeing security at major U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, and working with the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Special Operations Division, Duff offers extensive expertise in security and survival. He has also served as a paramedic and remote medic in various conflict zones. His podcast and upcoming book, *Mind4Survival*, focus on preparedness and security.

Patrick Diedrich is the Editorial Content Director at Recoil Offgrid and a seasoned voice in self-reliance, survival training, and tactical preparedness. He started in the Boy Scouts in the 1990s and built a life around readiness that includes combat deployments, humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina, and years in wilderness search and rescue. As a U.S. Army Cavalry Scout he deployed to the Middle East, ran city reconnaissance and counterterrorism missions, and trained U.S. and partner forces. He later helped bring Project Lifesaver technology to his community and became a certified instructor in Dr. Bob Koester’s Lost Person Behavior. Patrick holds a Master of Forestry and an MBA, plus certifications in teaching, search theory, and combat leadership, with recognition from the U.S. military and the German Armed Forces. He writes with clarity and humility, sharing what works and is always learning. Off duty he travels, picks up new skills, enjoys good food and drinks, and nerds out on Warhammer 40k.

Pete Robertucci, author of *Three Days to Eden*, *Eden under Threat*, and *Eden Army*, is not only a skilled writer but also a seasoned firearms instructor with over two decades of experience. A retired firefighter and medic with SWAT medic training, Pete has operated several training companies, including the Israeli Tactical School – Daytona and Tradecraft – Daytona. He specializes in Israeli techniques for pistols and carbines and has extensive expertise in personal security, SWAT tactics, active shooter response, and home defense.

Jerry Bendon is the President and Founder of Your Safety Training, with extensive experience from the Marine Corps and roles with the Secret Service, Presidential candidates, local police, and private security firms. As an authorized distributor of Legacy Body Armor, he specializes in teaching individuals how to personalize their body armor setups. His courses focus on selecting the right gear, factoring in weight, size, and personal needs, drawing on his diverse background to provide practical, real-world insights into effective armor configuration.

Adam Watson began learning tracking and trapping from his father and developed those skills into a lifelong pursuit. He went on to spend over 20 years working as a contractor across Africa, Mexico, South America, and other parts of the world. After an injury in 2018, Adam transitioned to training, working with elite special operations units and police departments across the U.S. and abroad. He now shares his expertise in fieldcraft, tracking, and survival as an instructor at The Survival University.

Kyle Gahagan brings a wealth of experience and discipline to his knife-making, drawn from his military background. Having served in demanding roles, he understands the critical importance of reliable, high-performance tools. His time in the military has deeply influenced his approach to crafting knives, emphasizing durability and precision. Each blade is designed with the same rigorous standards he adhered to in service, ensuring that they are not only functional but also dependable in high-stakes situations. Gahagan's commitment to excellence is rooted in his military experience, making his knives a trusted choice for those who need superior tools in the field.

Rick Dunlap, the proud proprietor of Bushcraft North Carolina, not only oversees the community as its dedicated Facebook administrator but also brings an impressive 18-year tenure as a certified instructor for the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI). With expertise in standard first aid, CPR, AED, basic life support (BLS) for healthcare providers, and wilderness first aid, Rick has been a stalwart in promoting safety and well-being.

In addition to his role as an ECSI instructor, Rick serves as an esteemed instructor for the Old North Council Boy Scouts of America, specializing in health and safety. His commitment extends to his role as a health officer at the Cherokee Scout Reservation, reflecting his dedication to fostering a secure environment.

Rick's illustrious career includes a remarkable 25-year service as a U.S. Army Sergeant Major, during which he spent a decade as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg, NC, with the 16th Military Police Brigade and the 82nd Airborne Division. As a combat veteran and former drill sergeant, Rick's military experience has shaped his unwavering commitment to excellence and discipline.

Beyond his military service, Rick is a retired high school teacher in North Carolina. Teaching holds a special place in his heart, viewing it as one of his passions. Rick firmly believes in the power of passing on valuable skills to the younger generation, recognizing that this transfer of knowledge ensures a legacy of competence for generations to come.

Falon Hughes is a North Carolina certified beekeeper and the owner of Crazy Coop Farm and Apiary. With over 15 years of homesteading experience, including 3 years of beekeeping, Falon is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly products and fostering community engagement. After their two sons were diagnosed with Autism, the Hughes family saw the need for healthier food choices and a commitment to preserving honeybees and local ecosystems.

At Crazy Coop Farm, Falon and their family focus on providing a variety of services, including honeybee removal, selling honeybees, honey, and homemade goods, and offering educational programs on bee conservation. They also raise chickens, alpacas, and sheep, and offer farrier services, sourdough starters, soaps, jellies, and more. The farm’s mission is to bring people together, one beehive at a time, by promoting sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship in the community.

Johnny and Melinda Odom are the proud owners of Prep N Ready LLC, a retail store based in Hildebran, NC, founded in February 2022. Their mission is to help individuals and families be prepared for any situation, whether it's a power outage, getting stranded in a winter storm, or navigating more extreme scenarios like a SHTF (Stuff Hits the Fan) event. With a focus on prepping and survival, they offer a wide range of products including survival gear, body armor, freeze-dried foods, seeds, and freeze dryers.

Johnny and Melinda are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences to help others become more self-reliant. They are always eager to answer questions and provide guidance to those looking to enhance their preparedness.

Corey Simon is a seasoned communications expert with over 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, where he specialized as a commo troop. He joined the Air Force immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and served multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. During his military career, Corey was responsible for installing and operating a wide range of communication systems, including HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite technologies, often in austere environments.

In addition to his military experience, Corey is a dedicated amateur radio operator with over 30 years of expertise, holding an extra-class license. He is proficient in both voice and digital communication, particularly in off-grid and emergency situations. Corey's hands-on experience extends to building solar power systems, further demonstrating his commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable technology.

Nick is a seasoned expert in emergency response and disaster planning with over 30 years of experience. He has a deep background in hazard and threat assessments, creating practical response plans, and developing exercises to refine those plans. He teaches national courses on communications for emergency response and leads a ham radio testing team with frequent sessions. Nick also specializes in continuity planning to ensure critical infrastructure remains functional during crises.

To make emergency planning accessible, Nick has crafted workbooks for individuals to develop family emergency plans and conduct threat assessments. His extensive writing covers various preparedness topics, from food storage to privacy management, and his mind-maps provide visual tools for effective planning.

Paul Christopher grew up in Aberdeen, North Carolina, where his mother taught him how to make gourmet meals from discarded fish bones from Uncle Archie's Fish House, and his father showed him how to build a house using scrap lumber and sheet metal. As the youngest of four, Paul benefited from his brothers' expertise in hunting and fishing, which helped provide food for the family. The woods served as both his playground and grocery store, making his ascent through the Boy Scouts feel like second nature.

Paul's upbringing instilled in him a resourceful mindset, leading him to master skills in food procurement, preservation, blacksmithing, and construction. He now refers to these abilities as the "lost ways of life."

During his 22 years as a firefighter, Paul participated in special teams such as Dive and Land Search, High Angle, and Confined Space Rescue. His role as a Fire Service Instructor fueled his passion for skill-sharing, which he now channels into teaching outdoor skills, including homesteading, wilderness survival, self-rescue, and bushcraft.

Paul is the Co-Founder of LostWays Survival and Homestead, alongside his wife, Becky Christopher. When he's not at their North Carolina homestead, Paul travels across the country teaching with organizations throughout the US. He also curates courses and workshops inspired by his life experiences, aiming to preserve and share traditional skills before they are lost.

John Galloway of Revelation Survival has a diverse background, shaped by his upbringing with missionary parents across the U.S., from Northern California to North Carolina. His father instilled in him a strong foundation in wilderness and homesteading skills. After graduating high school, John served for a decade in the USMC, gaining valuable jungle survival skills while working with indigenous communities in the Philippines. Following his military service, he joined the Fayetteville (NC) Fire Department, where he worked as a medic, Rescue Technician, and HazMat Technician, retiring as a Captain in 2016.

Transitioning to a full-time career, John pursued his passion for homesteading and began teaching firearms training, specializing in long-range precision shooting. He also offers wilderness skills training, aiming to share the beauty of God’s creation and the tranquility found in nature.

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