Range USA, the nation's largest indoor shooting range and firearms retailer, is honoring the veterans who serve customers across its stores and Store Support Center this Veterans Day, November 11, and inviting more veterans to join the team.
From Army Special Operations to Desert Storm to the National Guard, Range USA's veteran associates bring the discipline, safety mindset and teamwork they learned in uniform to every customer, class and lane. Their service continues behind the counter, on the range and in the classroom.
Range USA Recognizes Team Members
Theodore "Ted" Kuchta III, assistant store leader at Range USA North Richland Hills, Texas, served 20 years in the U.S. Army. He enlisted, volunteered for Airborne and Special Operations and was later commissioned, retiring as a captain. Today, Kuchta helps customers sharpen their shooting skills and choose the right firearm for their needs.
"One of the most important lessons I learned in the military, is that no matter how difficult the circumstances or how heavily the odds are stacked against me, I can still accomplish the mission," Kuchta said.
William "Bill" Schwartz, a part-time associate and instructor at Range USA Florence, Ky., spent 20 years in the U.S. Army and two more in the National Guard, retiring as a sergeant first class after serving in Panama, Desert Storm, Kosovo and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His family has served in nearly every American war dating back to the Revolution. A retired school teacher, Schwartz was a regular customer at Range USA's Newtown location until the store manager asked him to apply. Four years later, he enjoys teaching classes and passing on a lifetime of knowledge to customers.
Schwartz credits the time management skills he developed in the Army with helping him succeed on the job, and says, "Veterans Day is a time to remember his military friends and show appreciation for those who continue to serve."
Victor Wendt, a firearms instructor at Range USA Hanover Park, Ill., served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991 as a fire team leader during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and later retired from a career in law enforcement. He brings that same team-first mindset to every class he teaches.
"Veterans Day is a chance to look back at the camaraderie that was built with not only those I trained and served with, but to share mutual respect for all that serve," Wendt said.
At Range USA's Store Support Center in Cincinnati, HR Coordinator Benjamin Hawk, a former U.S. Army sergeant who served five years on active duty at Fort Bragg, N.C., helps bring new associates onto the team. "While in the Army, I learned the importance of truly caring for the people around you," Hawk said. "When you truly care, it shows in everything you do."
Range USA is always looking for veterans and military members to fill roles across the company, from the sales floor and range to instruction, facilities, HR and asset protection. Veterans and transitioning service members can view open positions at RangeUSA.com/careers.
"Our veteran associates set the standard for safety, discipline and service that our customers experience every day," said Tom Willingham, founder and president of Range USA. "This Veterans Day, we want to thank every associate and customer who has served and let veterans know there's a place for them at Range USA. Their experience makes our stores, our ranges and our classes better."
In addition to recognizing its associates, Range USA is offering $1 range time to veterans and active and retired military at all locations on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Veterans and active and retired military also receive 25% off any Range USA membership every day.
For more information about Range USA, visit RangeUSA.com. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
About Range USA: Range USA is the nation's largest indoor shooting range and firearms retailer, with 52 locations nationwide. Its mission is building confidence in communities across America while guiding customers throughout their firearm journey. Each store offers a safe, modern range experience alongside one of the largest selections of firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories available anywhere. Whether you're new to shooting or a seasoned enthusiast, Range USA is built around safety, education, and confidence—providing over 1,100 indoor shooting lanes, expert instruction from certified professionals, and everything you need in one convenient place, both in-store and online at RangeUSA.com.