PAWNEE, Ill. (WAND) — Eddie Kimble has been teaching concealed carry classes and other security courses since 2020. But now, Kimble is making history and making his dreams come true. 

"Today I am the second African American to open a gun range in the state of Illinois and the fifth African American to open a gun range in the United States of America," said Kimble. 

That gun range, called EDK Training Center and Services opened in Pawnee today. The facility has three different areas, each serving the community in a specific way. 

The range offers the opportunity for people to practice shooting their firearms and learn skills like proper stance and range rules. The center also has an area where they sell firearms, ammunition, accessories, and range supplies. 

But the area Kimble says he is most excited for is the classroom. It gives trainers like Kimble the opportunity to teach large groups and use simulator technology. 

"I teach not just concealed carry, but church security training, youth safety and firearms, training women only groups, handgun training, so do a lot of training and that's why this classroom means so much to us," said Kimble. 

The Army veteran says being able to offer all of these services at one location means people can feel more secure about using their firearm. Being able to practice in different situations, and under pressure, means better outcomes when the unexpected occurs. 

"We work on things outside of just pointing at a target and pulling a trigger —  because truth be told, once you're in an event where you do need to draw your firearm, your adrenaline level rise is so high and you're not thinking about what to do," said Kimble. "Your mind checks out and then your body takes over into what you've trained it to do. So we try to get you to that place of where you're reacting based upon what you've trained to do."

Kimble says he loves to see the sense of empowerment people have after they've completed their training and how much more confident they are when it comes to personal security. He also hopes to act as inspiration for young adults who are interested in starting their own companies or want to make history like he did. 

"I want to empower or enlighten young people because honestly, it doesn't matter what race or color or creed or religion or anything," said Kimble. "Whatever you put your mind to, and allow God to lead you, you can do whatever. And I just want people to know that don't allow circumstances to stop you from being the best you can be."

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