TACTICAL DEFENSE INSTITUTE
30 courses in firearms and physical
self defense training since 1985
Civilians – Law Enforcement – Military
West Union, Ohio
www.tdiohio.com
L-R: Pete Thompson, Forrest Sonewald, John Motil, and Jim Stitt
Forrest Sonewald, Lead Instructor
- B.A. Criminal Justice from Kent State University 34th year commissioned law enforcement peace officer (semi retired)
- Glock Armorer
- OPOTA certified instructor for Pistol, Shotgun, Sub
- Machine Semi-Auto Patrol Rifle, and Assault Rifle instructor for Impact tools (ASP), Less Lethal Munitions, Defensive Tactics, and O.C. Spray
- Swat Team member 1994–2011, 2014-2016 Martial Artist with background in Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Kali, and Eskrima.
- TDI Adjunct Instructor Since 2003
- Rangemaster Instructor Development 2020
- MSP Endorsed Instructor 2022
John J. Motil, General Manager & Armorer
- Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2003 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant after serving 21 years in various F-16 aircraft maintenance positions at 9 duty locations in both the U.S. and overseas.
- Benefactor Member of the NRA
- NRA Basic Rifle and Pistol Instructor Certification
- Rangemaster Instructor Development
- Managed ranges on military installations for base Rod and Gun clubs
- Participated in USPSA, NRA Action Pistol, and IDPA with Expert rating in CDP
- Former certified IDPA Safety Officer
- Certified Armorer for Glock, S & W M & P, Sig 320, and Colt M-16/AR-15 Rifle LE/Mil
- Lifelong involvement with shooting and hunting
- B.S. degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- MSP Endorsed Instructor
Jim Stitt, Instructor
- Owner and Chief Engineer of a consulting and contract engineering firm whichdesigns and builds broadcast and telecommunications facilities nationwide
- Lifelong firearms practitioner – commenced training with TDI in 1996
Trained with Massad Ayoob, Robert Vogel, Bill Rogers, Travis Haley, Chris Cerino, Frank Galli, Marc Taylor, Scott Jedlinski, and others - Participated in IDPA
- NRA certified Pistol Instructor and Range Officer
- Glock Armorer certification
- EMT
- Jim’s other passion is aviation, holding an FAA commercial pilot certificate and CFIIAME instructor and helicopter ratings, and FAST
- Formation Check Airman
- Commander of Cincinnati Warbirds Squadron 18
- Founder of the Trojan Horsemen Flight Demonstration Team
- MSP Endorsed Instructor
Pete Thompson, Instructor
- Analytical chemist at a contract pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Cincinnati area
- Trained at TDI since 2008
- Trained with Scott Jedlinski
- Certified NRA Pistol Instructor
- Range Safety Officer for IDPA matches
- Rangemaster Instructor Development
- MSP Endorsed Instructor