“I have a strong faith and belief that everyone has the right to be safe,” said Moore. “I’ve dedicated my adult life to helping protect others.”

Moore’s background prepared him well for educating about security. He spent more than 20 years in the United States Air Force where he served as a tactical fighter pilot. During a one-year stint along the DMZ in South Korea, he commanded a Tactical Air Control Team and graduated from the South Korean Army Ranger School. After retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel, his varied experiences included being a member of the TSA’s Air Marshal Program for 10 years, training about terrorist threats in Israel, being an instructor of Krav Maga, and holding a 1^st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Moore said, “In today’s fast-paced world, most students and teens go about their daily lives unaware of potential risks that could impact their safety and well-being.” During the five-day class, the Vigilance Group offers a training experience that provides the essential tools to enhance confidence and ensure safety. “Our syllabus is interactive and age-appropriate,” he stated. “The goal is to teach ‘how to avoid danger’, but we provide knowledge and training on how to fight and escape in the worst-case scenario.”

The goals and outcomes of the course are for each student to recognize and accept they have the right not to become a victim. They do this by being vigilant. Moore explained, “Our training is focused on understanding that self-defense is not about fighting but having the knowledge and confidence to make mature decisions on how to avoid danger before it occurs. It begins in the mind with the proper mindset.”

Each day, Moore and his team cover a specific topic about safety ranging from the psychological effects of fear to the proper stances and actions for combatting an assailant. When describing the impact on the St. Cecilia student, he said, “Our gift is the ability to give SCA girls the knowledge and training that is difficult to receive or learn at home. Students leave the course with self-assurance and a better understanding of how they can protect themselves.”

Be sure to check St. Cecilia’s social media channels during the week of January 6 to see the Vigilance and Self Defense Training in action.