Mr. Kelly D. Venden is a decorated combat veteran with over 22 years of service in the special operations community. Now retired and a resident of San Antonio, Texas, he continues to provide contractor support to the United States Department of Defense as a Counter Improvised Explosives Devices (C-IED) operational specialist or JET (Joint Expeditionary Team) providing training, and facilitating detection and deterrence techniques and equipment. In addition, he operates two Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (DVOSB) with one being Criterion Tactical, llc., a small company specializing in advanced marksmanship instruction and operational tactics for law enforcement agencies and military. And most recently Citadel Safeguard Solutions, llc which provide Armed Security services to schools.

Mr. Venden gained his exceptional weapons and tactical experience while operationally assigned to the 1/75th Ranger Battalion and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta specializing in a wide variety of advanced counter terrorist operations, classified projects and other high risk special operations activities.

Following retirement from active military service, Mr. Venden joined the Federal Air Marshal program as a federal agent. His duties included designing and implementing security procedures to protect the commercial aviation industry. As a lead instructor, he was heavily involved in developing the firearms curriculum for the fledgling federal agency and training of young air marshals. During his tenure, he assisted in training of sister agencies (ICE, FBI, DEA) in protecting the nation’s transportation system. Mr. Venden also created the “Triple-Nickel” standards course that has become the embodiment of fundamentals excellence for federal agents and a national aspiration for many law enforcement and military personnel.

Mr. Venden is a veteran of numerous National Command Authority contingency operations, a civilian tour in Afghanistan supporting International Security Forces, and was a participant in the rescue of Kurt Muse, an American hostage in Panama. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star for valor, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is featured in three Military Channel documentaries and plays a prominent role in the book “6 Minutes to Freedom”; the story of the successful hostage rescue operation.

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