Meet Luke Bowman, range master at D.E. Guns (deguns.net).
Tell us a little about your business. – I have been working at D.E. Guns sales and service as a range safety officer and sales associate when the range is not in use for a little over two years. I am currently a NRA certified pistol instructor and while on the range I provide quick advice on proper technique when using a pistol, rifle or shotgun. My entire professional adult career has developed around firearms and it is what I know best.
How did you get started in the business? – I am a native of Nebraska, born in Hastings. Both of my parents and some of my family live in Lincoln. I attended Pius X high school and afterwards enlisted and served four years active duty completing two deployments with a combat tour through Syria in 2017. I have since left active duty and remain in a reserve component status. I came to D.E. Guns from another shooting range I was working at in Southern California. I got involved in firearms sales and training after previously serving as a machine gunner in the United States Marine Corps, which gave me years of experience with safe firearms handling and practical application in self-defense.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – One of my greatest personal achievements thus far would have to be when I was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from my Company Commander while serving as a vehicle commander during a live fire exercise. This was a testament to my expertise on providing close fire support and my ability to coordinate with my machine gun section and the maneuver forces to successfully accomplish the objective.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My favorite thing to do on my days off is to go on very long walks roughly 10 to 15 miles with my dog out in the country. I enjoy physical exercise, being surrounded by nature, getting away from the city and spending time out in the sunshine.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – A good piece of advice I was always told was to “be a good dude.” It’s a short, simple statement I heard many times in The Marine Corps, and to me it means to be the best version you can be and to be in keeping with good order and discipline. It means to take care of yourself so you can take care of and serve other people you encounter in your daily life in whatever way you can, even if it’s just as simple as being friendly and greeting someone with a smile while passing by. There is no greater honor than to serve another and that is what I would say being a “good dude” is all about.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Since I’ve lived on the coast in California for a few years and visited multiple islands, I’ve developed a taste for seafood. It’s my preferred type of cuisine. If I’m going out for dinner in Lincoln, I’m going to Blue Sushi in the Haymarket. It’s by far my favorite restaurant and would recommend it to anyone.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 875- 6500; deguns.net.