Walking through the doors of Valkyrie Arms Training in Meridian, you are greeted by a large mural of 19th century women on the Western frontier, dressed in period gowns and gazing into the distance — and wielding firearms.
The striking image, painted by an Idaho artist, reflects the mission behind the women-focused training facility, owner CheRee Eveland told the Idaho Statesman: helping women feel confident and capable of protecting themselves and their families.
“Women are and have always been the protectors of home and hearth,” Eveland said. “We want women to be safe and confident and proficient in protecting themselves, their families and their home.”
Valkyrie is not quite open for business, but Eveland and her business partner — Valkyrie technical director Desmond Browning — gave a Statesman reporter and photographer a tour of the facility and a preview of the training that will be offered…