About Us

ABOUT US

We are an extraordinary campus, curated by our elite leadership team, where Special Operations-Inspired challenges unfold through our TRIAD: Fundamentals Matter, Gunslinger Challenges and Beyond the Gun. We harness the potential of teamwork, embrace camaraderie, elevate leadership, and build ultimate trust, creating The Best Day of Shooting of Your Life.

Our Goal

PrairieFire is a magnificent destination just outside Las Vegas surrounded by mountain peaks, providing unique Special Operations-Inspired challenges for our members and visitors. Your experience will be full of fun and smiles, but more importantly, our goal is to elevate bonds of friendship, the power of teamwork, discovery of leadership, and the strength of extreme trust, which is the foundation of the American idea.

The PrairieFire Method offers our guests an unparalleled level of training tailored to their individual needs and goals. From the beginner to the expert, the team at PrairieFire is ready to help take you to the next level. We want to invest in you so that you leave PrairieFire a better version of yourself.

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BREAK BOUNDARIES. PURSUE EXCELLENCE. LEADERS NEVER ARRIVE.

Meet The Team

Scott

PrairieFire

Scott Miller

General (Ret.)

Executive Chairman

Mark-O-39_Neil_1_

PrairieFire Nevada

Mark O’Neil

Major General (Ret.)

Chief Executive Officer

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PrairieFire Nevada

Lanny Barnes

Chief Experience Officer

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PrairieFire Nevada

Hans Hansen

Master Chief (Ret.)

Chief Training Officer

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PrairieFire Nevada

Kasia Kwiatkowska

VP of Membership

Why the name PrairieFire?

The words “Prairie Fire” encompasses multiple meanings. Primarily, it evokes the image of fire engulfing open grasslands, swiftly spreading and transforming the landscape it touches. Beyond its literal connotation, the term symbolizes the notion of cleansing through fire, a process of burning down the old to make way for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. Additionally, it harkens back to a chapter in history, serving as the codename for a series of highly classified, multi-service United States special operations patrols during the Vietnam War.

How can we ignite the flame inside of you?

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PrairieFire
Scott Miller
General (Ret.)
Executive Chairman

General Austin "Scott" Miller, assuming the role of Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in uniform. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983, he retired from active duty in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world's most complex geopolitical landscapes.

Throughout his tenure, General Miller, an Airborne-Ranger and Infantry officer, commanded at various levels, from leading a company in Korea to spearheading the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during the infamous "Blackhawk Down" incident. His leadership extended to commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and culminated in serving as the final commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.

A stalwart figure in the Global War on Terror, General Miller distinguished himself as one of the earliest Americans to engage in the pursuit of Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. His extensive combat experience includes commanding multiple Special Operation Task Forces across the Middle East and South Asia.

Notably, as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in 2014, General Miller led efforts to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School, a pivotal step forward in gender equality within the military.

General Miller's accolades include two Combat Infantryman Badges, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and a remarkable 20 Overseas Service Bars, underscoring his unparalleled dedication with over a decade spent in combat zones.

PrairieFire
Mark O’Neil
Major General (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer

Major General (Retired) Mark O'Neil dedicated 33 years of service to the U.S. Army, excelling in diverse combat leadership roles. Commencing his journey in the Army Special Operations Command, he ascended to the esteemed position of Commanding General of the United States Army Alaska. Throughout his tenure, O'Neil’s leadership ethos centered on mentorship, strategic planning, and fostering partnerships, principles he refined during his impactful 16-year tenure with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

In addition to his military contributions, O'Neil extends his expertise to assist organizations in talent assessment and leadership development initiatives. He advocates for simplifying complexity to maintain mission focus, a philosophy he actively applies at PrairieFire, where he contributes to guest program development.

O'Neil’s distinguished career is underscored by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and an impressive 12 Overseas Service Bars, testament to his unwavering dedication and exemplary service. O'Neil and his wife Wendy take immense pride in their children, Taylor O'Neil, pursuing a career as a cameraman in LA, and Staff Sergeant Riley O'Neil, currently serving as an Airborne Ranger, reflecting a legacy of commitment to duty and excellence.

PrairieFire
LANNY BARNES
Chief Experience Officer

Lanny Barnes took on the role of Chief Experience Officer in May of 2022. Barnes is a three-time Olympian in Biathlon, boasting world and national championships in diverse shooting disciplines. With over 20 years of instructional experience, she specializes in maximizing the physiological and psychological performance of military, law enforcement and competitive shooters. Barnes' coaching extends across Nordic skiing, biking, marathons, triathlons and all shooting disciplines, showcasing her versatile training approach.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Barnes is an accomplished artist, crafting expressive works since 2000, featured at www.theolympianartist.com. Alongside her twin sister, she shares Olympic experiences and dedicates free time to mentorship programs in schools, 4-H clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs and Boys & Girls Scouts. Their advocacy emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams, setting goals and leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

Beyond mentorship, Barnes and her sister channel their compassion by guiding terminally ill children and wounded veterans on unforgettable hunting and outdoor adventures, embodying a spirit of empathy and service.

PrairieFire
Hans Hansen
Master Chief (Ret.)
Chief Training Officer

Hans Hansen took on the role as Chief Experience Officer of PrairieFire, in September of 2023 after a distinguished 21-year career in the US Navy. Master Chief Hans Hansen transitioned into a second career dedicated to leadership and professional development. Since retiring in 2009, he has been instrumental in shaping the capabilities of military personnel and private sector professionals alike. With expertise in instructor development and curriculum design, he offers invaluable insights to enhance training programs. Beyond that, he consults on organizational design and change management initiatives for diverse clientele.

Aside from his professional pursuits, Hansen finds fulfillment in his hobbies as an avid shooter, skier, and photographer. He channels his passion for marksmanship into coaching both novice and seasoned shooters, sharing his wealth of experience and expertise.

PrairieFire
Kasia Kwiatkowska
VP of Membership

Kasia Kwiatkowska, hailing from Poland, completed her Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs in 2005, graduating with distinction from both the University of Warsaw and the London School of Diplomacy, Westminster University. In 2005, she made the transition to the United States and achieved American citizenship in 2017, proudly holding dual citizenship in Poland and the USA.

Drawing on her academic background, Kwiatkowska has forged a successful career centered around the establishment and management of cohesive, loyal member-based communities across the United States. With over a decade of experience at Invited Clubs, she has played a pivotal role in driving Member enrollment, expanding into new markets, ensuring robust member retention, facilitating effective communication among stakeholders and members, launching innovative products, and offering strategic guidance to Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees.

Kwiatkowska's expertise extends to the revitalization and acquisition of business clubs, with a primary focus on enhancing club visibility, accelerating enrollments, and bolstering retention rates. She excels in cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships within the community, resulting in increased usage and heightened client engagement for the clubs under her purview. Kwiatkowska's unwavering commitment to excellence and her dedication to building thriving member communities continue to drive her impactful contributions to the field of club management and community development.

PrairieFire
Kasia Kwiatkowska
VP of Membership

Kasia Kwiatkowska was born and raised in Poland. Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs in 2005 and holds a dual degree from the University of Warsaw and the London School of Diplomacy, Westminster University. Kasia moved to the United States in 2005 and became a naturalised United States citizen in 2017, which makes her a dual citizen of both Poland and the USA. Her educational background has paved the way for the successful creation of coherent and loyal member based communities across the country. Her 10+ years at Invited Clubs included driving Member enrollment, identifying and penetrating new markets, assuring members’ retention and longevity, promoting effective communication between all stakeholders and members, developing and launching new products, as well as collaborating and guiding Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees.

Kasia has extensive experience with business clubs’ re-invention and acquisitions, with the primary focus of driving club awareness, leading to accelerated enrollments and increased retention. She is adept at building mutually beneficial community partnerships that yield increased usage and client engagement.

Currently, Kasia resides in Las Vegas and enjoys spending her free time weight training, mountain biking, and caring for her two kittens, Zoey and Zara.

PrairieFire Nevada
Kasia Kwiatkowska
VP of Membership

Kasia Kwiatkowska was born and raised in Poland. Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs in 2005 and holds a dual degree from the University of Warsaw and the London School of Diplomacy, Westminster University. Kasia moved to the United States in 2005 and became a naturalised United States citizen in 2017, which makes her a dual citizen of both Poland and the USA. Her educational background has paved the way for the successful creation of coherent and loyal member based communities across the country. Her 10+ years at Invited Clubs included driving Member enrollment, identifying and penetrating new markets, assuring members’ retention and longevity, promoting effective communication between all stakeholders and members, developing and launching new products, as well as collaborating and guiding Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees.

Kasia has extensive experience with business clubs’ re-invention and acquisitions, with the primary focus of driving club awareness, leading to accelerated enrollments and increased retention. She is adept at building mutually beneficial community partnerships that yield increased usage and client engagement.

Currently, Kasia resides in Las Vegas and enjoys spending her free time weight training, mountain biking, and caring for her two kittens, Zoey and Zara.

PrairieFire Nevada

Hans Hansen

Chief Training Officer

Retired Master Chief Hans Hansen served in multiple operational leadership roles in the US Navy. He deployed numerous times during his 21 years of service. After retiring in 2009, he started a second career focused on leadership and professional development training for the US military and private sector.  Hans specialises in instructor development and curriculum design. He provides consulting services on organisational design and change management programmes for multiple clients. He is an avid shooter, skier, and photographer. Hans’ passion is coaching new and experienced shooters.

 

 

PrairieFire Nevada
Mark O’Neil
Maj. Gen. (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer

Major General (Retired) Mark O’Neil is a distinguished leader and soldier who served for 33 years in the U.S. Army. Mark served in multiple combat leadership positions and is highly decorated. From the start of his military career in the Army Special Operations Command to becoming the Commanding General of the United State Army Alaska, his passion has always been mentoring people at all levels. In his 16 years with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Mark became adept at managing ambiguity in decision-making, strategic planning, and building partnerships across conventional, inter-agency, and special operations portfolios.
Mark helps private and public organizations assess potential, select leaders, and develop enduring leadership and programs. His warm, humble, and approachable style of leadership helps organizations develop teams and align with culture, mission and purpose.  He believes that simplifying complexity to focus on the mission is a universal competency that can be adopted by any organization.
Mark’s deep experience in the assessment, selection, and training of the US military’s most elite special operations soldiers is now applied to helping PrairieFire build programs for our guests. Mark believes that chemistry moves mountains, not physics, and that building relationships based on trust and performance yields lasting improvements.
His awards include the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and 12 Overseas Service Bars. Mark and his wife Wendy are the proud parents of Taylor O’Neil, who works as a cameraman in LA, and Staff Sergeant Riley O’Neil, who is currently serving as an Airborne Ranger.

PrairieFire Nevada
Lanny Barnes
Chief Experience Officer

Lanny Barnes is a three-time Olympian in the sport of Biathlon, and a world and national champion in several other shooting disciplines. Lanny teaches military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters how to maximise their physiological and psychological performance. Lanny has been an instructor for more than 20 years and trains athletes in Nordic skiing, biking, marathons, triathlons, and all shooting disciplines. Lanny is the consummate athlete, coach, and competitor and she brings unique approaches to our training and competition programmes.

Lanny is an accomplished artist and has been creating art since 2000. Her work can be viewed at www.theolympianartist.com. Lanny and her twin sister have competed together in multiple Olympics and spend their free time mentoring at schools, 4-H clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Boys & Girls Scouts on the importance of following their dreams, setting goals, and leading a healthy active lifestyle. Lanny and her sister guide terminally ill children and wounded veterans on hunting and outdoor adventures.

PrairieFire
Scott Miller
General (Ret.)
Executive Chairman

General Austin “Scott” Miller assumed responsibilities as the Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023. Scott spent over 38 years in uniform, graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983 and retiring from active duty in 2021. His career took him to the far reaches of conflict in complex geopolitical regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.An Airborne-Ranger, Infantry officer, he commanded at every grade, including a company in Korea, the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during “Blackhawk Down,” the Joint Special Operations Command, and as the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.Likely the most deployed leader throughout the Global War on Terror, from 2001 until 2021, he was one of the early Americans on the ground to commence the hunt for Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. Through the years, he commanded multiple Special Operation Task Forces in combat throughout the Middle East and South Asia, culminating in his assignment as the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan from September 2, 2018, through July 12, 2021.

In 2014, as commanding general of the United States Army Manoeuver Centre of Excellence at Fort Benning, he led the initiative to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School a significant advancement that laid the foundation for women to pursue top positions across the Army. His awards include two awards of the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and an unprecedented 20 Overseas Service Bars, denoting in excess of ten full years in combat zones.

Gen. (Ret.) Scott Miller

PrairieFire Executive Chairman

General Austin “Scott” Miller assumed responsibilities as the Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023.  Scott spent over 38 years in uniform, graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983 and retiring from active duty in 2021. His career took him to the far reaches of conflict in complex geopolitical regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. 

An Airborne-Ranger, Infantry officer, he commanded at every grade, including a company in Korea, the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during “Blackhawk Down,” the Joint Special Operations Command, and as the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan. 

Likely the most deployed leader throughout the Global War on Terror, from 2001 until 2021, he was one of the early Americans on the ground to commence the hunt for Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. Through the years, he commanded multiple Special Operation Task Forces in combat throughout the Middle East and South Asia, culminating in his assignment as the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan from September 2, 2018, through July 12, 2021.

In 2014, as commanding general of the United States Army Manoeuver Centre of Excellence at Fort Benning, he led the initiative to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School a significant advancement that laid the foundation for women to pursue top positions across the Army.

His awards include two awards of the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and an unprecedented 20 Overseas Service Bars, denoting in excess of ten full years in combat zones.