Traditions 2008: Qtr.4

A PUBLICATION OF THE NRA FOUNDATION Quarter 4: 2008

Since Inception, Two Million Attendees, $125 Million Raised, and Over 10,000 Events!

Announcing the new

2009 Friends of NRA Merchandise Package

2 TradiTions • Quarter 4: 2008

Traditions is published quarterly by The NRA Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of its donors and other interested parties. 11250 Waples Mill Road • Fairfax, VA 22030 • (800) 423-6894 • www.nrafoundation.org

Table of ConTenTs

Board of TrusTeesMr. AllAn D. Cors

PresidentMr. FrAnk r. Brownell, III

Vice PresidentMr. wIllIAM A. BAChenBerg

TrusteeMr. gerAlD w. Bersett

Trusteethe honorABle DAvID o. BoehM

Trusteethe honorABle BIll k. Brewster

TrusteeMr. ronAlD CrAwForD

TrusteeMs. sAnDrA s. FroMAn

TrusteegenerAl P.X. kelley, UsMC (ret.)

TrusteeMr. wAyne r. lAPIerre, Jr.

TrusteeMr. JAMes w. Porter II

TrusteeMr. DennIs J. reese

TrusteeMr. ronAlD l. sChMeIts

TrusteeCAPtAIn John C. sIgler

TrusteeMr. wIlson h. PhIllIPs Jr.

TreasurerMr. h. wAyne sheets

Executive DirectorMrs. sAnDy s. elkIn

SecretaryMr. BenJAMIn r. CAse

Executive DirectorOffice of AdvancementMr. John r. wooDs

President Emeritus

Mission sTaTeMenT

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearms-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological, and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States, including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters, and competitive shooters.

TradiTions sTaffEditor: lAUrA r. DInDAl

Co-Editor: nICole MCMAhon

Co-Editor: AMBer nIBloCk-shorter

Design: vAnn Design, llC

feaTuring

Guest Editorial – Kyle Weaver 3

FoUnDAtIon news

Two of the Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committees 4

National Police Shooting Championships 6

Fincastle Women on Target Clinic 7

Fall in Fairfax 8

Eddie Eagle Turns 20 32

Eddie Eagle Comes to New York 33

FrIenDs UPDAte

2009 Standard Merchandise Package 10

2009 Sponsor Program 15

2009 Magnum Merchandise Package 16

Western Region 18

Mid-West Region 20

Central Region 24

Eastern Region 28

grAnts In ACtIon

North Carolina Says YES! to Learning Outside the Classroom 34

nrA FoUnDAtIon Donors 35

aBouT The Cover:The 2009 Print of the Year, “Bad Boys” Cape Buffalo. Award-winning wildlife artist Eddie LeRoy shows firsthand detail of this amazing animal in its natural habitat.

TradiTions • Quarter 4: 2008 3

GuesT ediTorial

Kyle WeaverManaging Director, Field Operations Division

Volunteers…Making a Difference

For the last 14 years, I have been lucky enough to work for the National Rifle Association and be part

of a great program called Friends of NRA. I have served in several capacities in those 14 years, with the

last two as Managing Director of Field Operations Division. A large element of this position includes

the responsibilities I carry with the Friends of NRA program. I feel everything we do is important, but nothing

is more satisfying than the results this program produces. In 2008, Friends of NRA set records in dollars raised,

events held and grants awarded. The key to our success is no secret…Volunteers.

Across America on just about any given Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night, a Friends of NRA event is

being held. In 2008, Friends of NRA held 1,053 events and raised over $15.8 million for the shooting sports.

The program’s success has many elements, but at the heart of it is our volunteers. These amazing individuals

dedicate weeks, months, and many of them, years of their lives to this program and the shooting sports. From

the first committee start-up meeting to helping the NRA field representative pack up the supplies at the end

of the event, they do it all. On many occasions, I have heard a Friends of NRA volunteer call it their second

religion. Over the last 16 years, the work of these individuals has produced $125 million in grants for the

future of the shooting sports. Their hard work has helped buy equipment, build ranges, educate millions of

children on gun and shooting safety, create and save shooting teams, and made NRA part of communities

across this country.

These volunteers form committees, and many committees become families. In my years with the program,

some of the funniest and most motivating stories have come from these volunteers. From selling the right

to cut off a ponytail in a live auction to a husband traveling back and forth from the hospital to the event

waiting for a child to be born, we have seen it all. Their dedication is unmatched and a reward is unsolicited.

They do it because it means something to them and they want to make a difference.

To each and every one of you who volunteer on a Friends of NRA committee, we say thank you and God

bless you. I cannot imagine where this great organization would be today without the program you built, the

grant money it produces, and most of all, without you. You are the difference.

GuesT ediTorial

foundaTion news


Each year during the Fall NRA Board Meetings, individuals and organizations are invited to Washington D.C. to be recognized for their outstanding achievements and service to the National Rifle Association. All have a

profound commitment to the gun-owning public and their community, which is exemplified through their extraordinary efforts to promote the shooting sports. Among those honored each year is the Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee. This award is normally given to the committee that raises the highest net income, but in 2008 it was given to two committees that achieved this goal

in 2007. It was my extreme honor to meet these volunteers and accompany them during their stay in Washington, D.C.

For the past two years, Pennsylvania’s First from North Huntingdon, Pa., has been the sole recipient of this prestigious award. Since its beginning in 1993, Pennsylvania’s First has raised over $1,200,000 for The NRA Foundation. In 2007, they raised about $137,000. Dale Emerick, who has been the chairman of the committee for approximately eight years, credits their success to the hard working committee members and the dedicated supporters who attend the banquets every year. In speaking with Dale, he mentioned that his committee works year round to raise funds and support for the banquets.

B y L a u r a D i n d a l E v e n t S e r v i c e s M a n a g e r

Two of the

MOST OuTSTand ing Friends of NRA Committees

NRA President John Sigler presents the 2007 Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee Award to Pennsylvania’s First Chairman, Mr. Dale Emerick, Diana Emerick, Jonathan Long, and William Tylazsky. In the background is NRA 1st Vice President Ronald Schmeits.


Corpus Christi, another well-known committee located on an island in Texas, captured the Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee award as well. They were number one consecutively in the years 1994-1999 and have fought to retain their status in the 21st century. Since 1993, Corpus Christi has raised more than $1,400,000 for the NRA Foundation and in 2007 they netted about $136,000. When first year chairman Laura Berry was asked how she put Corpus Christi back on top, she responded that running the event more like a business and involving the ladies of her club, Lady Hot Shots, helped out tremendously. Laura also credited the banquet’s success to Senior Field Representative for South Texas,

Gayle Carter-Cook, for being “one of the hardest working ladies I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”

During the day I spent with Dale, Laura, and other award recipients, we were able to tour the National Firearms Museum and the NRA Range. We also had the opportunity to see key sights in Washington, D.C., such as the Capitol, the Lincoln and World War II memorials, as well as the new Pentagon memorial. The highlight of the day, however, were the conversations I had with both Laura and Dale on their success with their committees.

With the devotion and loyalty that these committees’ volunteers possess, their banquets will continue to be among the most successful in the nation for years to come.

Two of the

MOST OuTSTand ing Friends of NRA Committees

President John Sigler presents the 2007 Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee Award to Corpus Christi’s Chairwoman Laura Berry, Alice Rae Huseman, and Guiermo Pliego. In the background is NRA 1st Vice President Ronald Schmeits.

foundaTion news


The 46th Annual NRA National Police Shooting Championship (NPSC)

took place September 21-24 in Albuquerque, N.M., and had an outstanding turnout, with approximately 500 officers competing in the tournament. Law enforcement officers from around the world came to compete for 4,000 trophies and prizes valued at more than $300,000—one of the best prize tables in all of law enforcement competition shooting.

The NPSC is a valuable competition in the law enforcement arena, putting officers’ shooting skills to the test as well as honing their tactical skills. In a life or death situation involving deadly force, an officer’s ability to accurately shoot is the most important factor.

With the retirement of nine-time National Police Shooting Champion Captain Philip Hemphill, speculation was at an all-time high as to who would leave Albuquerque with the 2008 NPSC title. When the smoke cleared, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert Vadasz of Tampa, Fla., had outshot fellow competitors with a cumulative score of 2980-195x. Vadasz was the Metallic Sight Champion at the 2008 NRA Bianchi Cup, where competitors are tested on their speed and accuracy while shooting at both moving and stationary targets.

“It felt good,” Vadasz said. “NPSC has taught me a lot about the mental state of firearms competition.”

Prior to the NPSC, officers took

part in law enforcement pre-events like the New Mexico Challenge and the Tactical Police Competition. The New Mexico Challenge is geared toward new shooters who do not possess an NRA Police Pistol Combat (PPC) Classification Card. This year, the Challenge hosted over 100 new shooters who participated in the Stock Semiautomatic Course of Fire, a firearms competition designed to measure a shooter’s ability to perform on demand. The Tactical Police Competition (TPC) was comprised of over 80 officers

who participated in a three-gun competition that mirrors modern law enforcement training and equipment.

In conjunction with the NPSC, armorer schools offered by DMPS, Beretta, Glock, and Sig Sauer taught attendees everything they needed to know about a certain make and model of gun, including assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and more. The schools were so popular the NPSC plans to offer them again next year.

Gunnery Sergeant Ronald Lee Ermey, favorably referred to as “The

Gunny,” made this year’s event especially memorable. Ermey, a former U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and later Golden Globe nominated actor, currently hosts “Mail Call,” on The History Channel, where he answers military-related viewer questions. He also is an official spokesman for Glock firearms and the Young Marines. As guest speaker at the NPSC banquet, Ermey had attendees rolling on the floor with laughter. He was more than happy to talk with competing officers, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. He even participated in the shotgun competition, where he fired a respectable score.

Register for the 2009 NPSC! For more information, visit www.nrahq.org/law/competitions/npsc/npsc.asp, call (703) 267-1632, or contact us via e-mail at [email protected]. The 2009 NPSC is scheduled for September 20-24, 2009. For a complete listing of results and information about this year’s championships, as well as a variety of downloadable photographs, visit www.NRAblog.com.

National Police Shooting Championships…

WOW!

NPSC Competitor with Gunnery Sergeant Ronald Lee Ermey.

In a life and death situation involving deadly force, an officer’s ability to shoot accurately is the most important factor.

B y G l e n H o y e r, L E A D D i r e c t o r


B y D a n i e l l e S t u r g i s , M e d i a S p e c i a l i s t

I attended my very first Women On Target® clinic in April 2008 at the Isaac Walton League in Northern

Virginia. The low-pressure atmosphere featured a high ratio of volunteers and NRA-certified instructors to participants, and I left convinced I would attend my next Women On Target® clinic with my mother.

When I started working with Gene Strickler, director for the Women On Target® clinic at the Ridge Rifle Association in Fincastle, Va., I knew I had found the right fit for Mom, Angie Sturgis. When she came to visit for a weekend before Christmas, I mentioned the idea. She seemed a bit hesitant, but agreed to attend the Ridge Rifle Association’s event with me.

I grew up in a divided household. Mom, a homemaker, and Dad, a former Marine, had different opinions on firearms. Primarily, my mother didn’t see the need for them, and certainly not in her household, with her three daughters growing up.

When my father saw my interest in firearms peak while attending college, he agreed to purchase a .38 pistol for my graduation gift. Only when I started working for the NRA two years later did Mom realize the firearms issue wasn’t just a phase. She saw Dad and I trek to the local range when I was

home on a weekend visit. She heard us talk excitedly about attending NRA’s Annual Meeting in St. Louis. She witnessed his pride when I took the job at NRA Headquarters.

By then my father had proudly purchased his own handgun for home defense, pointing out all three daughters had flown the nest. I told Mom she should be familiar with the firearm as she would be any other tool around the house. I also saw it as a way to involve her in the community Dad and I had.

After picking up Mom at the airport, I wasn’t so sure. “Will there be real bullets?” she asked nervously.

We drove to Fincastle and met Gene and other volunteers for dinner, and Mom interacted with NRA members who regularly visit the range with their families.

The next morning we stood in line to register and put on our bright red Women On Target® ball caps. Gene was sure to assign Mom to an early relay.

The classroom segment was held outside at the top of the highest hill. Mom and I sat under a canopy with dozens of other women listening to Ridge Rifle members walk us through the basics. We participated in an exercise to determine the dominant eye and then we learned the primary NRA safety rules.

Their were women surrounding us from all over the state. Each had her own reason for being there, and I realized there is no such thing as a “typical” Women On Target® participant. The program is unique because it has something for everyone. What it

doesn’t have is an agenda, hidden costs, or sales pitches.

We walked down the hill to find our place at the pistol range. Mom met her instructor, who gently introduced her to the .22 pistol she would shoot. As she started firing, she was smiling. After she retrieved her first target, she was beaming. “It’s fun,” she said. Gene hugged me. Mom did even better at the rifle range, and she out shot me because Gene insisted I try shooting left-handed.

As we headed back to Northern Virginia, I asked Mom what she really thought. “I’m glad I did it,” was all she said. The next day, I realized how proud she was when she was talking to a friend on the phone. “I did well,” she said. “I’ll send you the pictures.”

She insisted I send all the photos to my father, who of course responded with pride. But I could tell something was different. She was one of us now. She might even go to the range with Dad and I the next time I visit.

Plan on attending the next Women on Target® Clinic by contacting Elizabeth Hellmann at (703) 267-1398.

Fincastle WomenOnTarget®

Clinic

Angie Sturgis posing with Ridge Rifle Association Pistol and Rifle Instructor Jim Hamilton.

foundaTion news


October 9-11, 2008, marked the NRA Heritage Society’s Third Annual “Fall in Fairfax” event sponsored by Universal Coin & Bullion, Ltd. of Beaumont, Texas. This was the first year the event was fully

underwritten and we thank Universal Coin & Bullion, Ltd. for their commitment to preserving the Second Amendment.

“Fall in Fairfax” is a time for Heritage Society members to come together at NRA Headquarters and celebrate their common interest in the shooting sports and the preservation of freedom. It is a time of recognition for all they have done to protect our Second Amendment heritage. It also provides an opportunity for those considering making the NRA a beneficiary of their estate to come and meet others who have done the same thing, and to learn what the NRA Heritage Society is all about.

This year guests were treated to an unforgettable array of events. The weekend kicked off Thursday evening with a welcome reception and dinner with NRA 2nd Vice President David Keene. Guests thoroughly enjoyed his remarks, the opportunity for questions, and the intimate atmosphere of the evening. Attendees left energized and ready to start the weekend.

Friday’s activities were blessed by beautiful weather. Some guests toured historic Manassas National Battlefield while others took the opportunity to shoot sporting clays at Bull Run Regional Park. Each group claims to have had the best time. The afternoon wrapped up with a barbeque lunch at Bull Run as everyone shared stories of their day.

In honor of the National Firearms Museum’s “Guns West!” display, guests were invited to wear their best western attire for Friday evening’s museum tour and western

themed dinner. Participants were given a private guided tour of the museum by the new Director of the National Firearms Museum Jim Supica and senior curators Phil Schreier and Doug Wicklund. They were a picture out of the old west with their historic western attire.

Guests had the special opportunity to dine at the heart of the NRA in the headquarters atrium amidst the newly updated Defenders of Freedom Wall. It was a special night with both the Executive Director of NRA-ILA Chris Cox and NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre in attendance. New Heritage Society Ambassador Members were recognized for their documented planned gift commitment to the NRA by Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and the Director of Planned Giving, Timothy G. Fisher.

On Saturday, guests were given the opportunity to learn about the NRA’s needs and the best way to accomplish their charitable goals. A variety of charitable planning techniques were discussed and what effect the new administration will have on your tax planning.

Saturday evening brought the most unique opportunity the NRA has had during “Fall in Fairfax” yet. Heritage Society Ambassadors and friends were treated to a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a private guided tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. It was a moving experience to visit the museum and to bear witness to all of the men and women who have fought and given their lives so that we may live free.

After the tour, guests assembled in the museum’s Tunn Tavern before heading to the Leatherneck Gallery for a private dinner. The atmosphere was awe-inspiring and humbling, and when guest speaker James Warner took the podium, the crowd was speechless. Mr. Warner is a former

B y A s h l e y W e a v e r A s s i s t a n t D i r e c t o r o f P l a n n e d G i v i n g , D o n o r R e l a t i o n s

Fall in Fa i r f a x2 0 0 8


Reagan administration domestic policy adviser, former NRA attorney, and former Marine. He closed the evening with his words of courage during times of adversity. His words were heard loud and clear as everyone understood the battles we will face as protectors of freedom in the years to come.

Heritage Society Ambassador Membership is awarded to those individuals who have made a gift to any NRA entity in their will, trust, or other estate plan and have provided documentation of that gift to the NRA Office of Advancement’s Planned Giving Department. Please join

us at our next Heritage Society event during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 14, 2009, and for “Fall in Fairfax” October 8-10, 2009 in Williamsburg, Va., to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Heritage Society.

For more information about “Fall in Fairfax” 2009 or becoming an Ambassador Member of the NRA Heritage Society, please call the Planned Giving Department at (877) NRA-GIVE or visit us on the web at www.nraplannedgiving.com.

Special thanks to Universal Coin & Bullion

J Official Bullion & Rare Coin Dealer of the NRAJ Sponsor 2008 “Fall In Fairfax”

J Sponsor 2009 Heritage Society Annual Meeting Event

From left: NRA Office of Advancement Executive Director Ben Case, Universal Coin & Bullion Vice President of Marketing Paul Stein, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, and Universal Coin & Bullion President Mike Fuljenz.

friends updaTe


2009 Friends of NRAStandard Merchandise

Package

Award-winning wildlife artist Eddie LeRoy presents the

unyielding 2009 Print of the Year, “Bad Boys.” Set in the savannas of Africa, three Cape buffalos display their stern determination to protect the herd. These animals have very few predators and have the ability to protect themselves and their young. LeRoy depicts these “Bad Boys” as they display their relentless attitude of doing just that. The unsettled dust and landscape gives a real representation of the Cape buffalo’s environment. In true Africa fashion, the buffalo and oxpeckers serve to benefit one

another as the birds feed off the insects that hassle the giant beast. Leaving no detail to spare, LeRoy creates a beautiful and uncompromising picture of the Cape buffalo. Friends of NRA has reproduced this painting as a giclèe; a form of fine art that uses inkjet printing to perfectly capture every detail. Each canvas comes in a Modena Vintage frame with oatmeal lining and measures 18½” x 35½.” Every giclèe is printed, signed, numbered to 1,125, and framed in the U.S.A.

Eddie LeRoy, the 2009 Friends of NRA Artist of the Year, resides with his wife and sons in Eufaula, Ala.

His art career began while he was in college, with an emphasis on wildlife. LeRoy uses acrylic to bring his scenes to life and has been chosen as the artist for numerous stamp-art programs. To LeRoy, “Bad Boys” is all about attitude. Having hunted all over the world, the Cape buffalo has always been one of Eddie’s most intriguing subjects. Fascinated by their size, power, and demeanor, LeRoy captures those traits in this painting. He notes how the buffalo do not mind the oxpeckers, however, as you can see, they definitely mind the presence as Eddie LeRoy taking the original photo.

2009 Friends of NRA Print of the Year “Bad Boys” by Eddie LeRoy

2009 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year Ruger Vaquero Matched Set .45 Long Colt Revolvers

Since its introduction to the firearm market in 1993, the Ruger Vaquero

has been a leader in the sport of cowboy action shooting. In the past 16 years, Sturm, Ruger & Company has referred to the Ruger Vaquero as “the gun that won the new west.” They now introduce the completely custom NRA 2009 Gun of the Year Matched Set.

Each revolver in the set is made in America and characterized by 5 ½” blued barrels with gold roll marks, a color case finish on the frames, and Hogue® simulated ivory grips. The gold roll mark on the right side of each barrel reads “NRA 2009 Gun of the Year Matched Set.” NRA custom serialization of each set reads

as NRAR-0001 and NRAL-0001 sequentially through 1,125. Every exclusive set includes a custom Sturm, Ruger, & Company commemorative red double revolver hard plastic case, which is exclusive to Friends of NRA events. Also included is an NRA/Sturm, Ruger, & Company certificate of authenticity.


The 2009 Gun of the Year, Ruger

Vaquero Matched Set, leads a

merchandise package that is sure

to impress the novice as well as the

experienced collector. The merchandise

package consists of 42 items—including

seven firearms, three framed pieces of

art, and 32 miscellaneous items—and

promises that 2009 will be the most

exhilarating year so far!

2009 Friends of NRA Knife of the Year D’Holder Bowie Hunter

Once again, D’Alton Holder has teamed up with upstate New York’s Canal Street Cutlery Company. This time,

the collaboration has led to the creation of this exclusive Bowie Hunter. Holder’s world renowned experience in knife making has made his name synonymous with precision and beauty, and the Bowie Hunter is no exception. Created from one piece of 19C7 Sandvik specialty steel, each knife truly represents Friends of NRA. The handle is fashioned from top grain genuine leather, which has been peened, dyed, and stabilized. The handle also features a recessed nickel silver NRA shield. Baron Technologies has skillfully engraved a moose profile and Friends of NRA logo on the left side of each blade. Each knife is numbered 1 of 1,125 on the blade, and consecutively numbered on the tang by Canal Street Cutlery Company. Accompanying the knife is

a custom designed moose faux antler base. The natural color and striations make it the perfect match for this one-of-a-kind knife, making it a great addition to any NRA home.

friends updaTe


1 | Daisy Red Ryder NRA Model 1938 BB Gun

2 | Laser Dual Reflex Sight

3 | New Realtree APG Benelli Nova 20GA Shotgun

4 | Leupold 100th Anniversary CRKT Fixed Blad Knife

5 | Friends of NRA Leather Briefcase & Portfolio Set

6 | NRA 2nd Amendment

7 | Flushing Roosters by Cole Johnson

8 | NRA Flatware Set & Display Box

9 | NRA Birdhouse

10 | NRA American Heritage Bullet Board

11 | Leupold Acadia 10x42mm Green Ring Binoculars

12 | NRA Windmill

13 | 20” NRA Neon Wall Clock

14 | NRA Limited Edition Buckle

15 | PFLEX Fly Spinning Kit with Combo Case

16 | Boyt H Series Double Long Gun Case

17 | Weatherby NRA Special Edition .257 WBY

18 | Wood Decoy Three Teal Set

19 | New Henry Youth Golden Boy .22LR

20 | Leupold MX-121 Xenon Flashlight

21 | Friends of NRA Knit Blanket

22 | Cabela’s Knife Kit

23 | NRA Shooting Sticks

24 | Cattail Bird Feeder

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friends updaTe


25 | NRA Axe & Knife Set

26 | Remington Model 597 .22LR Camo

27 | Gerber Obsidian Clip Folding Knife

28 | ADG Electronic Front Load Vault

29 | Primus-Atle Propane Grill/Stove

30 | NRA Six Piece Kitchen Set

31 | Polaris LED Lantern

32 | Custom NRA Deer Lamp

33 | Kimber Ultra Carry II-NRA Freedom Defender .45 ACP

34 | Smith & Wesson 642 Carry Comp .38 Special

35 | The Lesson II Traditions Series Sculpture

36 | Innocence Step Stool

37 | Weaver Bottom Pintail Decoy

38 | NRA Custom Knife Sling Combo

39 | 10-10 Hunter’s Specialties Blind Realtree® APG HD 39

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Friends of NRA is offering a wonderful opportunity to join a select group of proud Americans

whose love and commitment to the shooting sports will ensure its vitality for years to come through the Friends of NRA national sponsor program.

With the support of Friends of NRA national sponsors, future generations will enjoy the same rights and privileges that have helped shape our lives.

Friends of NRA national sponsors are entitled to a number of benefits—notably the sponsor sculpture, a sponsor hat, and the NRA Foundation’s quarterly magazine Traditions, which keeps sponsors updated on The NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA. Most importantly, 100 percent of the sponsorship pledge goes

to the NRA Foundation.“Cape Buffalo” is the first sculpture

in a new, exclusive NRA Big Game Sponsor Series for Friends of NRA. The talented designers at Big Sky Carvers have captured the majesty and intensity of the Cape buffalo, which is inspired by the award-winning wildlife artist, Eddie LeRoy’s Friends of NRA 2009 Print of the Year “Bad Boys.” Set in the savannas of Africa, the Cape buffalo displays a stern determination to protect the herd and symbolically represents our collective determination to protect Second Amendment rights. These animals can reach 7 ft. in length, weigh more than 1,500 lbs., and reach a height of 5 ft. at the shoulder. The Cape buffalo have few predators, and the bulls protect themselves and their

young by gathering their cows and calves in a circle while they form a protective outer layer. Known as one of the “Big Five” or “Black Death” in Africa, the African Buffalo is widely regarded as a very dangerous animal and usually lives in large herds of up to 1,000. This highly sought after trophy has been hunted by many, including the first presidential conservationist Theodore Roosevelt, and William (Buffalo Bill) Cody.

Each sculpture is meticulously cast in fine resins with a hand-applied bronze patina, standing at approximately 9½” wide x 7½” tall. The finished sculpture rests on a 1½” black faux marble base engraved in gold lettering and finished off with a National Rifle Association medallion.

new 2009 Sponsor Program

Liberty $250n “Cape Buffalo” Sculpturen Sponsor Hatn Special Invitations and Purchasing Opportunitiesn Complimentary Subscription to Traditions Magazine

Heritage $600Liberty benefits plus choice of:n Origo Granite Peak Watchorn NRA Silver Stag Damascus Knife & Sheath

Freedom $1,250Liberty benefits plus choice of:n NRA Weatherby SA-08 Semiautomatic 12GA Shotgun orn Leupold Gold Ring 15x30x50mm Spotting Scope Kit

Pioneer $2,500Liberty benefits plus:n Smith & Wesson M&P45 with NRA Logo

Patriot $5,000Liberty benefits plus customized package based on your individual interests.

nEW Kimber $7,500

Liberty benefits plus:n Kimber Marias I or II over-under .20GA Shotgun (limited quantities available)

Founding $10,000

Liberty benefits plus customized package based on your individual interests.

friends updaTe


Friends of NRA announces the 2009 Magnum Merchandise

Package. Available to the top performing committees, this

package offers high-level firearms, sporting goods,

and home décor items.

Within each state, committees and field

representatives work together to choose the

events eligible for Magnum Event status. Roughly

15 percent of all committees can earn the title of Magnum

Event; and these events are the only ones allowed to offer

the Magnum Merchandise Package.

These carefully selected events represent the highest

quality that Friends of NRA has to offer. The process

of choosing a Magnum Event includes examining the

committee’s past net income, attendance figures, and

marketing savvy. Each year presents a new opportunity for

committees to move their event into Magnum status.

The goal of the Magnum merchandise package is to

make big events even bigger! Earning Magnum Event status

puts a committee in an exclusive group that will receive

the listed benefits. These extra items will increase interest

in the event, boost attendance levels and provide additional

income.

Through each committee’s dedication and hard work,

Friends of NRA has created a brighter future for the

shooting sports. This package will help those chosen Friends

of NRA committees take their fundraising to the next level!

2009 Magnum Merchandise Package

Prairie Thunder Sculpture

From Marc Pierce’s storied collection comes another one-

of-a-kind sculpture. Featuring three bison, the sculpture is created using a Mt. bronze process, which utilizes pewter and resin to give each piece a true bronze weight and feel. Each sculpture includes a brass tag reading Prairie Thunder and is individually numbered to 1 of 150.


Leupold/DoskoSport Combo

Perfect for any hunter or rifleman, this

special three-in-one package comes with each of the following: 1) one DoskoSport Deluxe Double Pistol Hybrid Case; 2) one set of Leupold Yosemite Binoculars, 6X30 mm; and 3) one Leupold RX-1 Rangefinder.

2009 Magnum Merchandise Package

NRA Benelli R1 Rifle .300 WSM

The Benelli R1 .300 WSM is a great rifle for any hunter. Features of the rifle include an AA-Grade satin walnut stock, 24” barrel, detachable

magazine, base scope rail, and a fitted hard case. Also includes a shim kit that allows for precise stock adjustments for drop and cast, and leads to a truly custom fitting firearm. The rifle is complete with custom NRA lettering on the receiver.

Thankful Sculpture

Marc Pierce dazzles again with this deep sculpture featuring

a grateful hunter kneeling in prayer. Thankful uses the Mt. bronze process and also includes a black felt bottom with the Friends of NRA logo. Each sculpture is complete with a brass tag reading Thankful.

Magnum Events Benefit Throughn Increased exposure on the Web, in NRA Publications,

and special recognition at State Conventions

n Custom Designed Logo

n Logo-branded Web listing on www.friendsofnra.org

n Exclusive Merchandise

n Exclusive use of Magnum logos and banners for promotion

friends updaTe


In early 2007, the Alaska Friends of NRA took a long hard look at their Anchorage Banquet. Anchorage

is the biggest city in Alaska and has over a third of its population, yet the Anchorage banquet was nothing to write home about for many years.

A flash of brilliance hit State Fund Committee Chairman Scott Hamann: “What if we transformed the Anchorage Banquet into the Alaska State Friends of NRA Banquet?” This idea caught on like wildfire throughout the entire Alaska Friends of NRA. However, they did not just want to change the name—they wanted to rewrite the book. The goal of the

Alaska State Friends of NRA banquet would be to have the biggest and the most exciting banquet in Alaska.

To have a committee of this scope, size and objective, a strong leader is needed. That leader is Denny Hamann. He leads by example and has an incredible ability to break an obstacle down to its smallest parts and then eliminate them one by one. It also takes a strong committee, which the Alaska State Friends of NRA committee is.

They needed to implement the three-legged stool plan taught to them by Western Region Director JP Nelson. First leg: hold a successful pre-event raffle; second leg: sell out

all dinner tickets; and third leg: get as many donations, underwriting and sponsorships as possible. If the three legs were solidly in place, then a successful banquet would be inevitable.

To build the first leg, the committee planned a 50 gun pre-event raffle. Tickets would be $50 each and they would sell 1,500 tickets. With only $25,000 in guns they would net $50,000 once they sold out the raffle. The second leg was easier since the first Alaska State Banquet was a success. The event’s success would not have

Committee Spotlight

Alaska Friends of NRAAnchorage, Alaska

From left to right: Treasurer Jim “The King” McCaffery, and “raffle meisters” Garry Ervin and Murdock.

Western Region

Imagine entering a fairground and smelling what people call “the best prime rib in Oregon.” These

are the words from Oregon Field Representative Mike Carey, and Chris Pellissier, chairwoman for the Jefferson State Friends of NRA committee, when describing Yummy’s Cowboy Cuisine.

The Jefferson State Friends of NRA committee uses Yummy’s every year. The caterer does the preliminary cooking before the event, brings a BBQ smoker with him, and finishes smoking the meat at the banquet. He takes the meat out of the smoker and

carves it right there. Not only does it add to the atmosphere, Pellissier says, but it makes the smoky flavor so scrumptious that it’s the highlight of the evening. “He does such a good job,” Pellissier says, “people come back…and they come back for more!”

Having a special caterer is only part of the formula that makes Jefferson State the No. 2 event in Oregon. They also have great merchandise, including a fishing trip to Alaska and two African hunts, and they have a strong committee foundation enabling them to keep costs down while still having a

fun event.“We have a core group of six to eight

people who have been together since the beginning,” said Pellissier. “We really believe in what we are doing.”

They also believe in giving back as much money as they can to the NRA Foundation, which is one of the reasons they try to keep costs down to a minimum. Pellissier, who has been in management, budgeted for another non-profit organization, and has her own business as an independent insurance agent, knows exactly how to do this.

Volunteer Spotlight

Jefferson State Smokes as #2 Oregon BanquetJefferson, Oregon


been possible without Jim “The King” McCaffery, Garry Ervin and “Murdock,” who were the raffle meisters of the event. They not only sold all of their event tickets, but they were sold out one month prior to the banquet.

They approached the task of building the third leg like all the others—divide and conquer. By dividing up local businesses and scouring the city, they became so overwhelmed with donations that they sent some of their surplus to smaller committees in the Alaskan Bush. Their goal was to spend $0 on VDO merchandise and they accomplished their mission. They also brought in $6,205 dollars in underwriting and sold $11,000 in sponsorships.

On the night of the banquet, the doors opened at 5:00 p.m. sharp and there were already attendees lined up at the door. As people flooded into the room the bucket raffles ignited. The

silent auction was rockin’ and rollin’ as the event raffle ticket sellers sold their tickets and the Heads or Tails game, which was always a big hit, was even bigger this year.

Just before the live auction, the committee presented their “Because of You” campaign, allowing attendees to see how the money raised in 2007 was spent. Attendees not only enjoyed the presentation, but it also encouraged them to be even more generous.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the live auction. Because most of the items were donations, the committee only spent about $1,000. The live auction raised over $28,000, which was more than enough to cover their expenses.

Needless to say, the Second Annual Alaska State Friends of NRA banquet was an astounding success. It netted over $124,000 with only 375 people in the room—more than

doubling what they did in 2007. When asked what his secret to

running a successful banquet is, Hamann replied, “It is no secret. Keep your costs down, always try to double your money at a minimum and make it fun for the attendees!”

The creation of the Alaska Friends of NRA State Banquet not only brought in a tremendous amount of money to support the shooting sports, but it also brought every committee in Alaska together with the common goal of supporting The NRA Foundation. They are already planning their 2009 banquet and they promise it will be even greater next year. For the Alaska Friends of NRA, the sky is the limit!

Attend a 2009 Friends of NRA event in Alaska. Contact NRA Field Representative Brad Kruger at (907) 235-9059 or via e-mail at [email protected].

“We focus on donations, cutting the printing costs through my business and talking to community members

about what has to be done,” Pellissier commented. “The local community really steps up to the plate with

fantastic donations. Most purchases are local and that’s how we foster community relationships.”

This year the committee had over 300 attendees and netted over $47,000. As an Oregon State Fund Committee member, Pellissier would like to see the money they raise from their banquet go to statewide organizations that do programs such as youth and women’s shooting and outdoor days. She says that it is important for families who do not have access to firearms learn to be able to shoot them from free educational activities.

Attend a 2009 Friends of NRA event in Oregon. Contact NRA Field Representative Mike Carey at (541) 385-9404 or via e-mail at [email protected] to find out more information.

Attendees come to the podium to collect their prizes.

friends updaTe


Western Region

On Thursday June 12, 2008, the King City Friends of NRA held their annual fundraising

event at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, California. In only their third year, with 330 people in attendance, they were able to raise approximately $59,000 and are proud of their achievement thus far.

After the group was organized by Central California NRA Senior Field Rep. Jason Quick in 2006, they raised $21,638 at their first event. When final

national numbers were tallied, they were ranked #1 of first year events in the nation. In 2007 the committee sold 29 Freedom Sponsorships and one Pioneer Sponsorship, raising $43,750, and earning a coveted spot on the top 50 list, ranked #41 nationally in their second year.

One reason for the King City committee’s success is their enthusiastic group of committee members. One who stands out is Larry Santos. After joining the committee

late in its first year, he managed to sell five Freedom Sponsorships as well as numerous individual tickets. In 2007, Larry sold 18 Freedom Sponsorships, each of which is a table of eight people, earning him the nickname of “Larry the Table Guy.” In 2008, with the help of three local businesses, Larry secured a Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 donation, which sold in the live auction for $7,050, adding greatly to the bottom line.

Another noteworthy donation

Volunteer Spotlight

Larry the Table Guy and King City: Third Year in a RowKing City, California Larry the Table Guy

hard at work at the 2008 event.

The finest Friends of NRA volunteers not only give their time and money, but they

also have the strong desire to further the NRA’s mission. They do not let competition and pride steer them away from the true reason why Friends of NRA exists—to raise money for the future of the shooting sports and to ensure the Second Amendment endures for generations to come.

George and Cindy Butcher of Delta, Colo., are these types of volunteers.

They have given an enormous amount of time and money since becoming members of the NRA, but their most recent contribution is one of the most generous yet. The Butchers donated

enough money to underwrite 25 Liberty Centurion CN20 gun safes—one for every Colorado Friends of NRA event in 2009. These safes will be filled with five to ten firearms and used for super raffles. Each committee runs a $10,000-$20,000 pre-banquet raffle and nets over half. When all is said and done, these super raffles will result in over $125,000 for Friends of NRA.

Colorado Field Representative Marc Steinke located the Butchers through a mailer for the Montrose Friends of NRA banquet. The mailer included information on the Colorado Elite Sponsor Program, which Cindy and George wished to be a part of. There are more sponsor levels and activities within the Colorado Elite Sponsor Program, such as a five-day, six-night fishing trip for two, a Colorado trophy elk and mule deer hunt, and fishing and elk hunting trips for U.S. Iraq war veterans.

Colorado Field Representative Marc Steinke (left) with Cindy and George Butcher and one of the Liberty Centurion gun safes.

Volunteer Spotlight

Donation Results in $125,000 for BanquetDelta, Colorado

Mid-West Region


Committee Spotlight

Colorado’s Newest Committee Strikes Black GoldGrand Junction, Colorado

Having 700 attendees at a Friends of NRA banquet and raising about $65,000 is what

would be expected from a successful veteran committee. But from a new committee—that is unheard of. The newest committee to join the Friends of NRA family, Grand Valley in Grand Junction, Colo., put all speculation aside when they did exactly that at their first banquet September 12, at the Two Rivers Convention Center.

“They were an incredible group of volunteers. They were hard workers who had connections in the oilfield community,” said Colorado Field Representative Marc Steinke. Steinke met the founding members when the committee treasurer for the Four Corners Friends of NRA banquet set up a meeting for the group back in March. Because of the committee’s connections in the oilfield community, they were able to receive hundreds of donations, sell 700 dinner tickets and have the highest netting event in September. Committee member Randy Walck secured $25,000 in donations alone. “It was great to see a large group come together with the common purpose of supporting the NRA,” commented Walck.

Prior to the banquet, the committee had a “super raffle” with ten guns in a safe, which sold three times

over and netted the committee over $17,000, as well as boost community awareness for the banquet. For the banquet, Walck donated a limited edition Marlin Lever action 45-70 commemorative to the Oil Industry, which brought in over $5,500.

The highlight of the evening was for every person who bid over $2,500 for an item would also be sending an Iraq war veteran to hunt elk in Colorado for free. By the end of the night, they were able to send four lucky veterans.

Given the success of their first banquet, Steinke believes they have the potential to be the best in the nation. “Give them a couple years, they are shooting for number one!”

Attend a 2009 Friends of NRA event in Colorado. Contact NRA Field Representative Marc Steinke at (719) 207-4080 or via e-mail at [email protected] for more information.

From left to right: Chairman Kelly Claussen and committee members Randy Walck and Blaine Beecher.

in both 2007 and 2008 was a wild pig hunt with internationally recognized author and television personality, Craig Boddington. In 2007, 16-year-old Matthew Doughty, a fan of Boddington, begged his mother to purchase the pig hunt for him in the live auction. Doughty was ecstatic when his mother held the winning bid for the hunt. The Saturday after Thanksgiving 2007, Doughty experienced a successful hunt with Boddington, which will be remembered for quite some time.

The King City Friends of NRA committee is looking forward to another great fundraising event on February 28, 2009. According to Chairman Tim Benedix, “The goals of the committee are funds and fun,” and apparently they have been successful at both!

Mid-West Region

George Butcher has been an NRA member for 40 years and has been involved with Friends of NRA since 2000. In 2002, he served as co-chairman, and his wife, Cindy, served as treasurer of a committee in California where they received a plaque of appreciation for their efforts.

Butcher wants to see both the NRA and The NRA Foundation benefit from his contributions. “It is important to preserve our Second Amendment rights, and the only way to do that is to be an NRA member,” he said. Funding programs like Refuse to Be a Victim® is also important to Butcher. “We need to get women involved in the shooting sports. Women have to be able to protect themselves.”

For more information on the Elite Sponsor Program, contact Colorado Field Repre-sentative Marc Steinke at (719) 207-4080 or via e-mail at [email protected].

friends updaTe


Mid-West Region

The Northwest Oklahoma Friends of NRA committee has been around for a long time,

but this year was their first year on top in Oklahoma. Their event, which took place on September 27, had 425 people in attendance and raised almost $84,000 in net income. They have the highest net income for the Midwest in 2008 so far. A huge accomplishment considering Woodward, the city where the event took place, has a population of only 12,000.

Oklahoma Senior Field Representative, Darren Delong, could not believe the numbers they produced. “I was in total awe at the amount of money they raised,” Delong said. “All I can say is WOW.”

Chairman Clair Craighead, Treasurer Travis Mann, and Secretary Dale Blaylock contributed to the success of the banquet by running their

20-member committee in a systematic way. “We take turns being chairman every few years to keep things fresh. Each chairman has different ideas and this gives him a way to implement them,” Mann said.

Even though they all have an individual impact on the banquet, it’s their collective effort and the connections they have in the community that makes the banquet a huge success. “Between Clair, Travis and I, we know 90% of the people in this trade area,” added Blaylock. “That’s what makes this work.”

These gentlemen also have one common aspiration—their desire to further youth programs in their area and make their banquet a place for families.

For the last four years, the committee has set up a five-lane shooting gallery at the banquet for youths ages 12 and under. From 5:30

p.m. to 9:30 p.m., there are long lines of kids shooting air rifles for only $5 per 10 shots. The winners of the shoot have the choice between an air riffle, a .22-caliber rifle and a single-shot 20-gauge youth shotgun. These lucky kids are not the only winners of the evening, “Every child leaves our event with something. They choose between a backpack or a Red Rider B.B. Gun,” Craighead said.

Activities such as this are what draw over 100 children to their banquet. “This is not just an old boys night out,” said Mann, “you will find lots of women and children attend our banquet.”

Although these committee members spend a tremendous amount of time and effort in planning this event, what makes the event triumphant is the community. “We have good people that come out to the event. Our towns here are very supportive,” commented Mann, “Without them it doesn’t matter how much work we do.”

For this committee, support comes in the form of sponsorships. Prior to the banquet, the committee had 72 Liberty ($200) Sponsors, 53 Freedom ($1000) Sponsors, six Pioneer ($2500) Sponsors, and two Patriot ($5000) Sponsors – almost unheard of in a city the size of Woodward.

The supportive community and motivated committee members has put Northwest Oklahoma Friends of NRA on the map. They will no doubt be able to continue their aspiration of making their area ideal for youth shooting programs and in the process become an inspiration for other committees.

Attend a 2009 Friends of NRA event in Oklahoma. Contact NRA Field Representative Darren Delong at (405) 692-8672 or via e-mail at [email protected] for more information.

Committee Spotlight

Oklahoma has New #1 CommitteeWoodward, Oklahoma

Northwest Oklahoma Committee group photo


The McIntosh Wildlife Club held its First Turkey Shoot at the new Trap Shooting Range

located southeast of McIntosh, S.D., on Sunday, July 20. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the McIntosh Centennial Celebration and the reopening of the range, which had been closed for over 20 years.

Over 50 people turned out for the event, with shooters of all ages trying to win numerous prizes donated by the National Rifle Association and McIntosh Wildlife Club. There were 20 rounds held with over 550 shots attempted by participants.

National Rifle Association Field Representative for North Dakota and South Dakota, Clayton Pederson, was on hand for the event. Perkins and Corson County organizations have been awarded nearly $40,000 through the NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA, with two grants awarded in 2008 totaling $15,000. The McIntosh Wildlife Club was awarded a grant in 2008 in the amount of $4,000 for the

purchase of new target throwers. The machine was installed this summer at McIntosh’s newly reopened trap range.

The recent donation from the NRA Foundation was a key factor for the

club. In great appreciation for the funding assistance, club officer Brad Schell remarked, “We absolutely wouldn’t be able to have accomplished what we have without everyone’s help.”

Heading the McIntosh Wildlife club are club officers Gary Merkel, who serves as president, along

with vice president Jerome Seiler and secretary-treasurer Brad Schell. The club has about 40 members, many of whom meet each Wednesday at 6 p.m. for their weekly shoot. They have an average of 15-20 shooters who take part in the Wednesday night shoots.

Each year the Friends of NRA event held in Lemmon, S.D., which helps make events like this possible, takes place on the second weekend in October. This year’s event was held on October 11 at the Lemmon Community Center on Main Street. For more information go to www.friendsofnra.org or call Clayton Pederson at (701) 522-9622.

Grant Spotlight

South Dakota Trap Shooting Range Comes Back With a BangMcIntosh, South Dakota

McIntosh Wildlife Club officers Brad Schell and Gary Merkel receive a $4,000 check from local area NRA field rep Clay Pederson

friends updaTe


Beginning on August 7, 2008, at the Stone Bank Sportsmen’s Club in Ashippun, Wis.,

followed by events at LaCrosse Rifle Club and ending in Wausau at the Duane L. Corbin Shooting Range on August 14, the USMC Poolee events once again broke all previous records with over 600 young men and women participating! This fantastic program, in its fifth year in 2008, has attracted over 1,600 young men and women since inception.

Participants at this year’s Wausau event also had the opportunity and privilege to meet NRA Secretary and Marine Corps legend, Major Edward J. (Jim) Land. Land’s 24-year Marine Corps career includes having trained the Corps most famous sniper, Carlos Hathcock, he was also Officer in Charge of the First Marine Division of Scout-Sniper and USMC Marksmanship Coordinator, to name just a few of his many contributions.

Created in 2004 by NRA Senior Training Counselor Scott Taetsch and USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike Krueger, both concerned fathers

of young Marines, this program is designed to introduce young “Poolees” to the basics of rifle marksmanship while building confidence in the men and women who have committed themselves to defending our great nation and cherished freedoms.

Due to today’s environment, up to 90% of high school graduates have never fired a rifle. Those who have, most likely have not had any type of proper marksmanship training. The least we can do for these brave young people is to give then an opportunity to learn the basics of rifle marksmanship prior to boot camp.

In addition, activities have now expanded to include physical conditioning, individual strength challenges, camouflage face painting,

and even experiencing MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) for the first time. The “Poolees” and guests also have the opportunity to talk with current Marines about their duties and experiences serving in the Marine Corps. All participants begin by receiving classroom instruction on firearms safety, sight alignment, trigger control, nomenclature and basic operation of the M16A2 rifle, which is the same firearm they will be using in basic training and, most likely throughout their military career.

A “Poolee” is a person who has signed up to be a U.S. Marine and is waiting to be in the “Pool” of the next batch to go to one of the two U.S. Marine Corps boot camps. Unlike other military branches, one

Grant Spotlight

5th Annual Wisconsin USMC/NRA Basic Rifle Fundamentals Camps Break All RecordsAshippun, Wisconsin

Central Region

Corporal Chris Taetsch lends a hand.

Major Land assisting a Camp “Poolee.”


is not considered a Marine until after they have successfully completed a 13-week boot camp, qualified with the M16A2 at 200, 300 and 500 yards (no simulated distances), and the 54-hour “Crucible” (a simulated combat environments over a 50+ mile course in full combat gear with little, if any, sleep or food). An estimated one in three Poolees will not become a Marine. It truly is “The Few, The Proud.”

Because this introduction is so important to the success of the “Poolees,” more and more NRA Certified Firearms Instructors and Marine Reservists are volunteering their time. We are also looking for more clubs to offer the use of classroom and range facilities to conduct this program.

Due to ammunition costs, this program would not be possible without funding through the NRA Foundation and specifically the Wisconsin Friends

of NRA and Block Grant Programs, which, to date, has funded over $15,000.00.

As more volunteers and facilities become available, our goal is to offer this opportunity to all branches of the service statewide.

Apply for a grant for your local community today! Contact Grants Manager Sandy Elkin at (703) 267-0735 or e-mail [email protected].

Friends of NRA committee members are known to be some of the most hard-working and

dedicated volunteers in the nation and Jerry Bell of Paris, Tenn., epitomizes what a Friends of NRA committee member is and more. In 2002, he single-handedly sold over 380 tickets to the Henry County Friends of NRA banquet. This year, he sold 250.

At the 2008 Tennessee State Fund Committee Conference in Nashville, Bell received special recognition for setting all time records for most banquet tickets ever sold by an individual. For his notable efforts and continual support of Friends of NRA, Bell was presented a plaque along with an Uberti 1873 Cattleman .45 Revolver Long Colt. Anyone will tell you that Bell doesn’t do it for the recognition, his passion resides in the benefits that the proceeds yield for the entire community and cause.

Bell strongly believes in the Second Amendment rights and the youth shooting sports programs that are funded

by the NRA Foundation through Friends of NRA banquets. His efforts have made a distinct difference on the county banquet’s results, including higher attendance rates and sponsorship sales resulting in higher net revenue for both the event and the state.

Bell has been married to his wife, Carol Jean, for 55 years and has resided in Henry County for the last 37 years, where he now enjoys working on his 438-acre farm. His long term connections and previous experience as a top salesman has undoubtedly attributed to Henry County Friends of NRA’s climb in ticket sales, but it is his relentless passion and enthusiasm for the cause throughout the years that is so contagious.

“He is well respected in the community and is known to stand up for gun owners and hunters in his area,” said NRA Tennessee Field Representative Mike Webb. “He wears his Friends of NRA hat wherever he goes and asks anyone he has contact with to purchase tickets with a positive attitude, he’s not afraid of the word ‘no’ and he’s a great people person.”

Bell is known for doing whatever it takes to sell tickets, Webb added, whether that be knocking on doors or hitting up local restaurants with tickets in hand. “He talks about the NRA everywhere he goes and carries membership applications with him,” said Webb. “If you tell him you’ll buy a ticket from him later, he never forgets that promise. He is an example and inspiration to the committee. For me, he is a very dedicated and outstanding volunteer.”

Next year, Webb says Bell wants to expand the size of the committee and sponsorship sales. In addition, he wants to implement the first pre-event firearm ticket sale in Henry County to help take the event to a higher level. And while many people make Henry County one of the state’s most successful events, Bell is undeniably one of the committee’s greatest determining factors.

Volunteer Spotlight

Jerry BellParis, Tennessee

friends updaTe


Indiana raised over $400,000 this fundraising year, breaking an all-time state record and increasing

their net income by $65,000 over last year. It was only two years ago when Indiana saw a $100,000 increase from its previous year. So who is the man behind all the magic? Indiana Field Representative John Crone will tell you it wasn’t just one man. “The success of Indiana is because of Indiana,” he said.

“I attribute the success of Indiana to one thing and one thing only—the

natural dynamics of volunteerism,” Crone said. “The best salesman is the creator of the product. [And] the best salesmen we have are the volunteers who are so passionate about the cause.”

Before becoming a NRA Field Representative over 11 years ago, Crone was a committee chairman in Lawton, Okla., while he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Still. He joined the NRA hoping to give his family a more permanent home. While Crone remains in the U.S. Army Reserve, he says his previous experience has

Committee Spotlight

Indiana Raises the Bar

The Tennessee Friends of NRA has taken it to the next level. In 2008, Tennessee set an all-

time state record, raising a net revenue of over $200,000—an increase of 76% over last year. The record setting doesn’t stop there; the state has seen significant growth in committees throughout Tennessee.

One of Tennessee’s newest committees, Fayette County, hosted their first Friends of NRA banquet this year and broke the all-time state record for new events after netting $14,774. Many committees broke their own event records, including the sellout Freedom Friends of NRA event where they reached their highest net revenue yet. Similarly, Chattanooga’s sellout event raised their net revenue

bar with an increase of 168% over last year. Kentucky Lake, Highland Rim, West Tennessee, Tipton County, and Williamson County all set similar records for their committees.

The Henry County committee stole the sponsorship show, selling a record 39 national sponsorships. In East Tennessee, the committee received the High Caliber Club banner for the first time. Southern Middle Tennessee and Cumberland County set net revenue records along with NRA Merchandise underwriting— Cumberland County having 50% of the merchandise underwritten, an all-time state record.

Tennessee has seen a significant turnaround since NRA Field Representative Mike Webb took over

the state in 2006. And while he had a lot to do with the state’s gradual climb to the top, you’ll never hear him trying to take all the credit. The secret, Webb says, to running a successful state is finding the right volunteers.

“Tennessee Friends of NRA would be nothing without our volunteers,” said Webb. “It absolutely humbles me to see the hard work and dedication that the volunteers bring to this organization. Not only do I appreciate all that our committees do but the attendees as well. The commitment and devotion of these committee members have overwhelmed me and their enthusiasm is really contagious especially when new committees are formed for the first time. These events not only bring us together for a great cause, but they build strong and bonding friendships.”

Besides keeping the website updated and e-mailing newsletters, Webb stressed the importance of

State Spotlight

Tennessee Turnaround

Central Region

State Fund Committee Chairman Brent Weil shows off a Dillinger picture set.

given him many of the skills it takes to be a good field representative, such as organizational skills, the will to succeed, and of course, a passion for the shooting sports.

As a long-standing NRA Field Representative, Crone said he used to be more hands-on, but now finds the


laissez-faire approach seems to work just as well. “Now that I’ve been doing this for going on 11 years, I actually have throttled way back,” said Crone. “E-mail and telephone are the primary tools now, and I used to log a lot of miles. The volunteers know what to do. I facilitate their success and help when problems arise.”

Crone attributes some of his success with developing strong volunteer relationships to gaining their confidence through the shooting sports. “As I traveled the state, I kept hearing ‘the NRA, an organization for shooters run by those who don’t.’ Well, I proved them wrong on that,” said Crone. “There was not a single shooting game, hunting, reloading topic, etc., that I had not done or

read enough to stay in a conversation on. I was quickly accepted by the volunteers. I learned the ropes of the system in short order and was able to find key individuals around the state who could help us in our journey.”

Providing an environment that allows volunteers to be creative and a little different is also a priority to Crone. Last year, Indiana started the ‘Gun-A-Palooza,’ and in 2008, there were at least three events of that type. This year, Indiana committee members created 50 one-of-a-kind John Dillinger picture sets, most of which sold for over $300. The highest sale brought in $2,500.

When it comes down to it, Crone enjoys being a field representative because of the benefits it brings to

Indiana and shooting sports as a whole. “I enjoy helping the junior clubs with the one commodity they really struggle to get—money,” said Crone. “I truly believe the shooting sports teach discipline, respect, and responsibility. Shooting teaches lessons most kids don’t get until they are in their 20s.”

In the future, Crone plans to use the same volunteer-friendly formula he did in 2008. “Some like to set up the banquet, some like to select the merchandise and the games to play at the event,” said Crone. “Some have creative money making ideas. I’m not making any changes. We will continue to focus on net dollars and servicing those needy organizations that truly must have our support to continue.”

giving recognition to and open-lines and constant communication with volunteers. “Making sure everyone is on the same page has helped more than anything,” he said. He also added that the willingness to listen to ideas from other field reps and having new officers and members of committees re-motivate older members have also attributed to Tennessee’s success.

Webb said the state started seeing significant success when he gained the trust and confidence of the volunteers in not only the Friends of NRA program but in himself as well.

“Volunteers need to know they have an advocate working for them,” Webb said. And an advocate is what they have. Prior to taking the field representative position, Webb served as committee chairman of the Memphis Friends of NRA for four years. Since Mike came aboard, the Memphis committee has been the most successful in the state, earning

the Highest Net Revenue award and High Caliber Club recognition for the sixth consecutive year.

To continue the state’s upward path of success, Webb says he wants to see more events in areas that have never hosted a Tennessee Friends of NRA event before. He also wants to expand the Friends of NRA State Conference and increase the number of first-time volunteers.

“None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the dedication of our exceptional and outstanding volunteers, as well as the generosity of our attendees and big heartedness of our sponsors and

donors. That is what makes these events so successful,” said Webb. “It’s the volunteers who have set the record for our state.”

NRA Field Representative Mike Webb presents an Outstanding Commitment Award to Ryan Patrick of Guns and More, Inc.

friends updaTe


A little can go a long way. For the Morganton Clay Shooters of North Carolina, this

statement never held more meaning. Earlier this year, the newly formed team took a $5,400 NRA Foundation grant and turned it into both state and national championship titles.

Two years ago Lake James Friends of NRA Committee Chairman Paul Deal and committee member Norris Higgons felt more needed to be done among youths to preserve the heritage of second amendment rights. “We wanted to do something to impact the local youth of our country,” said Deal, “and educate and inform others of their Second Amendment heritage.”

Together, Deal and Higgins reached out to several youth groups, but got no response. Their luck turned

around while holding a Friends of NRA committee meeting at the Morganton Skeet Range. In an effort to build fellowship, the range allowed committee members to shoot skeet after meetings. As it would happen, a man named John Clark invited Deal to shoot with him and his two sons.

“As I watched these two boys shoot, I was amazed not only at their ability to outshoot me,” said Deal, “but [also] to see a dad directly handing down one of the greatest heritages to his sons as a treasure, with care and deliberateness.”

The wheels started to turn, and before they knew it, the Morganton Clay Shooters was formed. But the program needed funding. They turned to the Lake James Friends of NRA and the NRA Foundation’s North Carolina

State Fund Committee for help.With the support and funding they

needed, the team was able to travel to Bostic, N.C., and participate in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) North Carolina State Trap Tournament. By the end of the tournament, the Morganton Clay Shooters had taken home first and second place in the Rookie division, as well as first place in the Intermediate and Junior Varsity divisions.

As a result of the team’s high scores at the state level, they qualified to compete in the SCTP National Championship in Sparta, Ill. The Morganton Intermediate Skeet Team placed first in the nation, the Rookie Skeet Team placed second in the nation, and the Rookie Trap Team finished fifth in the nation.

Since the NRA Foundation provided funds for the Morganton Skeet & Trap Range to purchase three shotguns for teaching and learning purposes, many youths and parents with no previous shooting experience now shoot on a weekly basis. The Skeet & Trap Range has seen significant growth in family memberships, up from 98 last year to 153 this year. Range revenues have also risen an astonishing 100% over the last year.

“The NRA grant program is helping a lot of kids reach their shooting dreams,” said John Clark, head coach of the Morganton Clay Shooters.

As Morganton Clay Shooters Coach Brian Burgess puts it, there is no doubt that the shooting sports are “alive and well in North Carolina!”

Apply for a grant for your local community today! Contact Grants Manager Sandy Elkin at (703) 267-0735 or e-mail [email protected].

Grant Spotlight

Morganton Clay ShootersMorganton, North Carolina

Eastern Region

National Champions Morganton Clay Shooters pose for their team photo. The Morganton Clay Shooters is currently made up of over 25 young men and women, ages 8-19, who actively compete in the sport of American Skeet and Trap.


No other time has the saying “mixing business with pleasure” been more accurate

than for the 14th Annual Northern Virginia Friends of NRA Banquet, which took place October 3, in Fairfax, Va., and welcomed 200 people to the event.

With NRA Headquarters in its backyard, it comes as no surprise that NRA’s dedicated employees made up over half of the banquet’s committee members. Employees’ special interest in helping plan the banquet had little to do with work though. It was about the opportunity to help generate money for a cause in which they truly believe.

Zeal wasn’t exclusive to committee members though. Enthusiasm spread to banquet participants from all over Northern Virginia. Individuals relished in a night of food, fun and fund raising.

“Attendees I talked to were excited not just because they may have won a silent auction item or raffle prize, but because we were all in that room for the same reason,” said Northern Virginia Friends of NRA Committee Co-Chair and NRA employee, Jeremy Greene, “to generate funds for The NRA Foundation, to help the shooting sports in our own state and to build on the shooting sports traditions.”

Nothing made attendees see and feel the differences being made by The NRA Foundation more than hearing Northern Virginia native and banquet guest speaker, Bridgette Torrise,

a 2008 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) attendee, speak about how the Foundation has positively affected her.

Although Torrise has lived close to the Washington D.C. area almost her entire life, it wasn’t until The NRA Foundation invited her to attend the Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expense paid educational trip to the heart of D.C., that she gained an eye-opening perspective on the American political process, history and specifically, the importance of protecting Americans’ right to bear arms.

Torrise spoke enthusiastically about the life-long friendships she made while attending Y.E.S., the exciting and interesting places she visited, and the experiences that gave her a greater appreciation and passion for the democratic process.

NRA Field Representative Bob Hipple led the evening’s activities, which included a silent and live auction—conducted by Auctioneer Frank E. Bolton—featuring a variety of NRA items, including the “Real Guns of Real Heroes” poster signed by the late Charlton Heston.

The banquet’s huge hit was the unique Lucky Seven Raffle, created by the committee members themselves. The specialty raffle featured unique prizes like a $500 gift certificate to Home Depot, a Nintendo Wii gaming system and the 2008 Friends of NRA gun of the year— a Weatherby Orion D’Italia O/U 12 gauge shotgun.

Greene said the committee hopes

to see the money raised from the event go to facilities that foster youth involvement in the shooting sports. “We had a great group of local boy scouts who volunteered at the event and were very interested in what we are doing,” said Greene. “And getting kids involved in the shooting sports can only be a huge benefit to all of us interested in preserving these traditions.”

Next year, the Northern Virginia Friends of NRA wants to increase community involvement and focus on getting more Northern Virginia locals to attend. “Many of the attendees come from NRA headquarters,” said Greene, “and this banquet should be about the surrounding communities in the Northern Virginia area as well. People can expect a fun evening full of prizes, raffles, games and a place to get together with people of the same views.”

To attend the next Friends of NRA event in Northern Virginia, contact NRA Field Representative Bob Hipple at (540) 631-0633 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Committee Spotlight

Northern Virginia Banquet: No Work and All PlayFairfax, Virginia

Top: Committee Member and NRA Merchandise Coordinator Brian Evans helps run the banquet raffles. Above: Boy Scouts from Troop 1519 assist in the shotgun shell game.

friends updaTe


How can only two volunteers plan a Friends of NRA banquet? Just ask Chairman

Bob Geisler and Treasurer DeWayne Kornman of the Loudoun County Friends of NRA banquet that was held on November 6 in Virginia. Not only did they plan the event, they produced the most successful Loudoun County banquet to date.

First time committee chairman Bob Geisler became involved with the committee when his organization, Loudoun County Izaak Walton League, was looking for a liaison for the local Friends of NRA. Geisler was told it would be a simple task—sit on the committee and help when needed. However, when Geisler attended the first meeting, Kornman and himself were the only volunteers. Geisler stepped up to the task of becoming

chairman despite never having planned an event or attending a Friends of NRA banquet before. He did not let those facts worry him. “I just pretty much did it,” Geisler said, “[Eastern Virginia Field Representative] Bob Hipple was really helpful and told me to focus on a few things.”

Those few key elements were setting up a banquet hall, caterer and selling tickets. When setting up the banquet hall and caterer, Geisler’s main concern was reducing

expenditures where previous year’s committees had spent too much. He was able to accomplish this by spending less than $500 on the banquet hall and negotiating a deal with the caterer.

The Izaak Walton League and the local Safari Club were both incredibly supportive by purchasing tables, making them the largest groups in attendance. In addition to selling tables to these organizations, Geisler had tickets available at a local gun shop, sent e-mails to NRA members and used flyers and word of mouth to boost ticket sales. In the future, Geisler hopes the committee can make tickets available on the Internet to make it more convenient for buyers.

At the banquet, Western Pennsylvania Senior Field Representative Tom Baldridge substituted for Bob Hipple and led a spectacular event. As soon as people walked into the event hall, they were enveloped with a captivating energy that filled the room. That credit can be given partially to Baldridge, but can also be given to the attendees who came to the event. They were quick to spend money and had a great time supporting the NRA Foundation. From start to finish, no one would find Geisler or Kornman without a smile on their face. Once the banquet and auctions were over, people stayed around to socialize and even volunteered to help out for next year’s banquet. If they have any reservations about helping plan a banquet for the first time, Geisler can say confidently to them, “Don’t worry, just work hard and you’ll be fine.”

To attend the next Friends of NRA event in Loudoun County, contact NRA Field Representative Bob Hipple at (540) 631-0633 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Volunteer Spotlight

Two Volunteers Overcome Obstacles to Hold BanquetLoudoun County, Virginia

Chairman Bob Geisler with attendee holding the Savage “Predator Hunter” .22-250 Bolt Action Rifle

Eastern Region


Trap shooting is a widely popular sport throughout Pennsylvania’s Warren County.

But only a short time ago, little opportunity existed in the county for youths to pursue their interest in the shooting sports. All of this changed in 2006, when committee members of the Warren County Friends of NRA supported an initiative for local gun clubs to implement youth trap shooting teams within the county’s high school system.

Today, the committee has aided in the establishment of the Warren County Scholastic Trap League, which is made up of seven high school trap shooting teams, including one in nearby Erie County. They are also responsible

for producing the number one junior trap shooting team in the nation.

Lenny Olsen, Chairman of the Warren County Friends of NRA, has been serving on the committee for 13 years and was ardent about starting the league. Olsen believes that instituting programs like the Scholastic Trap League is essential not only because it benefits many youths and the entire community, but because it also promotes the shooting sports to the youth who will carry on the tradition in the future.

The NRA Foundation State Fund Committee of Pennsylvania has given seven individual grants to league teams to alleviate gun, ammo, ear and eye protection, and clay target costs. Since

its formation, about 200 students have participated in the program.

This year, the top seven trap shooters in the league were selected to compete in the state and national trap shooting tournaments. Carl Black, Warren County’s coach and father to one of its members, took it upon himself to take the kids to the state and national tournaments. Olsen describes Black as one of the driving forces behind the team and their success.

With Black’s help, the team took home the first place trophy at nationals, sending a resounding validation to Warren County that their efforts are worth the results. Gold medal or not, the Warren County Friends of NRA greatly values what the implementation of the program has done for high school students and the county as a whole.

The NRA Foundation grant program has enabled Warren County to fund shooting programs for the last 14 years. This is only the second year for the scholastic shooting team, and the committee takes great pride in knowing they played a part in helping raise a portion of the funding the team needed to enable them to win multiple state championships and the national championship.

“Everyone loves it,” said Olsen. “Every year the number of students participating in the program has risen. I can see what the money does for the county, so we just keep working at it.”

A special thank you goes out to Coach Black for all the work he did and all the help he provided the national champs.

Get your committee involved with your local shooting teams by visiting www.friendsofnra.org to find your local NRA Field Representative.

Committee Spotlight

Warren County Scholastic Trap LeagueWarren County, Pennsylvania

Coach Carl Black and the 2008 Winning Warren County Scholastic Trap League


foundaTion news

EddiE EagLECelebrates His20th Birthday

Eddie Eagle celebrated his

20th birthday in style. His

amazing journey over the

past two decades has been a

remarkable flight. In his travels, Eddie

has reached over 21 million children

with his groundbreaking gun accident

prevention program.

The NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe®

Program has met with resounding

success across the country, and has

proven to be an accident prevention

plan that truly works. Since the

program’s creation in 1988, fatal

firearm accidents in the Eddie Eagle

age group (pre-K through third grade)

have decreased by more than 80%.

The NRA believes that programs like

Eddie Eagle are a significant factor in

that decline.

The program’s success is due to several factors including that the program was especially designed for young children through the combined efforts of qualified professionals, such as clinical psychologists, reading specialists, teachers, curriculum specialists, and law enforcement personnel.

Eddie’s four important safety steps are easily remembered by children: “If you see a gun, STOP! Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.”

The friendly character of Eddie Eagle facilitates a child’s learning experience and the safety message is further reinforced by the use of a fast-paced and colorfully animated DVD and fun-filled activity books.

Additionally, the Eddie Eagle


“Hot Shots” Cub Scout

Shooting Camp in New

York was the hot spot to be on

August 22-23. Eddie Eagle was on

the scene, teaching scouts about gun

safety and the four important steps to

take if they find a gun.

Children and parents alike could

be heard repeating the four steps,

“Stop! Don’t Touch. Leave the Area.

Tell an Adult,” throughout the

presentation. The program was one of

the first steps in teaching the scouts

about firearm safety before families

took part in the various camp activities

that day.

The “Hot Shots” Eddie Eagle presentation was held at Camp Woodland in Constantia, N.Y., through the Hiawatha-Seaway Council, BSA, and included participation from over 68 cub scouts and their parents. The

camp focuses on giving each scout expert instruction in safety and in the proper techniques to use to hone their shooting abilities and is geared toward effectively improving their hand-eye coordination and marksmanship.

The NRA Foundation’s New York State Fund Committee contributed the funds to implement the Eddie Eagle program throughout the state. Denise and David Simmons presented the Eddie Eagle program along with their 20-year-old granddaughter, Laura, who played Eddie Eagle. The production received overwhelming feedback and excellent reviews from both parents and children.

Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program is sure to make another appearance soon, and now, through funds raised at Friends of NRA events across the state and with contributions by the NRA Foundation’s New York State Fund Committee, children and parents from all over New York can expect to see a lot more of him in the future.

EddiE EagLE Comes to nEW YOrK

GunSafe® Program is easy to teach. Clear, simple-to-use instructor materials are provided to aid in program presentation and the time and location requirements for the program are extremely flexible.

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program does not teach gun handling, gun nomenclature, or gun use. It does not promote gun use or participation in any shooting sports, and the program makes no value judgments about whether guns are good or bad.

During his travels, Eddie has brought his life-saving message to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. But his far-reaching journey would not have been possible without the on-going support of thousands of law enforcement personnel, teachers, and volunteers who dedicated themselves to protecting children from gun accidents.

Financial support for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program has been provided over the years by NRA members, volunteers, civic leaders and elected officials, children’s safety advocates, and The NRA Foundation. Schools, daycare centers, hospitals, libraries, and law enforcement agencies may be eligible to receive free Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program workbooks, stickers, posters, videos, and instructor guides.

Eddie Eagle looks forward to spreading the word about gun safety for another 20 years, and with the help of dedicated individuals and organizations across the states, his message can continue to reach children for many years to come.

Bring Eddie Eagle to your community, call (800) 231-0752, send e-mail to [email protected], or visit its Web site at www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie.


GranTs in aCTion

A student’s education is far from over when they hit high school, and continuous academic

exploration is to everyone’s benefit. Somewhere between math word problems, dissecting frogs, and reading from British literature- the important subjects of civic duty and Second Amendment rights falls through the cracks. Fortunately, The NRA Foundation’s North Carolina State Fund Committee is committed to helping provide students with the opportunity to dig deeper into the subjects of social accountability, citizens’ rights and governmental procedures.

At the urging of Coastal Carolina Friends of NRA committee member Myron Cross, the State Fund Committee has given up to $21,000 a year to fund the North Carolina Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), a program modeled after the NRA Foundation’s National Youth Education Summit. Since its inception in 2004, up to 25 students from across North Carolina are chosen each year to participate in a four-day, all-expense paid trip to their state’s capital in Raleigh. The selected students participate in various

activities aimed at helping them develop a better understanding of their state and national constitutions as they relate to the Second Amendment. Additionally, they are given the rare opportunity to interact with their state government’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Students also explore activities in the shooting sports, visit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, engage in legislative and congressional candidate forums, as well as taking historical tours.

The trip isn’t all fun and games though— both the legislative and congressional candidate forums require each student to ask questions of the panelists, ranging from educational, political, and Second Amendment issues. Furthermore, while attending the state Y.E.S., students are competing to earn a fully-funded trip to the National Y.E.S. in Washington D.C. The lucky individual, exceptional enough to earn the title “Washington Scholar,” is flown to the nation’s capital where they have the opportunity to network with other outstanding high school sophomores and juniors from across the country and vie for over

$30,000 in academic scholarships.The North Carolina Y.E.S.

Washington Scholar for 2009 is Sarah May of Franlinton. Chaperones felt strongly that she would be an asset to the Washington Y.E.S. experience and May’s high grade point average and exceptional leadership skills made her a strong candidate for the position.

Myron Cross, along with his wife, is credited with helping start the North Carolina Y.E.S. program. Now, four years down the road, Cross says North Carolina gets more out of the Y.E.S. program than they give. “There was a multiplying effect,” said Cross. “The kids are amazing and it is a win-win situation for everyone.”

“We get letters from the kids and parents who say [Y.E.S.] was life-changing,” said Cross. Students’ lives aren’t the only ones affected. When the state’s Supreme Court justices meet Y.E.S. students, Cross said “[they] are in awe with what the NRA Foundation has done for these kids. The people in state government would see these kids and think, ‘you know, the anti-gun people aren’t doing anything like this for the kids’. It’s a big deal what we are doing.”

NorthCarolinaSays

YES!to Learning Outside the Classroom

Students in front of the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Apply for the 2009 North Carolina Y.E.S. program by contacting Field Representative Doug Merrill at (828) 628-0410 or via e-mail at [email protected].


foundaTion donors

NRA Foundation Thanks the Following Donors For Their Generosity and Continued Support

August 1, 2008 – October 31, 2008

InDIvIDUAl Donors

Gifts of $25,000+The Hal & Jean Glassen

Memorial FoundationMichigan

Mrs. Betty S. Mayes-PettyKansas

Mr. Wilson H. Phillips, Jr.Virginia

Gifts of $5,000 - $24,999Anonymous

Iowa Crimson Trace Corporation

OregonDavidson’s, Inc.

ArizonaDoug Turnbull Restoration, Inc.

New YorkFamily Shooting Centers, Inc.

PennsylvaniaMr. Douglas A. Hambach

WisconsinMr. Everett C. Hogg

PennsylvaniaR. K. Mellon Family Foundation

PennsylvaniaMr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Moorman

TexasNatchez Shooters Supply

TennesseePfeiffer Family Foundation

TexasWake County Wildlife Club

North CarolinaMr. Wayne H. Williams

California

Gifts of $1,000 - $4,999American Custom Gunmakers

GuildWyoming

Animal Care Clinic - Monadnock PLLCNew Hampshire

AnonymousCalifornia

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol ClubsNew Jersey

Auctionarms.com, Inc.California

Scott L. Bach, Esq.New Jersey

Black Hawk Rifle ClubNorth Carolina

Mr. and Mrs. David P. BookmanWest Virginia

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. CallanArizona

Mr. Alfred C. CaninoNew Jersey

The Michael & Beverly Carrick FoundationOhio

Mr. Anthony J. Chimblo, IIIConnecticut

Component Engineers, Inc.Connecticut

Mr. Phil M. Creasman, Jr.Arizona

Paul L. DaviesCalifornia

Jason and Melissa DevineNew Hampshire

Dillon Precision Products Corp., Inc.Arizona

H. R. and Sally GentschIllinois

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred G.H. GorlachNew Jersey

Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. GuarrielloPennsylvania

Keith and Connie HamiltonCalifornia

Mr. and Mrs. David HanesNevada

Mr. and Mrs. Ted HoganTexas

Sam HollomanTexas

James D. Julia Auctioneers, Inc.Maine

Mr. and Mrs. Leland C. JohnsonWashington

Kimmell Family FoundationOklahoma

Mrs. Vera KooCalifornia

Vernon K. Krieble Foundation, Inc.Colorado

The Robert M. Lee FoundationNevada

The Lehigh Valley Chapter Charitable FoundationPennsylvania

James F. McCosker, D.D.S.New York

Numrich Gun Parts CorporationNew York

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. PearsonAlaska

Mr. John D. PearsonMichigan

Mr. Fred N. SortwellColorado

Ms. Jill SosinArizona

Mr. & Mrs. Horton Spitzer, c/o Community Foundation of Jackson HoleWyoming

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. SproesserPennsylvania

Mr. and Mrs. Frederic O. VicikWashington

Mr. Christian VolfFlorida

The von Gontard Family FoundationMissouri

Widener’s Reloading & Shooting Supply, Inc.Tennessee

Gifts of $250 - $999Mr. Grant Adamson

CaliforniaDr. Dennis Afton

PennsylvaniaMr. Raymond G. Azevedo

CaliforniaWilliam D. Beamer, Esq.

FloridaDr. and Mrs. David E. Bennett, III

New MexicoMr. Joseph G. Breton

TexasMr. and Mrs. Brian W. Clements

PennsylvaniaMr. Neil Damron

AlabamaMr. David J. Easterla

CaliforniaMr. Albert Fisher

VirginiaGalco International

ArizonaMs. Helen A. Giese

California

AnonymousArizona

J & G Sales, Ltd.Arizona

Mr. Michael JacquemartCalifornia

Mr. Thomas J. KeimCalifornia

Mrs. Karen KollitidesConnecticut

Mr. Drew KovalVirginia

Macro Strategic Design, Inc.California

Mr. Daniel O. MaldonadoTexas

Mr. Daniel MassoFlorida

Mr. Donald C. MaxhamCalifornia

Mrs. Shirley MorrisVirginia

Mr. and Mrs. Lathan D. MurphyFlorida

AnonymousVirginia

Mr. George William NugentOhio

Mr. George F. PondTexas

Mr. and Mrs. David R. RochefortMassachusetts

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. RoyNew Hampshire

Mr. Bruce A. ShaughnessyOregon

Sierra Outlook ServicesCalifornia

Mr. and Mrs. Kirk D. SmithNorth Carolina

Mrs. Ruth E. SmithCalifornia

Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. SwearingenNew Mexico

Mr. William C Trimble, Jr.Maryland

Walnut Creek Rifle ClubPennsylvania

Mr. James F. WattCalifornia

Mr. Terrance R. WhitleyGeorgia

Mr. Justin WilletteMassachusetts

Mr. Shaun R. WillisChina

Woodul Charitable FundTexas

In honor oF gIFtsMr. Nathan Crim

Mr. and Mrs. Earl J. Greensweight

Bryon E. HaneyMr. Dennis B. Haney

The SoldiersMr. Alvaro A. Trabal

In MeMory oF gIFtsMSgt. Stanley E. Allaback, USAF

Mr. James R. SmithNorman Douglass Astin

Mr. Wesley G. BrownJon C. Cooke EnterprisesMr. and Mrs. David E. LovelessMs. Sherry R. Moore

Dave BlackwoodMr. Steven W. Jackson

Henry D. “Chub” BossMr. and Mrs. Roger Boss

Nelson R. Boss, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Roger Boss

Herbert CadleMr. and Mrs. Kelly Truitt

Joseph L. DeSayeMs. Randalei Ellis

Berton A. Dunn Ms. Dawn L. Swallick

James R. GaskillMs. Susan Bisio

Charles E. Gibson, Jr.Ms. Stacy L. Clement

Ryan T. GrowMr. Salvador PiazzaMs. Hazel P. Sinclair

Arthur HallMr. William T. CummingsMr. and Mrs. Wylie A. Dunn

Eric Alan HamiltonKeith and Connie Hamilton

Ronald R. HarrisMs. Mary Christopherson

Jerry HattoxMr. and Mrs. Gary M. SwearingenMs. Valerie Swearingen

Bill HilsendegerMs. Linda L. Peters

Emmett KnoxVeterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Robert E. Bottles Post

John T. Krug Jr.Amvets Riders Chapter 148Grismer Tire CompanyMr. and Mrs. Donald Parrott

Edwin A. Morris Sr.Mrs. Shirley Morris

Richard MorrisJames Cecil Auctioneers

Elmer G. OsborneMr. and Mrs. James L. Walters, Jr.

Jack C. OverdorffMr. and Mrs. Lyle Bickford

Michael PetroulyMr. and Mrs. Robert H. Schultz

Charles N. PirtleMr. Paul E. Rockhold

Charles R. PlaumanMr. Raymond H. Cochell

Lt. Col. Louis E. Roninger, U.S. Army (Ret.)Ms. M. Joane Orcutt

Stephen R. SchieckMr. Daniel Masso

Robert B. SmithMrs. Ruth E. Smith

Cecil Aubrey TannerMr. and Mrs. Frederick H. BanfellMr. C. F. BellMr. J. D. Brown and Ms. Nancy B. RazaitisMr. and Mrs. A. G. CondonMr. and Mrs. Ed JaegerMr. and Mrs. Michael D. MilesMr. and Mrs. William G. Robbins, USN (Ret.)Mr. and Mrs. William G. RogersMr. and Mrs. Russell Schroeder

George Norman TeutschMr. and Mrs. Lloyd A. Edwards

Lauren B. WahlquistMr. James H. Skaggs

Dr. Russell P. WebsterMr. and Mrs. James C. Johnson

Donald WiseMr. Charles W. Wise, III

Sam D. WootenMs. Delight Reisanuer

Thomas W. YowellMr. Jerry L. AdelmanMr. Brent Tidwell

estAtesEstate of Clifford C. Beroset

OhioEstate of John A. Brown

MichiganEstate of James L. Debrey

IllinoisEstate of R. Gary Forsberg

PennsylvaniaEstate of J. Andrew Foster

New YorkEstate of Orvis C. Hoffman III

PennsylvaniaEstate of Paul A. Krentar

New JerseyEstate of James R. Nicol

WashingtonEstate of Vernal C. Raines

West Virginia

In-kInD gIFtsMr. Freeman E. Alsop

VirginiaMr. Jay Andriot

VirginiaMr. Michael C. Avery

CaliforniaDr. Thomas Caceci

VirginiaMr. William Thomas Gennetti, Jr.

VirginiaMr. Donald L. Gettier

MarylandMr. Richard Hanson

New JerseyMr. Kevin Kettle

VirginiaMs. Edith Lauren

MarylandMr. Jan S. Nagrowski

New YorkMr. Mark Segraves

District of ColumbiaMr. Dennis Sherman

Michigan

Listed contributions do not necessarily reflect total giving for the year. We make every effort to ensure accuracy and completeness of donor names. If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact us at (800) 423-6894 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thank you.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDTHE NRA

FOUNDATION

The nra foundaTion

11250 Waples Mill RoadFairfax, VA 22030

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