Winchester Ammunition Named Friends of NRA TV Sponsor

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is proud to announce Winchester Ammunition as a new Sharpshooter Sponsor and exclusive ammunition sponsor for The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA television show.

“Winchester is a recognized leader in supporting our hunting and shooting sports heritage and partnering with the Friends of NRA demonstrates a strong commitment to our customers and the industry,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Friends of NRA airs Sundays at 10:00 PM EST on the Outdoor Channel. Hosted by retired Major League Baseball player Matt Duff and professional shooter Jessie Harrison, the show follows Matt and Jessie as they travel across the United States to explore the history and impact of Friends of NRA, the multi-million dollar grassroots fund-raising program.

“We are proud to welcome Winchester to our Friends of NRA family,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “The quality of their products will be demonstrated on Friends of NRA and will generate further interest in both their products and our program.”

Winchester Ammunition

About Winchester: Founded in 1866, Winchester is one of the world’s most widely recognized and respected brand names and is a major global supplier of sporting ammunition. Winchester prides itself on producing high-quality products and takes a leading role in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and shooting sports programs. See their website at http://www.winchester.com for additional information.

About Friends of NRA: The Friends of NRA television show follows Matt Duff and Jessie Harrison as they travel across the country experiencing the impact made by the NRA. Learn more by visiting their website at http://www.friendsofnra.tv. For sponsorship inquires, contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Benelli USA Named Friends of NRA TV Sponsor

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation is proud to announce its partnership with Benelli USA as a Sharpshooter Sponsor for the Friends of NRA TV show.

Presented by Brunton, Friends of NRA airs Sundays at 10:00 PM EST on the Outdoor Channel. Hosted by retired Major League Baseball player Matt Duff and professional shooter Jessie Harrison, the show follows the two as they travel across the United States to explore the history and impact of the multi-million dollar grassroots fund-raising program Friends of NRA.

“Since Benelli USA’s creation in 1997, we have profoundly appreciated the work and accomplishments of NRA,” said Jason Evans, Vice President of Sales at Benelli USA. “The protection of individual freedoms is a very important part of our corporate and personal duties; the best avenue to ensure these rights remain strong and unwavering is support of the Friends of NRA. They are an organization which will protect all Americans and their rights, now and into the future.”

Along with Sharpshooter Sponsor status, Benelli USA is also the exclusive shotgun sponsor of the Friends of NRA television show and manufacturer of the 2012 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year – an Ultra Light 12GA shotgun.

“We are proud to welcome the Benelli Ultra Light 12GA shotgun as the Friends of NRA Gun of the Year and excited to have Benelli USA as a member of the Friends of NRA family,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “The quality of their products will be demonstrated on Friends of NRA and will generate further interest in both their products and our program.”

Benelli USA

Benelli is renowned for its high quality shotguns, cutting-edge design, technology and manufacturing. With more than 120 models, their shotguns are used by military, law enforcement and civilians all over the world. See their website at http://www.benelliusa.com/ for additional information.

The Friends of NRA television show follows the adventures of Matt Duff and Jessie Harrison as they travel across the country to witness the impact of the NRA. Learn more by visiting their website at http://www.friendsofnra.tv. For sponsorship inquires, contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is proud to announce that MidwayUSA has donated $50,000 to become a Friends of NRA National Corporate Partner for the third consecutive year.

The donation will provide funding for NRA Foundation programs such as the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, Women on Target®.and the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program.

“By partnering with an organization like the NRA, Brenda and I are helping to protect the rights of all Americans,” said Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “Thanks to our customers, who love the NRA just as much as we do, our sponsorship is something we can do and something we should do. We are committed to doing what we can to help change the future.”

Midway USA

An industry leader in shooting and reloading supplies, MidwayUSA was founded in Columbia, Missouri back in 1977. Over the years, the company has developed a strong commitment to Friends of NRA and the shooting sports. Co-owner Brenda Potterfield, for example, previously served as Vice President of the NRA Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“The shooting and hunting industry has long supported Friends of NRA,” said John da Silva, National Manager of Events & Marketing for Friends of NRA. “Both Larry and Brenda Potterfield appreciate the significance of our mission and generously provide support through MidwayUSA at the local and national levels.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement and allocates 100% of their net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Learn more about Friends of NRA at www.friendsofnra.org. Contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org to find out how to become more involved.

For additional information on MidwayUSA, visit their website at www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce that Brunton Outdoor Group has agreed to serve as Title Sponsor of The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA television show for the second consecutive year.

Friends of NRA, hosted by retired Major League Baseball player Matt Duff and professional shooter Jessie Harrison, airs Sundays at 10:00 PM EST on the Outdoor Channel.

The show follows Matt and Jessie across the United States as they explore the history and impact of Friends of NRA, the multi-million dollar grassroots fund-raising program.

“Brunton is honored to sponsor and support this wonderful show,” said John Smithbaker, Brunton President and CEO. “Friends of NRA captures the essence of the American Spirit of independence, community and our ever so important 2nd Amendment Rights and heritage. Like the NRA, Brunton is not only a brand, but a collective of people from all walks of life pulling together to support our way of life.”

Brunton

“Brunton has been key in the development of Friends of NRA TV,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division.

“As Title Sponsor, they have led the way for us to produce a great television show exposing all of the amazing things Friends of NRA is doing for the shooting industry. We are proud to have Brunton as a partner.”

About Brunton: A renowned manufacturer of equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, the Brunton brand has been known for its quality, reliability and long life. Their expansive list of products includes binoculars, shooting scopes, tripods and more. See their website at http://www.bruntongroup.com for additional information.

About Friends of NRA: The Friends of NRA television show follows Matt Duff and Jessie Harrison as they travel across the country experiencing the impact made by the NRA. Learn more by visiting their website at http://www.friendsofnra.tv. For sponsorship inquires, contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org

Friends Of NRA Television Show Is Back For Season 2

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The second season of Outdoor Channel’s new hit Friends of NRA TV show debuts on Sunday, January 1 at 10:00 pm Eastern Time.

The show follows the adventures of champion shooter Jessie Harrison and retired baseball player Matt Duff as they delve into the inner workings of Friends of NRA, a multi-million dollar grassroots fundraising program.

During the ten episode season, Matt and Jessie will travel across the United States and explore the impact the Friends of NRA program and NRA Foundation grants have on local communities.

This season’s exciting journey begins in Las Vegas where Matt and Jessie meet the people who truly consider themselves Friends of NRA.

“The show will familiarize more people with Friends of NRA while showcasing the effects the money raised has on the shooting world,” said Kyle Weaver, Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “Matt and Jessie are great ambassadors for the Friends of NRA program.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program dedicated to raising money and fostering community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation more than 14,000 events have been held, reaching over 2.5 million attendees and raising over $180 million dollars for The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Visit the show’s website at www.friendsofnra.tv.

Learn more about Friends of NRA at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Win a Ruger M77 Hawkeye Rifle and a Hawke Panorama 3-9x40 Scope

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- In the spirit of the holidays, www.NRAhuntersrights.org is holding a very special DOUBLE gift giveaway well-suited for late season hunting conditions.

For the month of December we’re giving away a complete big-game hunting package featuring a Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle and a Hawke Panorama 3-9×40 scope.

Free to one lucky entrant, the combined value of this package is more than $1,000.

Marrying function with classic style, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye is chambered in 7mm-08 Rem.

It incorporates a 22-inch, high-luster blued barrel; four-round magazine; and upgraded American black walnut stock. Each stock comes with a checkered cut grip and wrap-around checkered fore-end. Other features include integral scope mounts, a three-position safety and the LC6 (“light-crisp”) trigger. Overall weight is just seven pounds; length is 42 inches.

Normally available only at Friends of NRA* events, this limited-edition rifle also features the NRA logo in 24k gold with the number 0NRA-0503 of 1125 on the floor plate.

Regular retail value of this rifle is $843. Learn more about Ruger’s fine line of firearms at www.ruger.com.

No hunting rifle is complete without a quality scope. The Panorama EV 3-9×40 is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof and comes with Hawke’s worldwide warranty. Other features include a red/blue illuminated 1/2 Mil Dot ballistic reticle; fully multi-coated optics for edge-to-edge clarity; 1/4 MOA finger tip turrets; all-weather zoom ring; and Hawke’s Extreme View (EV) optical system, which provides a 20 percent wider field of view over standard riflescopes. The scope normally retails for $189.99.

This scope is also fully compatible with Hawke’s free online Ballistic Reticle Calculator (BRC). For more information on Hawke’s full line of Panorama riflescopes, as well as the company’s other fine hunting and shooting optics, visit www.hawkeoptics.com.

To enter the December Gift Giveaway, simply visit www.nrahuntersrights.org, and scroll down to the yellow box, “TO ENTER GIFT GIVEAWAY” on the right. Just send an e-mail to the address provided and write “Gift Giveaway” in the subject line. No other information is needed. Entries will be accepted now through Dec. 31, and a winner will be announced Jan. 1 on www.NRAhuntersrights.org. (One entry person, please.)

For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

*Friends of NRA (www.friendsofnra.org) banquets boil down to one goal—fundraising for the future of the shooting sports. Since its inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has held over 13,500 events, reached over two million attendees and raised over $170 million for The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each year, The NRA Foundation allocates half of all net proceeds to fund projects within the state in which the money was raised and uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope.

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program is proud to announce that they have drawn 2.5 million attendees to their events and grossed more than $400 million since the program’s inception in 1992.

“Reaching these goals would not have been possible without all the hard work of everyone involved in Friends of NRA,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of Field Operations.

“The support we receive from our volunteers and attendees provides grants for thousands of recipients across the United States. We thank everyone who contributed, donated and volunteered their time these past 19 years and for helping make Friends of NRA into what it is today.”

Net proceeds from funds raised at Friends of NRA events are equally divided between local and national projects. Local monies are distributed by State Fund Committees based on grant applications while The NRA Foundation funds projects on a national scope.

“It is through the money raised by Friends of NRA that we have supported worthy projects including youth education, firearm training, range development, and conservation efforts across the country for nearly two decades,” said John DaSilva, National Manager of Events and Marketing.

“Protecting our shooting heritage and traditions for future generations is a goal we encourage everyone to support.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100 percent of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, a catalog and Internet retailer offering Just About Everything for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting, will celebrate their 34th Anniversary on Friday, June 17, with their employees.

On June 18, 1977, MidwayUSA first opened their doors under the name Ely Arms, Inc, operating from a small (1,536 square foot) metal building and serving mid-Missouri customers with new and used long guns, handguns and shooting and reloading supplies.

‘”Most people think founding the company was a great stroke of genius, but it wasn’t. Simply stated, the beginning of MidwayUSA was a little bit of dream and a lot of circumstance,” said Larry Potterfield, founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “I have always loved guns – shooting, reloading and gunsmithing are my hobbies – and we have been fortunate to find other like-minded folks to join us at MidwayUSA to serve our Customers.”

Brenda and Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA

MidwayUSA has experienced a significant amount of growth and change in thirty-four years. The first decade brought an entry into mail order, a name change to Midway Arms, Inc. and closure of the retail business to focus on mail order. The second decade saw a major product expansion, the launching of an international division and the establishment of the MidwayUSA name. The third decade saw continued steady growth and witnessed the creation of an award-winning website, the debut of a Master Catalog and the launch of the GunTec division. The last several years have brought a Missouri Quality Award, a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and an ISO 9001:2008 certification to MidwayUSA.

“Larry and I have always put our customers and the industry first,” said Brenda Potterfield, co-founder and vice president of Industry and Community Relations. “The employees at MidwayUSA are passionate about shooting and hunting – and that passion shines through to our Customers. Larry and I also believed that supporting the National Rifle Association and the Shooting Sports Industry was something we had to do.”

Both MidwayUSA and the Potterfield family have generously supported the NRA over the years, both in personal contributions and the start up of two important NRA Programs. The NRA Round-Up program was created by MidwayUSA in 1992 and has raised over six million dollars for the National Endowment for the Protection of the 2nd Amendment. The Friends of NRA (FNRA) program was also created by MidwayUSA in 1992 and several “friends of the company” from the local community. FNRA has generated millions of dollars for shooting programs all over the country.

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce its 2010 Friends of NRA Region and Area Volunteer of the Year Award winners.

Sponsored by Boyt Harness Company, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes those who have made an outstanding impact on the program at the local or regional levels.

Area Volunteers of the Year are recommended by their NRA Field Representative and evaluated by the number of banquet tickets sold, underwriting received, years of service and additional criteria. Recipients are awarded a “2010 Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year” jacket along with special recognition from their area Field Representative.

Region Volunteers of the Year were chosen from the pool of area volunteer award winners by a select committee of senior NRA staff. In addition to the 2010 Volunteer of the Year jackets, region award winners will be honored guests at the 2011 Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and receive special recognition during the National NRA Foundation Banquet on Thursday, April 28, 2011.

“This award stands as a tribute to your leadership, dedication and commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports and the Second Amendment that have advanced and will continue to expand the shooting sports in America,” wrote Wayne LaPierre in a letter awarded to Region Volunteers of the Year.

Boyt Harness Company, the world’s premier manufacturer of high quality gun cases, hunting accessories and specialty hunting clothing, is the official sponsor for the 2010 Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year Awards.

“The comfort and reliability of Boyt’s products provide great assistance to NRA members when they enjoy their Second Amendment rights,” said John Cardarelli, National Accounts Manager at Boyt. “Supporting Friends of NRA helps make sure that funds get to the national and local programs many of our customers take advantage of and is just one more way we can let outdoor enthusiasts know we have their best interests in mind.”

Below are the winners for the Friends of NRA Regions and Areas.

Region Volunteers of the Year:

• Eastern Region: North Carolina (Western): Vann Haigler, Monroe/Union County
• Central Region: Kentucky: Dennis Duke, Big Rivers
• Mid West Region: North Dakota and South Dakota: Jeff Jensen, Northern Oahe
• Southern Region: Texas (Western): Robin Dawson, Texas Panhandle
• Western Region: California (Southern) and Nevada (Southern): Ronnie Smith, East County

Area Volunteers of the Year:

Eastern Region:

• Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York (Lower) and Rhode Island: Louis Fico, Westchester County
• Delaware and Pennsylvania (Eastern): Robert Sproesser, Berks County
• Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York (Northern): Stephen Jeffrey, Northeast Kingdom
• Maryland and New Jersey: Anthony and Pilar Colandro, Essex County
• New York (Upper): Thomas Colavito, Putnam County
• North Carolina (Eastern): Beecher “Gus” Gray, Chapel Hill
• Pennsylvania (Western): Lew and Mary Ann Cramer, Somerset County
• Virginia (Eastern) and Washington, D.C.: David Clark, Danville/Pittsylvania
• Virginia (Western) and West Virginia: J. Steve Dibetta, Blennerhassett

Central Region:

• Illinois (Northern): Robert and Patricia Feuerborn, Fox Valley Area
• Illinois (Southern): Lyle Kruger, National Trail
• Indiana: Jason Franklin, Falls of the Ohio
• Michigan: Anthony “Tony” Costa, Oakland-Macomb
• Missouri: Gant Mitch, State Fair Area
• Ohio (Northern): Todd Figard, North East Ohio
• Ohio (Southern): Paul Long, Mid Ohio Valley
• Tennessee: Eddie Wilson, Memphis
• Wisconsin: John Perez, Racine/Kenosha Area

Mid West Region:

• Colorado: Rich Wyatt, Colorado State
• Iowa and Nebraska: Ray Hunt, Mid Nebraska
• Kansas: Marion Schumacher, Northwest Kansas
• Minnesota: Adam Ballard, Central Minnesota
• Montana: David and Marilyn Eider, Tobacco Valley
• New Mexico: Steve Jones, Estancia Valley
• Oklahoma: Travis Mann, Northwest Oklahoma
• Wyoming: Brent and Tracy Wilkes, Great Divide

Southern Region:

• Alabama: Eric Davidson, Mobile Co.
• Arkansas and Mississippi (Northern): Don Hill, Capital City
• Florida (Northern): Greg Williams, Panama City
• Florida (Southern): Charlie Amaral, West Pasco County
• Georgia: Martin Fox, Sumter Area
• Louisiana and Mississippi (Southern): Dan Calvert, Pelican State
• South Carolina: Beverly Bedenbaugh, Saluda County
• Texas (Northern): Tony Randall, Pineywoods
• Texas (Southern): John Griffin, Houston Metro

Western Region:

• Alaska: Rick Swenson, Homer
• Arizona: T’Hallalisa Jackson, Zane Grey
• California (Central): Barry Bauer, Fresno County
• California (North Eastern) and Nevada (Western): John Madden, Modesto and Reno/Sparks
• California (North Western): Lila Biggs, Lake
• Hawaii and Oregon: Dawn Horn, Hawaii
• Washington (Western): Dutch Jacoby, Skagit County

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation is proud to announce a newly-formed partnership with premier rifle and shotgun manufacturer Blaser USA.

Through this alliance, Blaser has generously donated ninety-five R93 Prestige Rifles for the Friends of NRA National Sponsor program.

“We are thrilled to receive Blaser’s donation for the National Sponsor program,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA Field Operations.

“The pairing of two organizations dedicated to the shooting sports will surely benefit each brand. As for the sponsors who purchase a rifle, they are receiving a high quality product while helping to fund our national and state shooting programs.”

The new Blaser-Friends of NRA sponsorship is available through every NRA Field Representative for a $5,000 tax-deductible* contribution. The R93 comes in three calibers (.25-06, .243 WIN, .300 WIN MAG) with Grade 3 Turkish Walnut wood, discreet arabesque engraving, scope mount and a synthetic hard case. Additional sponsor benefits include the 2011 sponsor sculpture, hat, and one-year subscription to The NRA Foundation’s Traditions magazine. Contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org for more information.

“Blaser USA places the passionate hunter at the forethought of every decision we make,” said Norbert Haussmann, President & CEO of Blaser USA. “By supporting Friends of NRA, our dedication and commitment to hunters now extends to helping fund an invaluable program that ensures our customers may continue to enjoy our products across the United States.”

Blaser USA

Blaser rifles developed their enviable reputation for accuracy by hammer-forging their barrels and chambers all at once. Using chamber specific tools, Blaser’s production staff creates the tight tolerances necessary for the utmost accuracy. Their focus on safety, reliability, huntability, and versatility makes the straight-pull bolt action R93 Prestige one of the most successful hunting rifle systems available. For more information about Blaser USA, visit their website at www.blaser-usa.com.

Friends of NRA raises money and fosters community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs.

Thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation, more than 13,000 events have been held, reaching over two million attendees. Learn more about Friends of NRA and view all 2011 sponsor levels at www.friendsofnra.org.

*The amount of the donation that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is the excess of the amount of the donation over the value of the goods and/or services provided to the donor.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation is pleased to announce Smith & Wesson as a major sponsor for their Friends of NRA television show as well as their banquets for 2011.

The television show, airing Sunday nights at 10:30 Eastern Time on the Outdoor Channel, follows former MLB player Matt Duff and professional shooter Jessie Abbate as they explore Friends of NRA grassroots fund-raising programs across the United States.

Their journey encompasses the entire shooting world as Matt and Jessie travel to NRA events and meet the people who truly consider themselves friends of the NRA.

“The NRA Foundation gladly welcomes Smith & Wesson as a sponsor for the Friends of NRA,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “Through their support, we will be able to allocate greater funds to shooting sports programs on the national and local levels.”

As a Sharpshooter Sponsor of the Friends of NRA television show, Smith & Wesson becomes the exclusive pistol sponsor for the show. And at the Friends of NRA banquets, Smith & Wesson’s Defender sponsorship level helps improve the grassroots support The NRA Foundation is able to provide shooting sports programs across the country.

“Smith & Wesson pistols are some of the most popular in the world and are frequently used for competition shooting, self defense and in service with both military and law enforcement,” said Paul Pluff, Director of Marketing at Smith & Wesson. “Through assisting in the sponsorship of Friends of NRA, we are proud to help Americans continue practicing their 2nd Amendment rights.”

Smith & Wesson Corporation, headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, is the largest manufacturer of handguns in the United States. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson produces some of the most popular firearms in the world that are applied for safety, security, protection and sporting purposes by organizations and individuals everywhere. For more about Smith & Wesson, visit their website at http://www.smith-wesson.com/.

Friends of NRA raises money and fosters community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs. Thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation, more than 12,000 events have been held, reaching over two million attendees. Learn about Friends of NRA on their website at www.friendsofnra.org and their television show at http://www.friendsofnra.tv.

For sponsorship inquiries contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation is proud to announce its partnership with Hunter’s Specialties, who has agreed to become a sponsor of both the banquets and television show of the Friends of NRA program.

The television show, which airs Sundays at 10:30 PM EST on the Outdoor Channel, features former MLB player, and personality on the Outdoor Channel’s Buck Commander series, Matt Duff and professional shooter Jessie Abbate as they travel across the United States to explore the history and impact of the Friends of NRA grassroots fund-raising program.

Their journey encompasses the entire shooting world as Matt and Jessie track where donations from Friends of NRA banquets go and meet the people who truly consider themselves Friends of NRA.

“We are proud to welcome Hunter’s Specialties as a member of the Patriot Nation,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division.

“The quality of their products will be demonstrated by our hosts, Matt and Jessie, as they explore the shooting world and generate further interest in both their products and our program.”

Hunter's Specialties

Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories with a catalogue of over 900 products. From camouflage make-up and turkey calls to scent elimination gear, Hunter’s Specialties has been producing quality products since 1977 and takes pride in living by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen.”

As a Sharpshooter Sponsor for the television show, Hunter’s Specialties will act as the exclusive sponsor for featured field and hunting accessories. For Friends of NRA banquets, Hunter’s Specialties’ Defender sponsorship level elevates the grassroots support of The NRA Foundation to a scale that benefits the shooting sports nationwide.

“Hunter’s Specialties have long been supporters of the NRA and many of their members are also our customers,” said David Forbes, co-owner of Hunter’s Specialties.

“Becoming a sponsor of the Friends of NRA allows us to not only become involved with a great television program, but help raise money that will directly benefit the people who use our products out in the field.”

Friends of NRA raises money and fosters community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation more than 12,000 events have been held, reaching over two million attendees. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Visit Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com.

Learn more about Friends of NRA on their website at www.friendsofnra.org and their television show at www.friendsofnra.tv.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation announces ARGO, manufacturer of lightweight amphibious vehicles and innovative off-road platforms, has signed on to sponsor the Friends of NRA program’s banquets in 2011.

Since 1967, ARGO has brought been known for their world-class all-terrain vehicles bringing people into the great outdoors.

Their popular ARGO ATV is a reliable off-road vehicle capable of handling some of the toughest terrain in the world. Thanks to their extensive experience, ARGO’s products meet the needs of commercial, private and recreational use across the globe.

“As a manufacturer of extreme terrain vehicles used by a growing number of outdoors sportsmen, including many NRA members, Argo USA supports Friends of NRA in promoting safe sports shooting for the enjoyment of all Americans,” said Kevin Rooney, Vice President of Marketing at ARGO.

Friends of NRA raises money and fosters community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation more than 12,000 events have been held, reaching over two million attendees. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

“The NRA Foundation welcomes ARGO into the ever-growing Patriot Nation and appreciates ARGO’s expanding role as a friend of the NRA,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “Members of the shooting sports community will see improvements on both the national and local levels with the addition of ARGO’s support.”

In addition to helping elevate the grassroots support of The NRA Foundation, ARGO’s Defender sponsorship level at Friends of NRA banquets will bring their extensive line of products into the hands of NRA members throughout the United States.

For more information about ARGO, visit their website at http://www.argoatv.com/.

Learn more about Friends of NRA on their website at www.friendsofnra.org and their television show at http://www.friendsofnra.tv.

NRA on AmmoLand QR Code

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The February 14 deadline to apply to the National Rifle Association’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) is approaching. High school sophomores and juniors are invited to participate in the expenses-paid educational summit in Washington D.C., from June 20-26, 2011.

Forty-five outstanding students will be chosen from across the United States to travel to the nation’s capital and participate in the weeklong educational opportunity. The summit encourages young adults to become active and knowledgeable U.S. citizens by learning about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the federal government and the importance of being active in civic affairs.

Activities on this year’s schedule include:

• Guest speakers at NRA Headquarters and the National Firearms Museum
• Competitive debates with other high school students from across the nation
• Informative tours at historic sites and monuments in and around Washington, D.C.
• Meeting national leaders from Capitol Hill and around Washington, D.C.

“The NRA Youth Education Summit is a great experience that you should definitely attend. You’ll get to do all kinds of fun stuff like touring Washington D.C., visiting the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, hanging out with some amazing kids, plus just learning a bunch about our government and current events,” said past participant Luke Macfarlan.

In addition to the week in Washington D.C., Y.E.S. participants compete for $30,000 in college scholarships. The first round of awards totals $10,000 and is given at the conclusion of the Y.E.S. program. A second round of scholarships is comprised of $20,000 and involves a second application, available to the participants after they go through the Y.E.S. program.

Since the program’s inception in 1996, more than $250,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Entry into the program requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, three-page essay on the Second Amendment, one-page personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Interested students should have their application post-marked no later than February 14, 2011.

For additional information on the 2011 Youth Education Summit and how to apply, please visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes, or call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1342.

Barrett Firearms

Mike Webb said Barrett was the largest single financial supporter, with well over $30,000 contributed.” What made the Barrett gift so interesting, besides the amount of money raised, was that it was done in a unique manner,” observed Webb.

”Ronnie donated 24 tours to his manufacturing plant for a minimum donation of $1,000 each to the NRA Friends chapters, and then gave us a Barrett Model 98B rifle with a retail value of approximately $5,000.” “This past year was a record one for our Friends of the NRA across the state,.” added Webb.

“”We netted $362,000 to promote programs on behalf of the Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Junior ROTC and many others.”

“The Barrett tours and rifle donation pushed our fundraising to an all-time high.” Webb said. “NRA members from Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and other parts of the state were amazed after taking the Barrett plant tours.”

Their comments included: ”This made my bucket list. It was absolutely awesome to see how the Barrett rifles are made. This tour was one of my highlights for the year, worth every dollar.”

Ronnie Barrett, the company founder and CEO, who is also on the NRA Board of Directors, said the idea for doing tours came about because of the great interest.

”We get telephone calls almost every day asking if we do public tours.”

The calls come from throughout the state and all over the country. Some people will say that they’re planning a trip to Tennessee and would like to visit us.

Because we are a closed shop with high security and production schedules to meet, it is just not conducive for public tours, so our answer has to be no. But because there is so much interest, we hit upon the idea of doing a few selective tours to benefit the NRA Friends and also some other charities that are important to us. Altogether, our company provided over $50,000 in 2010 to different charities through the tours.h

Each of the winning bidders from the Friends of the NRA tours had his or her name entered into a drawing for a Barrett Model 98B rifle.

Joe Dement from near Jackson, TN, was the winner whose name was drawn by Barrett during a ceremony at The Outpost Armory in Murfreesboro, a retail gun store owned by his daughter and son, Angela and Chris Barrett.

Webb also presented Barrett with a plaque for his contributions and commitment to the Tennessee Friends of the NRA as a 2010 statewide donor.

Barrett Firearms will be adding a unique twist to the tour fundraising project this year. Each Friends chapter will get a tour donated, but there is more.

According to Barrett, each of the winning bidders will be eligible to win a Model 82A1 .50-caliber rifle through a drawing in December. The winner will be allowed to visit the Barrett factory to participate in manufacturing his or her own rifle and to select a personalized serial number for it.

Webb said, ”This is incredible. We have the possibility of collectively earning up to $60,000 or more for our Friends chapters through the tours. And, the winner can honestly say that he or she helped to make a Barrett rifle and even chose its serial number.”

About:
Barrett is a family-owned and operated company specializing in high performance rifle systems and accessories. Barrett manufactures rifles, ammunition, optics, and other related accessories for civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and over 63 foreign allied militaries worldwide. For more information, go to barrett.net.

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news continues to cover break gun rights news with a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to NRA-ILA Indiana State Liaison Ashley Varner – NRA News – about the great new gun bills introduced in the Indiana Legislature.

Read More on these topics:

• Indiana Proposes Moratorium on Sporting Enclosures
• Multiple Pro Gun Bills in the Coming Indiana Legislative Session
• Indiana State Senator Jim Tomes (R-49) In The NRA-ILA Spotlight

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va.--(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, led by CEO Larry Potterfield, has become a Friends of NRA 2011 National Corporate Sponsor for a second consecutive year with a donation of $50,000.

The pledge will be used to provide funding for NRA Foundation programs dedicated to youth and women’s shooting sports, range development and law enforcement such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program, Refuse to be a Victim® and Women on Target®.

MidwayUSA is an industry leader in shooting and reloading supplies. Founded in Columbia, Missouri, in 1977, MidwayUSA has fostered a strong commitment to Friends of NRA and the shooting sports over the years. Brenda Potterfield, co-owner and wife of Larry, has previously served as the Vice President of the NRA Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

“Since the beginning of the program, the shooting and hunting industry has been a key source of financial support in achieving fundraising goals,” said John da Silva, National Manager of Events & Marketing for Friends of NRA. “Both Larry and Brenda Potterfield, along with their business, MidwayUSA, understood the significance of our mission and have generously contributed financial support at the local and national level for the Friends of NRA program.”

Larry Potterfield was integral in the creation of Friends of NRA. The first chapter, founded in 1992 in Columbia, Missouri, held its banquet in the MidwayUSA headquarters. After nearly two decades, Friends of NRA has expanded to over 12,000 events held across the United States.

“This new corporate sponsorship program was established in 2010 with MidwayUSA being the first to contribute $50,000. We are grateful for MidwayUSA’s continued support in 2011 and look forward to expanding the opportunities with other industry leaders in the near future,” said da Silva.

“Everyone knows that Friends of NRA has been a tremendous financial success for NRA and the shooting sports programs in the states,” said Potterfield. “But often overlooked is the grassroots networking value it brings to NRA members and the NRA organization. At every event you get to see and talk with ‘Friends of NRA.’”

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Visit the MidwayUSA website at www.midwayusa.com. For more information you can contact customerservice@midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

Friends Of NRA Television Show Debuts January 2 2011

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation will premiere a television show focusing on its Friends of NRA program Sunday, January 2, at 10:30 PM EST on the Outdoor Channel.

Professional shooter Jessie Abbate is joined by former MLB player, and current personality on Outdoor Channel’s Buck Commander, Matt Duff to host the long anticipated NRA project.

The ten episode season will feature Matt and Jessie traveling across the United States to explore the history and impact of the Friends of NRA grassroots fund-raising program. The journey begins at the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings and soon encompasses the entire shooting world as Matt and Jessie track where donations from Friends of NRA banquets go and meet the people who truly consider themselves Friends of NRA.

“The idea behind doing this type of show is that hopefully it will get more people interested in finding out about our program and eventually prompt more people to get involved,” said Kyle Weaver, Director of NRA’s Field Operations Division. “Matt and Jessie are going to give us a great face for the Friends of NRA program.”

The Friends of NRA television show is presented by Brunton, a renowned producer of equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. Brunton’s expansive list of products includes binoculars, shooting scopes, monoculars, rifle scopes and tripods all of which are known for their innovative qualities, reliability and long life.

“I was there when Friends of NRA held its first banquet in Missouri,” said John Smith Baker, Brunton President and CEO, “and I am just as excited today as I was back then. Brunton is thrilled to be one of the first to embark on such an exciting new adventure with the Friends of NRA program. The show is going to be a hit and we’re glad to be in the front and center of it all.”

Friends of NRA raises money and fosters community involvement for shooting programs across the country. One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised at Friends of NRA events go to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since its creation more than 12,000 events have been held, reaching over two million attendees. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

• Visit the show’s website at http://outdoorchannel.com/Shows/FriendsOfNRA.aspx.
• Learn more about Friends of NRA on their website at www.friendsofnra.org.

Winchester 1300 Pump Action 12 GA Shotgun

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va.—-(Ammoland.com)- Kevan Larsen of Thayne, Wyoming, won a Winchester 1300 Pump Action 12 GA Shotgun for participating in the Friends of NRA National Survey, where attendees of Friends of NRA banquets provide feedback about their experience.

Larsen’s name was drawn from the more than 600 people who submitted surveys this past year.

Implemented six years ago, the information provided in the survey allows the Friends of NRA program insight as to how staff can improve events and better cater to communities in the future. Friends of NRA banquets support community services such as firearm education, hunter safety, wildlife conservation, range improvements, youth marksmanship, and law enforcement, among others.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs.  Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Over the course of its history, over 12,000 events have been held which have reached over two million attendees.  Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Larsen has been a Friends of NRA volunteer for years and has always felt the need to pass the torch of shooting traditions to generations to come.

“I was attracted to Friends of NRA because of the undergirding core constitutional beliefs that are so strong in me,” said Larsen.  “Year after year it was enjoyable since many local folks really care about similar things and it was so fun to work with great people on the committees.  I also feel a driving urgency to pass on these beliefs, plus the respect for conservation and the outdoors, and gun safety to upcoming generations.”

For additional information on the 2010 Friends of NRA Survey please call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1354. You may also visit www.friendsofnra.org/events to locate an event or banquet in your area.

Friends of NRA 2011 Gun of the Year

Friends of NRA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Thanks to collaboration with Colt and Baron’s Engraving, Friends of NRA is pleased to announce the 2011 Gun of the Year: a custom made Colt 1911 that honors the firearm’s 100 years of service in the United States Armed Forces and will be a great addition to any firearm enthusiast’s collection.

Following its success in trials, the Colt pistol was formally adopted by the Army in the year 1911, thus gaining its designation as the Colt Model 1911. Later adopted by both the Navy and Marine Corps in 1913, the high-demand for the pistol during both World Wars undoubtedly led to its universal popularity today.

The Colt 1991TM Series is a direct descendant of the original 1911A1 and after more than nine decades many consider it the standard which has often been imitated, but never duplicated. The pistol dually serves as both a staple of the military and as an iconic symbol for it. After two years in development and in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the 1911 model, the combined efforts of Friends of NRA, Colt Manufacturing and Baron’s Engraving bring you the exclusive 2011 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year – A unique Colt Model 01991Z Government .45ACP with commemorative engraving illustrating every major war in which the Colt prevailed.

“It was an honor working with two respected, American owned companies to develop this exclusive pistol for Friends of NRA events,” said John DaSilva, National Manager of Events and Marketing.

“We know our volunteers are very excited and pleased with the opportunity to feature the Colt 1911 pistol at fundraising events beginning in 2011.”

The 2011 Gun of the Year is custom made with a 24 karat gold plated barrel bushing and screws on the grip panels and ornate embellished slides. The serpentine Colt logo and “2011 Gun of the Year” text is featured in a 24 karat selective gold fill on the right side of the firearm’s slide with sculpted roll engraving boasting a scrolling banner with the phrase “Military U.S. Standard” alongside the names of every major war it participated in. The left side slide features the rampant Colt horse and “Colt 1911 100 Years” embellished in 24kt gold fill and sculpted roll engraving showcasing four military vehicles used by the U.S. throughout wartime.

Offered only at your local Friends of NRA events, each pistol has a 5” barrel, carbon steel polished blued finish, 7+1 capacity, standard grip safety, spur hammer and custom rosewood grips with an NRA medallion recessed on both panels. Every specially produced Colt commemorative pistol in this limited edition is individually serialized in sequential order from “1911NRA0000” through “1911NRA1150.” Each is encased in a Colt Blue Custom Shop box with white sleeve and can be added to your existing Colt collection.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100 percent of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Over the course of its history, over 12,000 events have been held which have reached over two million attendees. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Friends of NRA 2011 Gun of the Year

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact National Manager of Events and Marketing John DaSilva at (703) 267-1356 or jdasilva@nrahq.org.

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Clark, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Renowned author, economist, and Fox News Contributor John Lott is scheduled to be keynote speaker at the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC).

The combined Annual Meeting Banquet and Friends of NRA Dinner & Auction on Saturday, October 23 starting at 6:00 p.m. ANJRPC is the official NRA State Affiliate in New Jersey (www.anjrpc.org).

Autographed copies of the newly-released third edition of Lott’s famous book, More Guns, Less Crime, will be available for purchase at the banquet.

This ground-breaking book provides compelling evidence linking implementation of “shall-issue” right-to-carry laws to a reduction in violent crime rates. Lott also recently authored The Bias Against Guns: Why Almost Everything You’ve Heard About Gun Control is Wrong.

The festivities are guaranteed to be lively as Lott shares his unique analysis of gun rights issues and statistics. The auction portion of the banquet will feature one-of-a-kind NRA-branded collectible merchandise, and half the proceeds will be donated back to New Jersey shooters by the NRA Foundation.

John R. Lott, Jr.

Banquet seating ($50 per ticket) is open to the public on a first come, first-served basis. Prepay for a ticket to ensure that seats are still available and that the event is not sold out (contact Lisa Caso at lisa@casosguns.com or 201-424-5536).

The event will be held at the Gran Centurions, 440 Madison Hill Road, Clark, NJ 07066 (732-382-1664) http://www.thegrancenturions.com/gcdirections.html

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- The Central Adirondack Friends of NRA committee in Hoffmeister, New York, are the winners of a Friends of NRA Facebook contest.

Held with the intention of getting more volunteers and supporters involved with Friends of NRA on social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, the contest saw nearly 70 Friends of NRA committees participate.

“Utilizing social networks is a great way to quickly and easily coordinate events,” said Jeremy Greene, Event Services Manager.

“With contests like this, Friends of NRA hopes to introduce its supporters to the advantages of these services.”

The rules of the contest were simple: “Like” the Friends of NRA Facebook Fan Page and make a post stating which committee you belong to. At the end of the week, the committee with the most posts would be declared the winner.

For having the most posts, the Central Adirondack Friends of NRA received a Special Edition Dick Kirby Turkey Call, 1 of 250, to auction off at their upcoming banquet. Committee member Paul Shaw was the critical element in its win, mobilizing friends and supporters to participate.

“He is such a motivated volunteer, the spark plug of the committee,” said Jay Rusnock, NRA Field Representative for Upper New York. “If anyone could win this competition it would be him.”

Shaw is no stranger to making his committee run smoother with technology.

“When we started the committee in 2004 we were sending out invitations by mail. We realized we were wasting a lot of money and time so we started collecting names and utilizing a database,” he said. “We use the Internet and emails to get our word out and we’ve been very successful. You have to seize the power of the Internet.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Central Adirondack’s Friends of NRA banquet will take place September 18, 2010, at the Morehouse Recreation Center in Hoffmeister, New York at 5:30 PM. For more information contact Dave Knapp at (518) 548-8550 or dbkpiseco@yahoo.com.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Henry Big Boy .45 Cal Rifle

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, VA – -(Ammoland.com)- A historical first took place on June 4, 2010, when a Friends of NRA event was held at the Henry Repeating Arms manufacturing facility in Bayonne, New Jersey.

In addition to opening his facility to Friends of NRA, Anthony Imperato, owner and president of the family-owned Henry Repeating Arms, made numerous donations to the program. Keynote speaker Cam Edwards of NRA News was one of the many highlights of the evening. Escorted by a camera crew, Cam and his company filmed the special events during the banquet and secured several interviews with those who were in attendance.

The fun filled event featured both silent and live auctions, as well as raffles and games. Attendees were treated to watching a Henry Big Boy .45 cal rifle be assembled while Henry employees described the precision process. Once completed, the Limited Edition One of One firearm was then donated to the event and was sold in the live auction.

In recognition of hosting this amazing event as well as the Henry family tradition of supporting the shooting sports, Friends of NRA presented a special one of a kind Henry rifle by Baron Engraving to Henry Repeating Arms.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, VA –-(Ammoland.com)- The 2nd Annual Friends of NRA Volunteers of the Year Award recognizes those volunteers who have made an outstanding impact on the program at the local or regional levels during the previous year.

There are many who contribute their time to Friends of NRA banquets each year, but those who lend exceptional help deserve recognition. This program by Friends of NRA is designed to let these dedicated and loyal volunteers know their efforts do not go unseen and are deeply appreciated.

Area Volunteers of the Year are individuals acknowledged for their hard work and accomplishments that enhanced the success of banquets over the past year. They are recommended by their area field representative and chosen by a select committee of senior NRA staff, who evaluates criteria such as banquet tickets sold, sponsorships sold, pre-event raffle dollars, and underwriting they received during the previous year, as well as years of volunteer work and positions held during their service. Recipients of the award were given a sharp “2009 Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year” leather jacket to further display their support for the NRA along with special recognition from their area field representative.

Region Volunteers of the Year are chosen from those already selected as Area Volunteers by senior NRA staff. They make a tremendous impact in the Friends of NRA program not only locally, but also throughout the entire region they volunteer. Each Regional Volunteer will be honored as a guest to the 2010 Annual Meetings in Charlotte, N.C. and recognized at the National NRA Foundation Banquet, which takes place Thursday, May 13th.

“This award stands as a tribute to your leadership, dedication and commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports and the Second Amendment that have advanced and will continue to expand the shooting sports in America,” wrote Wayne LaPierre in a letter awarded to Region Volunteers of the Year.

Below is the list of winners for the Friends of NRA Regions and Areas.

Region Volunteers of the Year:

• Eastern Region: Maryland: Randy and Suzanne Lewis, Washington Co.
• Central Region: Tennessee: Tracy Hightower, Kentucky Lake
• Mid West Region: Oklahoma: Ron Tarrant, Southeastern Oklahoma
• Southern Region: Florida (Southern): John and Jean Gettle, South Bay
• Western Region: Alaska: Denny Hamann, Alaska State

Area Volunteers of the Year:

Eastern Region:

• Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York (Lower) and Rhode Island: Ron Borgio, Pioneer Valley
• Delaware and Pennsylvania (Eastern): Kee Bubbenmoyer, Lehigh Valley
• Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York (Northern): Stan Grover, Central Maine
• New York (Upper): Thomas Kelly, Chautauqua County
• North Carolina (Eastern): Mac Watson, Southeastern
• North Carolina (Western): Sam Summey, Western North Carolina
• Pennsylvania (Western): Dale Emerick, Pennsylvania’s First
• Virginia (Eastern) and Washington, D.C.: Chris Fauver, Frederick County
• Virginia (Western) and West Virginia: Gary Taylor, Wytheville

Central Region:

• Illinois (Northern): Tony and Christina Cira, East Central Illinois
• Illinois (Southern): Jeff Hargaugh, Central Illinois
• Indiana: Brad Landwerlen, Shelbyville County
• Kentucky: Scott Smith, Big Rivers
• Michigan: Bruce Bayles, Lenawee County
• Missouri: Greg Stephens, Current River Area
• Ohio (Northern): Darrin Verhoff, Lima Area
• Ohio (Southern): Karen Unfried, Miami Valley
• Wisconsin: Arnold “Bud” Larson, Indianhead

Mid West Region:

• Colorado: Gwen Chermak, Colorado
• Iowa and Nebraska: Jerry McKnight, Sioux Land
• Kansas: Leon Schumacher, Northwest Kansas
• Minnesota: Allen Moy, Wright County
• Montana: Colette Wilburn, Dawson
• New Mexico: William and Rhonda Van Dran, Grant County
• North Dakota and South Dakota: Arnie and Lori Goldade, Northeast
• Wyoming: Rick Rothleutner, Weston County

Southern Region:

• Alabama: Reece Stewart, Northwest Alabama
• Arkansas and Mississippi (Northern): David Joyner, Northwest Arkansas
• Florida (Northern): Laura Watson, First Coast and St. Augustine
• Georgia: Jeremie Wallace, Valdosta Area
• Louisiana and Mississippi (Southern): Chester “Bud” Carpenter, Cenla
• South Carolina: Faye Stoudemire, Mid-Carolina
• Texas (Northern): Tony Randall, Pineywoods
• Texas (Southern): Darrell and Sandra Hester, Mid-Coast
• Texas (Western): Gary Graham, North Plains

Western Region:

• Arizona: Guy Garlinghouse, Catalina Mountains and Cobre Valley
• California (Central): Tim and Karen Benedix, King City
• California (North Eastern) and Nevada (Western): April Diaz, Gold Country
• California (North Western): Mike Schrader, San Mateo
• California (Southern) and Nevada (Southern): Warren Weir, West Valley and Mountain Communities
• Hawaii and Oregon: Gary Winlund, Astoria
• Washington (Western): Dutch Jacoby, Skagit County

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org.

Kimber Marias Shotguns

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, VA –-(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program has announced that the final Kimber Marias, donated by Kimber Manufacturing in 2008, has been sold. Available through the Friends of NRA sponsor program, the shotguns have raised in excess of $700,000 for the shooting sports.

“We could not be more pleased with the success of the Kimber donation and sponsor program,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of NRA Field Operations.

“A contribution of this size and value from an industry leader like Kimber not only generates a tremendous amount of money, but helps further the Friends of NRA brand. Kimber is one of our strongest supporters and we are thankful for the relationship that has developed over the last ten years.”

Kimber’s donation of over $600,000 in firearms to the NRA Foundation was one of the largest received in its history. The firearms were split up to be used by both The NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA program to raise money for protecting the future of the shooting sports.

“Kimber appreciates the critical importance of The NRA foundation and we are very proud to play a vital supportive role in its work. The Kimber team is tireless in its dedication to producing the highest quality firearms on the market,” said Leslie Edelman, Kimber’s CEO.

“It’s gratifying to know that these efforts are recognized by NRA donors in the form of very generous fundraising results.”

Over 90 Kimber Marias shotguns were given to Friends of NRA. Classic in every way, the shotguns represent the finest craftsmanship available on an over & under shotgun. Kimber Marias are true sidelocks, which makes them very rare and a sure bet to spark interest in firearm collectors.

“This donation is significant to the longevity of our program,” said John DaSilva, National Manager of Events and Marketing for NRA Field Operations. “With a committed group of Friends of NRA Sponsors, Volunteers and companies like Kimber, who share our passion for freedom, Friends of NRA is leading the way in ensuring that every generation will be able to enjoy the shooting sports.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- MidwayUSA and its CEO, Larry Potterfield, have pledged $50,000 to become a Friends of NRA 2010 National Corporate Sponsor.

The donation will be used to provide funding for NRA Foundation programs dedicated to youth and women’s shooting sports, range development and law enforcement such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, Refuse to be a Victim and Women on Target.

MidwayUSA is a world leader in shooting and reloading supplies which it sells online and through mail-order catalogues. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, they have maintained their strong commitment to Friends of NRA and the shooting sports over the years. Brenda Potterfield, co-owner and wife of Larry, has previously served as the Vice President of the NRA Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Larry Potterfield was instrumental in the startup of Friends of NRA with the founding of the first chapter in Columbia, Missouri, in 1992. Since then, Friends of NRA has expanded to hold over 12,000 events. The original chapter still holds its monthly meetings at the MidwayUSA building.

“Since the beginning of the program, the shooting and hunting industry has been a key source of financial support in achieving fundraising goals,” said John da Silva, National Manager of Events & Marketing for Friends of NRA. “Both Larry and Brenda Potterfield, along with their business, MidwayUSA, understood the significance of our mission and have generously contributed financial support at the local and national level for the Friends of NRA program.

“This new corporate sponsorship commitment has established a standard [for the program]. We are very grateful for this $50,000 annual contribution and look forward to Midway and other corporations financial support of the Friends of NRA program and The NRA Foundation,” said da Silva.

“Everyone knows that Friends of NRA has been a tremendous financial success for NRA and the shooting sports programs in the states,” said Potterfield. “But often overlooked is the grassroots networking value it brings to NRA members and the NRA organization. At every event you get to see and talk with ‘Friends of NRA’.”

In addition to helping establish Friends of NRA, MidwayUSA has asked customers to round up the total of each order and donate the change to the NRA/ILA since 1992. The Potterfields have also created several educational endowments in the NRA.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Visit the MidwayUSA website at www.midwayusa.com. For more information you can contact customerservice@midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program announced it has raised over $41 million during the 2009 banquet season. These monies produced over $18 million net dollars for local and national grant purposes. Both of these accomplishments are records for Friends of NRA.

On November 13, the Colorado State Friends of NRA banquet raised approximately $105,000 in net income, which helped push the program over the $18 million mark. Eight other banquets this year had a net income of over $100,000, with the leader being Pennsylvania’s First Friends of NRA committee, who raised $170,000.

“Our success is directly attributed to the hard work and support of our volunteers, attendees, and national and local supporters,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of Field Operations. “Their drive and hard work is producing these funds and ensuring the future of the shooting sports.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

“I think it says a lot about not only our NRA members and folks that come out to the Friends of NRA events, but those of us who are hunters or competitive shooters, or those that are proud to be gun owners,” said John DaSilva, National Manager of Events and Marketing. “We all have something to support, and this program does just that with the money that it raises.”

All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events benefit The NRA Foundation, with half allocated to fund projects within the state where the money was raised. The NRA Foundation uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope. Organizations that receive funding promote the shooting sports dedicated to youth and women’s programs, law enforcement, and range development among others.

This year’s success may be partly attributed to Friends of NRA making technological leaps. “In 2009, we made a concerted effort to focus on new marketing techniques including email blasts and online tickets sales,” said Jeremy Greene, Event Services Manager. “These new tools enabled us to reach a wider audience and push Friends of NRA over the $18 million mark for the first time.”

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va.--(AmmoLand.com)- Chuck Russell of Bismarck, North Dakota, is the winner of the 5th Annual National Survey conducted by the National Rifle Association’s Friends of NRA program. He received the grand prize of a Ruger Signature Series Mark I .22 pistol. Chucks’s name was chosen from over 1,500 people that submitted surveys this past year.

A NRA member who has attended Friends of NRA banquets for years, Chuck had never before won anything from an event and was very excited about his early Christmas present.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs.

For the fifth year in a row, Friends of NRA banquet attendees had the opportunity to fill out surveys asking about their recent experiences at their local Friends of NRA banquet. Their feedback provides insight as to how Friends of NRA staff can improve events and better cater to communities in the future. Friends of NRA banquets support community services such as firearm education, hunter safety, wildlife conservation, range improvements, youth marksmanship, and law enforcement, among others.

Participation in next year’s contest starts January 1, 2010. Attend a Friends of NRA banquet in your area, fill out the survey, and become eligible to win a Winchester 1300 Pump Action Shotgun 12GA. The contest deadline is December 8, 2010.

For additional information on the 2009 Friends of NRA Survey please call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1354. You may also visit www.friendsofnra.org/events to locate an event or banquet in your area.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

The NRA Blog

NRAblog.com

Fairfax, Virginia -(AmmoLand.com)- AmmoLand.com’s featured Gun Blog of the Month, for December 2009, is the The NRA Blog at www.nrablog.com .

The NRABlog is the official blog for the National Rifle Association and is a joint effort by all the different branches of the NRA organization and is a great source for for an intimate look inside the events and programs of the NRA.

As diverse as the NRA membership the NRAblog covers many topics from Firearms Collecting to Women OnTarget Hunts to the National Police Shooting Championships. The Nra Blog is well worth taking time to explore.

NRABlog Blog Interview:

Q: What is your Blog’s Official Name?
A: NRAblog

Q: How many people work on the NRA Blog or what is the organizational structure?
A: NRAblog is a combined effort of the NRA’s Media Relations division and each of the divisions of NRA General Operations: National Firearms Museum, Competitive Shooting, Education + Training, Field Operations, and Law Enforcement Activities.

Q: What are the names of the writers or contributors to the NRA Blog?
A: Blog contributors from Media Relations include Lars Dalseide, Kyle Jillson, Danielle Sturgis, Kerrin Brinkman.

You’ll also hear from the staff of the NRA National Firearms Museum — Jim Supica, Phil Schreier, Doug Wicklund and Matt Sharpe – and assorted folk from across the NRA.

Q: Does each person have a specialty that they focus on?
A: Typically, Danielle blogs about our women’s programs, along with events happening at the NRA HQ Range and the National Firearms Museum; Kerrin covers most of the Education & Training division, including our busy youth program division and all NRA Certified Instructors; Lars takes care of Law Enforcement and disabled shooting; Kyle blogs about a variety of competitions and Friends of NRA events.

With 184 programs and a busy calendar of events, though, we share opportunities and areas in order to cover as much as possible.

Q: Where are is the NRA Blog located?
A: Wherever the programs of the NRA take us! Granted, most of our writing is done from NRA HQ here in Fairfax, Virginia, but in 2009 we have blogged “on location” from the following events:

• National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, OH
• NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, AZ
• National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, NM
• SHOT Show in Orlando, FL
• Women’s Wilderness Escape at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM
• Friends of NRA banquet in Fountain City, WI
• Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa, OK
• Club University workshops in Albany, NY; Sacramentio, CA; and Nashville, TN
• Collegiate championships in TX

Q: What is the point of view or purpose of your blog?
A: We aim to spread awareness of the programs of the NRA – whether through pictures, video, first-person accounts, or interviews. NRA members and nonmembers alike are welcome to use NRAblog as a resource.

Q: How long has your Blog been active?
A: After a re-design, NRAblog went live in December of 2008. We’re turning one this month!

Q: What are the main sections or categories of the NRA blog and what do they cover?
A: The following tabs at the top of the site offer easy navigation of our main areas:

• Hunting: Covers the hunters’ services department of the NRA; our sister site www.NRAhuntersrights.org ; and more.
  
• The National Firearms Museum: Includes info on gun collecting, gun shows, the curators and their media appearances.
  
• Competitions: Contains live coverage of the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Matches and information about all disciplines of competition.
  
• Law Enforcement: Covers all areas of Law Enforcement competition, including the National Police Shooting Championships and Tactical Police Competition; also Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and law enforcement training.
  
• Training: Encompasses all NRA Certified Instructor disciplines.
  
• Youth Programs:  Includes information about Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the Winchester Marksmanship program, and more.
  
• Women’s Programs:  Covers our popular Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics; Refuse To Be A Victim seminars; the Women’s Wilderness Escape; and women-only hunts.
  
• Community Outreach:  Contains information about upcoming Friends of NRA events; biographies of NRA Field Representatives; NRA Business Alliance; NRA Clubs & Associations; NRA volunteers; events and opportunities for veterans; and grants in action pieces.

Q: Do you have any other digital sites?
A: Of course! We invite blog readers to make use of the following resources:

• www.NRA.org
• www.NRAnews.com
• www.NationalFirearmsMuseum.org
• www.NRAILA.org

Also, for those interested in social media, check out NRAblog on the following network sites:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/NRAblog
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40573473288&ref=ts
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GOnraMedia
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=89220&trk=hb_side_g

Q: What is one thing that you want AmmoLand Shooting Sports News readers to know about the NRA Blog?
A: We’re your one-stop resource for the programs of the NRA! If you’re looking to learn more about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Business Alliance, check us out. We offer a variety of website links to other parts of the NRA, including the NRA-Institute on Legislative Action.

Q: What things would you like to do or expand on in the NRA blog to in the future?
A: We’re always working to find new ways to connect with our readers. Now that we are on Twitter and YouTube and Facebook and LinkedIn, we’d like to start a monthly or weekly newsletter feature. NRAblog readers could opt to receive the newsletter via email to stay up-to-date with the programs of the NRA and to learn about exclusive offers and more.

Q: What parting remarks or comments you would like to make or promote?
A: We’re thrilled to be included on your site! Thanks for all you do to get the word out about firearms groups, events, and merchandise. See you at the NRA Annual Meetings, May 13-18 in Charlotte, NC.

AmmoLand is thrilled to be the first to wish the NRA Blog a Happy 1st Birthday! So be sure and stop by the NRA Blog on Facebook and wish them Happy Birthday on their wall.

Visit: www.NRAblog.com

National Rifle Association of America

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association recently recognized the STX-01 Committee from Corpus Christi, Texas, as winner of the 2008 Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee award at its September Board of Directors meeting.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Since the inception of the program in 1993, Friends of NRA has awarded over 140 million dollars to promote shooting sports throughout the United States.

The Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee Award is presented each year to the Committee that raises the most funds at a single Friends of NRA event. STX-1 Friends of NRA Committee from Corpus Christi, Texas, led the nation in 2008 by raising over $188,000 in net income. Through 2008, they have raised an astounding $ 1,415,671 for The NRA Foundation and had almost 12,000 attendees.

“It’s because of the leadership and dedication of people like Laura Berry, Chairwoman of the STX-01 Committee, that we can effectively promote the shooting sports and all NRA programs to gun owners everywhere,” said NRA Executive Director Kayne Robinson.

The NRA’s National Awards Program was established in the 1980s to recognize the exemplary service of those persons who support the NRA in areas such as legislative affairs, club operations, women’s and youth programs, and fund-raising activities.

For more information on Friends of NRA and the Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee award, go to www.friendsofnra.org or call the NRA at 703/267-1595.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- Beginning in 2009, the National Rifle Association’s Friends of NRA banquets program has allowed the public to purchase its tickets online. With a growing number of banquet attendees becoming more technologically savvy and the ever-increasing amount of services available online, Friends of NRA decided it was the right time to implement the feature.

Projecting only $10,000 in online ticket sales for the first year as people became accustomed to the new system, as of September 15, 2009, just over $100,000 in sales had been made. Friends of NRA is hopeful that as the website expands and more becomes available through it, online ticket purchases will increase further. Having become a vital component to the success of the program in just its first year, the huge success of online ticket sales can be attributed to the Friends of NRA field representatives who are continually pushing for sales through their volunteers, email blasts, and the program’s website.

“It’s exciting to see our program make this step with technology,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of Field Operations. “These types of improvements make all aspects of Friends of NRA more efficient and help our volunteers in their grassroots work. We look forward to introducing more of these changes in the near future.”

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Illinois State Rifle Association

Illinois --(AmmoLand.com)- Carl Kuhn, Former ISRA Executive Vice President, passed away on August 21.

Carl practiced law for 52 years in DuPage County. He was a WWII veteran and was the past commander of the VFW Post 1824 and American Legion Post 3 in Bartlett.

He was active in firearms safety as a Range Master and a Hunter Safety Instructor in Illinois. Carl was a life member of NRA and ISRA, and was active with the NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program since its inception in the 1990′s.

Carl led the formation of the Fox Valley Friends of NRA Committee, and in later years had a strong role in the Three Rivers Friends of NRA Committee, these being two of the most successful such committees in Illinois.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen three years ago. He is survived by a brother, Andrew, three sons, Eric Evan and Carl, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Friend Remembered - Carl Kuhn 1927-2009

A visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 in Countryside Funeral Home, 950 S. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett. A memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30 W 350 Army Trail Rd., Wayne.

About:
The mission of the Illinois State Rifle Association has not changed – only the challenges have become more taxing. One of the greater challenges, on the foreign front especially, is the way our enemies go about attacking us. The most troubling though are our domestic adversaries – they want to disarm the civilians of Illinois and to prevent us from shooting, hunting, collecting, or even owning a firearm.

The ISRA stands at the threshold of our second century, we are continuing to promote marksmanship and gun safety, but our role is widening beyond our Founders’ wildest dreams.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Friends of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and the NRA Foundation recently awarded the Arizona Game and Fish Department $25,000 in grant funds to purchase a mix of air gun rifles, air gun pistols, .22 rimfire rifles and shotguns to be used in introductory hunting and shooting sports programs.

“The NRA Foundation’s state grant program provides much needed funding toward expanding and improving our programs,” said Ashley Lynch, shooting sports program coordinator with Game and Fish. “The grant is an increase of $9,000 from last year’s grant and a portion will go to good use buying quality air gun rifles and pistols, which allows us to hold shooting events in areas that can’t accommodate .22 or shotgun shooting.”

Once purchased, youth shotguns and .22-caliber rimfire rifles will be packaged into “loaner kits.” These kits will be used by department staff and can be loaned to partnered sportsmen’s groups and other organizations to run marksmanship workshops or small game hunting camps designed to introduce families to shooting and hunting throughout the state.

Lynch added, “A key element to the success of these traditional American pastime programs is being able to provide participants with a quality, safe and functional firearm to make their first experience positive and rewarding.”

There continues to be a growing demand for target shooting. Each year, the department receives more requests from organizations like the Scholastic Clay Target Program, Boy Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America, hunter education instructors and more to host target-shooting events than they can run, mainly because of limited equipment resources.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation research reports indicate there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting and are simply waiting for an invitation. Grants of this kind will assist the department’s already successful shooting education programs. Target shooting is self-rewarding, builds hand-eye coordination skills, and teaches patience, discipline, and the understanding and respect for firearms. Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about the department’s many outreach programs, visit www.azgfd.gov/getoutside.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Boy Scouts of America Golden Spread Council will host an NRA Day Shooting Sports Camp at Camp Don Harrington near Amarillo, Texas. The event will be held July 10 through July 12 and is open to all registered Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts.

The Shooting Sports Camp will expose Scouts to a variety of activities including archery, .22 caliber rifle, and trap shooting. The camp will begin on Friday night with dinner, followed by camp orientation and safety briefings. Saturday night will feature an evening of shooting sports-related demonstrations and exhibits.

The cost of the camp is $120.00 for Boy Scouts and $100.00 for adults. This fee includes the use of the camp, archery equipment, guns, all targets and ammunition, instruction by trained staff, meals, and various recognition items.

Pre-registration is required. Interested Scouts should register with their Troop or Crew. For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, Shooting Sports Camp Coordinator at (703) 267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact Bob Altman at (806) 358-6500 or baltman@bsamail.org.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Friends of NRA Volunteers of the Year Award recognizes those volunteers who have made an outstanding impact on the program at the local or regional levels during the previous year. There are many who contribute their time to Friends of NRA banquets each year, but those who lend exceptional help deserve recognition. This new program by Friends of NRA is designed to let these dedicated and loyal volunteers know their efforts do not go unseen and are deeply appreciated.

Area Volunteers of the Year are individuals acknowledged for their hard work and accomplishments that enhanced the success of banquets over the past year. They are recommended by their Area Field Representative and chosen by a select committee of senior NRA staff, who evaluates criteria such as banquet tickets sold, sponsorships sold, pre-event raffle dollars, and underwriting they received during the previous year, as well as years of volunteer work and positions held during their service. Recipients of the award were given a sharp “2008 Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year” leather jacket to further display their support for the NRA along with special recognition from their Area Field Representative.

Region Volunteers of the Year are chosen from those already selected as Area Volunteers by senior NRA staff. They make a tremendous impact in the Friends of NRA program not only locally, but also throughout the entire region they volunteer. Each Regional Volunteer will be honored as a guest to the 2009 Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, and recognized at the National NRA Foundation Banquet, which takes place Thursday, May 14th.

“This award stands as a tribute to your leadership, dedication and commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports and the Second Amendment that have advanced and will continue to expand the shooting sports in America,” wrote Wayne LaPierre in a letter awarded to Region Volunteers of the Year.

Below is the list of winners for the Friends of NRA Regions and Areas.

Region Volunteers of the Year:

• Eastern Region: Pennsylvania (Western): Dale Emerick, Pennsylvania’s 1st
• Central Region: Indiana: Brent Weil, Southwestern Indiana
• Mid West Region: Oklahoma: Rick Cook, Western Oklahoma
• Southern Region: Louisiana and Mississippi (Southern): Dick Withers, Central Mississippi
• Western Region: Washington (Western): Brian Peters, Southwest Washington

Area Volunteers of the Year:

Eastern Region:

• Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York (Lower) and Rhode Island: Ray Hanley, Nutmeg
• Delaware and Pennsylvania (Eastern) Charles Fox, Bradford Area
• Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York (Northern): Charles Rumsey, Penobscot County
• Maryland and New Jersey (Lower): Margaret Clarke, Anne Arundel County
• New York (Upper): Jacqueline Emslie, Mid Hudson
• North Carolina (Eastern): Myron Cross, Coastal Carolina
• North Carolina (Western): Penny Gilliam, Western North Carolina
• Virginia (Eastern) and Washington, D.C.: David Wells, Southside Sportsman
• Virginia (Western) and West Virginia: David Thompson, Midland Trail
• Former Area Massachusetts, New York (Northern) and Rhode Island: Stephen Tomas, Worcester County

Central Region:

• Illinois (Northern): Richard & Monica Young, McHenry County
• Illinois (Southern): Dennis Wilkins, Madison County
• Kentucky: Tom Laswell, Northern Kentucky
• Michigan: Jeff Lafave, Livingston County
• Missouri: Albert Boeving, South East Missouri
• Ohio (Northern): Tom Paumier, Tuscarawas Valley
• Ohio (Southern) Jim Dunkle, Zanesville
• Tennessee: Bill Huff, East Tennessee
• Wisconsin: Phil Zipp, North Central Wisconsin, Northwoods and SportsNorth

Mid West Region:

• Colorado: Richard Gandolf, Colorado Springs
• Iowa and Nebraska: Mic Goc, Crossroads
• Kansas: Kevin and Krissane Smith, Capital City
• Minnesota: Steven Weckwerth, North Country
• Montana: Larry Stephenson, Bridger Mountains
• New Mexico: Dana Terlecky, Sierra Blanca
• North Dakota and South Dakota: Ron Walgamuth, Great Plains
• Wyoming: Paul Hoeft, Buffalo Bill

Southern Region:

• Alabama: Joe Phillips, Wiregrass
• Arkansas and Mississippi (Northern): Brenda Donaldson, Capital City
• Florida (Northern): Patty Williams, Suwannee River and Florida Gateway
• Florida (Southern): Cory O’Connors, South Bay
• Georgia: Dr. Ben Merritt, Vidalia
• South Carolina: Luther Harmon, Jr., Saluda
• Texas (Northern): Mark Friend, Longview
• Texas (Southern): Laura Berry, Corpus Christi
• Texas (Western): Mary Jeanne Asbury, Sandhills

Western Region:

• Alaska: Denny Hamann, Alaska State
• Arizona: Rex Hinshaw, Zane Grey
• California (Central): Robert Anderson, Merced and Central California State
• California (North Eastern) and Nevada (Western): Steve & Julie Carroll, Modesto
• California (North Western): John Bower, North Santa Cruz County
• California (Southern) and Nevada (Southern): Carl Overmyer, North Orange County
• Hawaii and Oregon: Chris Pellissier, Jefferson State
• Idaho (Northern) and Washington (Eastern): David Douglas, Kittitas County
• Idaho (Southern), Nevada (Eastern) and Utah: Ruth Drake, White Pine

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Lemon Grove Rod and Gun Club will host a NRA Day Family Shooting Sports Camp at their facility on May 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Alpine, California. This free event is open to the public for people over the age of six.

This goal of this event is to introduce families to a variety of shooting sports and outdoor activities in a safe, supervised, and enjoyable environment. The day’s activities will include a gun safety course, hunter safety trail, wildlife identification, and working dog demonstrations by the San Diego Police Department. Participants will also have the chance to shoot air rifles, .22 pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Each participant will receive a comprehensive gun safety lesson, gun safety brochure, and free lunch. The first 200 children will also receive a free t-shirt. Please do not bring firearms or ammunition as these will be provided by Lemon Grove Rod and Gun Club.

For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, Shooting Sports Camp Coordinator at (703) 267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact Mike Shutters at (619) 742-7764 or mshutters@spamcom.net.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

National Rifle Association

Fairfax, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The NRA Foundation has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to youths from all over the United States as part of the 2009 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Grand Scholarship Contest. This year, there were many outstanding applications to review.

Scholarships were awarded to:

• $6,000 to Tanner Brooks of Walkerton, Indiana
• $4,500 to Virginia “Ginger” MacFarlan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
• $4,500 to Charles French of Paradise, Montana
• $3,000 to Tyler McGee of Apple Valley, California
• $1,000 to Levi Hefflefinger of Tucson, Arizona
• $500 to Savannah Haden of Russellville, Missouri
• $500 to Marquis Lucas of Soldotna, Alaska

Since 1996, the NRA Foundation has managed the Y.E.S. program every summer in order to encourage America’s youth to become informed and dynamic citizens. The seven-day, expense-paid, educational experience in the nation’s capital provides an exciting opportunity for select high school sophomores and juniors across the United States. While in Washington, D.C., students meet members of Congress, learn the significance of the Constitution, visit with scholars and experts, and tour national landmarks. This experience gives them an understanding of the federal government while learning the importance of an individual’s active participation in government affairs.

Students applying for the Grand Scholarship are required to attend the previous summer’s Y.E.S. program. After attending Y.E.S., the students are asked to submit two projects in a portfolio format. The first is to communicate their experience at Y.E.S., and how it has contributed to their personal growth. The students are asked to present it to members of their community (i.e. Friends of NRA banquet, television/radio interview or local newspaper). The second is to introduce an NRA program that they learned about during their Y.E.S. experience to their community, and relay the results of the program in their portfolio.

“I never would have thought that a week could change my life, but that is exactly what the Y.E.S. program did for me,” said 2008 Y.E.S. Alumni Tabitha Zant. “This is an adventure that no ordinary summer camp can provide and I highly encourage you to apply.”

About:
Much of the money that funds Y.E.S. is raised through Friends of NRA, a grassroots fund-raising program which utilizes banquets, auctions, to foster community involvement, raise money, and give 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. For more information about the Youth Education Summit, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes or contact Laura Dindal, Event Services Manager, at (800) 672-3888, extension 1354, or email her at ldindal@nrahq.org