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National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Sporting goods wholesalers across the country are teaming with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to provide benefits to U.S. military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) has now signed on to support the NRA Life of Duty program, which serves all those who wear a uniform and carry a firearm to protect the American people.

Participating NASGW members aim to raise $2 for each firearm sold in December while other members are providing a donation to the program.

“Every penny of the proceeds will be used to purchase special NRA Life of Duty memberships for American heroes. We owe these brave men and women who risk life and limb daily for our safety and freedom an immeasurable debt of gratitude. NRA is humbled to help them in this modest but meaningful way,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

Through NRA Life of Duty (LOD), qualified active duty personnel receive valuable benefits including $25,000 in life insurance, hefty discounts on gear, and access to top-quality stories­­ ––about heroes just like them–– through the LOD network and a unique digital magazine, NRA American Warrior.

Even better, thanks to generous donors, these memberships are provided at no cost to the service person, law enforcement officer, or first responder.

“This is an opportunity for our members to participate in a fantastic program that will benefit our active military,” said Jack Baumler, chairman of the board of NASGW. “When the board first heard about the program at the NRA convention, we decided then and there that we should participate.”

Seven NASGW members have signed on thus far for the fundraising effort: Gunarama Wholesale Inc. (Spokane, WA), L.M. Burney Distributors (Waco, TX), Lipsey’s (Baton Rouge, LA), W L Baumler Co. (Lorain, OH), Jerry’s Sports Center Inc. (Jenkins Townships, PA), Camfour Inc. (Westfield, MA) and Ellett Brothers (Chapin, S.C.).

“We are excited about this project,” said Ellett Brothers Chairman Hewitt Grant. “We can think of no better group to honor.”

Laurie Aronson, president and CEO of Lipsey’s, agrees. “We hope this will make more than 10,000 memberships into NRA Life of Duty available,” she said.

These NASGW members join a number of companies that have already stepped up to support NRA Life of Duty. Brownells is the presenting sponsor, and Brownells Law Enforcement Division: PoliceStore.com, Colt, FNH USA and Roll of Honor are also participating.

“We strongly encourage everyone to find a way to support NRA’s Life of Duty,” said NASGW President Maurice A. Desmarais. “With donations or discounts, this is a way to really say ‘Thank you’ to the men and women who protect our freedom, and our lives, every day.”

SPONSOR NRA LIFE OF DUTY
You, too, can sponsor NRA Life of Duty memberships for those serving in the military and law enforcement or as first responders. A $50 membership includes gear discounts and the NRA American Warrior digital magazine, as well as as $25,000 in accidental death insurance for qualified LOD members, plus $2,500 for members seriously injured in the line of duty. Those who wish to sponsor NRA Life of Duty memberships for men and women at home and abroad can do so by visiting http://NRALifeOfDuty.tv/sponsor or calling 1-877-NRA-GIVE. To become a corporate sponsor of NRA Life of Duty content or to provide gear discounts to NRA Life of Duty members, please e-mail Nicole Capossela at ncapossela@nrahq.org.

ABOUT THE NRA
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 advocates 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 armed services. For more information, visit NRA.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIAITON OF SPORTING GOODS WHOLESALERS
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, and independent sales reps––both national and international––all of whom are primarily involved with hunting and shooting sports equipment and accessories.

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$30,000 in College Scholarships Available.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is accepting applications from high school sophomores and juniors across the country for the National Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) from June 25 – July 1, 2012 in Washington, DC.

Forty-five outstanding students are chosen each year to travel to the nation’s capital for a seven day, all expense paid educational experience. The summit encourages young adults to become well-rounded citizens by learning about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, how the federal government works and the importance of being active in civic affairs.

Activities on this year’s schedule include:

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

“I would recommend this trip for anyone interested in learning what it means to be an American,” said past participant Amanda Krpan. “You don’t have to be experienced with firearms to enjoy the week – there’s more going on then you can image. It will exceed your expectations just like it did mine!”

In addition to the week in Washington DC, 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 $340,000 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, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Interested students should have their application post-marked no later than February 1, 2012.

For additional information on the 2012 Youth Education Summit and how to apply, please visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes, or call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1342.

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