Club Connection, Volume 14, Issue 1

A PUBLICATION OF THE

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1

INSIDE 4 Let NRA Help!10 ILA News14 Club News 24 Business News (NEW)

Get to know the National YouthShooting Sports Ambassadors

Established 1995 and published quarterly by the Field Operations Division of the National Rifle Association of America.

John C. SiglerPresidentRonald L. Schmeits1st Vice PresidentDavid A. Keene2nd Vice PresidentWayne R. LaPierreExecutive Vice President

Edward J. Land, Jr.Secretary

Wilson H. Phillips, Jr. TreasurerKayne RobinsonExecutive Director, General OperationsChris W. CoxExecutive Director, Institute for Legislative Action

NRA-affiliated clubs and associations are authorized to reproduce all or parts of this newsletter.

Editor: Elizabeth BushDesign and layout by Son Nguyen & JackBaker, NRA Clubs & Associations Dept. Copyright 2009 National Rifle Association

2 CluB CoNNECtioN Volume 14, Number 1

Grassroots Activism Is A Powerful Force 3By John C. Sigler, NRA President

Let NRA Help! 4

Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow 5By Claudia Olsen, NRA Youth Programs

NRA 2009 Smallbore and Air Rifle 6

National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors (NYSSA) 8

NRA Hunter Clinics 9

ILA News 10

Club News 14

Business News 24

Letter to the Editor 27

NRA Affiliated State Associations 28

NRA Field Representatives 31

Contents

Cover PhotoNational Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors pictured above (from left to right): John Washburn, Venturing, Avondale, GA; Matt McGroarty, Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Chareston, NV; Kevin Brannan, Royal Ranger Ministires, Corona, CA; and Dillon Jensen, National High School Rodeo Association, Queen Creek, AZ.

NRA Clubs & Associations Department

National Rifle AssociationAttn: Clubs & Associations Department11250 Waples Mill RoadFairfax, VA 22030(800) NRA CluB (672-2582)(703) 267-3939 fax

Elizabeth Bush, National ManagerClubs, Associations, & Range [email protected] (703) 267-1348

Son Nguyen, Marketing [email protected] (703) 267-1345

Jack Baker, Marketing [email protected] (703) 267-1351

Andrew Boardman, Marketing [email protected] (703) 267-1343

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 3

John C. Sigler, NRA President

Presidents Column

continued on page 4

Everyone now knows the danger the Obama-Biden White House poses to the rights of law-abiding gun owners. We watched as President Barack Obama assembled his team from among the most anti-gun zealots to ever hold public office. With Hillary Clinton, Tom Daschle and Eric Holder in the cabinet, and Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, Americas gun owners know the dangers we face and that our friends in Congress will be mightily challenged in their defense of Americas beloved Second Amendment.

But do Americas gun owners know about the anti-gun legislative onslaught poised to strike their state capitals, or their own hometowns? Do they know that Obama and Biden arent alone in promising to change our lives?

Its true. The gun-banners have proclaimed the Supreme Courts historic Heller decision as an anti-gun victory that they will use to push gun-control schemes in cities and states from coast to coastand NRA needs your help to stop them!

In a paper outlining their legislative strategy, the gun-banning Brady Campaign wrote, Unless and until the Court holds otherwise, the Second Amendment does not restrict state or local laws. As direct precedent, Heller could not be used to support the invalidation of any other gun law in America.

[T]he Heller decision could well mark a turning point, they concluded. Already, anti-gun groups nationwide are preparing a state-level legislative blitzkrieg.

Example: A rich, San Francisco-based organization of lawyers calling itself The Legal Community Against Violence recently assisted anti-gun legislative efforts in at least 15 states, including Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina and Ohio.

Chicagos Mayor Daley, who brazenlydefies the Supreme Courts Heller decision, is hosting a gun conference for like-minded politicians around the country to plot their gun-ban strategy.

I believe the courts ruling presents us with an opportu-nity to continue our efforts, Daley said.

These are historic times. The potential for profound and radical changes at the state, local and federal levels is greater today than ever before.

Consider these examples:

In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh City Councilin open defiance of that states firearm preemption lawrecently passed an ordinance to punish gun owners like you for failing to report immediately the loss or theft of a firearm.

In Oregon, the states firearm preemption law is under attack.

In Washington, the state government has been consider-ing bans or restrictions on lead-based ammunition.

In New Jersey, the Trenton statehouse has been consider-ing one gun a month restrictions and an outright ban on .50-caliber rifles.

In my home state of Delaware, the state police have usurped the power of the legislature in matters of firearm transactions.

As one who has served as a state-level legislative activ-ist for many years, I cannot overemphasize the impact your personal involvement can have. Politicians respect the power of numbers and react to constituent communications.

If you doubt the power of grassroots activism by gun owners like you, please consider just two more examples.

Thanks to NRA-ILA lobbyists and activists like you, the Ohio state senatein a middle-of-the-night vote just a week before Christmasreversed its earlier decision to increase fees for Right-to-Carry permits.

In Tennessee, the Department of Safety institutedand then retracteda de facto gun registration scheme because gun owners like you expressed their outrage.

Over the next few years, your personal political activism must play a larger role in protecting our childrens future and our nations heritage.

Thats why I am asking every NRA patriot to get informed and get involved now. Whether you choose to participate or not, our opponents will.

When your state crime subcommittee or fish and game commission solicits public comments, tell them exactly what you think. If you dont, our enemies will win by default.

Call, write, e-mail or fax your state legislators, city

Grassroots ActivismIs A Powerful Force

4 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

nrA ProgrAms

Did you know as an NRA Club affiliate you have access to a number of resources to help you promote your club and increase membership? NRA is here to support and provide assistance to ensure the success of your club in the following ways:

NRA Charter for New ClubsNational Registry of Club EventsNRA Club UniversityClub Connection: A Quarterly MagazineNRA Endorsed InsuranceClub AwardsClub GrantsDiscounts on NRA Range ServicesCommissions for recruiting new NRA membersAttorney referral serviceDiscounts on credit card processing, telecommunications, office supplies, shipping & much more!

Get the word out! Advertise your club membership in local newspapers and on the internet. Submit newsworthy articles and photos about your Club or Range to include in the next Club Connection or simply send NRA your club event informa-tion to add to the National Registry of Club Events or add your range to the National Registry of Places to Shoot. You could even create your own quarterly or monthly newsletter to keep your members informed of events going on at your club and/or in your community.

Form an alliance with your NRA State Association to gain access to NRA members and other NRA Clubs & Associations via email blasts and mailing campaigns. Your State Association can also help you on a local level by recruiting and advertising through their newsletter and other mailings.

Host one of NRAs 170+ programs to get the community involved at your club. Make friends with your neighbors, and your club and range will be viewed as a community asset. NRA has a program for just about every shooting interest. Competitions & Matches, Eddie Eagle, Firearms Training, Hunter Services, Law Enforcement Services, Womens Programs, Youth Programs, Friends of NRA, and NRA Membership Recruitment all feature programs to help your club recruit members and generate additional income for your organization as well.

Need help getting started?! Attend the next Club University, call us at (800) NRA-CLUB email [email protected] or visit our website at www.nrahq.org/clubs for more information.

Looking for Ideas on How to Market your Club and Increase Membership: Let NRA Help!

Presidents Column continued from page 3

officials, sheriff, governor and county leaders early and often. Tell them you care about freedom. Tell them you expect them to defend your Right to Keep and Bear Arms for hunting, self defense and every other lawful purpose.

Visit www.NRANews.com for timely intelligence about developments at home and around the country.Call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAILA.org/ActionCenter to subscribe to customized email alerts notifying

you of late-breaking legislative and regulatory developments in your city or state.Join other activists by contacting your NRA state association or by calling NRA-ILA Grassroots at (800) 392-8683.

NRA-ILA lobbyists and activists are working in every state legislature to protect your rights, but there is no substitute for your personal involvementas taxpayers, constituents and freedom-first voters.

We must be vocal and we must be heard. United, we can do anything!


nrA ProgrAms

Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow is a center for teen-agers at risk, located in the Northern Virginia suburb of Bristow. On October 4th, 2008 the foundation hosted its 23rd Annual Fall County Fair and Auction, attracting 6,000 people. NRAs Education & Training Division was asked to participate by running an air gun range during the event. Providing additional entertainment were The NASCAR Experience- Joe Gibbs Racing show cars, Coca-Colas Coke Zero Racing Experience, and the Best Buy show car. A western themed area with line dancing, a blacksmith shop, pony rides and much more, make this one of the premier fall events in Northern Virginia.

The morning came with a hint of fall in the air, the straw bales were stacked and the air guns filled with CO2 cartridges. NRA Youth Programs staff, local volunteers from 4-Hs Trigger Time Club, and Arlington Fairfax Izaak Walton League were on hand to give instruction and help run the range. The doors opened at 10:00 a.m. From that moment on the targets never stopped swinging. The air gun range was a big hit, with shooters ranging from a 4-year-old girl to a grandfather enjoying taking aim at the swinging targets. Each visitor to the air gun range received silver stickers and lapel pins, but the hot item was the NRA publication Neighborhood Air Gun Program, a booklet detailing how to start a air gun program.

Hundreds of the visitors to the range showed an interest in getting their children involved with a local club or they wanted to know how to start or build a range for themselves. NRA is planning on inviting local youth groups such as the 4-H and the Boy Scouts to be on hand to answer any ques-tion or sign them up with their programs.

Recipe for Successful Air Gun Event(Serves 24 at a time, recipe maybe reduced)75 Bales of Straw24 Air Gun Spinner targets24 Air Rifles

CO2 Cartridges (optional)24 Safety Glasses12 six foot tables24 chairs24 gun rests and bean bagsPlenty of pellets

Stack straw bales 30 ft from your firing line. Place your tables on the firing line with two chairs per table. Where appropriate add CO2 to gun, have pellets at the ready. Stir up some interest, and serve it with passion.

For a copy of the NRA Neighborhood Air Gun Program booklet please call Claudia Olsen at (703) 267-1597 or email [email protected] or to become an NRA Certified Instructor please visit https://nra.org/training/instructor

NRA Day at the 23rd Annual Country Fair and Auction: Joe Gibbs Youth for TomorrowBy Claudia Olsen, Program Coordinator, NRA Youth Programs

Mother assisting her child at Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow


nrA ProgrAms

National Indoor ChampionshipsTh e National Indoor Championships began on January

1st with the fi rst sectional tournament on January 3rd. Th ese championships will continue from March (Open Adults) thru April (Juniors).

Both the Open and the Junior Sectionals are now being conducted throughout the United States. Open Sectionals are available for NRA 3-Position, NRA Conventional 4-Position, International Air Rifl e, and International Smallbore Rifl e. Junior Sectionals are being conducted in NRA 3-Position, NRA 4-Position, International Air Rifl e, 3-Position Sporter Air Rifl e, and 3-Position Precision Air Rifl e.

Scores from these sectionals are consolidated at NRA Headquarters and Indoor National Champions are identi-fi ed. Th ere is still time for clubs to request to sponsor a Sectional in their area.

RegionalsTh e NRA Competitive Shooting Division Rifl e

Department is now accepting applications from spon-sors wishing to conduct an NRA Smallbore Rifl e Regional Championship.

Regional Championships are now available for Conventional Prone, Metric Prone, NRA 3-Position, NRA Conventional 4-Position, and Conventional 3-Position courses of fi re. Th is move was designed to help grow the number of NRA Regional Tournaments by making it easier to shoot a Regional and by providing a strong incentive for the competitors.

Th e NRA National Smallbore Rifl e Championship Certifi cate and Distinguished Smallbore Rifl eman Steps are awarded in all Smallbore Rifl e Regionals (Prone and Position). Th e Certifi cate, good for two years, is presented to class winners for 50% off the National Championship Fee. Competitors may win up to two certifi cates per year, but only one in each shooting discipline of prone and posi-tion. If a competitor is unable to attend Camp Perry, or already won a NRA National Smallbore Rifl e Championship Certifi cate, the certifi cate may be passed down to the next

competitor in the same class within the same tournament.Prone or Position Regionals can now be one or two

day tournaments. One-day Regionals have become more convenient and desirable for competitors, especially in a tight economy. Additionally, NRA will no longer sanction Smallbore Rifl e Regionals with less than fi ve competitors.

NRA Distinguished Smallbore Rifl eman Th e NRA Distinguished Smallbore Rifl eman program,

established in 1965, has added a new pin, patch, and certif-icate for those distinguished shooters who have won both

Prone and Position Distinguished. Th e new award will be available by the summer. Shooters who attend the National Championships can stop by the NRA Trophy Building and claim their awards. Other Double Distinguished winners will receive their Double Distinguished awards later this year by mail.

Camp PerryNew Facility -- Th ose of you who have attended the

National Championships, at Camp Perry, will immediately notice a major renovation. All of the old buildings from, but not including, the Statistical Offi ce were raised to make way for a new and larger facility. Th e new building will house the NRA Scoring, Target Display, Offi cial Bulletin Board, and Challenge Offi ces. Th e new facility is planned to be opera-tional in time for the 2009 championships.

All Conventional Targets Th e NRA Smallbore Committee at their annual meeting voted to use NRA Conventional Targets for all matches including the National Team Matches. Only the Dewar International Postal Team and the Whistler Boy Team matches will continue to use the A-50/A-51 targets.

50 Yard Match Th e 50 yard match will no longer be a part of the 2009 National Prone Championships. Th is action was made by the Smallbore Committee due to the number of events and length of time it takes to shoot the National Prone matches.

Challenge Period Competitors are now able to view their targets after they are scored and challenge the results on the spot, if necessary. Th erefore, a new challenge period is established for the National Smallbore Championships. When scored targets are displayer by 5:00 p.m. competitors will have until 6:00 p.m. to view and challenge their scores.

Awards Ceremony -- Awards ceremonies will now start at 8:00 p.m.

National Match Fees Fees for the 2009 National Smallbore Rifl e Prone Matches will be reduced. Th e exact amount of the reduction has not been determined and the fee structure should be released by the end of March.

Whats Ahead For NRA 2009 Smallbore & Air Rifl e


I attended my very first Women On Target clinic in April 2008 at an Izaak Walton League not far from NRA headquarters in Northern Virginia. As soon as the day began, I knew it would be exactly the environment in which to introduce firearm safety to my mother. The low-pressure atmosphere featured a high ratio of volunteers and NRA-certified instructors to participants.

I left the clinic convinced I would attend my next Women On Target clinic accom-panied with my mother. Sure enough, she decided to come east to visit for a weekend before Christmas. When I mentioned the idea, she seemed a bit hesitant, but she agreed to attend the Ridge Rifle Associations event with me.

nrA ProgrAms

By Danielle Sturgis, Senior Media Specialist

Ridge Rifle Association holds Women On Target Event

Mentor Match -- The time limits for the Mentor Match will be extended to 30 minutes per stage.

Metric National Championship The Smallbore Committee voted to conduct a Metric National Championship in 2010.

Planning is already underway and two locations are under consideration. The Championship dates are yet to be finalized. The plan is to hold the Metric Championship for four days (two days for position and two days for prone) and make the team matches a Paper Match format to conserve time. We plan to announce the Metric Championship in July at Camp Perry when more details are available.

NRA Smallbore Rifle Target Change Beginning January 1, 2010 the A-36 Target will not longer be used for NRA Sanctioned tournaments. The NRA/USAS A-50 target will be the replacement target for all gallery sanctioned tournaments. The official scoring gauges are available from gun dealers.

NRA National Air Gun Championships and Training Summit The 2009 NRA National Air gun championship will take place at Camp Perry, OH, July 1-3. The com-petition is open to all junior shooters and will set the best

position air gun shooters against each other for National championship honors. Competitors will also have a chance to attend training classes and participate in a Barter Bar trad-ing mementos for their club, associations, and states.

NRA Indoor Open National Air Gun Rifle Championship Starting in 2010 the NRA will start the first Adult National Indoor 3-Position Air Gun Championship. Sectionals will be available for both Sporter and Precision Air Rifle. The current NRA Sporter and Precision Air Rifle Rules will be used. Sectional bids will be accepted in September to host an adult sectional.

Postals Postal matches offer a great chance to shoot at your home range and compete against other shooters from across the country. Many opportunities are available. A new Women On Target Postal was implemented last year and postal matches are available for smallbore rifle and high power rifle. Check out the NRA Open 4 & 3-P Smallbore Postal at www.nrahq.org/compete/dept-postal.asp.

For more information call Dian Bullock, (703) 267-1482, or email [email protected].

continued on page 11


NRA PRogRAms

Formerly referred to as the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), the NYSSA offers scholarships, introduc-tion to National Shooting Sports celebrities, cama-raderie, travel and career opportunities to a representative group of our shooting sports youth. A key difference from the previous YAB program is that the NRA was accepting nominations and ultimately making the selection. Currently, NYSSA has youth organizations (BSA, 4-H, National High School Rodeo, Royal Rangers, etc.) making their own nomination of one youth shooter each. In return, we all benefit from a youth perspective and their input on making the sport more attractive to youth, growing the sport, and encouraging increased industry support of youth shooting.

The benefits to individual ambassadors include:

- Official NRA NYSSA appointment letter for inclusion in their resume.

- $2,000 college scholarship check- Uniform items to include jacket, pin, decal and

embroidered shooting vest that they may keep after their term of service.

- Opportunity to submit articles for publication in InSights Magazine (an NRA Youth Shooting publication).

- All-expense paid events our Ambassadors will attend include:

* A weekend at SHOT Show to meet with industry leaders

* Invitation to the National Matches in their discipline (Air Gun, Shotgun, Small Bore, Hunting, etc.)

* Quarterly conference calls to contribute their ideas on various youth shooting oriented topics and listen to shooting celebrities.

* Local attendance at organizational events.

In addition to rewarding our most deserving youth shooters, we are organizing youth ambassadors who can con-tribute to a positive image of the shooting sports and of their respective youth organization.

If you are aware of a deserving young shooter, you are encouraged to contact your national youth shooting sports coordinator to include your nomination in their consider-ation for the one youth who will represent your national group, i.e. 4-H, Boy Scouts, DeMolay, American legion, FFA, JROTC, National High School Rodeo, Royal Rangers or VFW.

For more information, contact NRA Education & Training at (703) 267-1411.

National Youth Shooting SportsAmbassadors (NYSSA)

National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors pictured above (from left to right): John Washburn, Venturing, Avondale, GA; Matt McGroarty, Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Chareston, NV; Kevin Brannan, Royal Ranger Ministires, Corona, CA; and Dillon Jensen, National High School Rodeo Association, Queen Creek, AZ.


NRA PRogRAms

In its continuing commitment to wildlife conservation, hunter and firearm safety Grand Blanc Huntsmans Club proudly hosted 2008 Hunter Safety courses in September, October and November. Over 400 young hunters participated and learned valuable lesson on conservation, wildlife, hunting and firearms safety. Since GBHC began hosting Hunter Safety education in 1982 thousands of new hunters have been taught these valuable and necessary skills before their first foray into the field.

2008 Grand Blanc Huntsmans Club Hunter Safety Classes

NRA Hunter Clinics

Purpose: Improve the hunting experience with How To informa-tion on game habits, reading game sign, how to properly dress game, hunting techniques, wildlife man-agement and conservation, ethical hunting, field safety, firearms safety and field shelters. This program is the next logical step after a state-sponsored hunter safety class.

Instructors: Adults become certified to instruct hunting clinics through a home study certification process. While mainly a class-room environment, clinics can be expanded to include demonstra-tions of game calls and live fire.

Potential Uses: Community support through clinics offered to local residents; enhancing mem-bership draw by enriching club activities; strengthening an existing wilderness class; or a way to build a team of local youth hunters inter-ested in entering the NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC).

Costs: Start-up costs can be defrayed with the help of NRA Grants and support from the NRA Youth Programs Office. A typical instructor package costs $96 and includes a set of 20 student pack-ages and text books, 25 certificates and 20 brassards.

Clinics: www.nrahq.org/hunt-ing/clinic/hunterclinic.asp

YHEC: www.nrahq.org/youthed.asp

ILA NEWS

The political climate in our country has changed, and with this change we can certainly expect signi cant attacks on our rights at both federal and state levels. In order to protect our rights we have to start work now, pre-paring for assaults at every level of government. e threats to our rights under Barack Obama and the new Congress are very real.

Shortly after being declared president-elect, Obamas anti-gun agenda was made clear on his transition website, listing four classic anti-gun initiatives including making the expired federal assault weapons ban permanent. (http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=4227) Perhaps no other rearm issue has been more dishonestly portrayed by gun prohibitionists than assault weapons. Notwithstanding their predictions that the bans expiration in 2004 would bring about the end of civilization, for the last four years the nations murder rate has been lower than anytime since the mid-1960s. Studies for Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the National Institute of Justice, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no evidence that gun prohibition or gun control reduces crime. Guns that were a ected by the ban are used in only a tiny fraction of violent crime(about 35 times as many people are murdered without any sort of rearm [knives, bare hands, etc.], as with assault weapons.) Obama says that assault weapons are machine guns that belong on foreign battle elds, but that is a lie; the guns are only semi-automatic, and they are not used by a military force anywhere on the planet.

e attacks on our rights will be wide and varied. Some attacks will be open, such as the reintroduction of the

Clinton gun ban. Others will be stealthier, such as unleash-ing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to harass even more legitimate gun dealers and force them out of business. Regardless of how they attack our rights, we will have to respond. Support for NRA is going to be more important than ever. We have to be ready to hold every legislator accountable. Every elected o cial who ran with the support of gun owners needs to know we expect them to live up to their commitment to protect our rights. ey need to hear from us often! We cannot let them forget where we stand, or think that we are not paying close attention.

We need you in the ght today! Here are a few things you can do to begin actively working in defense of the Second Amendment:

Visit NRA-ILAs website at www.nraila.org for up-to-date legislative alerts and important fact sheets on all NRA-related issues and legislation.

Join NRA-ILAs premiere volunteer program, NRA-ILA FrontLines , at https://secure.nraila.org/volunteer.aspx.

Contact your lawmakers! As a voting constituent, you have a tremendous ability to in uence the outcome of legislation. Ask any elected of cial which individuals concerns are most important to him, and chances are they all will deliver the same response: his constituents. Your lawmakers work for you! Since the primary concern of all politicians is to get re-elected, be sure you communicate your concerns with your own elected of cials rst-by phone, letter, e-mail, and in person! For tips and sample let-ters, as well as contact information for your lawmakers, visit www.capwitz.com/nra/dbg/o cials/

Fighting Today To Protect The Second Amendment Tomorrow

I grew up in a divided household. Mom, a home-maker, and Dad, a former Marine, had di erent opinions on rearms. Primarily, my mother didnt see the need for themand certainly not in her household, with her three daughters growing up.

When my father saw my interest in rearms peak while I attended college in Iowa, he agreed to purchase a pistol for my college graduation gift. Only when I started working for the NRA two years after receiving my .38 did mom realize the rearms issue wasnt just a phase. She saw Dad and I trek to the local range when I was home on a weekend visit. She heard us talk excitedly about attending NRAs Annual Meeting in St. Louis, right across the river from southwestern Illinois where I grew up. She witnessed his pride when I took the job at NRA Headquarters.

By then my father had proudly purchased his own handgun for home defense, pointing out all three daugh-ters had own the nest. I told mom she should be familiar with the rearm as she would be any other tool around the house, such as the lawnmower or the DVD player. I also saw it as a way to involve her in the community Dad and I had.

When I started working with Gene Strickler, the clinic director for the October 11th Women On Target at the Ridge Ri e Association in Fincastle, Virginia, I knew the clinic was the right t for mom. It was a good three-hour drive from my place in Fairfax through rural Virginia, and she didnt have any con icting plans for the weekend.

e Ridge Ri e Association is built on gently slop-ing hills, and the classroom segment of the day was held outside at the very top of the highest hill. Mom and I sat under a canopy with dozens of other women listening to Ridge Ri e members walk us through the basics. First, we

10 CLUB CONNECTION Volume 14, Number 1

Volume 14, Number 1 CLUB CONNECTION 11

ILA NEWS

Write letters to the editor! Few issues today are more misunderstood by the gen eral public than the issue of gun con-trol. Many of the commonly-held misconceptions result directly from the medias often skewed coverage of this issue. Contacting local newspapers, radio, and television stations to protest biased coverage of rearm-related issues helps in uence the medias presentation of this subject, as well as informs the public of the facts that support our position. For tips on writing letters to the media and contact information, please visit www.capwiz.com/nra/dbg/media/

Now more than ever it is critical that we ght today to protect, defend, and promote the Second Amendment for tomor-row. It will undoubtedly be a hard-fought battle over the next four years, and now is the time to recommit to the important principles of freedom and our right to Keep and Bear Arms!

I grew up in a divided household. Mom, a home-maker, and Dad, a former Marine, had di erent opinions on rearms. Primarily, my mother didnt see the need for themand certainly not in her household, with her three daughters growing up.

When my father saw my interest in rearms peak while I attended college in Iowa, he agreed to purchase a pistol for my college graduation gift. Only when I started working for the NRA two years after receiving my .38 did mom realize the rearms issue wasnt just a phase. She saw Dad and I trek to the local range when I was home on a weekend visit. She heard us talk excitedly about attending NRAs Annual Meeting in St. Louis, right across the river from southwestern Illinois where I grew up. She witnessed his pride when I took the job at NRA Headquarters.

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

When I started working with Gene Strickler, the clinic director for the October 11th Women On Target at the Ridge Ri e Association in Fincastle, Virginia, I knew the clinic was the right t for Mom. It was a good three-hour drive from my place in Fairfax through rural Virginia, and she didnt have any con icting plans for the weekend.

e Ridge Ri e Association is built on gently slop-ing hills, and the classroom segment of the day was held outside at the very top of the highest hill. Mom and I sat under a canopy with dozens of other women listening to Ridge Ri e members walk us through the basics. First, we

participated in an exercise to determine the dominant eye and then we learned the primary NRA safety rules.

e women surrounding us were from all over the state. Each had her own reason for being there, and I realized there is no such thing as a typical Women On Target participant. e program is unique because it has something for everyone. What it doesnt have is an agenda, hidden costs, or sales pitches. e women who were at Ridge Ri e that day were treated with the utmost respect. Questions were encouraged throughout the day, and the Ridge Ri e Association members went out of their way to ensure everyones comfort.

As she started ring, she was smiling. After she retrieved her rst target, she was beaming. Its fun, she said. Gene gave me a knowing look. Mom did even better at the ri e range--though she only out shot me because Gene insisted I try shooting left-handed.

As we headed back to Northern Virginia, I asked Mom what she really thought. Im glad I did it, was all she really said. e next day, I realized how proud of herself she was when she was talking to a friend on the phone. I did well, she said. Ill send you the pictures.

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

For more information on attending a Women On Target clinic contact Beth Hellmann at (703) 267-1398 or [email protected].

Ridge Rifle Association continued from page 7

Volume 14, Number 1 CluB CoNNECtioN 13


Club news

You already have a website, GOOD! Read this anyway! You do not have a website, too badread this any-way. A True Story..About 10 years ago, our small and highly specialized

industrial service company realized that we needed a website to promote our business. Our company provides rigging and millright services. What is that you say? No, we arent sailors and we dont mill flour. We lift objects, transfer and install plan manufacturing and medial equipment. Our work is international and specialized. It is extremely important that our special services reach our customers such as corporate executives and purchasing agents.

Our first website was created on a limited budget. What to do? The University of Texas Brownsville Social Studies Department had a couple of aspiring collegiates working their way through school. We provided photos and out-lined the services that we offered. Roundtable meetings and teamwork developed our website we revised, fine-tuned and within about a month we were online. The students, winners one and all, charged us $400.00. It was very satisfy-ing to be able to monetarily assist these two students. We recently contracted with a professional website designer who improved our site.

Website Development CommitteeIf you are blessed with club members who have web sites

in place, that is terrific. (Hello, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!) Creation of your website can be great fel-lowship for computer literate people. Plus, you gain member participation. When volunteer members invest their time, they become more committed and supportive. Upon project completion, do not forget the appropriate pat on the back and recognition at your annual meeting and in your club newsletter.

The Web Wet their Whistle:A picture is worth a thousand words. If you toss yawn

mail that consists of two or three pages of reasoning and pleas, you will appreciate line one. A brief introduction on shooting venues is critical to attract and catch potential new shooters and supporters. Highlight the clubs focus. Example: family shooting, post photographs and briefly describe why juniors face is smiling.

..7,8,9,10 Contact!! Committee members who are pub-lic relations types such as real estate and insurance folks know how to communicate. Email addresses should be posted, but encourage phone calls a friendly voice is paramount to attracting first-timers and neophyte shooters alike.

Web Master and Calendar of Events Contact information, location map and address, open-

ing days and hours, family events and shoots should be updated promptly. Do not allow information to become stale that is like old newspapers!

CostPerhaps your local college can help with design. Find a

sponsor(s) to underwrite in trade for appropriate advertise-ment. A host to cover monthly connection fee could sponsor for advertising as well.

Whatever you do, do not forget other local ranges, gun store and gunsmiths large and small. List them alphabeti-cally with their address and phone number, etc. Your NRA and State Association should have a go-to place and contact links at the top of the menu.

IRS and 501 Non-Profit RulesNational and state news on 2nd Amendment issues and

legislation is best provided through these links. Clear any legislation posting with your local attorney or contact NRA-ILA at (800) 392-8683.

Becoming A WebbieBy Walter Plitt, Plitt Crane & Riggingwww.plittrigging.comNRA Clubs & Associations Committee Member


Club news

Oklahoma City Gun Club is on fire and the heart of the flame is Suzi Rouse. Suzi has been a Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic Director since the program began in 2000 and she is still going strong.

Suzis first Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic was attended by 160 women -- more than five times as many participants as the average clinic boasts. Since clinics are often supported by almost as many volunteers as partici-

pants, it is safe to say that Suzi commands a small army of people at each clinic she directs. Without the support of Suzis club and her dedicated team of volunteers and instruc-tors, this would not be possible; but, it is her leadership that makes it cohesive and successful.

Oklahoma City Gun Clubs Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics are among the largest and most eagerly anticipated events associated with NRA Womens Programs. Almost a year in advance, she begins to receive phone calls from women hoping to reserve a spot. Her clinics are often sold out 4 months in advance.

Behind every successful Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic is a successful Clinic Director. Suzis enthusiastic, outgoing personality is a magnetic force, drawing more women into recreational shooting. She is an avid hunter, instructor, and 2nd Amendment Rights enthu-siast. She speaks to womens groups on topics related to guns, provides direction in establishing clubs and leagues, and directs events at clubs other than her own. She is not only the person who led the way in establishing womens programs at the Oklahoma City Gun Club: Shes also the president of the club! Suzi and Ron Black, radio personality

Suzi Rouse: The Amazing Woman Behind Oklahoma City Gun Clubs Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics

By Elizabeth D. HellmannNational Program Coordinator,Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics

continued on page 17

Oklahoma City Gun Clubs 2008 Women On Target Clinic


ilA news


CLUB News

Several years ago, the officers and directors of the Colorado Gun Collectors Association decided to have an expanded and very special show to celebrate the clubs 25th Anniversary. One member stepped forward and agreed to manage the 1990 event. The mission was to try to change our annual collectors gun show from just another local show to a nationally recognized annual meeting where serious col-lectors, dealers, historians, scholars and other hobbyists could meet and exchange artifacts, ideas, research, lies, war stories and good conversation with others sharing a mutual interest.

L.E. Bud Greenwald has been a member of the gun culture from a very young age. First as a hunter and recre-ational shooter, then as a combat infantryman and later a competition shooter. After college, a bit of gunsmith school and some courses in firearms forensics led him into the firearms business as a full time dealer, appraiser and expert witness. His interest in firearms finally led him to serious collecting.

After leaving the business in the mid-1980s, he spent much of his leisure time promoting the Colorado Gun Collectors annual gun show. From three hundred odd tables in 1989 to almost one thousand in 2000, this show has

developed one of the best reputations for quality and friend-liness in the world. The exceptional quality of the private displays at the Denver show are designed to show the general public that as gun collectors we are temporary custodians of historical artifacts. The best testimonial is that the show has been a sell-out for many, many years with exhibitors from all the states and several foreign countries.

Although Bud was pleased with the progress of the show, he felt that it was time to step down and turn the reins over to someone with new ideas and a fresh outlook. If you were to ask, he would say that his best accomplishment was his family. He looked forward to traveling and spending more time with his six children, fifteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

The Arms Collecting Society, and specifically the Colorado Gun Collectors Association, have been immensely enhanced by the work and dedication of this fine gentleman. To the family of Bud Greenwald we extend our heart-felt appreciation and condolences.

For more information, contact the Colorado Gun Collectors Association at (303) 773-0238.

Tribute to Bud Greenwald

Of course, Suzi could not have done all this on her own. Her cohorts include Joann Burner, Suzanne Black, Susan Cusack, Sharon Conrady, Pam Green, Sandy Payne, Dawn Taylor, Diana Hannah and Kansas Conrady. These nine women became NRA Certified Instructors in pistol, rifle, shotgun and range officer disciplines through fund-ing and support of the Women On Target program. Their backgrounds varied from housewife to FBI Agent.They all had one shared interest and that was to teach various shooting sports and firearm safety to other women.They are

always looking for instructor candidates and eager, qualified volunteers.

Suzi was one of the first recipients of NRAs prestigious Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. As Sue King, former Chairman of NRAs Womens Policies Committee said, Whether she is coordinating a Women On Target instructional shooting clinic, conducting a hunter safety education course, or giving a presentation about the Second Amendment, Suzi does it with style and impact.

Its easy to see from Suzis warm smile that she enjoys her work, and so does everyone around her. She is a tremendous asset to NRAs Women On Target, and to the women of Oklahoma. Shes a great role model for all of us who hope to share our love of shooting with others.

Suzi Rouse continued from page 15

Lunchtime at Suzis Clinic

club news

On October 16-19, the Yegua Airgun Club in Somerville, Texas will host the U.S. Airgun Field Target Championships. Yegua (pronounced Yeah-Wah) is also the venue for the Texas state field-target championships, the Republic of Texas Field Target Roundup (ROT).

ROT is widely considered the most fun airgun event in the United States. The reasons for such notoriety are many. Besides serious air rifle field-target competition, both the 2009 ROT and National Field-Target Championships will feature many fun events that have made ROT a resounding success. Side shoots at both the Texas state and U.S. national field-target championships will include pistol field-target championship competition, rifle and pistol silhouette matches, a night-time rifle field-target match, a candle-light shoot, and Daisy Red Ryder BB gun speed shoots.

The 2009 Republic of Texas Field Target Roundup will be held March 6-8, the spring date hopefully avoiding brutal Texas heat. The October 16-18 dates for the National FT Championships were also chosen with mild weather in mind.

Many national-caliber airgunners will attend the springtime ROT competition to orient to the Yegua Airgun Club venue and facilities, and experience the fun first hand. Attendees can choose to enter as many of the matches as they like, and many of the side-shoots are free.

This will be the first air pistol field-target national championships ever held in the United States. There will be national champion trophies awarded for both scope-sight thoroughly to the pistol FT rules at the Yegua Airgun Clubs website at www.yeguafieldtarget.com. It would be a shame to make the trip to nationals only to be disap-pointed that your equipment or technique is not regula-tion. The Yegua website even explains the reasoning behind the rules they have in place.

Both championship competitions (Texas state and U.S. national) will also have non-championship air rifle and air pistol silhouette matches. Both silhouette matches will be 40 shot NRA style competitions, however only first-place trophies will be awarded.

The night-time rifle field-target matches will be 30 shots, with all range lighting extinguished. Scorers may

provide light for scoring, helping the shooter into posi-tion and loading; however the shooter must operate his or her own lighting for each shot. The candle-light shoots are exactly that. All range lighting is turned off for the match, as each shooter attempts to snuff out the flames of five candles at thirty yards from the rifle field-target shooting position.

Few airgun competitions can be described as specta-tor sports, however the Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Speed Shoot has taken on a life never imagined, due to the rowdy fun experienced by shooters and spectators alike. Shot in one-on-one, double elimination format, shooters equipped with Daisy Red Ryders are paired off and attempt to bust five balloons each at ten yards faster than their rival. Each shooter must lose twice to be eliminated. There now exists an Annual Daisy Red Ryder Interstate Challenge between the Texas Yegua Airgun Club and the Louisiana Bayou Airgun Club and the Kentucky Bluegrass Airgun Club has recently challenged the Texans!

Visit the Yegua Airgun Club a twww.yeguafieldtarget.com Entries to these events must by necessity be limited, so check it out and make your plans early.

Yegua Airgun Club to Host 2009 FT Nationals



Club news

Update after the Gap Fire: You may have seen us in the national news this year. We had a tough month in July 2008 and had to close the range during the Gap Fire, which started very close to us, and burned over 9,000 acres. Yes, were still here, safe and sound, and back open to the public. We were glad to have the firefighters use our facilities as a base camp and helicopter landing pad.

Lease: The USFS and the club have signed a lease agreement for the next two years, while the government com-pletes work on a 20 year permit. Fortunately for us, the due diligence we did in preparing our Environmental Assessment will support the full Environmental Impact Statement which the USFS determined to be needed for the permit (their call not ours by the way).

Membership: Club membership is at an all time high at Winchester Canyon Gun Club. As of the end of 2008, we have over 800 members.

College Program: Friends of the NRA grant programs support our ongoing rifle, pistol and shotgun marksman-

ship program for local college students at UCSB, SBCC and Westmont. We expect to see over 200 students this year for these events. They are a great way to introduce new shooters to the sport. If you are interested in how you can boost your clubs ability to build up the next generation of gun club members, contact Rob Vance at [email protected] for more information on how WCGC did it.

Contact Information:Rob Vancec/o Winchester Canyon Gun ClubPO Box 3306Santa Barbara,CA [email protected]

News from Winchester Canyon Gun Club in Santa Barbara, California


ClUB News

New location but not new to training Inland Training has opened its new location in the Inland Empire of Southern California. Taking shape in the new five acre location, the facility conducts NRA Instructional courses including; Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, FIRST Steps Pistol, FIRST Steps Rifle, Personal Protection in the Home, Home Firearm Safety, Metallic Reloading, Shotgun Reloading, Refuse To Be A Victim and is a sponsor location for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program. Outside of the NRA Courses, Inland Training offers Basic and Advanced Archery courses and lessons and the Rifle and Archery Merit Badge Counseling for Boy Scouts. The facility includes the instructional classroom, the Pro Shop to obtain Firearms

Safety, Accessories and Archery products, a 3,000 sq. ft covered Archery Range and practice area. Still under devel-opment and installation are the much anticipated Video/Laser Based Firearms Training System and the Field Archery Range.

Keeping the facility focused toward a family environment and experience, the training center also includes picnic space that enables those that might have to travel a distance to be able to have lunch and enjoy some of the outdoor experience.

With the current training staff, the center is able to conduct smaller classes and coaching sessions throughout the week, for groups on weekends. The staff gets great pleasure working with new shooters, helping them obtain and develop the proper safe skills, and providing them with the founda-tion to pursue other advanced shooting activities.

Unfortunately, the training center is unable to conduct the Live Fire Pistol and Rifle shooting range to the public for practice due to our current operating restrictions, but with the right additional equipment and accessories, we may be able to overcome those issues while keeping the county officials and our neighbors happy.

If youre in the area and want to stop by or if youre looking for a nearby handgun, rifle or archery training center, contact the Inland Training Shooting Sports Training Center, 22900 Via Refugio, Perris, CA 92570 (951) 750-2793 or visit www.InlandArms.com

Inland Training Shooting Sports Training Center

Perris, California

Volunteers Needed in Phoenix!

Once again the NRA is seeking volunteers to help at the 2009 NRA Annual Meeting inPhoenix, May 13 17. To a large degree, the success of each years NRA Annual Meeting isdependent on the contributions of our volunteers. And you can be a part of that successful effort this year!

A number of volunteers are needed to help with set-up on Wednesday and Thursday,May 13 and 14, 2009 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the actual exhibit and meetings Fridaythrough Sunday, volunteers will work in the NRA Store, Membership Services and the AirgunRange, as well as a number of other venues.

To volunteer or for more information, visit any of NRAs web sites or the Annual Meetingsite www.nraam.org. Or contact Dennis Eggers, Annual Meeting Volunteer Coordinator, at 270-522-0909. The email address is [email protected]. Thank you.

22 CLUB CONNECTION Volume 14, Number 1


club news

The Blue Trail Belles is a womens pistol league. Catherine Smittner is a Certified Pistol Instructor, Certified Rifle Instructor, Appointed Rifle Coach, Range Officer, and is the Coach of the Belles. David Lyman, owner of Blue Trail Range, 316 North Branford, Rd., Wallingford, Ct. has sup-ported this program for over 20 years. As a refresher, Bullseye shooting means you shoot with one hand.

The league runs from November through April and has been sanctioned by NRA as an alternative program. Any Blue Trail Belle that wants to be part of competition will be clas-sified as a Marksman. All scores are submitted to the NRA at the end of the season and classification cards are returned to the members around October. The season is celebrated with a recognition banquet, where each person is recognized.

.22 caliber handguns can be made available at mini-mal cost. Personal items (ear and eye protection) must be furnished by each participant. Membership is open to Connecticut residents. All members must first schedule an appointment with a Certified Pistol Instructor at Blue Trail Range for a short safety course.

Remember, this is Ladies Night Out and each member sets their own pace. Having fun, being safe and socializing are the primary goals. Matches are scheduled against other leagues on a monthly basis. The Ladies really enjoy compet-ing against other leagues (both men and women) as this gives us the experience of what competitive shooting is all about. At the same time, if your goal is to just become familiar with shooting as a sport and learn about firearm safety, this is where it happens.

For more information on the Blue Trail Belles contact Blue Trail Range at (203) 269-3280 and let the fun, safe learning begin.

BLUE TRAIL BELLESLADIES NIGHT OUT BULLSEYE SHOOTINGBy Catherine SmittnerBlue Trail RangeWallingford, Connecticut


business news

In many cities obtaining CLEO signoff is a diffi-cult process and is required for an indi-vidual to purchase a

Silencer, SBR, SBS, AOW, or Machine Gun. By using a Gun Trust, your customers do not need to obtain a CLEO signature in most states. The National Firearms Act (NFA) approves the transfer of Title II firearms directly for business and trust purchases. Although a normal trust could be used they do not deal with the unique issues involved in purchas-ing, transferring, owning, and possessing items restricted by the NFA.

Even in states where CLEO signoff is available, the NFA mandates that the possession and use of the firearms be restricted to the individual named on a Form 4. This means that a spouse who knows the combination to a gun safe where these items are stored is in constructive possession of the restricted items. This can subject the individual and their spouse to the penalties associated with a violation of the NFA (10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine). If a Gun Trust is used to purchase the items, the Gun Trust can designate multiple authorized users. If the creators of the Gun Trust change their mine the authorized users (trustees) can be changed later through an amendment to the trust. Although there is a cost associated with the creations of a NFA Gun Trust, it is a one-time fee and there are no annual fees associated with a

Using Gun Trusts to Increase Title II Sales Under the National Firearms Act

Storing firearms in a gun safe is a highly effective safety measure and acts as a crime deterrent as well. But typical gun safes are large, plain and boxy not suitable for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Stealth Vault gun safes are practical and fashionable, designed to be indistinguishable from ordinary furniture.

Ive asked law enforcement people to try to find the gun safe in the room. They never guess its the Stealth Vault, says creator Mark Ewert. Not only is it perfect for protecting children, its a great place to keep cash and valu-ables. Its big enough to hide both rifles and handguns, yet criminals will never suspect your Stealth Vault is anything more than an ordinary piece of furniture.

Stealth Vault is designed to suit a variety of dcors, and designs are regularly changed to prevent them from becoming easily recognizable. They are available with push-button or biometric activation mechanisms and come in several finishes. For more information or to request a quote, visit www.stealthvault.com or contact Mark Ewert at 980.230.4329.

Furniture craftsman designs undetectable gun safe for security and attractiveness


business news

America was founded on the pursuit of freedom from tyranny and oppression. During the American Revolution and our fi ght for freedom, there was a war cry that rang unanimously throughout the colonies:

DONT TREAD ON ME!Now, over 200 years later, Dont Tread On Me clothing

is dedicated to protecting the American way of life and the freedoms of liberty.

Dont Tread On Me off ers many t-shirts that promote the 2nd Amendment and proudly advertise their involvement as an NRA Business Alliance on their website. Th ey have formed a strong alliance with AR-15.com, one of the largest pro-gun communities online.

Dont Tread On Me clothing is also proud to support the American work force. All Dont Tread On Me products from t-shirts to jeans are made in USA. Dont Tread On Me also recognizes our military and off ers free shipping to all APO/FPO, AA, AE, and AP addresses.

Because of its strong American roots and liberty inspired

clothing, Dont Tread On Me is also worn by many all-American rock stars like Chris Daughtry, Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down, and James Hetfi eld from Metallica. It is also sold in hundreds of Harley-Davidson dealers through out the nation.

The Dont Tread On Me war cry and the coiled snake have been symbols of strength and independence in Americas ght for the past 200 years. Keep America strong by buying American-made goods and services, sup-porting our troops who ght for our liberty, and honoring those who have laid down their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today!

For more information, visit DTOM.com

Media contact: Tim bauer

[email protected]

Dont Tread On Me

trust like with a corporation, LLC, or other business entity.Once a Gun Trust is created the trustees (authorized

users) do not have to worry about who the next CLEO is or whether the CLEO will give permission for additional purchases of items restricted by the NFA. In addition a trust deals with unforeseen circumstances such as death, disability, a move to a state where the items are not permitted, and legal changes in the eligibility of the trustees.

A NFA Gun Trust can allow you to increase sales of Title II fi rearms and off er signifi cant advantages to your custom-

ers that are not available to individual purchasers. For more information on NFA Gun Trusts visit www.guntrustlawyer.com

David Goldman is an Estate Planning Attorney who specializes in Title II fi rearms.

--David Goldman, AttorneyApple Law Firm PLLC331 East Monroe StreetJacksonville, FL 32202


business news letter to the editor

Payment Alliance International (PAI), a credit-card processing company that offers NRA Business Alliance members reduced pricing on payment services, wants to call members attention to the protec-tion plan it developed for its customers in 2008 and a recent card holder data security breach

that happened to one of its competitors.A representative for PAI noted in a recent e-mail that

promoting this protection is particularly timely, follow-ing a recent hacking crime that victimized one of its major competitors in the payments industry. That security breach compromised 100 million transactions, reported Nathan Danus, Director of the Target Marketing Group, the associa-tion sales division of PAI.

Heres what Danus has reported his company has done to prevent such an occurrence befalling PAI or its customers:

In 2006 we saw the potential for this coming In 2008 PAI went the extra step and developed a PCI Data Security Standards Protection Plan called PAI Secure, which helps merchants become compliant with the new industry standards and provides them with $50,000 of insurance protection in the unfortunate event of a card holder data compromise. (This protection comes with the NRAs Business Alliance Payment Program.) Bottom line here is that this is the real deal and should serve as a wake up call for our industry and merchants alike. Not having protection these days is just not a viable option or a good business decision.

If you have questions on PCI Compliance, Data Security Standards or would like to hear more information about how the NRAs Business Alliance/Merchant Services Program can help protect your business and increase your revenue please email Nathan at [email protected] or call toll free 866-371-2273 opt. 1 ext. 1131.

Membership Benefit Provider Reports Heightened Security Measures


business news letter to the editor

I was recently hired by Andrews International in Burbank, CA as the Director of Firearms Training. This position focuses on my passion for tactical and firearms training. In this position, I give private lessons to civilians (security officers), police officers and their family members.

I had the honor to train students from a law enforcement technical college and local high school students. These students have been receiving training for about a year. They have commenced basic firearms training and have participated in the firearms training simulator.

These kids are anticipating on entering the world of law enforcement. They are highly motivated and eager to learn. I shared techniques I teach tactical teams that conduct arrest and search warrant service. They thought it would be great to have me teach those techniques in manual and breach and live fire room clearing. These were taught without live pistols or ammo.

John Deonarine Chair, School of Criminal Justice and former DEA Agent, and I put together a training day at Burro Canyon Shooting Park in Azusa, CA. This location is where I teach L.A.P.D. officers and other officers from different departments search and arrest warrant service, as well as tactical shooting.

The students were taught one technique in manual breaching, oblique shooting on the move on the running man and search warrant/arrest warrant entries. When we debriefed it was obvious that they shared a profound new respect for the training that tactical units must go through to safely conduct these types of operations.

Rick Lopez retired from the Los Angeles Police Department on February 29, 2008. The majority of his career was assigned to the Swat and Narcotics Division. Based on his experience in training, he created a tactical training unit within the Narcotics Division. To obtain certification as a firearms instructor, Lopez also attended numerous NRA Instructor training courses.

ITT Technical SchoolSubmitted by Rick Lopez, L.A.P.D. Ret.

Top photo: ITT Class-Burro Canyon Training day. Bottom photo: Entry team stacked at door.


AlAbAmA StAte Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion Mr.JamesMoses,President 2009RodgersDrive,NE Huntsville,AL35811 256-534-7968home [email protected] Mr.RamonJ.Samaniego,Jr.Secretary/Treasurer 2505IsabelleCircle,NE Huntsville,AL35811 256-534-2644

AlASkA outdooR council, inc. DickBishop,President P.O.Box73902 Fairbanks,AK99707 907-455-6151office [email protected] RodArno,Secretary/Treasurer P.O.Box87-1069 Wasilla,AK99687 [email protected] www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

ARizonA StAte Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion Mr.LandisAden,President P.O.Box40962 Mesa,AZ85274-0962 602-524-4437office 480-854-8823fax [email protected] Ms.MargaretConlin,Treasurer 1727EastAlamedaDrive Tempe,AZ85282 480-838-6064home/fax www.asrpa.com

ARkAnSAS Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion Mr.AlAlberius,President 15424HartfordStreet LittleRock,AR72223 (501)217-0217 [email protected] Mr.FredBuzen,VicePresident 4275Hwy51South Arkadelphia,AR71923 (870)246-2029 [email protected] www.arpa-online.org

cAlifoRniA Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion, inc. Mr.ThomasO.Thomas,President 271ImperialHighway,Suite620 Fullerton,CA92835 714-992-2772office Mr.JohnC.Fields,ExecutiveDirector 217EastImperialHighway Suite620 Fullerton,CA92835 714-992-2772 [email protected] www.crpa.org

coloRAdo StAte Shooting ASSociAtion Mr.TonyFabian,President 510WilcoxStreet,SuiteC

CastleRock,CO80104 303-663-9339office 303-713-0785fax [email protected] [email protected] Mr.DavidGill 510WilcoxStreet#C CastleRock,CO80104 303-663-9339office 303-713-0785fax [email protected] www.cssa.org

connecticut StAte Rifle & RevolveR ASSociAtion Mr.RandyBieler P.O.Box754 NorthHaven,CT06473 203-272-1725 203-239-2106fax [email protected] www.csrra.com

delAwARe StAte SPoRtSmenS ASSociAtion Mr.JohnJ.Thompson,President 113NorthRoad Wilmington,DE19809 302-658-3070office 302-658-3031fax [email protected] Mr.DanielLindberg 2010KynwydRoad Wilmington,DE19810 302-475-4228 [email protected] www.delsports.net

floRidA SPoRt Shooting ASSociAtion, inc. Mr.ThomasBrusherd,President 5921BlackthornRd Jacksonville,FL32244 [email protected] Mr.MichaelD.Langfield,Secretary 5921BlackthornRoad Jacksonville,FL32244 407-701-1030(home) 407-273-9356(fax) [email protected] www.flssa.org

geoRgiA SPoRt Shooting ASSociAtion Dr.PaulBroun,President #4502300BethelviewRoad Suite110 Cumming,GA30040-9475 Home:706-227-0510 Mr.ScottBosso,Secretary/Treasurer #4502300BethelviewRoad Suite110 Cumming,GA30040-9475 (706)227-0510 [email protected] www.gssa.com

hAwAii Rifle ASSociAtion Mr.HarveyF.Gerwig,President 1039KupuaStreet Kailua,HI96734

(808)306-7194 [email protected] BillRichter,Secretary P.O.Box543 Kailua,HI96734 808-261-2754InfoLine [email protected] www.hawaiirifleassn.org

idAho StAte Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion Mr.NeillGoodfellow,President 8156NorthPennAvenue Fruitland,ID83619 208-452-4183home [email protected] Mr.JonCarter,Secretary 1065RiverHeightsDrive Meridian,ID83642 208-888-2829phone/fax [email protected] www.idahosrpa.org

illinoiS StAte Rifle ASSociAtion, inc. Mr.DonA.Moran,President P.O.Box637 Chatsworth,IL60921 815-635-3198office 815-635-3723fax [email protected] Mr.RichardPearson,ExecutiveDirector P.O.Box637 Chatsworth,IL60921 815-635-3198office 815-635-3723fax [email protected] www.isra.org

indiAnA StAte Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion, inc. Mr.JerryWehner,ExecutiveVP 7527StateRoute56 RisingSun,IN47040 812-534-3258home [email protected] Mr.WilliamH.Jordan,President 755W.300N. Greenfield,IN46140 317-462-3270 [email protected] www.isrpa.org

iowA StAte Rifle & PiStol ASSociAtion Mr.JohnKlopfenstein,President 606S.HarrisonPl MtPleasant,IA52641 [email protected] Mr.BillBesgrove,Secretary 240ProspectRoad NorthLiberty,IA52317-9660 (319)626-2710 [email protected] www.iowastateriflepistol.org

kAnSAS StAte Rifle ASSociAtion Ms.PatriciaStoneking,President P.O.Box117 BonnerSprings,KS66012 (913)667-3044

NRA-AFFiliAtED StAtE ASSoCiAtioNS


[email protected] Ms. Linda McCune, Executive Officer KSRA P.O. Box 1119 Wichita, KS 67201 (316) 264-2727 [email protected] www.ksraweb.net

League of KentucKy SportSmen, Inc. Mr. Rick Allen, President P.O. Box 8527 Lexington, KY 40533 859-276-3518 home Mr. Alex Lea, NRA Representative 217 Dorchester Road Louisville, KY 40223 502-649-8680 cell 502-429-3886 fax [email protected] www.kentuckysportsmen.com

LouISIana ShootIng aSSocIatIon Mr. Danial E. Zelenka, II, President 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1150 New Orleans, LA 70163 504-565-3727 office [email protected] Mr. Skip Blanchard, Secretary 3324 Lake Trail Metairie, LA 70003 504-887-5842 home [email protected] www.lsa1.org

(maIne) pIne tree State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon, Inc. Mr. Leslie M. Ohmart, III, President 73 Sunset Strip Brewer, ME 04412 207-989-7304 [email protected] Angus N. Norcross, Treasurer 14 Pine Road Wiscasset, ME 04578 207-882-4713 [email protected] www.mainerpa.org

maryLand State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon Mr. Larry Moreland, President 2814 Needlewood Lane Bowie, MD 20716 301-249-4586 home [email protected] Mr. Richard Kussman, Chairman 832 Bear Cabin Drive Forest Hill, MD 21050-2734 410-838-1734 home [email protected] www.msrpa.org

(maSSachuSettS) gun ownerS actIon League g.o.a.L. Mr. John Durkin, Jr., President P.O. Box 567, 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-5333 office Mr. James Wallace, Executive Director

P.O. Box 567, 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-5333 office 508-393-5222 fax [email protected] www.goal.org

mIchIgan rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon Mr. Leo Cebula, President P.O. Box 530637 Livonia, MI 48153-0637 269-781-1223 [email protected] Mr. Mike Wesner, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 530637 Livonia, MI 48153-0637 888-655-6772 office 269-781-1223 [email protected] www.michrpa.com

mInneSota rIfLe & revoLver aSSocIatIon, Inc. Morgen Dietrich, Secretary 14500 45th St, NE Foley, MN 56329 (320) 522-1934 [email protected] Mr. George Minerich, President 14500 45th St NE Foley, MN 56329 320-968-6898 home [email protected] www.mrra.org

mISSISSIppI State fIrearm ownerS aSSocIatIon Mr. Douglas Bowser, President P.O. Box 1061 McComb, MS 39649 601-249-3315 [email protected] Mr. Samuel Richardson, Secretary P.O. Box 2486 Madison, MS 39130-2486 601-898-9832 [email protected] www.msfoa.com

mISSourI Sport ShootIng aSSocIatIon Mr. Kevin Jamison, President 6140 N. Wagontrail Road Columbia, MO 65202 816-455-2669 816-413-0696 fax [email protected] [email protected] Lee Koester, Secretary Po Box 10170 Columbia, MO 65205 [email protected] www.missourisportshooting.org or www.safewithguns.org

montana rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon Mr. Matt Egloff, President P.O. Box 4394 Butte, MT 59702 406-782-5704

[email protected] Ms. Patsy E. Frimodig, Secretary P.O. Box 477 Park City, MT 59063 406-633-2486 home [email protected] www.mtrpa.org

nebraSKa ShootIng SportS aSSocIatIon Mr. Ronald L. Grapes, President P.O. Box 1585, 3407-19th Ave. Kearney, NE 68848 308-237-7902 home [email protected] Mr. Terry Copple, Secretary 10285 North Aspen Avenue Hastings, NE 68901 402-744-2049 home [email protected]

nevada State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon, Inc. Mr. Robert E. Smith, President P.O. Box 7512 Reno, NV 89501-7512 775-762-1494 office 775-355-8088 fax [email protected] [email protected] Mr. Mark Geldmacher, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 7512 Reno, NV 89501-7512 775-762-1494 office 775-355-8088 fax [email protected] www.nsrpa.us

gun ownerS of new hampShIre, Inc. Mr. Mitch Kopacz, President P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0487 603-225-4664 [email protected] Ms. Evelyn Logan, Secretary P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0847 603-225-2664 office 877-841-1672 phone/fax [email protected] www.gonh.org

aSSocIatIon of new JerSey rIfLe and pIStoL cLubS, Inc. Mr. Scott L. Bach, President P.O. Box 651 Newfoundland, NJ 07435 (973) 697-9270 [email protected] Ms. Judith Iorio, Recording Secretary P.O. Box 1397 [email protected] www.anjrpc.org

new mexIco ShootIng SportS aSSocIatIon, Inc. Mr. Roger Buelow, President P.O. Box 30850 Albuquerque, NM 87190 505-345-3646


[email protected] Mr. Ken Laintz, Secretary P.O. Box 753 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-667-0034 [email protected] www.nmssa.org

New York State rifle & PiStol aSSociatioN, iNc. Mr. Thomas H. King, President P.O. Box 1023 Troy, NY 12181-1023 518-424-1349 518-449-1332 fax [email protected] Mr. Joseph DeBergalis, VP of Operations P.O. Box 1023 Troy, NY 12181 518-272-2654 office [email protected] www.nysrpa.org

North caroliNa rifle & PiStol aSSociatioN Mr. David McFarling, President P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 919-929-9585 home [email protected] Mr. David Prest, Secretary P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-639-4742 office [email protected] www.ncrpa.org

North Dakota ShootiNg SPortS aSSociatioN Mr. Eric Pueppke, President PO Box 228 Bismarck, ND 58502 701-967-8450 [email protected] Mr. Steve Faught, Secretary/Treasurer 701-347-5903 home [email protected] www.ndssa.org

ohio rifle & PiStol aSSociatioN Mr. David Johnson, President PO Box 571 Dayton, OH 45409 513-934-1468 [email protected] Mr. Keith V. Bailey, Secretary 175 W. Main New London, OH 44851-1018 419-929-0307 office [email protected]

oklahoma rifle aSSociatioN Mr. G. Don Scott, President Rt. 2, Box 23 Maysville, OK 73057 405-867-5234 home [email protected] Mr. Charles Smith, Executive Director P.O. Box 850602

Yukon, OK 73085-0602 405-324-2450 office/fax [email protected] www.oklarifle.org

oregoN State ShootiNg aSSociatioN Mr. Tim Pitzer, President 2815 South Shore Drive SE Albany, OR 97322 541-928-2460 home 541-981-2064 fax [email protected] Mr. Jerod Broadfoot, Vice President (503) 930-4926 [email protected] www.ossa.org

PeNNSYlvaNia rifle & PiStol aSSociatioN Mr. Jack Lee, President 100 Wycliff Way Butler, PA 16001 724-865-2597 phone/fax [email protected] Mr. James G. Johnson, Secretary 405 Hilltop Road Paoli, PA 19301 610-647-2374 [email protected] www.pennarifleandpistol.org

rhoDe iSlaND State rifle & revolver aSSociatioN Mr. Paul Boiani, President P.O. Box 41148 Providence, RI 02940 401-233-0771 office Mr. Donn C. DiBiasio, Secretary P.O. Box 17452 Smithfield, RI 02917 401-233-0771 office

guN owNerS of South caroliNa Mr. Gerald Stoudemire, President P.O. Box 211 Little Mountain, SC 29075 803-945-7677 home [email protected] Ms. Peggy Bodner 1080 Pinecrest Dr Rock Hill, SC 29732 803-329-8668 [email protected] www.gosc.org

South Dakota ShootiNg SPortS aSSociatioN Mr. BJ McGuire, President P.O. Box 3 Dell Rapids, SD 57022 [email protected] Mr. Greg Iversen, Secretary 21421 Richard Road Sturgis, SD 57885 605-428-5488 605-428-5502 fax [email protected] www.sdshootingsports.org

teNNeSSee ShootiNg SPortS aSSociatioN, iNc.Mr. Ray W. Harvey, Jr., President 6653 Jocelyn Hollow Road Nashville, TN 37205 615-352-3954 [email protected] Mr. Ralph Walker, Secretary 1436 Right Prong Blue Buck Road Duck River, TN 38454 615-662-9116 [email protected] tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

texaS State rifle aSSociatioN Dan Walker, President 717 Mountain Ridge Dr Leander, TX 78641 512-260-7157 [email protected]

utah State rifle & PiStol aSSociatioN Mr. Elwood P. Powell, President 4834 Van Buren Avenue Ogden, UT 84403 801-449-9763 office 801-476-8274 fax [email protected] Mr. Willis K. Smith, Secretary 1349 West 2600 North Clinton, UT 84015 801-589-5825 home [email protected] www.usrpa.org

vermoNt feDeratioN of SPortSmeNS clubS, iNc. Mr. Roy Marble, President 14 Stafford Avenue Morrisville, VT 05661 802-888-5100 [email protected] Mr. William Brunelle PO Box 1231, St. Albans, VT 05478 802-524-6320 home [email protected] www.vtfsc.org

virgiNia ShootiNg SPortS aSSociatioNMr. Lucien Charette, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 1258Orange, VA 22960540-672-5848 [email protected]. Andrea T. Smith, Secretary/TreasurerP.O. Box 1258Orange, VA 22960540-672-5848 office/[email protected]

nRA-AffiliAted stAte AssociAtions


waShIngton State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon, Inc. Mr. Dave Sotelo, President PO Box 993 Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-925-4084 home [email protected] Mr. Monte Milanuk, Secretary 4027 Stemilt Creek Rd Wenatchee, WA 98801 [email protected] www.wsrpa.org

weSt vIrgInIa State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon Mr. Barry Hogue, President 1220 Philippi Pike Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-624-5363 Mr. Richard C. Whiting, Secretary Rt. 1, Box 272-2 Buckhannon, WV 26201 304-623-6093 [email protected] www.wvasrpa.org

wISconSIn rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon Mr. Jeff Nass, President N615 Silver Lane Pulaski, WI 54162-8320 920-687-0505 [email protected] Gary Nichols, Secretary W271N7055 Hansen Dr Sussex, WI 53089 262-246-3317 www.wrpa.com

wyomIng State ShootIng aSSocIatIon, Inc. Mr. Mark Spungin, President P.O. Box 94 Guernsey, WY 82214 307-836-2188 home [email protected] Mr. Roger Sebesta, Secretary/Treasurer 625 Sweetwater Street Lander, WY 82520 307-335-9323 [email protected]

myweb.wyoming.com/wssa/

nRA field Representative directoryeAsteRn ReGionEastern Regional Director Brian Hyder 276-579-9828Area 1 (ME, NH, VT, N. NY) Michael Langton 607-427-8404Area 2 (NY) Jay Rusnock 845-298-7233Area 3 (CT, MA, RI, Lower NY) Vacant VacantArea 4 (DE, Eastern PA) Kory Enck 717-689-3200Area 5 (Western PA) Thomas Baldrige 724-861-0447Area 6 (MD, NJ) Brian Swartz 973-343-2104Area 7 (DC, Western VA, WV) Jim Kilgore 304-255-2916Area 8 (Eastern NC) David Wells 252-456-2097Area 42 (Western NC) Robert Doug Merrill 828-628-0410Area 45 (Eastern VA) Bob Hipple 540-6310633

centRAl ReGionCentral Regional Director Philip Gray 740-773-4119Area 12 (Southern OH) Brian Hoover 740-2974255Area 14 (IN) John Crone 317-946-7260Area 15 (KY) Larry Summarell, Jr. 270-586-5031 Area 17 (WI) Scott Taetsch 715-873-3360Area 18 (Northern IL) Michael F. Huber 815-635-3321Area 19 (MO) Gregg Pearre 573-761-5466Area 43 (TN) Mike Webb 901-382-4789Area 49 (Northern OH) Lloyd Edwards 419-646-3669Area 51 (Southern MI) Allan Herman 989-686-3013Area 52 (Southern IL) Wayne Steele 217-233-6784

SOUTHERN REGIONSouthern Regional Director Al Hammond 386-462-5421Area 9 (SC) Dale Carwile 864-223-9900Area 10 (GA) Mike Cockerham 478-472-4640Area 11 (Northern FL) Howell Lancaster 904-521-1945Area 16 (LA, Southern MS) Dick Kingsafer 601-794-0068Area 22 (AL) Craig Pace 334-821-3200Area 25 (Northern TX) Tommy Easterling 903-330-4901Area 26 (Southern TX) Gayle Carter-Cook 361-972-2166Area 39 (AR, Northern MS) Mike Nevins 501-366-0293Area 47 (Western TX) Jack Cannon 325-617-4460Area 48 (Southern Florida) Larry Mills 941-378-9237

MID WESTERN REGIONNorth Central Regional Director Tom Ulik 509-895-9407Area 20 (OK) Darren DeLong 405-692-8672Area 21 (MN) Scott Lembke 218-844-4400Area 23 (IA, NE) Tim Bacon 515-332-1285Area 24 (KS) Rick Chrisman 913-294-9956Area 27 (NM) Peter Ide 505-281-6721Area 28 (MT) Joseph Crismore 406-293-2498Area 29 (WY) David Manzer 307-746-2520Area 30 (CO) Marc Steinke 719-207-4080Area 41 (ND, SD) Clay Pederson 701-522-9622

WESTERN REGION Western Regional Director J.P. Nelson 480-357-4057Area 31 (AZ) Donna Cassity 520-316-0620Area 32 (S. ID, Eastern NV, UT) Vacant VacantArea 33 (Northern ID, Eastern WA) Brendon Hill 509-325-0131Area 34 (HI, OR) Mike Carey 541-385-9404Area 35 (Northern CA) Daniel Wilhelm 707-994-5877Area 36 (Southern CA, S. NV) Lissa Davis 818-241-0735Area 37 (Central CA) Jason Quick 805-239-4246Area 38 (AK) Bradley J. Kruger 907-235-9059Area 40 (Western WA) Jim Williams 253-904-8941Area 46 (E.CA, W. NV) Steve Wilson 209-847-4826

nonprofit org.u.S. Postage

PAidmerrifield, vA.Permit no.283

CLub CoNNECtioNNational Rifle Association11250 Waples Mill RoadFairfax, VA 22030

Documents

Club Connection, Volume 14, Issue 1