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

TRADITIONS STAFFEditor: Amber Niblock Shorter

Editor & Design: Jeremy GreeneTraditions is published quarterly by The NRA Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of its donors and other interested parties11250 Waples Mill Road . Fairfax, VA 22030 . (800) 423-6894 . www.nrafoundation.org

About the Cover:Youth Education Summiteers enjoy Washington D.C. landmarks

while competing for college scholarships (Photo by Hannele Lahti)

GUEST EDITORIAL AmeriCap USA 3

COVER STORY 2011 Youth Education Summit: Beltway BFFs 4

NATIONAL NEWS Friends of NRA Milestones 8

Tear Down This Wall 10

Wall of Guns 12

Summer Meetings 14

FRIENDS UPDATE Eastern Region 16

Central Region 18

Southern Region 20

Mid West Region 22

Western Region 24

INDUSTRY CORNER Smith & Wesson 26

PROGRAM PROFILE NRAhuntersrights.org 28

NRA FOUNDATION DONORS 30

TABL

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F C

ON

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Mr. Frank R. Brownell, IIIPresident

The Honorable Bill K. BrewsterVice President

The Honorable Joe M. AllbaughTrustee

Mr. Allan D. CorsTrustee

Ms. Sandra S. FromanTrustee

Mr. Steve HornadyTrustee

Mr. Eric JohansonTrustee

Mr. David A. KeeneExOfficio

General P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.)Trustee

Mr. George K. Kollitides IITrustee

Mr. Wayne R. LaPierreExOfficio

Mr. Owen P. MillsTrustee

Mr. James W. Porter IITrustee

Mr. Dennis J. ReeseTrustee

Captain John C. SiglerTrustee

Mr. H. Wayne SheetsExecutive Director

Mr. Wilson H. Phillips, Jr.Treasurer

Mrs. Sandy S. ElkinSecretary

3TRADITIONS . QUARTER 3: 2011

AmeriCap Co., Inc. is a privately held traditional cut-and-sew headwear manufacturer located in Enfield, N.C. Not long after beginning operations in 1989, one of the most fortuitous events in our 22-year history occurred. Our friends at Mossy Oak asked us if we could help them out with a project they were doing with the NRA.

Sewing up a quantity of caps from a Treestand fabric with an NRA logo embedded in the print led us to a fledgling organization started by The NRA Foundation to encourage grassroots support across the country. Friends of NRA was looking for Made-in-U.S.A. headwear, and that has evolved into a relationship that has lasted over 15 years to date.

For a number of years now, Friends of NRA com-mittees have used AmeriCap apparel decorated with the Friends of NRA logo to encourage and reward individuals helping make things happen in their local communities.

Remaining a viable vendor for such a dynamic organization, from specialized decoration for High Caliber caps to new items such as custom-manufac-tured survival kits, has contributed to AmeriCap’s expanded horizons and capabilities. This has proven meaningful to us in gaining entrance into other national entities across the country.

While manufacturing custom caps for individual corporations and organizations has remained the core of our operations, AmeriCap has expanded its capabilities considerably since the early days. As a

direct distributor for such companies as Carhartt outerwear and Cutter & Buck corporate wear, we offer a complete line of decorated apparel from screen-printed tee shirts to embroidered Carhartt jackets.

However, at the core, what we do as a company and what we do with Friends of NRA still revolves around manufacturing caps. It is an event in our company when the new designs hit the sewing floor each summer. Those on our sewing floor and in our embroidery department are curious to see what new items we will be running for the commit-tees to use throughout the year.

Last week, Roanoke Valley Friends of NRA in North Carolina held its second annual event in Roanoke Rapids with Patrick Qualls, a partner in AmeriCap, serving his second year as Chairman. With the very able direction of NRA Field Rep for Eastern NC, David Wells, we had over 130 attendees and raised over $10,000 to help ensure the future of hunting and shooting in the U.S.A. We are proud to be able to bring the NRA right back into our own neigh-borhood in such a significant way.

Our relationship with Friends of NRA has been a pleasure for us every step of the way. We are very thankful for their steadfast loyalty to us when many were going offshore to procure their caps. Many of the hardworking Friends of NRA individuals we worked with over the years have become lifelong friends. And just being involved with such a worthy effort at several levels has been rewarding to us all.

AmeriCApUSA

GU

EST EDITO

RIAL

From left to right: Carl Qualls, Patrick Qualls, and Mickey Dorsey of AmeriCapUSA

If you spend any time watching the news, you know Washington, D.C. is our nation’s capital, but you probably don’t think of it as a particularly friendly place. To a certain extent, you’d be right to think that: To do their jobs properly, the executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch sort of have to be at odds, to say nothing of how the political parties go on. It can get a little acrimoni-ous. But there’s one time every year when the “Beltway”— the notorious eight-lane highway that rings our capital— becomes the place where you could meet your new best friends forever. That’s the summer day when NRA’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) bus pulls into town. Sponsored by the Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation, Y.E.S. is when 45 lucky rising juniors and seniors come from all corners of

America to converge on D.C. for an expenses-paid week of adventure.

They arrive as strangers, from as far away from NRA Headquarters as Alaska, but it’s not long before they’re connecting on the most important level. Enthuses Nicole McMahon, Y.E.S. coordinator, “They’re all so different because of their cultures and their backgrounds, but it’s great to see them all come together because of their shared values and beliefs.”

Their first full day began, as you might imagine, with a VIP tour of the NRA’s incredible National Firearms Museum. With tens of thousands of guns on display in constant rotation, a visitor will never see the same museum twice. Next came a gun-safety lecture and test, which is de rigueur if you’re

going to be shooting a variety of firearms from the NRA’s own collection on its state-of-the-art shooting range— a perennial Y.E.S. favorite. Grinned Cassie Nufable of Los Angeles, Calif., “I loved going shooting on the NRA range. My roommate says I was talking in my sleep about it! I also really enjoyed meeting all the people that are so passionate about American history.”

Many Summiteers, like Patrick Coyle of Ansonia, Conn., are used to time behind the trigger. “I have my own AR-15 rifle,” reported Patrick, “which I’ve converted from 5.56 to shoot .22 caliber. I’d suggest that combo to anybody.” However, teens interested in applying for Y.E.S. should know that experience with guns isn’t a prerequisite—just a willingness to listen and learn the rules of gun safety.

BeltwayBy wendy laFever

You see, part of what makes Y.E.S. so special is that it doesn’t just highlight how the American government works; it also stresses the responsibilities of citizenship. Before they arrive, the Summiteers are given a series of debate topics that they must research, defend and argue with other members of the group. It’s an exercise in mental flexibility, since the topics may or may not be in line with the students’ beliefs, and it’s a great way to learn. “This year, we got to go to Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center. It’s an educational center all about teaching American constitutionalism,” explains McMahon, “and having the debates there with the guidance of a Kirby Center professor really added a collegiate feel.”

Next, the Summiteers hit the National Archives to get a first-person peek at the actual documents that serve as a foundation

How many ways can tHe youtH education summit

cHange your liFe?

BFFs!Shared values and goals bring Summiteers from all backgrounds together in friendship.

A special treat: The Summiteers met Congressman Duncan Hunter (R.-Calif.) right on the steps of the Capitol Building.

A Summiteer delivers his two-minute persuasive speech.

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Ask any Y.E.S. alumnus...the best way to experience the solemn power of the Lincoln Memorial is in person.

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Reprinted with permission of NRA InSights magazine, October 2011 issue.

If you spend any time watching the news, you know Washington, D.C. is our nation’s capital, but you probably don’t think of it as a particularly friendly place. To a certain extent, you’d be right to think that: To do their jobs properly, the executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch sort of have to be at odds, to say nothing of how the political parties go on. It can get a little acrimoni-ous. But there’s one time every year when the “Beltway”— the notorious eight-lane highway that rings our capital— becomes the place where you could meet your new best friends forever. That’s the summer day when NRA’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) bus pulls into town. Sponsored by the Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation, Y.E.S. is when 45 lucky rising juniors and seniors come from all corners of

America to converge on D.C. for an expenses-paid week of adventure.

They arrive as strangers, from as far away from NRA Headquarters as Alaska, but it’s not long before they’re connecting on the most important level. Enthuses Nicole McMahon, Y.E.S. coordinator, “They’re all so different because of their cultures and their backgrounds, but it’s great to see them all come together because of their shared values and beliefs.”

Their first full day began, as you might imagine, with a VIP tour of the NRA’s incredible National Firearms Museum. With tens of thousands of guns on display in constant rotation, a visitor will never see the same museum twice. Next came a gun-safety lecture and test, which is de rigueur if you’re

going to be shooting a variety of firearms from the NRA’s own collection on its state-of-the-art shooting range— a perennial Y.E.S. favorite. Grinned Cassie Nufable of Los Angeles, Calif., “I loved going shooting on the NRA range. My roommate says I was talking in my sleep about it! I also really enjoyed meeting all the people that are so passionate about American history.”

Many Summiteers, like Patrick Coyle of Ansonia, Conn., are used to time behind the trigger. “I have my own AR-15 rifle,” reported Patrick, “which I’ve converted from 5.56 to shoot .22 caliber. I’d suggest that combo to anybody.” However, teens interested in applying for Y.E.S. should know that experience with guns isn’t a prerequisite—just a willingness to listen and learn the rules of gun safety.

BeltwayBy wendy laFever

You see, part of what makes Y.E.S. so special is that it doesn’t just highlight how the American government works; it also stresses the responsibilities of citizenship. Before they arrive, the Summiteers are given a series of debate topics that they must research, defend and argue with other members of the group. It’s an exercise in mental flexibility, since the topics may or may not be in line with the students’ beliefs, and it’s a great way to learn. “This year, we got to go to Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center. It’s an educational center all about teaching American constitutionalism,” explains McMahon, “and having the debates there with the guidance of a Kirby Center professor really added a collegiate feel.”

Next, the Summiteers hit the National Archives to get a first-person peek at the actual documents that serve as a foundation

How many ways can tHe youtH education summit

cHange your liFe?

BFFs!Shared values and goals bring Summiteers from all backgrounds together in friendship.

A special treat: The Summiteers met Congressman Duncan Hunter (R.-Calif.) right on the steps of the Capitol Building.

A Summiteer delivers his two-minute persuasive speech.

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Ask any Y.E.S. alumnus...the best way to experience the solemn power of the Lincoln Memorial is in person.

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Reprinted with permission of NRA InSights magazine, October 2011 issue.

for our entire system of government. For old pieces of parch-ment, the Declaration of Independence and Constitution really came to life for many Summiteers. Stated Matthew Farner of Corrales, N.M., “I don’t know how to describe the way I felt when I saw the Declaration of Independence. It was just like, ‘Man, that’s George Washington’s signature!’ It was amazing.” As darkness fell, the Summiteers toured the matchless monu-ments of Washington, D.C., from the majestic Washington Monument, to the humbling Lincoln Memorial, to the stark, haunting Vietnam Memorial.

The next day, the tour headed to Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court. You see, one of the coolest things about D.C. is that you just never know who you might see when you’re touring the sights. While visiting the Capitol build- ing, the Summiteers were surprised to have a group of Secret Service officers quietly part their group. Which VIP was passing through? None other than our current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Daniel Wendt of Denham Springs, La., summarized it pithily: “I loved seeing Congress. That was cool.”

While visiting the Supreme Court, the Y.E.S group got a special treat: Although they’d only planned on touring the

of Bentonville, Ark., Quantico was the highlight of the Summit. “Seeing the drill instructors and learning about how the Marines are involved with the politics of the area was fascinating,” he says. Laughs Patrick, “I’m something of a military fanatic.”

You don’t have to be interested in matters military to appreciate the incredible precision and talent on display at the Marine Barracks Washington (“8th and I”) parade. As day settled slowly into evening, the Summiteers watched hundreds of Marines perform intricate rifle drills and play stirring patriotic music.

As the week drew to a close, lessons in citizenship and patriotism absorbed, the Y.E.S. students would have one more opportunity to show their thanks to those who had made it all possible. Saturday morning brought them to Arlington National Cemetery, where they were able to participate in a wreath-laying cere- mony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The solemn beauty of this ceremony, surrounded by the silence of thousands of simple white crosses, is a fitting coda to a week dedicated to celebrating the freedoms granted by our Constitution.

Before they leave, however, the Summiteers have one last hurrah. At the Awards Banquet, emceed by NRA News host Cam Edwards, a record 12 Summiteers split $10,000 in scholarships. The scholarships don’t end there—an additional $20,000 will be awarded to the Y.E.S. student who best demonstrates the lessons they’ve learned in D.C. once they return back home. Whether they went home with scholarship money or not, they all went home with life’s best prize—new friends who share their values and dedication to the American way of life.

End oF WEEk ScholarShipS:

$2,000Daniel Wendt - Denham Springs, la.

$1,000Justin-Ryan Abueg - San Ramon, Calif.

Nainisha Chintalapudi - Cary, n.C.Sarah Cox - Southern Pines, n.C.

Amanda Krpan - alachua, Fa.Zelphia Peterson - Rosemount, Minn.

$500Jarred Gillie - houston, texas

Brett Jackson - american Fork, UtahLucas Lowry - Shawnee, Kan.

Ashley Olson - Shippensburg, Pa.Tyler Rea - Coppell, texas

Kaley Read - Ridgecrest, Calif.

i Want in!NRA is issuing a call for all

young leaders interested in

making a difference for the 2012

Youth Education Summit! The sum-

mit will run June 25 to July 1, 2012.

To apply, please call (800) 672-3888,

ext. 1342 or email yes@nrahq.org.

Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2012.

Sgt. Acero gives his “recruits” the full Marine Drill Instructor experience!

It takes a special kind of toughness to brave Quantico’s obstacle course.

Want more Y.E.S.? Head to www.nrainsights.org to check out the InSights digital edition, complete with a video and slideshow that we can’t bring you in print!

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building and hearing a lecture about the Court, they were actually able to see the nine justices at work, and got to hear a decision on a case many people would recognize: the estate of Anna Nicole Smith, former reality TV star and would-be heir to hundreds of millions of dollars. (The court ruled against her estate.) It’s an up-close-and-personal look at the workings of our justice system that you just can’t get many other ways. Recounted Jamie Crandal of Reno, Nev., “I loved going to the Supreme Court. Just being in there, with all that marble, when all of the judges were there actually deciding cases…that was awesome.”

Speaking of authenticity, the next stop on the Y.E.S. tour bus was the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. That part of the Smithsonian was a big favorite for the Summiteers, including Barrett Young, of Anchorage, Alaska, who relates, “My favorite part so far has been seeing the historical artifacts—like the very first Star-Spangled Banner.”

Theo Mikrut, Maple Park, Ill., agrees. “I really liked the pop culture exhibits,” he says. In fact, the American History Museum is so jam-packed with incredible mementoes that even after an entire afternoon, many Summiteers were wishing they’d had more time.

The next morning brought with it a taste of military life Marine-style, as the Summiteers took on the Marine Corps Base Quantico. There, they were greeted at the door of the bus by a real-life drill instructor, who gave them a quick— high-decibel—lesson in how to march like a Marine. (Not to worry; no heads were shaved.) The Y.E.S. students were then treated to a demonstration of the Marine Corps’ legendary obstacle and confidence courses, as well as the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. For many, like Patrick Gower,

for our entire system of government. For old pieces of parch-ment, the Declaration of Independence and Constitution really came to life for many Summiteers. Stated Matthew Farner of Corrales, N.M., “I don’t know how to describe the way I felt when I saw the Declaration of Independence. It was just like, ‘Man, that’s George Washington’s signature!’ It was amazing.” As darkness fell, the Summiteers toured the matchless monu-ments of Washington, D.C., from the majestic Washington Monument, to the humbling Lincoln Memorial, to the stark, haunting Vietnam Memorial.

The next day, the tour headed to Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court. You see, one of the coolest things about D.C. is that you just never know who you might see when you’re touring the sights. While visiting the Capitol build- ing, the Summiteers were surprised to have a group of Secret Service officers quietly part their group. Which VIP was passing through? None other than our current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Daniel Wendt of Denham Springs, La., summarized it pithily: “I loved seeing Congress. That was cool.”

While visiting the Supreme Court, the Y.E.S group got a special treat: Although they’d only planned on touring the

of Bentonville, Ark., Quantico was the highlight of the Summit. “Seeing the drill instructors and learning about how the Marines are involved with the politics of the area was fascinating,” he says. Laughs Patrick, “I’m something of a military fanatic.”

You don’t have to be interested in matters military to appreciate the incredible precision and talent on display at the Marine Barracks Washington (“8th and I”) parade. As day settled slowly into evening, the Summiteers watched hundreds of Marines perform intricate rifle drills and play stirring patriotic music.

As the week drew to a close, lessons in citizenship and patriotism absorbed, the Y.E.S. students would have one more opportunity to show their thanks to those who had made it all possible. Saturday morning brought them to Arlington National Cemetery, where they were able to participate in a wreath-laying cere- mony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The solemn beauty of this ceremony, surrounded by the silence of thousands of simple white crosses, is a fitting coda to a week dedicated to celebrating the freedoms granted by our Constitution.

Before they leave, however, the Summiteers have one last hurrah. At the Awards Banquet, emceed by NRA News host Cam Edwards, a record 12 Summiteers split $10,000 in scholarships. The scholarships don’t end there—an additional $20,000 will be awarded to the Y.E.S. student who best demonstrates the lessons they’ve learned in D.C. once they return back home. Whether they went home with scholarship money or not, they all went home with life’s best prize—new friends who share their values and dedication to the American way of life.

End oF WEEk ScholarShipS:

$2,000Daniel Wendt - Denham Springs, la.

$1,000Justin-Ryan Abueg - San Ramon, Calif.

Nainisha Chintalapudi - Cary, n.C.Sarah Cox - Southern Pines, n.C.

Amanda Krpan - alachua, Fa.Zelphia Peterson - Rosemount, Minn.

$500Jarred Gillie - houston, texas

Brett Jackson - american Fork, UtahLucas Lowry - Shawnee, Kan.

Ashley Olson - Shippensburg, Pa.Tyler Rea - Coppell, texas

Kaley Read - Ridgecrest, Calif.

i Want in!NRA is issuing a call for all

young leaders interested in

making a difference for the 2012

Youth Education Summit! The sum-

mit will run June 25 to July 1, 2012.

To apply, please call (800) 672-3888,

ext. 1342 or email yes@nrahq.org.

Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2012.

Sgt. Acero gives his “recruits” the full Marine Drill Instructor experience!

It takes a special kind of toughness to brave Quantico’s obstacle course.

Want more Y.E.S.? Head to www.nrainsights.org to check out the InSights digital edition, complete with a video and slideshow that we can’t bring you in print!

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building and hearing a lecture about the Court, they were actually able to see the nine justices at work, and got to hear a decision on a case many people would recognize: the estate of Anna Nicole Smith, former reality TV star and would-be heir to hundreds of millions of dollars. (The court ruled against her estate.) It’s an up-close-and-personal look at the workings of our justice system that you just can’t get many other ways. Recounted Jamie Crandal of Reno, Nev., “I loved going to the Supreme Court. Just being in there, with all that marble, when all of the judges were there actually deciding cases…that was awesome.”

Speaking of authenticity, the next stop on the Y.E.S. tour bus was the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. That part of the Smithsonian was a big favorite for the Summiteers, including Barrett Young, of Anchorage, Alaska, who relates, “My favorite part so far has been seeing the historical artifacts—like the very first Star-Spangled Banner.”

Theo Mikrut, Maple Park, Ill., agrees. “I really liked the pop culture exhibits,” he says. In fact, the American History Museum is so jam-packed with incredible mementoes that even after an entire afternoon, many Summiteers were wishing they’d had more time.

The next morning brought with it a taste of military life Marine-style, as the Summiteers took on the Marine Corps Base Quantico. There, they were greeted at the door of the bus by a real-life drill instructor, who gave them a quick— high-decibel—lesson in how to march like a Marine. (Not to worry; no heads were shaved.) The Y.E.S. students were then treated to a demonstration of the Marine Corps’ legendary obstacle and confidence courses, as well as the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. For many, like Patrick Gower,

NAT

ION

AL

NEW

S

riends of NRA officially started its journey in October 1992 with one banquet in Columbia, Mo. organized by none other than Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA. After the banquet’s success, Friends of NRA set out on the open road with a vision

of creating a secure future for youth, women, ranges, and all programs supporting the shooting sports. Looking back into its rearview mirror, the Friends of NRA vehicle has spent nearly 20 years on a road paved with hard work, dedication, ingenuity, and milestones along the way marking its most impressive achievements. While the destination is ultimately a future filled with promise, Friends of NRA knows the best way to leave a legacy in its tracks is finding the best drivers to steer the way, the right fuel to fire it up, and an engine powerful enough to sustain it.

NRA headquarters staff, field representatives, and regional directors help navigate the program day in and day out. Nevertheless, sitting behind the wheel are the most important drivers of all— Friends of NRA volunteers. In a world where blood, sweat, and tears are needed to get the job done, Friends of NRA volunteers are no stranger to a little elbow grease. When the program drove its first mile in 1993, there were only 19 field reps covering all of the United States. With 30 more road warriors joining the team over the last couple of decades, and 1.5 million miles traveled in the past year alone, Friends of NRA has become stronger and more productive across the country. Consequently, they’ve picked up some of the most driven and passionate volunteers, expanding The Patriot Nation from approximately 1,500 volunteers in 1993 to over ten thousand today.

mile•stone noun \‘mī(-ə)l-‘stōn\ 1. A stone set up beside a road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place 2. An action or event marking a significant change or stage in development

F

friends of nra

8 TRADITIONS . QUARTER 3: 2011

By NiCole mCmAhoNSenior Event Services Coordinator, NRA Field Operations Division

mile•stone noun \‘mī(-ə)l-‘stōn\ 1. A stone set up beside a road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place 2. An action or event marking a significant change or stage in development

Fueling the Friends of NRA vehicle are its banquets and at-tendees. In 1992, there was one banquet. In 1993, there were 183. In 2011, approximately 1,050 Friends of NRA banquets will take place in cities and towns across the U.S. Some 39,000 people attended Friends of NRA banquets in 1993, and in 2010, over 204,000 attendees walked through banquet hall doors to show their support for the shooting sports. Every year fun, fellowship, and fundraising fuel thousands of volunteers. In turn, the revenue they generate acts as fuel for a cause our volunteers are passionate about—the system that provides Friends of NRA with an avenue to allot local and national programs with much-needed funds to keep firearm traditions thriving.

No vehicle can function without an engine. Unlike the intri-cate inner workings of an actual car’s engine, Friends of NRA’s engine, The NRA Foundation, is a rather simple system. Fifty percent of the money raised from Friends of NRA banquets stays in the state in which the banquet was held and the other 50 percent supports over 180 national NRA-supported programs country-wide. The NRA Foundation grant syst-em serves as motivation thr-oughout all the miles trave-led, all the storms weathered, and all the roadblocks Frie-nds of NRA field reps and

volunteers have endured along the way. In 1992, when the engine was just warming up, only seven national grants total-ing $34,000 were awarded. In 1994, the first year state grants were created, it awarded 107 grants totaling over $320,000. This year to date, The NRA Foundation has given out 2,131 grants, tallying over $13 million— all to worthwhile pro-grams made possible with the money raised by Friends of NRA volunteers, banquets, attendees, and sponsors.

In the past 20 years, over 25,000 grants exceeding $165 million helped support shooting sports programs. That’s a ton of horsepower for a program with 20-years on its tires. For Friends of NRA, these major milestones are only a stone’s throw away from the starting line. The road ahead is unknown, but with more volunteers getting behind the driver’s seat and the fuel kept on full, Friends of NRA is rev-ving up its engine for many more trips to the winner’s circle in the years to come.

friends of nra

10

“Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.”

-RONALD REAGANWest Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany

On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan stood before a sea of people at The Berlin Wall in West Berlin, Ger-many, to deliver what would become one of the most memorable lines ever uttered by The Great Communicator. A product of the Cold War, Commu-nists constructed the Berlin Wall in 1961 to keep Germans from escaping the Communist-dominated East Berlin into the Democratic West Berlin. Standing just over 12 feet tall, the concrete wall extended for a hundred miles, encircling West Berlin with electrified fences and armed security checkpoints. Two and a half decades later, at the base of its Brandenburg Gate, Reagan addressed the people of West Berlin with a resounding message of freedom. “Behind me stands a wall that en-circles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe… As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind.” With a crowd of 10,000 West Berlin-ers in front of him, and innumerable East Berliners listening in on the other side of the Berlin Wall, Reagan’s words would touch the hearts of Germans everywhere. It was in Reagan’s final remarks though that he would challenge the Soviet Union’s leadership to a life of liberty for its people. “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Despite opposition within his own cabinet and the testy political waters of the time, Reagan, resolute in his beliefs and confident in his rhetoric, delivered the powerful prose that would ultimately mark the beginning of the end of the cold war. As a tribute to his message of free-dom, Friends of NRA conceptualized and designed an exclusive Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” piece for its upcoming 2012 Standard Merchandise Package. And because the twenty-twelve pack-age is packing a lot of punch, Friends of NRA couldn’t wait to give you a peak at

what this stand-out piece has in store for attendees. Only a short time before the Berlin Wall speech, President Ronald Reagan served as the keynote speaker at the 1983 NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Ariz. “It does my spirit good to be with people who never lose faith in America, who never stop believing in her future, and who never back down one inch from defending the constitutional freedoms that are every American’s birthright,” Reagan said. “Good organizations don’t just happen. They take root in a body of shared beliefs. They flow from strong leadership with vision, initiative, and determination to reach great goals. And what you’ve accomplished speaks for itself...” That same year, the National Rifle Association of America named Presi-dent Ronald Reagan an Honorary Life Member—a title bestowed to just 19 individuals in the 140-year history of the NRA. It is because of Reagan’s staunch stance on freedom for all, infused in both his leadership as President as well as his commitment to the NRA, that Friends of NRA felt compelled to high-light him in its 20th Anniversary Friends of NRA Standard Merchandise Package. Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” piece, with navy and oatmeal double-matting and mahogany molding frame, will feature an iconic photo of the presi-dent’s infamous address, an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, as well as a re-cessed Presidential Seal coin and detailed caption recounting the monumental moment in history on parchment paper. In the photo, Reagan stands amongst representatives from several nations around the world in front of the Berlin Wall’s Brandenburg Gate where he addressed the people of Berlin there to celebrate the city’s 750th Anniversary. Below the picture will sit an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city of Berlin from August 13, 1961 until November 9, 1989, pays homage to the important role Reagan played 25 years ago in the collapse of Communism. His fervor in securing freedom for millions throughout the world, and his passion for safeguarding Americans’ right to bear arms will never be forgotten.

For years, I heard the term “Wall Of Guns” as some kind of mythical banquet raffle. However, I never really heard how it was played, what kind of guns, or even how many firearms were featured. One day, while sitting across the desk from the Homer Alaska Friends of NRA committee chairman Dr. Rick Swenson, we decided to come up with our very own Wall of Guns. Dr. Rick is often quoted saying, “If it is worth doing— it is worth over doing!” If he could have a lot more guns at his event, and not have to lay out a ton of cash, he was all in. It that moment, the new Friends of NRA Wall of Guns Raffle was born. What we devised was to approach the three local Federal Firearm License (FFL) dealers and ask each to bring to the event a minimum of 10 guns that were $500 or less in committee cost. Then, we built a wall to display them all. The premise was simple— we would sell raffle tickets at $10 apiece, after every 100 tickets sold, we would draw a ticket and let the lucky winner pick the gun of their choice from the wall. Once the first round was over, we would discard the old raffle tickets and begin the raffle all over again until we sold another 100 tickets. The first time we instituted Wall of Guns at an event, we ended up “flipping it” 16 times. Every time we flipped the wall, we doubled our money minimum. Needless to say, it was magical. It was such a big hit, in fact, that Wall of Guns made an appearance at every Friends of NRA banquet on Alaska’s main road system. Nevertheless, we knew it would be even more popular in the little Alaskan towns that could only be reached by air or sea. The trouble for most, if not all of the small town events, is that stocked firearm dealers aren’t close

enough to bring guns to their events. That’s how the Wall of Guns evolved into a series of photos and banners, rather than a literal wall of guns. In another stroke of genius, we decided to pull from the Friends of NRA Vendor Direct Firearm Catalog and feature every gun under $500 on a large Wall of Guns banner. This meant that not only were we going to have a wide range of firearms to pick from, but that we also didn’t have to pay for them until someone had already picked the firearm from the board, meaning no leftover guns or extra costs taken out of our fundraising totals for firearms we weren’t able to sell. Friends of NRA committee member, Kevin Fraley, owner of Printworks in Homer, Alaska, offered to print the larger-than-life banners using pictures of all the guns. At first, we were hesitant people wouldn’t be willing to wait for their gun, but when it made its first debut in Nome, on the shores of the Bering Sea, we flipped it a fantastic 14 times. We found attendees were willing to wait for a gun they truly wanted rather than picking one just because it was present. At the next Homer event, we tried a hybrid approach of featuring real guns alongside the Wall of Guns banners and we actually had more winners choose guns from the pictures rather than from the guns on hand. The greatest part— we flipped it a remarkable 32 times, bringing in an extra $16,000 net to the event. Selling the idea to other NRA Field Reps around the country wasn’t hard either. Just hearing about its success in Alaska, the minuscule cost to the committee, and how easy it is to institute, geared up many of them to take it back to their areas. “If there is any negative at all, it is that it takes some of the

AN INSIDERS LOOK AT HOW THE WALL OF GUNS RAFFLE IS WINNING OVER FRIENDS OF NRA…

By BrAd KrUgerWestern Regional Director, NRA Field Operations Division

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winners a long time to make up their mind on which firearm they want,” said David Wells, NRA Field Rep for Eastern North Carolina. In fact, it usually takes longer for a winner to pick out their gun than it does to sell out. Everybody likes to have choices and if you are a gun lover, choosing between 30 dif-ferent guns is hard. Plus, attendees love to stick around and daydream about which gun they will choice if they win— a perfect time to sell them another ticket. “The minimum investment and the low risk are very attrac-tive,” Wells said. “The huge selection automatically appeals to a much broader audience, the game itself has attractive odds, and the potential for pre-event fundraising is unlimited— gun shows, fairs, et cetera.” It is so addictive to field reps, committees, and attendees alike because it is a “one-arm bandit.” When you are talking banners, the set-up is easy and its presence is commanding. It is simple, so committees don’t have to do a lot of explaining to sell the game. And attendees pay $10 for one round and if they don’t win, the odds are so good they want to play again. Ask any great Friends of NRA committee and they will tell you that the key to a successful fundraising event is fun. When people are having fun, they play more games, bid on more items, and enter more raffles, which means more fund-ing for NRA Foundation grants. Not only will Wall of Guns raise a lot of money for the shooting sports, but all the extra energy and excitement it brings to a room will transform Friends of NRA events. When you walk into the event, you can spot the banner clear across the room and are naturally drawn towards it. Anytime you have a whole bunch of firearm pictures, you will get a flock of people stopping by to see what it is all about. In so many respects, it really does sell itself. As Dr. Rick Swenson said, “If you are stuck in traffic on the highway, just pull out the Wall of Guns banner and start selling tickets!” It can be used anywhere, anytime.

SELLING IT TO COMMITTEES:

Using pictures instead of actual firearms really helps out a committee’s net-to-gross figures. Commit-tees no longer have to pay a ton for a gun up front and then worry about trying to recoup their costs to make a profit. With the Wall of Guns banner, they only order guns that have essentially paid for themselves (with profit) through the raffle.

SELLING IT TO TICKET BUYERS:

Roughly 30 guns are displayed on the Wall of Guns banner. Coupled with the firearms featured in the Standard Merchandise Package, this means there are at least a minimum of 37 guns available at every event. When committee members are out selling tickets, being able to say there will be 30, 40, 50 guns available at the event really gets people excited about coming.

SELLING IT TO ATTENDEES:

Friends of NRA attendees love that it is a winner’s choice raffle! The large banners are hard to ignore, and once attendees start asking questions, the odds of winning are so good, you will end up selling them a ticket. It’s too good to resist.

THE RAFFLE THAT SELLS ITSELF

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pend a typical day in the life of any NRA Field Representa-tive, and you’ll start to rethink your career path. While some may make it look easy, it is anything but. The voicemail light on your phone never stops blink-ing. Your email inbox flooded and reflooded every day. The countless miles you traveled yesterday pale in comparison to the road trip ahead of you today— but that’s all after you’ve sent off some paperwork to headquarters, placed another merchandise order, tracked ticket sales, packed up the promo materials, requested labels for the committee mailings, and submitted that last-minute article for Traditions maga-zine. Yes, being an NRA Field Rep is far from the glamorous life. Throw out the 9 to 5 and commit your life to

accomplish-ing a million and one

things day in and day out. With such a daily juggling act, it is

no wonder why twice a year, every NRA Field Rep gathers for a week of training and rejuvenating.

This summer, field reps gathered at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Mich. where they spent their initial time in a classroom format with Field Operations headquarters staff covering much-needed updates and refreshers. The schedule is then switched to breakouts, training, and brainstorming sessions. “Summer Meetings are an opportunity for staff to focus

on training in specific areas where they need and/or want improvement,” said Breanne Lander, Administrative Assistant for NRA Field Operations and point-person for planning NRA Field Rep Summer and Winter Meetings. “Breakout sessions allow for smaller groups to work together in either a forum-type format or with Regional Directors, Field Staff Specialists, and Senior Representatives leading the training with tried-and-true methods and experiences.” “Each field rep has their individual program and area, but the program is only able to succeed as a cumulative group effort,” said Al Hammond, Southern Regional Director. “The staff benefits a great deal from another rep’s approach to their events.” Prior to each summer meeting, headquarters staff will touch base with field staff to see what is needed in the form of training and try to cater the agenda based on those re-quests. “We want the field staff to get as much out of the meet-ing as possible and play an active role in the training,” said Lander. “We always want field staff to bring ideas from their volunteers and their attendees to enhance their individual events.” “I think the best way to describe the annual summer meet-ing is ‘half-time,’” said Brad Kruger, Western Regional Direc-tor. “At the beginning of every year we receive all these new great guns and shiny new merchandise in our Friends of NRA Standard Package and we set out to raise money for The NRA Foundation. The summer meeting is a great time for the NRA Field Reps and HQ Staff to get together and discuss what is working for us at our events and what is not. A lot of time is spent sharing super genius

ideas, train-ing on how to make

our events even better, more efficient and even more fun. There is

a lot of brainstorming about how to take the Friends of NRA program to the next level.”

It isn’t all business though, each year, NRA Field Reps also participate in a group activity designed to intermix the regions. It is one such activity that is always fun and always brings out the competitive side within the division. This year, the NRA Field Reps were treated to an NRA-style Field Ops Jeopardy on the last day of training. “Our objective is that Field Reps leave with a renewed sense of knowledge, keener insight, and hopefully their bat-teries recharged so-to-speak,” said Lander. “We want staff to leave the summer meeting revved up to finish out the rest of the year with an even more positive outlook, and hopefully ready take what they’ve learned and apply those new ideas and different approaches on the road to keep the Friends of NRA program fresh and exciting for its committees and at-tendees too.”

“There is

a lot of bra

instorming abo

ut how to tak

e the

Friends o

f NRA pro

gram to the nex

t level”

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By Steve tomASChairman, Worcester County Friends of NRA

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In the Old Sturbridge Village, 18th and 19th century Ameri-ca comes to life for over 270,000 visitors each year. As one of the country’s largest living-history museums, the village has costumed historians and 50-plus antique buildings, includ-ing three water-powered mills and a working farm. Visitors can ride a stagecoach, view antiques, tour heirloom gardens, meet heritage-breed farm animals, and enjoy hands-on crafts. The village also maintains an extensive firearms exhibit and conducts daily live firing of muskets to the delight of visitors. On “Muster Day,” museum guests flock to Old Sturbridge Village to learn and march with the OSV militia, hear fife and drum music, and join in on the fun that takes place after the drilling concludes. During the village’s “Redcoats and Rebels,” the largest military reenactment in New England, more than 800 history-enthusiasts portray British, Hessian, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, French, and Colonial troops. The fes-tivities include mock battles, cannon demonstrations, fife and drum music, marching and drilling demonstrations, and an evening called “Twilight Encampment,” during which visitors can mingle with troops and chat around the campfires. The events of Old Sturbridge Village are near and dear to NRA supporter’s hearts, so it only made sense that when the Worcester County Friends of NRA committee was searching for a unique venue to host its banquet and auction, they set their sights on the village. For four years now, the Worcester County Friends of NRA have come to feel at home at the Old Sturbridge Village. It is a new tradition that the committee intends to continue. Hosted in the Oliver Wight Tavern, it’s the perfect setting for a fantastic Friends of NRA function and their chief and staff never fail to delight attendees. “The venue itself makes the Worcester County Friends of NRA banquet different from any other, not many committees can say they get to host their events surrounded by so much history,” said Eric Bieler, NRA Field Representative for Mas-sachusetts.

Old Sturbridge Village is right in line with the Friends of NRA mission as well. Two years ago, the village added a unique militia camp discipline to their summer day camp program for youth ages 11-14. The militia camp offers an introduction to the early New England militia, including cus-toms and traditions of local militia, training of those called to muster—discipline, drills, arms, clothing and personal equipment, camping and cooking and fife music. Participants take on the roles of real 18th and 19th-century Sturbridge militia or retired Revolutionary War veterans. For 2011, the village added Yankee Doodle camp as a precursor to the mili-tia camp, catering its material to younger campers ages 8-10. Many of the programs mentioned are supported by NRA Foundation grants, a reason why the Worcester County Friends of NRA feels such a kinship with Old Sturbridge Vil-lage and vice versa. The two programs blend nicely, and many of the supporters of the banquet are frequent guests at the village. The village prominently recognizes The NRA Founda-tion as a sponsor in its daily program, on its card racks, and on its website. This significant recognition by Old Sturbridge Village reminds tens of thousands of visitors each year about The NRA Foundation’s contribution to firearms education. “We are truly thankful for all their support, and we know they are of ours,” said Bieler. “The continual education of our youth is important to both Old Sturbridge Village and Friends of NRA. While the village makes history come alive, Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation are raising money to ensure our firearms traditions don’t become only a thing of the past.” So if you find yourself near Sturbridge, Mass. stop by the Old Sturbridge Village and thank them for keeping the American firearm traditions alive.

Attend an upcoming event in Massachussetts! Contact NRA Field Representative Eric Beiler by email at ebeiler@nrahq.org or visit www.friendsofnra.org/MA.

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By meliSSA BettSMarketing Coordinator, NRA Clubs & Associations

In southern Indiana, eighth-grade students flock to Campbellsburg Conservation Club to participate in the Home Firearms Safety Program

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Sherri White, founder of HFSP, began this journey over 30 years ago after a college course introduced her to trap and skeet shooting. After graduating from Indiana University, White began teaching in the Salem, Ind. area and wanted to utilize what she learned about the shooting sport to educate children in the classroom. In efforts to build up an educational program for the local youth, White faced an assortment of challenges, in-cluding the local armory not allowing children to actively shoot at its facility. This halted White in the beginning stages of her program, which stresses the importance of practicing what you learn. She was able to overcome this obstacle in her efforts and eventually came to an agree-ment with a local conservation club where she could educate students on and off the range. The HFSP is a two-week course available to eighth-grade students who must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher in order to take their newfound knowledge of firearm safety to the range. “The purpose of going to the range is getting to utilize what they have learned in class,” said White. Students are exposed to all shooting actions, starting with air pellet and BB guns, followed by .22s, and then eventually progress-ing to an assortment of handguns and rifles. With 12 and 20 gauges being the highest youth are exposed to through-out the program, White hopes students will safely continue to progress with the shooting sports far after completing the course. The local commu-nity has always been an active participant in the program too. Instructors range from ministers to judges and even the local law enforce-ment. Many of which have gone through the program themselves when they were younger and now they get to see their children enjoy the same experience as they did. The school system is very supportive of the program; the school superintendent even enjoys coming out to see the students in action and connecting with them while shoot-ing at the range. White emphasizes that this program would not be pos-sible without the assistance of an NRA Foundation grant. Previously, White had little knowledge of possible grants being available for such a cause until she was introduced

to how resourceful The NRA Foundation can be for shooting programs by Falls of the Ohio Friends of NRA committee members, Jason Franklin and John Crone. It was Crone who initially took White and her husband to a Friends of NRA banquet where the present field represen-tative informed her of the benefits of NRA Foundation grants to programs such as hers. “Without the support of The NRA Foundation grant and the assistance of both John Crone and Jason Franklin, this program could not have been possible,” said White. The program uses the NRA Foundation grant money for ammunition and other firearms for the students to use at the range. “With more than 5,000 students having gone through the program throughout the years, assistance with ammunition is a major help.” The excitement from White was evident while she read a letter from one of her former students. “I’m very happy to have had the privilege to learn from you on how to shoot a gun,” White read. Many students have shared their enthusiasm and ap-preciation for the newfound knowledge of safety and skill gained with White, which encourages her to continue

her efforts with the program. As many of the young girls who come through the program are more timid than the boys at the range, White ensures that all students start at the same basic level of firearm before progress-ing on to higher action when they are comfort-able. “A lot of these young girls who are hesitant at the range are excited once the initial fear of shooting has subsided,”

said White. “What is so exciting is to be able to see the progression of these students move from firearm to fire-arm and enjoy the overall experience, especially the young girls.” While the program is offered primarily to an eighth-grade audience, White has high hopes that the program will grow to the high school level in the future. For now, the eighth-graders who come through the HFSP continue to amaze and unite the local community.

Apply for an NRA Foundation Grant in Indiana! Con-tact NRA Field Representative Steve Teutsch by email at steutsch@nrahq.org or visit www.nrafoundation.org/grants.

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We all hear it nearly every day— "What is go-ing to happen when today's 'kids' grow up?" Most of us have said it or at least thought that very same thought.

Well, tomorrow's adults are like all generations— a mixed crowd. But here in West Texas, there are a lot from the next generation that have their heads on straight and a great up-bringing. It was only one year ago that Traditions reported on the first-ever West Texas Friends of NRA college scholarship grants. This year, the West Texas State Fund Committee voted to award two more scholarships for the second year in a row to exceptional youth involved in their communities and in the shooting sports. This year’s competition was even more competitive amongst applicants than its inaugural year, with more ap-plications submitted by students varying in both backgrounds and interests. Overall, the committee was impressed with its turnout and the momentum it gained from its first year to its second. Despite the critical vetting process, the State Fund Committee is proud to announce the 2011 West Texas Friends of NRA winners and recipients of a $1,250 college scholarship: Stephanie Chontos and Amelia Springer. Don’t worry about the fate of our future lying in the hands of upcoming generations. You can rest easier knowing students like Chontos and Springer are active in our com-munities, leaders-to-be, and fervent supporters of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. And they are only two of a far-larger group of young men and women across West Texas, the entire state, and the nation as a whole. Today’s kids are tomorrow’s promise for a brighter future and are at the heart of Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation’s spirit.

TODAY’S KIDS Tomorrow’s Promise

2nd Annual West Texas Friends of NRA College Scholarships

By JACK CANNoNWest Texas NRA Field Representative, NRA Field Operations Division

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Stephanie Chontos comes from the panhandle region of Texas. She, like all of our applicants is a 2011 high school graduate. During high school, Chontos was involved in the Student Council, Key Club, as well as a volunteer with a variety of charities such as the VA hospital, Food Bank, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for several years.

In addition, she found the time to be recognized by the National Honor Society as well as a HOSA Outstanding Student. In one of her letters of support she is noted as “demonstrating a maturity level that would be conducive to a college environment. She has set high goals for herself and is willing to work hard to achieve those goals.”

When she starts this fall’s semester at Texas Tech, she will have already completed at least 18 semester hours towards her Bachelor’s degree—not a bad start for a young lady that got her shooting start while hunting ducks and geese with her family.

Amelia Springer is from Odessa, Texas. She was the Ector County 4-H Council President in 2010 and was elected to the Texas State Air Rifle Team where she will represent Texas at Nationals in 2011. She participated in the Ector County Livestock Show— taking the Grand Champion Rabbit title no less. Springer also made All-Region Symphony Orchestra 1st violin, earned 1st place in the CMP Rifle Match and 4th place at the State Indoor Archery competition in Graham, Texas.

In one of her letters of support, Springer is characterized as “exemplifying sportsmanship, mentoring, and striving for her personal best. She is organized, prepared, and willing to allow others the ability to enjoy the spotlight.” Another letter states, “Amelia is a student who works hard to achieve her goals and is respected by both her teachers as well as her friends.”

Moreover, when she enters Abilene Christian University this fall, she will have completed at least 30 hours towards her Bachelor’s degree.

STEPHANIE CHONTOS

AMELIA SPRINGER

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BrookingsG UN C L U B

Within the con-cept of com-munity build-ing, a theory

exists that every individual needs a “third place” outside of his or her home and workplace where they can feel a “sense of place.” The idea survives as not only does a person’s third place feed a need for interac-tion with others outside of the normal day-to-day, but it also fosters a friendly commu-nity environment as a whole. While coffee shops have be-come hallmarks of the third place theory, they aren’t ev-eryone’s cup of tea. For many Friends of NRA, they get their fill at the local gun club.

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The Brookings Gun Club in Aurora, S.D. serves as many South Dakotans’ third place. Located only a few miles east of Brookings on Highway 14, the Brookings Gun Club is the ideal place for shotgun shooters to enjoy trap shooting, including singles or doubles, as well as skeet shooting with voice-activated throwers adding a new level of performance to each of the available stations. Since 2002, The NRA Foundation has awarded over $20K to the Brook-ings County Conservation League to help purchase equipment and make improvements to the Brookings Gun Club. Last year, the clubhouse made major improvements with a new roof and outdoor lighting thanks to gener-ous grants through The NRA Founda-tion and support from the Brookings Friends of NRA. The third place theory is part of the idea behind NRA’s new Range Initia-tive Program, where NRA Founda-tion grants are matched with federal Pittman-Robertson Program grants to create more public ranges where anyone can come shoot in a safe surrounding. Not only does the new initiative give shooting sports room to flourish, but it also cultivates a center for those in the community with mutual interests to congregate. The club was able to add five-stand shooting due in part to funding from the Pittman-Robertson program, which was designed for wildlife restoration, hunter education, and range develop-ment programs. Five-stand is similar to sporting clays in that a wide variety of targets are thrown, but no two five-stands are exactly alike. Typically, there are five “stands” or stations from which to shoot. Usually, somewhere between six

and eight traps throw targets and participants shoot in turn at each of the five stands while various combinations of targets are thrown from the traps. A menu card advises shooters of the se-quence of targets, and the overall set-up is a great way to give shooters a sporting clays-like experience in a small amount of space with very little walking. It’s a new activity that is both perfect for individuals visiting the club or groups coming out to shoot together. The Brookings Gun Club has over 50 members in addition to numerous fam-ily memberships. Its open-to-the-public and walk-ins-welcome policy make it a staple in the firearm community. In addition, many of the Brookings Gun Club members and officers are also ac-tive supporters of the Brookings Friends of NRA banquet. Come one, come all is a way of life for the club, which offers great oppor-tunities for local youth through its 4-H Shooting Sports Tuesday night pro-gram. Those who attend can receive in-struction and practice weekly through-out the summer in anticipation for the state shoot held in September. In Au-gust, the club hosted the annual NRA SportsFest which introduces youth to many activities including trap and skeet shooting, shotgun shell reloading, air rifle/air pistol, 3-D archery, black powder shogun, tomahawk throwing, and much more. Even the Game, Fish, & Parks Hunt-Safe program utilizes the facility. There is no doubt that the Brookings Gun Club is booming with business. With help from The NRA Foundation and supporters of the Friends of NRA events in town, the Brookings Gun Club has become better than a third place. To all that come, it has become like a second home.

Apply for an NRA Foundation Grant in South Dakota! Contact NRA Field Representative Clay Pederson by email at cpederson@nrahq.org or visit www.nrafoundation.org/grants.

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At a meeting closing out the year 2010, the Madera Friends of NRA committee began prepar-ing for its seventh event and established its chief goal to join the High Caliber Club. Although 2010 was a record year with some 168 attend-ing, the committee gambled and booked a hall having twice the capacity of the previous hall. Filling those seats was going to be a challenge to overcome. The initial efforts included selecting the pre-event firearm raffle package. In commemo-ration of 2011 as the centennial anniversary of the John Browning-designed Colt Model 1911, the Medera Friends of NRA raffle featured four versions of the desirable handgun. Offering 50 tickets at $100 apiece, the raffle sold out in a little over one week. The committee took the early raffle ticket sell-out as a good omen and their approach as right on track. Faced with lots of time before the event and no more pre-event raffle tickets to sell, the com-mittee added a nice Savage Model 25 rifle in .223. Then they continued to concentrate on selling tables, which they wound up more than doubling their prior record— including one premium table. Now the Medera Friends of NRA committee was looking forward to an incredible 250 attend-ees filling the larger hall at the Medera County

By moNiqUe hUtChiNgS & Jerry KAzyNSKiMedera Friends of NRA Chairman and Treasurer

Does the

POWER of POSITIVE THINKING actually work? For the Madera Friends of NRA, they found it did.

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By moNiqUe hUtChiNgS & Jerry KAzyNSKiMedera Friends of NRA Chairman and Treasurer

Fairgrounds. The location was perfect for bringing in more people as it was easily accessible by all major transportation routes and included well-maintained facilities with ample and secure parking. The great caterer, Matt Zimmer of Farnesi’s Steakhouse in nearby Chowchilla, Cali. only made the tickets that much harder to resist. Perhaps there were other factors working to bring in the crowds, but when the ticket sales were tallied the day of the event, the committee was looking at feeding 275 attendees. Jason Quick, NRA Field Rep for Central California, helped the crew set up the various tables and games, outfit-ting the room just right to make it look good while maximiz-ing space for attendees to flow through the room easily. Spon-sorship tables were spaced near the main stage, where the Friends of NRA Standard Merchandise Package was displayed. Ed Brown, the lively auctioneer whose voice and personality has won over the committee and attendees for the last couple of years, was back again. And the beautiful team of Valerie and Deanne sold raffle prize ticket packages while many fam-ily members of the committee volunteered their time to help out. When event time came, you could feel the excitement build as more and more attendees arrived and began buying raffle tickets, examining the firearms, and discussing the rela-tive merits of synthetic stocks versus laminates as opposed to fine walnut and other natural woods. Short magnums, ultra-magnums, belted cases, new powders, bullet weights, scope preferences, and the perennial sometimes heated discussions of caliber selections for various game animals on this conti-nent or that, all lead to quite a buzz in the hall. From a seat near the entrance, a good vantage point at the opposite end from the stage, you could see friends and acquaintances by the plenty from earlier events and years of living in the tight-knit community. After dinner, the conversations once again began to build in volume. Auctioneer Brown resumed his chatter and piqued everyone’s interest as the first couple of pre-event raffle 1911s were awarded. In the Madera Friends of NRA’s mind there is nothing like

the enjoyment of standing up with that winning ticket and heading toward the stage to pick up your prize, especially if it’s one you really did have your eye on. The night of the event, the Madera Friends of NRA would raffle or auction off more than 50 firearms, keeping the excitement and interest lasting for hours. By about 10 o’clock at night, the event wound down and the committee began the task of disassembling the tables, chairs, tablecloths, centerpieces, and all the NRA compo-nents. When we ran through all the accounting for tickets sales and auction amounts and the night was finally over, the Madera Friends of NRA estimated about 280 people had attended the event, and after expenses, the committee had tripled their net income and reached the coveted High Cali-ber Club status.

So does the power of positive thinking really work?

Medera Friends of NRA has a whopping $41,500

that says it does.Attend an upcoming event in California! Contact NRA Field Representative Jason Quick by email at jquick@nrahq.org or visit www.friendsofnra.org/CA.

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26 TRADITIONS . QUARTER 3: 2011

ot too long after the Civil War, when the NRA was a fledg-ling organization, Smith & Wesson came alongside to form a lasting relationship. As both worked to support the enhance-ment of Americans’ marksmanship skills, each grew to see the important responsibilities they shared. Subsequently, much of Smith & Wesson’s 159-year history intertwines with the growth of the NRA. Understandably, when the Friends of NRA program was created in 1992 to raise money for The NRA Foundation, Smith & Wesson was an eager supporter. The company has since evolved into a mega-dealer and avid contributor to securing the future of the firearms indus-try, including stalwartly supporting various Friends of NRA endeavors. Field Representatives repeatedly reference Smith & Wesson

By SArAh yoUNgEvent Services Coordinator, NRA Field Operations Division

Smith & Wesson

N2007 Friends of NRA Gun of the YearSmith & Wesson 460XVR Revolver

when asked to name some of the most active companies in the program. Why? Because they donate and participate on many levels. Smith & Wesson is a sponsor of the Friends of NRA TV Show, regulars in the Standard Merchandise Pack-age and Vendor Direct Catalogs, the 2007 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year manufacturer, repeat donor to local and national banquets, as well as a provider for Women on Target workshops, and much, much more. “We’re about raising money for the cause,” said Paul Pluff, Director of Marketing at Smith & Wesson. “If providing product helps Friends of NRA do that, then we’ll provide lots of it.” And provide lots of it they have. Smith & Wesson’s generosity and support can be actively witnessed coast to coast, even in the headquarters’ home front. In Springfield, Mass., the company plays a quiet, yet ever-

present role in the successful Pioneer Valley Friends of NRA banquet. A quick conversation with 2009 Eastern Region Volunteer of the Year,

Ron Borgio, uncovers the extent of their “quiet sup-port.” With many of the volunteers being long-standing

employees of the company, the committee receives support in the form of time off for meetings and volunteer efforts when necessary, a venue for meetings, and amazingly low pricing for their annual Gun of the Day Raffle. Area Field Represen-tative Eric Bieler regards Smith & Wesson as a valuable player in the banquet and raffle. “Pioneer Valley has one of the highest gun-to-attendee ratios of all my area—much of that is thanks to the support of Smith & Wesson,” Bieler said. “If they’re not giving us the guns, they’re helping us get them.” Thousands of miles away in Northern California, the Red-ding Friends of NRA committee hails Smith & Wesson as a friendly supporter. “Smith & Wesson has always been a great supporter of our event—contributing X-Frame revolvers every time we have asked for their help,” said Chairman Rich Howell. Local events aren’t enough for Smith & Wesson though; the company is a significant donor to The NRA Founda-tion National Banquet and Auction. This year, they created a stunning piece in honor of banquet sponsor, Cabela’s, 50th Anniversary. When working with Cabela’s on the piece, they instantly knew they wanted to do something special with this one-of-a-kind gold-inlayed revolver, so they decided to pres-ent it on the auction stage for a “surprise” auction. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 went to the highest bidder of the night, raising an outstanding $5K for the NRA Foundation. Pluff described Smith & Wesson’s vested interest as rec-ognition by the company’s leadership of the important role Friends of NRA plays in keeping the shooting sports alive and protecting the future of the industry. “Without the support of Friends of NRA, programs that keep our industry relevant would not exist. I encourage all companies to get involved on some level.”

Smith & Wesson’s Original Headquarters

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LE NRAHUNTERSRIGHTS.ORG: Fighting for Your Right to Hunt

Not only are supporters of the NRA gun owners, shooters, and Second Amendment enthusiasts, but a large percentage are also hunters. That’s why every issue of importance to hunters is important to the NRA. In fact, NRA is the largest pro-hunting organization in the world. To help communicate NRA’s efforts on behalf of hunters, NRAhunt-ersrights.org was launched in November 2007 as a centralized news source de-voted to hunters’ rights issues, increas-ing awareness of issues that threaten hunting, and what NRA is doing about those threats. The site is not about how to hunt, where to hunt, or the best gun or load for your favorite species. It is, however, a place where hunters can stay informed about abuses of their rights and escalating threats to hunting. Through the website, the NRA tries to educate hunters and inform them quickly about issues affecting their right to hunt—things like hunting bans and anti-hunting legislation, shooting range closures, activities of anti-hunting groups, and the onslaught of confusing regulations—all of which are driving people out of hunting. With that said, the site alerts hunters to good news, too. If a state creates a new hunting season, establishes a

youth-mentored hunt, or opens a new public shooting range or hunting lands, NRAhuntersrights.org covers it. Along with providing daily hunting news, NRAhuntersrights.org is the ulti-mate hunter’s resource. If you’re looking for a place to hunt, the site maintain a state index of public hunting lands. If you’re trying to find a place to shoot, there is a state-by-state database of 11,000 NRA-affiliated shooting ranges and clubs. If you’re new to hunting or planning a hunt out of state, there are links to hunting laws in all 50 states. And don’t miss the monthly giveaway drawing. Thanks to generous support from industry members, one lucky reader is selected each month to receive a free hunting product. Past items have included scopes, rangefinders, knives, and binoculars. In August, the prize was a special-edition Friends of NRA Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle—a giveaway draw-ing more than 50,000 entries. To enter monthly, just visit NRAhuntersrights.org, scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” on the right-hand side of the homepage, and follow the simple entry instruc-tions. There is no cost to enter. Whether it is through hunter recruit-ment and retention programs, grant funding, or the commitment to keeping hunters updated and informed, the NRA is fighting for hunters’ rights ev-ery day. To learn about everything that NRA does for hunters, be sure to visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

It’s a little-known fact, but protecting hunting is one of NRA‘s highest priorities. According to Article II, Section 5 of the NRA Bylaws, a purpose and objective of the Association is: “To promote hunter safety, and to promote and defend hunting as a shooting sport and as a viable and necessary method of fostering the propagation, growth and conservation, and wise use of our renewable wildlife resources.”

By JUStiN mCdANielAssistant Editor, NRAhuntersrights.org

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NRAHUNTERSRIGHTS.ORG: Fighting for Your Right to Hunt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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>> Recent topics covered on NRAhuntersrights.org <<

. Iowa ends its controversial ban on lead shot for the state’s first-ever dove season.

. The Humane Society attempts to misinform the public about Sunday hunting legislation in Pennsylvania.

. The U.S. Forest Service’s decision to close part of California’s Los Padres National Forest to hunting—and how confusion has put hunters at risk.

. How New York has put its federal wildlife funding in jeopardy by proposing to divert hunter-generated funds for purposes outside of wildlife management.

. NRA’s efforts to pass the Making Public Lands Public Act, which would secure funding for improved access to millions of acres of federal public land.

. The onslaught of regulations that have nothing to do with game management but instead inconvenience and harass hunters (Examples: North Carolina requirement that crossbow hunters also buy a pistol permit; Michigan law that makes it unlawful to carry afield or transport any rifle or shotgun with ammunition five days before the start of deer season; New Mexico law that makes it illegal to possess game meat in one’s freezer without a permit).

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INDIVIDUAL DONORSGifts of $25,000+ Brownell Family (Foundation) Iowa

Gifts of $5,000 - 24,999 Anonymous IowaCheaper Than Dirt TexasDBSi PennsylvaniaKamps Propane CaliforniaMs Susanna Novy MacDonald CaliforniaMinnesota Weapons Collectors Association MinnesotaMzuri Wildlife Foundation CaliforniaNatchez Shooters Supply TennesseeOhio Gun Collectors Association OhioMr. Robert R. Parsons ArizonaWake County Wildlife Club North Carolina

Gifts of $1,000 - $4,999 American Custom Gunmakers Guild WyomingAnonymous VirginiaBergquist Masonry, LLC New HampshireBolick Foundation North CarolinaMr. Heinz R. Brueckner ArizonaMr. and Mrs. Howard E. Colborn LouisianaMr. Will DeRuyter WashingtonDillon Precision Products Corp., Inc. ArizonaMr. David K. Goodman, Jr. Pennsylvania

The Gornick Fund MichiganMr. and Mrs. Chauncey P. Goss, II FloridaMrs. Vera Koo CaliforniaLlagas Foundation CaliforniaMrs. Betty S. Mayes-Petty KansasNational Shooting Sports Foundation ConnecticutNumrich Gun Parts Corporation New YorkMr. Wilson H. Phillips Jr. VirginiaSafari Club International - National Capital Chapter VirginiaMr. S. Adam Sufrin PennsylvaniaMr. Charles Thodt OhioWidener’s Reloading & Shooting Supply, Inc. Tennessee

Gifts of $250 - $999 Anonymous ArizonaBusiness Services & Solutions LLC New YorkMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Chastain WashingtonMr. Donald G. Chilcote MichiganDr. Inger J. Christensen UtahMr. and Mrs. Brian W. Clements PennsylvaniaMr. Charles B. Coffman CaliforniaMr. Kenneth N. Connaughton ConnecticutThe Daniel-Mickel Foundation South CarolinaMr. and Mrs. John R. Finn Connecticut

Galco International ArizonaMr. William H. Grimes ArizonaMr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Hill OklahomaMr. and Mrs. Dale C. Holm South DakotaJ & G Sales, Ltd. ArizonaMr. Daniel O. Maldonado TexasMr. Ralph Mauro ConnecticutMr. and Mrs. Jack N. McCrary TexasMs. Janice M. McNeilly CaliforniaMr. and Mrs. Lathan D. Murphy FloridaMs. Frances Nelson CaliforniaDr. Gaeton T. Nola CaliforniaMr. Carl Norden, III NebraskaMr. and Mrs. Edward J. Parry, Jr. WashingtonMr. and Mrs. John J. Parry WashingtonMr. Anthony C. Perry Rhode IslandMs. Gretchen Pratt North CarolinaMr. Delmar L. Rawson CaliforniaMr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Roy New HampshireMr. Tyler T. Schropp VirginiaGary, Janice Shepherd & Family OhioMr. and Mrs. George G. Smith WashingtonMr. Mike Stonger MichiganMr. and Mrs. Ted E. Tobiason California

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Listed contributions do not neccessarily reflect total giving for the year. We make every effort to ensure accuracy and completeness of donor names.If you notice any errors or ommissions, please contact us at (800) 423-6894 or by email at nraf@nrahq.org. Thank You.

The NRA Foundation Thanks the Following Donors for Their Generosity and Continued SupportMay 1, 2011 - July 31, 2011

TRADITIONS . QUARTER 3: 2011

United Sportsmens Club MissouriMr. Justin Willette MassachusettsMr. Larry F. Wright Texas

ESTATES Estate of Frank C. Elings WashingtonEstate of F. Carl Hirdler FloridaEstate of Thomas Clifford Nelson WisconsinEstate of Randilyn L. Scott (Trust) IllinoisEstate of Ronald E. Thomas Jr. OhioEstate of John H. Watrous Michigan

IN KIND GIFTSMr. Rodney Anderson CaliforniaMr. and Mrs. Barney E. Berlenbach CaliforniaDr. William Farr OregonMr. Lloyd Fox MarylandMr. William Thomas Gennetti, Jr. VirginiaMr. William R. Gregg FloridaMr. G. Thomas Jensen FloridaMr. Manolo Lagdameo CaliforniaMr. Thomas E. Laskowski DelawareMr. Matthew McMillan CaliforniaMr. Steven I. Nemes CaliforniaMr. R. Pierce Reid VermontMr. and Mrs. Martin W. Sachs Florida

Ms. Mari M. Smith VirginiaMr. Wes Sparling CaliforniaMs. Dorothy Stekeur New York

IN HONOR OF GIFTS Jerry Krause Dr. S. M. Latta J. R. LaRue James D. Julia Auctioneers, Inc. Cynthia Salzhauer Ms. Helen S. Weinstein

IN MEMORY OF GIFTSCharles L. Brashers Mr. James M. Rollings William C. Burnside Mr. Matthew Fisher & Ms Sue Ann Alberico Mr. and Mrs. David C. Matthew Dennis Carlini Mr. Daniel Shaffer Edward W. Curran Mr. and Mrs. David B. Olsen Gary R. Doornbos Mr. and Mrs. Steven H. McHone Bill Fleeman Mr. and Mrs. John M. Chambers Mr. and Mrs. David J. Cramer Edith P. Fleeman Mr. and Mrs. Charlie P. Kemp Ms. Mary M. Maquire Murdoch Developmental Center Ms. Gretchen Pratt RCR Race Operations, LLC Robinson & Fairey, CPS’s P.C. The Honorable Robert E. Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy W. Tiner Detective Lieutenant & Mrs. Dennis L. WillingHeather J. Gibson Ms. Dorothy M. Day Paul L. Lawrence Ms. Loretta Abbott Dr. Benjamin C. Merritt Cardiology Associates of Vidalia, PC Mr. and Mrs. Keith H. Lawson Mr. Richard L. Magruder, Jr.

Peoples Bank Mr. and Mrs. Tommy A. Rollins Mr. and Mrs. Jerry O. Surles Richard H. Michel Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon B. Matthees Gloria Norton Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Hoppin Ms. Evelyn Lombardi Mr. and Mr. Jack D. Mast Mr. Carl Schneider Joseph R. Sharrer Ms. Cora Kilduff Mr. and Mrs. Vincent D. Kilduff Mr. and Mrs. John F. Sies Robert R. Shawley Mr. Seth Normington John B. Willson Ms. Esther E. Willson

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Listed contributions do not neccessarily reflect total giving for the year. We make every effort to ensure accuracy and completeness of donor names.If you notice any errors or ommissions, please contact us at (800) 423-6894 or by email at nraf@nrahq.org. Thank You.

The NRA Foundation Thanks the Following Donors for Their Generosity and Continued SupportMay 1, 2011 - July 31, 2011

TRADITIONS . QUARTER 3: 2011

The NRA Foundation11250 Waples Mill RoadFairfax, VA 22030

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDTHE NRA

FOUNDATION