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QUARTER 1 | 2014 Traditions 1

SECTION

The NRA Foundation at the Inaugural

GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOOR SHOW

TRADITIONS HAS A NEW LOOK!

Turn the page and check out our updated design.

GEAR UP FOR INDYWith the 2014 National NRA

Foundation Banquet Auction Gazette

HONORING SERVICENRA Field Operations Reflects on a Visit to Arlington National Cemetery

Cover Story

A Wildly Successful

DebutThe inaugural Great American Outdoor

Show drew crowds of shooting sports and outdoors enthusiasts to Harrisburg, Pa.

Features4

QUARTER 1 | 2014 Traditions

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

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

Editor & Designer Christina Paladeau

Co-EditorNicole McMahon

Mr. Frank R. Brownell, IIIPresident

The Honorable Bill K. BrewsterVice President

The Honorable Joe M. AllbaughTrustee

Mr. William A. BachenbergTrustee

Mr. Steve HornadyTrustee

Mr. Eric JohansonTrustee

Mr. George K. Kollitides IITrustee

Mr. Wayne R. LaPierreExOfficio

Ms. Anne LeeTrustee

Mrs. Carolyn D. MeadowsTrustee

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

Mr. Skipp GalythlySecretary

Board of Trustees & Officers

Staff

National News

Regional Updates

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Gearing Up for Indy: Auction Gazette

SPOTLIGHT: The NRA Field Staff’s Military Veterans

2014 Merchandise Preview Meeting

INDUSTRY CORNER:Daniel Defense

The Latest Stories from Friends of NRA and NRA Foundation Grant Recipients


Colt’s Manufacturing has a long history interwoven with that of the United States, a heritage that we share with the NRA. The company has supplied civilian, military and law enforcement customers in the United States and throughout the world for more than 175 years, producing more than 30 million revolvers, pistols, and rifles bearing the Colt name.

I am very proud that I have dedicated my service to Colt and the firearms in-dustry for the past 35 years. The most rewarding part of this journey will cer-tainly be the relationships that I have gained along the way. I am very fortu-nate to have the opportunity to meet many firearms enthusiasts throughout the year—I love to experience their passion for our industry first hand. And what better place to feel welcome than at a Friends of NRA banquet or event!

Colt’s relationship with Friends of NRA truly solidified in 2008 as a result of our former President and CEO Lt. Gen. Keys’ vision for supporting the NRA in any way possible. His foresight and encouragement generated a company-wide eagerness for contributing to the Friends program’s grassroots fundraising efforts. Current President and CEO Dennis Veilleux continues driving that support for the partnership from the top down, and playing a part in Friends of NRA projects remains a point of pride and enthusiasm for our employees at every level.

We are not a huge company with unlimited manufacturing capabilities, but Friends of NRA has become a focus of our production. It began with our providing products for the program’s Vendor Direct firearms pro-gram and grew into a much bigger relationship involving long term planning for exclusive, custom products like the Colt Single Action revolver and Colt Marine pistol currently available as sponsor items.

Our most significant accomplishment is undoubtedly the one-of-a-kind Colt Model 1911 Master Engraved 100th Anniversary Edition that The NRA Foundation auctioned off on Gun Broker at the 2011 Annual Meetings for approximately $60,000. The pistol, featuring over 300 hours of hand engraving, authentic ivory grips and 24 karat gold inlays, now occupies a space in the National Firearms Museum at NRA headquarters, on indefinite loan from the buyer.

Right now we are excited to see two years of collaborative effort and development come to fruition in the 2014 Gun of the Year. The limited edition NRA Matched Set of customized Colt XSE Government Model® .45ACP and .380 Mustang® Pocketlite pistols is an industry first. Creating over 1,000 sets of such a unique package as our first-ever custom pair of semi-automatic pistols was a major undertaking that required a stra-tegic, company-wide effort, but the final product speaks for itself. Details like the uniquely designed Colt Custom Shop blue box, the NRA serial numbers and the certificate of authenticity signed by our President and CEO Dennis Veilleux and Executive Director of NRA General Operations Kyle Weaver add to the col-lectability and authenticity of the set.

Providing product to Friends of NRA gives us the opportunity to reach the attendees of local banquets and national events as well as sponsors of the program with our in-demand, collectible firearms. NRA members and Friends of NRA supporters receive the exclusive chance to acquire pieces of history from an iconic Amer-ican company with the knowledge that the money they spend goes to The NRA Foundation. By offering product availability as well as donations of product and money, we are able to give back to an organization and a community of firearms enthusiasts that are the backbone of our American traditions.

Guest Editorial

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLT’S MANUFACTURING AND THE GUN OF THE YEAR! GO TO FRIENDSOFNRA.ORG/MERCHANDISE

By Joyce RubinoVice President, Marketing, Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC

COVER STORY

4 Traditions QUARTER 1 | 2014

One word can describe the Great American Outdoor Show: Family. Across the exhibit halls in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., families gathered to view the newest and latest in fishing equipment, firearms, turkey calls, archery and more. Fathers introduced daughters to competitive shooting at the 3 Gun Experience. Mothers observed sons at the Pyramid Air Gun Range. Uncles checked out the fly casting pond with nephews.

And aunts with nieces learned about Eddie Eagle’s GunSafe® program. Nothing brings families together quite like the out-doors, and the Great American Outdoor Show sponsored by Outdoor Channel gave families the opportunity to explore this revered American tradition at the largest outdoor show in the country.

By Nicole McMahonEvent Marketing & Communications Manager, National Rifle Association

*Photos by Lloyd Hill and Forrest McCormack

THE FAMILY OF SHOOTING SPORTS AND OUTDOORS ENTHUSIASTS TURNED OUT IN FORCE FOR THE INAUGURAL GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOOR SHOW

A W I L D L YSuccessful Debut

O


COVER STORY

Until the show’s tremendous opening day, no one imag-ined how successful the inaugural Great American Out-

door Show would be. The National Rifle Association took over the show after the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show was canceled last year. The NRA was excited to help contin-ue the show’s 65-year tradition after a one year hiatus, once again providing outdoor enthusiasts with a show that meets all their hunting, shooting and recreation needs. “The NRA’s deep-rooted heritage in the outdoor lifestyle makes this part-nership a perfect fit,” said David Keene, Former NRA President.

Preparations for the 2014 show quickly began, and The NRA Foundation followed suit, starting to plan its fundrais-ing activities made famous at the NRA Annual Meetings: the NRA Foundation Banquet and Wall of Guns.

The NRA Foundation Banquet sponsored by Diamond-back/Taurus was held Friday evening, February 7, in the complex’s PA Preferred Ballroom. In traditional Friends of NRA style, it featured fun, food and fundraising. The open-ing speaker was Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and representatives from the Outdoor Channel, Cabela’s, Taurus and Colt’s Manufacturing were also in attendance. The event featured exciting games and a buzzing live auction, but the silent auction drew the most attention that evening. Run en-tirely electronically, it provided attendees a more interactive way to bid for merchandise, firearms and hunts.

In an effort to introduce new, cutting-edge technology to its fundraising, The NRA Foundation tested an electronic bidding system. Utilizing iPad bidding stations and smart phones, attendees experienced the auction right at their fin-gertips. Those using thier smart phones received push notifi-cations when someone outbid them and could place another bid instantly from anywhere in the room.

PHOTOS Opposite: Hunt trophy displays embodied the Great American Outdoor Show motto “The Wild is Calling.” From top: Central Region Director Chad Frank-lin emceed the live auction, introducing items like the Browning Cynergy Classic shotgun; Executive Director of NRA General Operations Kyle Weaver greets families at the banquet; the electronic silent auction utilized iPads and smartphones. Next page: Show attendees stop to view and buy tickets for the Wall of Guns.


COVER STORY

“The NRA Foundation broke ground at the Great Amer-ican Outdoor Show with the inaugural NRA Foundation Banquet,” said Sarah Budi, NRA’s Director of Volunteer Fundraising. “Many first time attendees learned just how important The NRA Foundation is to our shooting sports traditions and look forward to supporting our efforts next year and for years to come.”

The Wall of Guns featured over 50 different types of fire-arms and ran for the duration of the nine-day show. Dis-played in the “spine” area of the complex, it was hard to miss as attendees made their way across the shooting sports hall to the boating, fishing and outdoor product halls. In the latter part of the week, more prize options like crossbows were added to the wall, gearing more towards the outdoors

and hunting crowd the show attracted.These NRA Foundation activities succeeded because of the

help and support of dozens of volunteers from the region. “Thank you to the dedicated and hard-working volunteers at the NRA Foundation Banquet and Wall of Guns,” said Budi. “Our volunteers worked long hours in support of our efforts, and their generosity will help us further the mission of The NRA Foundation throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.”

Join us at the 2015 Great American Outdoor Show! Visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org to learn more about the event.

“Many first time attendees learned just how important

The NRA Foundation is to our shooting sports traditions and

look forward to supporting our efforts next year and for

years to come.”

Before going to see the exhibits, plan to jump-start your weekend by attending the largest National NRA Foundation Banquet ever hosted.

The National NRA Foundation Banquet and Auction, sponsored by Cabelas, Universal Coin and Bullion and Kimber will kick off the weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday, April 24. An attendee favorite holding true to American values, the event will feature one-of-a-kind dona-tions including custom firearms, world-class hunts, adven-tures and the latest merchandise. Hosted in Friends of NRA fashion, doors open at 5pm to a lively evening of games, raffles and a silent auction. Dinner and a short program will follow, with the night concluding in an exciting live auction.

As with all Friends of NRA’s events, the goal of the Ban-quet and Auction is fundraising and ultimately ensuring that the firearms traditions we love today don’t become a thing of the past. Since 1992, the Friends of NRA program has raised over $230 million dollars to provide critical funding to qual-

ified programs on the local, state and national levels. On the national level, The NRA Foundation funds programs focused on youth shooting, public range projects, law enforcement, women’s programs, hunter education and much more.

Thanks to your support, the 2013 National NRA Foun-dation Banquet broke records, raising over half a million dollars and hosting over 1,800 attendees. The Foundation continues to surpass fundraising milestones and has high hopes for this event with the multitude of space in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The possibilities for the National Banquet and Auction in Indy are endless!

Check out the next few pages for a sneak peak at some of the items that will be up for auction, such as the custom Diamondback NRA boat featured on the back cover. Tickets are selling out fast, so go online to www.nraam.org and reserve yours today! We hope you join us in Indy this April to celebrate our American heritage and support the future of shooting sports.

Indianapolis is gearing up for the rush of Second Amendment enthusiasts that the 143rd NRA Annual Meetings will drive to the city in April. Over 70,000 attendees will speed over to the

Indianapolis Convention Center to see the latest and greatest firearms, gear and merchandise on the market.

GEARING UP FOR THE NATIONAL NRA FOUNDATION BANQUET AND AUCTION AT THE 2014 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS

By Katie ParkesSpecial Events Coordinator, National Rifle Association

SPONSORED BY:

FIREARMS

NEMO OMEN WATCHMANDonated by NEMO ArmsThe Watchman is the first 300 Win Mag AR-type rifle designed and built by NEMO in Kalispell, Mont., and it feaures a 24” barrel. The precision of a bolt gun with less recoil than an AR-10 due to its patent pending recoil reduction.

LCW-15 LADIES HOME DEFENDERDonated by Lauer Custom Weaponry/DuraCoat FirearmsThis 5.56 caliber rifle is ideal for home defense. The rifle includes a forward grip and Insight M6X Laser/Light combo, accompanied with a pressure pad for point and shoot scenarios. Ideal for ladies, its stock is one-of-a-kind DuraCoat in black and bronx rose with the NRA INDY 2014 logo displayed on the receiver.

COLT M2012SA308 BOLT ACTION RIFLEDonated by Colt Manufacturing Company, LLCChambered in .308 Winchester, this is the perfect rifle for long range shots and medium sized game. This bolt action rifle holds 5 or 10 rounds, has a 22” barrel, Timney single stage adjustable trigger and match grade barrel.

OGLESBY CUSTOM BAWANADonated by Oglesby & Oglesby GunmakersWorld Class trick shooter “Badlands” Bill Oglesby is sharing a one-of-a-kind Oglesby engraved BAWANA Revolver. This Smith & Wesson 500 with 10.5” barrel is packaged in a custom wooden box.

SIG SAUER 1911 TACPAC 45ACPDonated by Beech Grove Firearms, Inc.The SIG SAUER® 1911, full size semi-automatic pistol in 45ACP caliber with ergo XT grips and low profile contrast sights proves that close tolerances equal complete reliability. This pistol comes with two 8-round magazines, a holster, mag pouch and laser.

HIGH STANDARD VICTOR 5.5-22LRDonated by High StandardThe High Standard Victor is one of the finest target pistols available in the world today! With 5.5” barrel, 10-round magazine, 2.25 lb trigger pull and barrel-mounted sighting system, the Victor gives superb accuracy. This should be your choice of target pistol and will last a lifetime.

MODEL 1860 HENRY & FIRST ORIGINAL HENRYDonated by Henry Repeating Arms

This two-gun set includes the well-worn Model 1860 Henry, serial number 8261 and manufactured in 1865, used to reverse-engineer Benjamin Tyler Henry’s classic design and develop the tooling for the new Original Henry Rifle line. Completing the pair is the Original Henry Deluxe Engraved serial number BTH0001, the fist Henry produced in nearly 150 years. The new hardened brass-framed .44-40-cal rifle’s receiver has been hand-engraved by the artisans at Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Conn., featuring the likeness of B. Tyler Henry on the right side and the original Henry factory on the left. Additionally, the rifle sports a one-piece 24 1/2” octagonal barrel/tubular feed, a genuine American fancy walnut buttstock, and a classic folding ladder rear sight paired with a tradi-tional blade front sight. The auction items will include a certificate of authenticity provided by Henry Repeating Arms. Bidding will take place on gunbroker.com and closes on April 27 at 1pm CT. Both firearms will be on display at the National NRA Foundation Banquet and at the Henry booth (#6064) at Annual Meeting.

AUCTION GAZETTE2014 National NRA Foundation Banquet

MOSSBERG 4X4 CLASSIC NRA EDITION RIFLEDonated by American Legacy FirearmsThis special NRA edition rifle is ornately engraved with wilderness scenes, Indianapolis special engraving and “National Rifle Association” on the fore-end. But this rifle is not meant to be a wall-hanger. Chambered in .25-06 Remington and equipped with a muzzle brake on a 24” fluted barrel, this rifle allows for a muzzle velocity upwards of 3000 feet per second for those long shots when you only get one chance to bag that buck.

.308 STANDARD M1A RIFLEDonated by Springfield ArmoryThe M1A rifle has been tried and proven over the course of 50+ years of competitive shooting, while its military variants continue to see use around the world today. Features a walnut stock, 22” barrel, crisp 2-stage trigger, and military-style front and rear sights.

MOSSBERG 500 10 MILLIONTHDonated by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.Mossberg has reached an astonishing milestone of producing 10 million model 500 pump action shotguns, making it the fastest-selling shotgun in history. To commemorate this benchmark, Mossberg has produced ten additional “10 Mil-lionth” commemorative shotguns with unique serialization for the fundraising efforts of industry partners. This 12 gauge, 28” barrel, serial number U500006 shotgun could be yours! With a matte-silver finished receiver with gold inlay, tra-ditionally-styled, high gloss fancy walnut stock and fore-end with fine checkering on the pistol grip, this classic pump-action shotgun is one that you will treasure for a lifetime.

RUGER 1 MILLIONTHDonated by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.In 2012 Strum, Ruger & Co. was challenged to sell one million guns in one year and this specially engraved, one-of-a-kind 1911 commemorates that milestone. Not only did Ruger sell one million firearms, but they sold over 1.3 million and donated $1.3 million to the NRA that year. Be a part of Sturm, Ruger & Co.’s historical achievement and bid on this beautiful 45ACP collectible firearm.

AUCTION GAZETTE2014 National NRA Foundation Banquet

FIREARMS

NRA EDITION B.A.R. M1918A3-SLRDonated by Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.One of the most iconic firearms of all time, the Browning Automatic Rifle was used by American forces in World War I, World War II, and Korea. This semi-au-tomatic reproduction in .30-06 lets you own a functioning piece of American firearms history. Features a custom serial number and NRA logo on top of the receiver. Includes walnut stock, two 20-round magazines, web sling, bipod, carrying handle, flash hider, cleaning kit, operators manual and hard case.

REMINGTON UMC 1911 COMMEMORATIVEDonated by Remington Arms Company, LLCTo commemorate the 100th Anniversary of WWI, Remington teamed up with Turnbull Manufacturing Co. to reintroduce a historically accurate reproduction of the original Remington-UMC 1911. The .45 auto, 5” barrel gun is displayed in a glass top, lockable wood presentation case along with a 1916 style GI Flap Holster, 1912 style GI canvas mag pouch, and two two-tone dipped magazines.

SAVAGE 110BA .338 LAPUADonated by Savage Arms, Inc.Chambered in the combat-proven .338 Lapua cartridge, the Savage Arms Savage 110BA is capable of consistently hitting targets over 1,000 yards away. This rifle is equipped with a fully-adjustable Magpul Precision Rifle/Sniper buttstock, Savage Arm’s accuracy-improving AccuStock and AccuTrigger technologies, and a 26” barrel with a muzzle brake. Push the limits of your marksmanship skill with this venerable precision firearm.

FAUSTI OVER/UNDER CLASS 20 GAUGEDonated by FAUSTI USA, Inc.This one-of-a-kind over/under piece is richly laser engraved with hunting scenes in a gold inlay. Designed to meet the needs of various hunters and shooters, this 30” barrel, 20 gauge shotgun is a desired piece to include in anyone’s collection.

VISION ARMORY LLC CUSTOM BUILT RWB ARDonated by Vision Armory, LLCThe Redemption Rifle, an AR-15 produced locally in Indiana, impresses with features like a free float quad rail, enhanced combat trigger and an adjustable stock. A 16” Stain-less barrel and Nickel Boron coated bolt carrier group combine with a winter trigger guard, forward grip, battle light, flip up sights and an EOTech optic. Top it all off with custom gold NRA insignia, stars and stripes patriot theme and a lifetime warranty.

WEATHERBY TERRAMARK RCDonated by Weatherby, Inc.The Weatherby Terramark—Nothing shoots flatter, hits harder or is more accurate than a Weatherby. The Terramark RC is range-certified to shoot a 3-shot group less than 1” in diameter at 100 yards – that’s sub-MOA accuracy! Chambered in 30-378 Weatherby Magnum, this rifle features a 28” barrel, hand-laminated composite stock in desert camo, and metalwork in a flat dark earth cerakote finish.

ORIGIN-12 Donated by FosTecHThere’s no such thing as too much firepower. The FosTecH ORIGIN-12 semi-auto-matic tactical shotgun boasts a quick change barrel system, a forward non-recip-rocating charging handle, detachable magazine feed and a folding stock. All the features of your favorite tactical rifles are now available in a shotgun.

DANIEL DEFENSE AMBUSH 6.8SPC II WITH FLIR SCOPEDonated by Daniel Defense and FLIRNeed serious takedown power in a package light enough for the mobile hunter? Finished in REALTREE® AP™ Camo and paired with a FLIR ThermoSight RS-64 scope, this rifle will take your hunt to the next level.18” cold hammer-forged S2W Barrel, Geissele two-stage SSA Trigger and modular float rail. Made in USA.

MERCHANDISE

CUSTOM SECOND AMENDMENT GUITARDonated by Schenk GuitarsOwn this Insignia line custom “Second Amendment” guitar from Schenk Guitars. The Insignia line guitar offers ultimate luxury with custom artwork and detailing. This guitar features “Gun Stock” walnut back and sides, Sinker Redwood top and Hawaiian Koa Flame binding. Engraved around the sound hole is the Second Amendment with NRA logo displayed in the cavity and double guns inlayed on fretboard with the years 1791 and 1871. Rod Schenk’s guitar workshop is one of the most technologically advanced in the industry and has the finest designed and constructed truss-rod system in the history of guitar making. Schenk Guitars have repeatedly won Player’s Choice Awards, have a growing lineup of A-list players and have accompanied on stage or in studio top artists such as Kerry Marx of Grand Ole Opry, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley.

TRIJICON ACOG 4X32 SCOPE WITH INDY LOGODonated by Trijicon, Inc.Outfit your AR with this NRA Indianapolis logoed scope. This ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32 scope with Red Chevron BAC Flattop Recticle allows range estimation and bullet drop correction up to 800 meters. Dual illumination technology allows for day or night shooting.

“THE FREEDOM KNIFE”Donated by Knives by Thomas and DebiThis custom knife, tactical in design with engraved guards and bolsters has a special story behind it. Scrimshaw on the handle depicts a soldier kneel-ing beside the marked grave of a fallen friend. “Freedom” soars above and encompases the ultimate sacrifice soliders make to their country. This design comes from a tattoo on Debi’s son Goerge, who is serving in Afghanistan on his second deployment. It is made out of Crucible powder steel and high vanadium and nickel for excellent edge retention. The handle is set on ivory and custom hand scrimshawed. “The Freedom Knife” has great meaning to the creators but is said to have touched many who have paid the price of freedom. This donation includes the knife, original artwork and the display box.

RED WHITE AND BLUE GUITAR AND BOOKAutographed by Ted NugentRock musician and Second Amendment enthusiast Ted Nugent has autographed an incredibly special Red, White and Blue American flag six string acoustic guitar. The package includes this exclusive piece along with a signed copy of his book “Ted, White and Blue.”

CUSTOM CHAINSAW CARVED BEARDonated by Big Wood Chainsaw CarvingDisplay your NRA pride and ward off intruders with this custom chainsaw carved bear. Work from Big Wood Chainsaw Carving can be found all over Alaska, and they have custom carved an NRA bear, decked out with tactical gear and an AR, for The NRA Foundation.

HANDMADE NATIVE AMERICAN OSAGE BOWHandcrafted by Devin RauserDonated by a South Texas Friends of NRA SupporterDevin Rauser, a 16-year-old Friends of NRA supporter, is part of a 4-H shooting group supported by NRA Foundation grants. He has handcrafted this Osage Bow from all natural materials—a process which took over 30 hours. The bow is made out of Osage and wrapped with rattlesnake skin, and it has a draw weight of 40-45 lbs.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL COLLAGEDonated by Southwestern Indiana Friends of NRAThis impressive collection of presidential mementos from the Reagan presidency is the perfect item for your office or study. Highlighting this item is a personal letter written by Reagan on White House letterhead, an actual campaign poster, official presidential photograph, original campaign pins and buttons, first day postal covers and an official Presidential Medallion from the United States Mint commemorating his inauguration. This beautiful collection is framed, includes documentation of authenticity and is only available through the Indiana Friends of NRA Program.

HUNTS & ADVENTURES

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORSFIREARMSAlpine ArmsAmerican Legacy FirearmsBeech Grove Firearms, Inc.Benelli USABrowningButchs GunsCentury International Arms, Inc.Colt’s Manufactering Company, LLCCountry Boy SportsDaniel DefenseDiamondbackDPMSE.R. ShawFAUSTI USA, Inc.FMK FirearmsFosTecHGunslingersHaggard and StockingHenry Repeating ArmsHigh Plains Armory, LLCHigh StandardIthica GunKelley Hardesty Smith and Co CPALauer Custom Weaponry/DuraCoat

FirearmsLegacy Sports InternationalMike DavisMontana Rifle CompanyNEMO ArmsO.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.Oglesby & Oglesby Gunmakers

Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.Olympic Arms, Inc.RemingtonSAR ArmsSavage Arms, Inc.Smith and WessonSpringfield ArmoryStag ArmsSturm, Ruger & Co.TaurusVision Armory, LLCWaltherWeatherby, Inc.

MERCHANDISE & HUNTS2H HuntsA.R.E. Accessories, LLCAir Venturi LtdArmor Industrial Products, LLCAtlanco, Inc.Bad Wolf AviationBattenfeld TechnologiesBig Sky CarversBig Sky/DemdacoBig Wood Chainsaw CarvingBinghamton Knitting Co.Black Swamp SpecialtiesBlind Horse KnivesBlue Ridge KnivesBoyt Harness CompanyBuckeye Custom KnivesCanal Street CutleryCarl Zeiss Sports Optics

Centec Cast Metal ProductsCharlie Daniels BandChuck MossCol. LittletonCollectible Sign & ClockCustom Art ConceptsDesert CowgirlsDesigning MoodsDiamondback Firearms, LLCDorendorf’s, Inc.Econoline TrailersElite Live Edge Wood WorkingEnticer Turkey CallsFLIR Systems, Inc.Hogue, Inc.Hunter’s SpecialitiesIngogo SafarisJD Strooters SupplyJoe Foss/Mill PondJudith B. CarwileJust How You Like It Custom MetalworksKnives by Thomas and DebiLaserlyteLegacy Quests OutdoorsLoon Lake Decoy CompanyLUCIDLyons Land CompanyMill Pond PressMi-T-M OutdoorMontana SilversmithsMountain Rifle Shop MW KnivesNative Crossbows, LLC

Numzaan SafariOnline Stores Ouellette Industries, Inc.Pocono RacewayPoly Farm, LLCPremiere CollectablesQuality Guides OutfittersRadiansReaper KnivesSanta Cruz/Mill PondSchenk GuitarsSilencer Co.Silver StagSitka GearSKB Smith & Partners, LLCSOG KnivesSoundcheck NashvilleSoutherwestern Indiana Friends

of NRATed NugentThe Chattanoogan HotelTrijicon, Inc. USS Hornet MuseumVintage EditionsWarm Springs/Bison DiscWendell AugustWild Wildebeest SafarisWild WingsWilderness MintWinchester

PREDATOR HUNT IN WYOMINGDonated by LUCID OpticsTurn the tables and be of public service as you step out in Fremont, Wyo., for a two day predator hunt for wolf or coyote accompanied by a LUCID CEO and Pro Staff Shooter. LUCID is an emerging company delivering high quality but afford-able gear for the shooting sports. The LUCID team are all shooters and know that quality gear produces results. Included with this hunt is a LUCID L5 Rifle Scope. Meals and accomodations included. Hunt may be scheduled year round in 2014.

LOUISIANA GOOSE HUNTDonated by High StandardEnjoy the exclusive opportunity of a private hunt for white-fronted geese, snow geese, or ducks in southern Louisiana. This package includes a three night cabin stay, exposure to the brilliant taste of authentic Cajun cuisine, two morning hunts and a sightseeing excursion around Lake Arthur each afternoon. Hunts must be scheduled during the 2014 LA Duck/Goose season. Accommodations, meals and beverages included; hunting vehicle and guide provided.

HAWAII VACATION AND HUNTDonated by Chuck Moss and 2H HuntsTravel to the tropical island of Hawaii at Aina Na Hoku Kai Farm for a one week vacation stay at a cottage rental for four people. The home is engulfed with beautiful landscaping and gardens, a private swimming pool and deck, and all the Kona coffee desired. While in Hawaii, experience a one day hunt for wild boar with dogs, wild goats with rifle, or an upland game bird hunt. Outfitted by 2H Hunts, enjoy lunch, rifle rental, and all trophy fees.

FERAL HOG HELICOPTER HUNTDonated by Bad Wolf AviationBad Wolf Aviation’s mission is to help Texas farmers, ranchers and agri-producers in the fight against feral hogs and the damage they cause to local crops. Up to three hunters will join Texas’ Bad Wolf Aviation in their aerial depredation service for a one day feral hog hunt from a Bell 47 Helicopter. Each hunter will attend a safety briefing and get up to three hours of flight time hunting. Due to visibility and spotting of hogs, location will be determind at the time of booking. Hunt may be taken any weekend between January 2015 and April 2015.

MERCHANDISE


NATIONAL NEWS

For Friends of NRA, a new year means new merchandise. The highly-anticipated annual Merchandise Preview Meeting takes place each December, providing NRA Field Representatives the opportunity to see the new year’s available merchandise and meet with the vendors who supply it.

VENDORS IN ATTENDANCEAMERICAP

AIR VENTURI, LTDBARON ENGRAVING

BIG SKY CARVERS/DEMDACOBLUE RIDGE KNIVES

BOYT HARNESSCOLLECTABLE SIGN AND

CLOCKCOL. LITTLETON

CUSTOM ART CONCEPTSDORENDORFS

GALLATIN RIVER TRADING COMPANY

GOOD DIRECTIONSHUNTER’S SPECIALTIES

LEGACY QUEST OUTDOORSMILL POND PRESS

MI-T-M CORPORATIONMONTANA SILVERSMITHS

ONLINE STORESOUTDOOR MARKETING GROUP

SITKASKB

VINTAGE EDITIONSWENDEL AUGUST

WILDERNESS MINTCARL ZEISS SPORTS OPTICS

MERCHANDISE


NATIONAL NEWS

The Friends of NRA Merchandise Department assem-bles vendors of everything from home goods and jew-elry, to, of course, top-of-the-line firearms and gear.

The team works year-round to carefully select the unique and desirable product options revealed at the Merchandise Pre-view Meeting (MPM).

Once the doors open, the Field Reps excitedly enter the large merchandise room and begin making their rounds, stopping at vendors’ tables to experience the many options and items available. The chance to speak with vendors face-to-face and experience and discuss each item in person allows the Field Reps to prepare for guiding their commit-tees in selecting and fundraising with this merchandise at their events throughout the coming year.

This year meeting attendees welcomed the chance to get to know four new vendors and their products: Air Venturi’s air rifles; Col. Littleton’s genuine leather goods; SKB’s hard cases; and Vintage Edition’s handcrafted, specialty wooden accessories.

Minnesota Field Rep Scott Lembke remarked on how many of the Vendor Direct Options follow the same Amer-icana theme as the Standard Merchandise Package, which revolves around items commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Lembke remarked, “Items like Col. Littleton’s leather goods—unique, quality pieces made in America—are going to be really well received.”

All the Field Reps seemed to hone in on this one aspect shared by the majority of the merchandise in the room—the made in America distinction that banquet volunteers and attendees highly value.

Legacy Quest Outdoors, a returning vendor that has con-sistently provided that important made-in-the-USA quality, has two items in the Standard Package this year. Zack Guy, President of Legacy Quest, was at the meeting and shared his philosophy about creating products that focus on history and passing on tradition. “It’s all about passing it on, about creating things worth handing down to the next generation,” Guy expressed as his young son Walker looked on. Western Region Director Brad Kruger seconded this concept, emphasizing his focus on finding “tomorrow’s heirlooms” for Friends of NRA’s attendees.

The meeting is also most of the Field Reps’ first chance to

view the highly anticipate Standard Merchandise Package that each committee will receive for 2014 events. Southern Region Director Al Hammond discussed the value of input from all Field Reps as well as attendees and volunteers in developing the merchandise package. “Their insight into desirable vendors and products as well as the back-and-forth creative process with those vendors are essential elements of the process,” he explained. “We partner with a lot of com-panies, often by providing conceptual ideas that they turn into something unique and exclusive using their expertise.”

“Being on the selection committee was eye-opening for me,” said Eastern Region Director Bryan Hoover. “Creating the merchandise package requires a lot of time and effort to make sure that Friends of NRA is on the cutting edge, featuring handmade items, made in the USA items, items that can be successful all across the country.”

Members of the Merchandise Selection Committee each took time to share their thoughts on a featured item in the Standard Package. Central Region Director Chad Franklin highlighted the two Silver Stag knives. “These designs are exclusive to Friends of NRA right now,“ he explained. “This is the first time they’ve done either elk antler on a folder knife or a caribou-handled skinner.”

The new guns, gear and other merchandise filling the room left Field Reps and all others at the MPM excited to begin another year of fundraising. This year’s collection of high value, unique and special items is sure to have volunteers and banquet attendees ready to enthusiastically support Friends of NRA’s efforts to promote the shooting sports and American traditions.

Friends of NRA would like to sincerely thank all partic-ipating vendors for their support and dedication to the program. They make possible the mission of providing a future for America’s shooting sports.

Interested in being a Friends of NRA Industry Supporter? Go to www.friendsofnra.org/IndustrySupporters.aspx to learn more!

By Christina PaladeauEvent Marketing & Communications Coordinator, National Rifle Association

PHOTOS Opposite, from top: Merchandise from Blue Ridge Knives, sponsor of the MPM; Wymoing Field Rep Dave Manzer ad-mires a feature item from the Standard Package—the Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set—framed by Mill Pond Press, co-sponsor of the MPM.

PREVIEWMEETING


REGIONAL UPDATE Eastern

Western Pennsylvania’s

CLAY BUSTERSBy Jamie MortonSenior Member, Warren County Scholastic Trap League

*Photos Courtesy Jamie Morton

The 2013 White Flyer Clay Busters

I started shooting in the Warren County Scholastic Trap League (WCSTL) when I was a freshman in high school. The league consists of seven teams that, when I graduated in 2011, ranged in size from 12 to 50 members. Since then the numbers have grown at

a staggering rate. Upon graduating high school I continued shooting and, most of all, found time to volunteer for the Corry High School team from which I graduated.

The White Flyer Team started before I was involved but really took shape when Colby Case and I graduated high school. We thought to ourselves: “Now what?” Determined to continue shooting trap competitively, we decided to get our buddies whom we had shot with and against for those previous few years to form a collegiate/graduate team with the goal of going to the state tournament and hopefully nationals.

Two years ago we went to states and won the Pennsylva-nia AIM shoot but didn’t push on to nationals. Last year was a different game. Colby and I once again sat down to think of who we knew to recruit for the team: shooters who were available and willing to spend the time and money for this campaign. Ethan Black, Colton Black and Michael McDunn committed to join us, and we took off for the state AIM shoot in Elysburg, Pa. After winning the state shoot again, I personally had second thoughts about going to nationals due to the cost involved, but Colton eventually talked all of us into going. And boy was I glad that he did; it became a trip to remember.

At the 2013 AIM Nationals in Sparta, Ill., on August 5 and 6, the White Flyers smashed a total of 987 of 1000 targets and earned the title of 2013 Senior AIM Grand Champions. The next closest team was 19 targets behind. Although no overall award was given, we had the highest score of all age divisions. Ethan, Colton, and Michael each hit 199 out of 200, I hit 197 and Colby hit 193. We each also placed as individual shooters.

Friends of NRA influenced every step in my person-al shooting career. Grants from The NRA Foundation funded and still fund the teams I started on. Without those grants I would have never started shooting competitively. The funding made it possible for the Corry Rod & Gun Club to create the team through the high school as well as for us to update our fields. Most importantly, it allowed the WCSTL to introduce the ideas of marksmanship and sportsmanship to not only me but also to the hundreds of kids in the league all benefitting from the support of Friends of NRA.

Trap shooting has affected my life in many ways since I started shooting in my freshmen year of high school. It has taken me across the United States and, through networking, even helped me acquire jobs for which I would not have otherwise had a chance. The hard work and dedication needed in the shooting sports proved to me that anything is possible by battling through frustrating times and never giv-ing up. This wouldn’t have been possible without the funds raised by Friends of NRA and more importantly the donors at the local banquets and other events.

Find out ......


Eastern REGIONAL UPDATE

An initiative by Warren County Friends of NRA led to the establishment of the WCSTL in 2007. The program supports seven high school trap shooting teams and three skeet teams backed by local gun clubs. Each year, the league’s trap teams send their top shooters to the state and national tournaments as the team known as the White Flyer Clay Busters. Western Pennsylvania’s State Fund Committee granted a total of nearly $20,000 in funding and product to the WCSTL teams in 2013, helping them with gun, ammo, ear and eye protection and clay target costs among other items and projects.

Apply for an NRA Foundation grant! Go to www.nrafoundation.org. Find out more about Friends of NRA in Pennsylvania at www.friendsofnra.org/PA.

The White Flyers pose at the World Shooting and Recreational Com-plex in Sparta, Ill., after their successful performance at AIM Nationals


REGIONAL UPDATE Central

By Peter LawlessEvent Support Coordinator, National Rifle Association

*Photos Courtesy Illinois Hard Dogs

HARD DOGSh i g h-p o w e r e d

Sports fans and athletes alike take great pride in their team’s identity: its name, its mascot and the community it represents. The junior high power rifle team of the Illinois State Rifle Association

(ISRA) brings this same pride to the shooting range as the Illinois Hard Dogs, represented by the image of a grinning bulldog peering through the sights of an AR-15.


Central REGIONAL UPDATE

The Hard Dogs regularly compete against some of the best civilian and military

shooters in the country, attending high power rifle competitions in Illinois and Wisconsin as well as the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. “I can say that every major match will have members of the US Army Reserve Team and/or National Guard All Guard Team,” says Russ Friend, chairman of the ISRA Junior Highpower Program. “When the juniors see the President’s Hundred patches on the adults’ coats, they know they are competing with the best.”

Being a Hard Dog offers a unique experience and exciting opportunities, but participation demands a serious com-mitment of time and effort. Among other requirements, members are issued and responsible for the care of $2,300 of equipment, including a match-grade AR-15 rifle.

To maintain membership status, each junior must shoot in at least one match or event per month from April through September, keep a thorough rifle data book, and uphold high academic, behavioral, and firearms safety standards set by the coaches. Communication helps both coaches and competitors uphold their obligations. Shooters must report scores to the coaches, and the coaches publish the Hard Dog Herald, a quarterly newsletter featuring team updates and schedules, rifle maintenance instructions and detailed articles with marksmanship advice.

In 2013 the Hard Dogs had 23 firing members—an in-credible number for a civilian-run high power rifle team—and they constantly recruit new marksmen as others age out at 20-years-old. And with such a commitment to learning and experience, it is no surprise that several Hard Dogs are shooting at Master (94+/100 point average) or High Master (97+/100 point average) levels: Alex Vitous, Matt Durdan, Eli Slonecker and Andrew Friend, to name a few. Recogniz-ing the achievement and further ambitions of its high power program members, the Hard Dogs have recently started

a Palma rifle program for juniors who want to shoot even further out than 600 yards.

Like the equipment used and maintained by the team members, replenishing the team’s supply of bullets, powder and primers for reloading would not be possible without the support of numerous grants, including funds from The NRA Foundation. “Ammo is costly, even when reloading our own brass,” Friend explains. Each year team committee member Mike James manually reloads over 22,000 rounds of match-grade .223 ammunition for the team in two differ-ent loads: 77-grain bullets for the 200 and 300 yard courses of fire and longer, heavier 80-grain bullets for greater accu-racy at 600 yards.

“Last year we also used our grant funds to recondition eight upper receivers with new barrels and ¼-minute sights as needed,” Friend continues. “We also bought new shoot-ing coats and added a huge Hard Dog patch, which can be seen half way across any range. We bought spotting scopes and mats and replaced broken gear as well.”

Few shooting sports teams have as strong a sense of identity and a commitment to excellence as the Hard Dogs. Even in Illinois, where state law can complicate firearm ownership, these juniors and their coaches continue to pur-sue their passion for firearms safety, education and superior marksmanship.

Apply for an NRA Foundation grant at nrafoundation.org. To support shooting sports programs in your area, find a Friends of NRA event near you by visiting www.friendsofnra.org/Events.

PHOTOS Clockwise, from top left: A Hard Dog fires offhand at a target 200 yards away; LOAD AND BE READY! The Hard Dogs anticipate their targets appearing 500 yards away during the National Infantry Trophy Team match, better known as the Rattle Battle; The team loads magazines with rounds hand-loaded with match-grade components in prepa-ration for the Rattle Battle; The Hard Dogs are known for their excellent team spirit as well their marksmanship.

OUT


REGIONAL UPDATE Southern

Locals consider the small town of Arlington, Tenn., the “best kept secret” within the encompassing area of Shelby County. However, due to the dedication of a talented group of high school trap team members, this small town is a secret no more.

SecretThe

is

ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL TRAP TEAM PUTS ITS SMALL TENNESSEE TOWN ON THE MAP

By Catherine BarsantiEvent Support Coordinator, National Rifle Association

*Photos Courtesy Arlington Trappers

Now in its ninth season, the Arlington High School Trap Team debuted in 2005 with a small group of students who had limited knowledge of the

sport. Since then the Arlington Trappers have made quite an impression on the world of shooting sports, winning four national championships in the high school division in addi-tion to even more success at the regional and district levels.

“We’ve done no worse than second in the national championships,” says Head Coach Kermit Simons, whose leadership has been integral to the growth and success of his team from the very beginning.

Currently, six separate, co-ed squads of varsity and junior varsity make up the Arlington Trappers. The talent of the team goes undisputed, with not only national champion-ships to boast, but individual successes as well.

“We had the top lady shooter in the country two years ago, and she’s on full scholarship now for shooting,” Simons shares. “Last year we had three of the top five lady shooters in the national championship, and this year our top female is shooting a ninety-six average.”

As defined by the official NRA Marksman Qualifica-tion program, in order to be a distinguished expert in trap shooting a shooter must hit 22 out of 25 targets ten times.

On the Arlington Trappers team, all of the participants have achieved this distinction.

The Arlington Trappers, who were featured in the second season of the Friends of NRA TV show, participate in events year round. Their year culminates with the national SCTP Championship held in July, where they have been the champions for three of the past four years.

So what is this team’s “best kept secret” for success?“There are four goals I set for the trappers,” explains

Simons. “The first goal is to make better men and women. The second goal is to make sure they are safe. The third goal is to make them better shooters. And then – the fourth goal follows if you do the other three – and that’s to win. But the first goal isn’t to win championships, it’s for the teamwork and camaraderie.”

The Tennessee State Fund Committee has provided $22,832 in NRA Foundation grants to the Trappers, funding which has been essential to the team’s progression, especially since the high school provides no funding.

“Friends of NRA has been very helpful to our program,” says Simons. “They have provided us ammunition, ear pro-tection, eye protection and a dry-fire system, which allows us to shoot in inclement weather.”

In 2014 the Trappers will expand their program to in-clude an STP program for pistols, and they hope to utilize NRA Foundation grant money to provide for the new team.

Running successful shooting programs like Arlington High School’s trap team requires both monetary and moral support, and although Friends of NRA has provided the crucial funds, the true credit for this team’s achievements belongs to its young members’ talent and hard work.

“It has made a big difference in their lives,” affirms Si-mons. “I’m very proud of the team.”

Get involved with Friends of NRA in Tennessee! Contact NRA Field Rep Mike Webb at [email protected] or visit us online at www.friendsofnra.org/TN to find committees and events near you. Want to apply for an NRA Foundation grant for your shooting sports program? Go to www.nrafoundation.org.


Southern REGIONAL UPDATE

“The first goal is to make better men and women... the first goal isn’t to win

championships, it’s for the teamwork and camaraderie.”


REGIONAL UPDATE Mid-West

Shooting SportS EnthuSiaSm.

MENTOR PROGRAM GETS KIDS OUTDOORS... HUNTING AND SHOOTING!

PASS IT

ON.


Mid-West REGIONAL UPDATE

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors works to give children with little or no connection to the outdoors opportunities to learn to hunt, shoot, fish and enjoy the outdoors—all under the watchful eye of a caring adult mentor.

Partnering with youth mentoring organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pass It On recruits mentors who will share their love of the outdoors with a child.

Generous grants from The NRA Foundation have aid-ed Pass It On’s efforts to provide outdoor experiences for disadvantaged youth. Ammunition grants from Kansas State Fund Committee, including the 2013 grant worth over $4,000, have made it possible for Pass It On to host shooting clinics across the state, giving kids the chance to learn the joys of shooting trap, skeet and small-bore rifles.

For the last six years, Pass It On, in partnership with local conservation organizations, has hosted a shooting clinic near Wichita, Kan., that has grown to over 300 participants. Youth are given the chance to try their hand at archery, pellet gun, trap and skeet, all under close supervision of volunteers from the various supporting partner organizations and all at no cost to the partici-pants. Those kids expressing an interest in a shooting discipline are directed to local 4-H Shooting Sports and SCTP teams where they can follow up on their interest and grow in the sport.

Working with Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, Pass It On hosts shotgun shooting clinics in communities around the state. Pass It On makes special efforts to ensure that youths who have gone through a hunter education class spend time at the range before venturing afield for upland game. When readying new hunters for deer season, time is spent at the rifle range shooting lots of .22 rounds to get the kids familiar with the sight picture in the scope and the proper breathing and preparation for each shot.

The ammunition provided through NRA Foundation grants plays a key role in Pass It On’s ability to provide new shooters and hunters with these opportunities to develop and hone their shooting skills.

Pass It On’s efforts to reach children who are not connected to the outdoors was highlighted in a study by Responsive Management (Effectiveness of Hunting, Shooting, and Fishing Recruitment and Retention Pro-grams: Final Report, 2011) which found that 43 percent of the children who participated in Pass It On events during the time studied had no family members who hunt/shoot/fish.

Giving these children positive outdoor experiences and the chance to further their interest in hunting and shoot-ing with a caring mentor will mean more hunters and shooters to continue those traditions into the future.

By Mike Christenson Director, Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors NRA Foundation Grants to

KANSAS YOUTHHalf of all the money raised by Kansas Friends of NRA committeees stays in the state to support shooting sports programs of all kinds.

Among these,

youth programs have

received hundreds of grants

amounting to thousands of dollars.

Apply for your program to receive a grant from The NRA Foundation; Go to www.nrafoundation.org. Want to become a part of Friends of NRA in Kansas? Go to www.friendsofnra.org/KS to find your local committee and events near you.

IN 2013

TOTALSINCE INCEPTION

43 GRANTS

526 GRANTS

$127THOUSAND

$1.25MILLION

These grants cover everything from 4-H shooting programs to YHEC, Boy Scouts, JROTC programs, Eddie Eagle and youth

shooting teams.


REGIONAL UPDATE Western

The Bismarck/Mandan Rifle and Pistol Asso-ciation (BMRPA), located in the Bismarck/Mandan area of North Dakota, has greatly benefited from the Friends of NRA program over the past 20 years.

In 1992 BMRPA began a junior marksmanship program in cooperation with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department. Initially we had to borrow equipment from anywhere we could find it: borrowed rifles, mats, spotting scopes, jackets, gloves, kneeling rolls, slings—everything. Obviously, in order to provide proper instruction and

training for young adults, we needed appropriate equip-ment—lots of it—and thus began our relationship with the Friends of NRA program.

Our first grant request was written in 1994—just the second year of the Friends program—for five smallbore target rifles. These first rifles were great for older youths, but not exactly suited to the slight of build, average 12-year-old beginner. So, the next year we wrote our second grant request for three Anschutz Achiever ri-fles; now we had equipment for the smaller beginning junior shooters too.

Over the years we applied for more grants to expand our inventory of equipment. First came air rifles, then jackets, spotting scopes, offhand stands, mats, slings and numerous other accesso-

By Tom Thompson Junior Marksmanship Program Coach/Association Treasurer, Bismark/Mandan Rifle and Pistol Association

GRANTS & GROWTH

two decadesof

A NORTH DAKOTA CLUB’S LONG AND REWARDING RELATIONSHIP WITH FRIENDS OF NRA


Western REGIONAL UPDATE

ries necessary to conduct a successful junior marksmanship program. Slowly, year by year, the inventory grew.

We eventually added an advanced junior marksmanship program in the fall of each year. So, our equipment went to the firing line in late September for the advanced program, continued to be used December through late March in the regular junior program, and then was used for our Boy Scout merit badge program, the Girl Scouts, the Civil Air Patrol Cadets and our hunter education classes through April or May. Approximately 50,000 rounds of .22 caliber long rifle ammunition passed through these rifle bores each year; the equipment purchased with NRA Foundation grants certainly was seeing its intended use.

Our association reached a real turning point in 1999 when we acquired 50 acres of land southeast of Bismarck for an outdoor range. In October of 2000, we held our first public Sight-In-Days at our new outdoor range, provid-ing local hunters and sportsmen a chance to sight in their hunting rifles and allowing us to showcase our new range, though there was not yet much to showcase. So began our next long term project: outfitting an outdoor range with everything from a graveled road and clubhouse to rifle benches, target stands, picnic facilities and much more.

Once again we turned to Friends of NRA and began writing grant requests to help construct the necessary facilities and outfit them. Our outdoor range, now called the Fried Family Marksmanship Complex, is home to no less than eight different shooting disciplines and features: a 300-foot covered firing line; a 1000-yard, 16-firing-point, high power range; a 16-firing-point bullseye pistol range; rifle and handgun silhouette ranges; and an action shooting area for cowboy action and action pistol events. We are very grateful to Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation grant program that helped provide funding to support this project.

We continue to write grant requests to provide additional equipment for our junior marksmanship program and for equipment for our outdoor range and the indoor range we

opened in 2009.It has been one heck of a ride over the past 20 years.

We’ve grown from a very small club without equipment or facilities to a great club with indoor and outdoor ranges. The Association now has various programs for youth and adults and various shooting sports events throughout the year. Our thanks goes out to so many that have helped this association grow, including Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation.

Have a shooting sports program that needs support? Go to www.nrafoundation.org to apply for a grant! Learn more about Friends of NRA in North Dakota by visiting friendsofnra.org/ND to find committees and events near you.

PHOTOS Clockwise, from left: Foundation grants funded a portion of the oudoor canopy seen under construction; The rifle silhouette area of the BMRPA outdoor range; Luke Preszler, a member of the BMRPA junior program, fires from the kneeling position.

By Blaine Nay Club Manager/Instructor, Iron County 4-H Youth Shooting Sports/Three-Peaks 4-H Shooting Club

SKILL PEAKS WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT


Southwest REGIONAL UPDATE

W hen the Three-Peaks Shooting Club, a 4-H Shooting Sports club in Iron County, Utah, was organized in the fall of 2007, the county extension office provided limited equipment. However,

much of that shooting sports equipment issued to the club by the county extension office was inadequate, antiquated and in poor condition. Additionally, the narrow range of equipment did not serve all the shooting sports the club wanted to pursue. Consequently, Three-Peaks initially relied on gear loaned by the club manager and others.

Fortunately, NRA Foundation grants enabled the club to obtain equipment to which it previously had no access at all, like youth-sized shotguns and rifles, as well as to replace inadequate or unserviceable equipment, like its archery gear. With this new equipment, the youth had the opportunity to learn and improve shooting skills unhindered by the frus-trations of equipment that was designed for adults, distract-ed from effective training or was unsafe to use.

The club has 12 active youth members who use the equipment provided through the Foundation. In addition, guest youths participate in club activities from time to time.

Each year, the club sponsors at least one NRA Range Safety Officer or NRA Instructor Certification Course with emphasis on training parents and other adults willing to work with youth in 4-H or in Scouting. Three-Peaks sched-uled an NRA Range Safety Officer Course in March to do

just that. Even some of the club’s youth have been certified as NRA Apprentice Instructors. All these courses use equip-ment obtained through NRA Foundation grants.

The club also typically sponsors two or three Utah Hunter Education courses per year, and at least one Hunter Ed student in each class eventually joins the club. Rifles acquired through The NRA Foundation are made available to participating students who don’t have one of their own or who need to use a youth-sized rifle.

Thanks to the support of The NRA Foundation, Three-Peaks’ retention of youth members is nearly 100 percent. On top of that, many parents are eager to stay through the entire duration of the club’s activities and even try a shotgun or bow when not in use by one of the youth. Several youth shooters have attained sufficient skill practicing with the equipment purchased with the Foundation funding that they have been encouraged to shoot in the Utah Summer Games, a state-level competitive event held each summer in Cedar City.

Apply for a grant at www.nrafoundation.org! Iron County 4-H Youth Shooting Sports/Three Peaks 4-H Shooting Club has received about $15,000 in grants since 2008. To learn more about the Utah Friends of NRA events that raise money for local programs like this one, go to friendsofnra.org/UT or email Field Rep John Kendall at [email protected].


NATIONAL NEWS Spotlight

Following a week of intensive training and meetings at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., the Field Staff looked forward to a day of fun exploration. But before

visiting the more lighthearted and undemanding tourist attractions in the city, they began the morning at Arlington National Cemetery, which exacts a somber reverence from all of its visitors.

The cemetery is rightfully called our nation’s most sacred shrine. Among those buried there are presidents, astronauts, Medal of Honor recipients, veterans of every American military conflict and their loved ones. Seemingly endless rows of headstones and granite memorials filled the snow-covered landscape as the staff walked uphill to the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The most revered location in the entire cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknowns houses the remains of unidentified

soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War. They rest before a marble sarcophagus inscribed with the words “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.”

Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, guard the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with perfect military bearing, uniforms and rifles. As a testament to the guards’ dedication and training, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge is the second-least awarded badge in the U.S. Army, with the Astronaut Badge being the rarest.

Earlier in the week, four of the six veterans among the Field Staff were selected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony: Indiana Field Rep Craig Haggard, Kentucky Field Rep John LaRowe, Oregon and Hawaii Senior Field Rep Michael Carey and Southern Illinois Field Rep Donald

The frigid morning of Friday, December 13, 2013, found the NRA Field Operations Division headed to Washington, D.C., for a

day of sightseeing around the nation’s capital.

Reflecting on ServiceBy Peter Lawless

Event Support Coordinator, National Rifle Association


Spotlight NATIONAL NEWS

Higgs. The ceremony, though brief, is a solemn and signif-icant gesture of remembrance and appreciation for those who gave their lives to defend their country.

Carey described the experience with great appreciation, saying “To recognize these fallen heroes is the highest trib-ute and adulation a veteran could offer. Being involved with the ceremony at the Tomb in Arlington is an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

The silent crowd stood as a sergeant escorted the four wreath layers to the tomb. The four presenters snapped to attention and saluted the tomb, remaining still as statues de-spite the biting cold, as the bugler played “Taps.” The Field Staff’s two other veterans, Western Region Director Brad Kruger and Washington Field Representative Keifer Lewis, looked on with pride, sharing in the poignant moment.

All NRA employees work to defend freedom, but not all

have experienced the challenge, risk and sacrifice of serving in the military. The wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery prompted the Field Operations Division to reflect on that service and commitment made by members of its team and to commemorate what they did to defend free-dom long before working at the National Rifle Association.

Learn more about the US military veterans now serving as NRA Field Staff. Read their service records online atbit.ly/ArlingtonFieldReps. Photos of the wreath-laying ceremony and other moments of the visit have been compiled into a slideshow tribute to the six veterans among the Field Staff and to those who rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Follow the QR code to view the video of NRA Field Staff’s visit to that sacred shrine.

“HERE RESTS IN HONORED

GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

KNOWN BUT TO GOD.”


NATIONAL NEWS Industry Corner

AS THE 2014 NATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSOR, Daniel Defense has a strong and growing relationship with the Friends of NRA program.

In early February the members of NRA Field Operations Division’s Southern Region staff experienced firsthand the industry and enthusiasm that Daniel Defense brings to that role when they toured the Black Creek, Ga., and Ridgeland, S.C., production facilities where Daniel Defense manufactures its

AR-15 rifles and accessories.During an earlier meeting with Director of Marketing Jordan Hunter about utilizing some of the com-

pany’s rifles in our program, he invited my region to visit their facilities. “We were so excited about that opportunity to have some of the NRA Field Staff come and visit because

they can reach so many people and tell the story of Daniel Defense and what sets us apart,” shares Hunter. He and Inside Sales Manager Joe Marler provided an enlightening and informational tour. I was impressed with the facilities and the employment they provide locally as well as what the company does for our mili-tary and law enforcement while offering the civilian population AR-15 rifles and accessories manufactured entirely in the USA.

By Al HammondSouthern Region Director,National Rifle Association

*Photos Courtesy Daniel Defense


“We are absolutely committed to producing everything in the US,” Hunter affirms. Daniel Defense has committed itself not only to defending American’s Second Amendment rights, but also to supporting American jobs.

At the end of January, the company announced plans for a five-year, $20 million expansion in Black Creek, which will grow that facility from 47,000 to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and administrative space. President and CEO Marty Daniel explains, “This is yet another step toward bringing every part of the manufacturing process in-house.”

Daniel Defense is among a small group of firearms manufacturers who produce cold hammer forged barrels. At the Black Creek facility, the Southern Region staff saw where these rifle barrels and the many other parts used in a Daniel Defense rifle are manufactured. We then went to the Ridgeland facility which assembles, test fires and ships the completed rifles, like the DD Mark 18 that we had the chance to shoot.

The team also received an exciting introduction to the new Ambush Firearms line of rifles made by Daniel De-fense. These lighter-weight, modular rifles, including the 6.8 SPC caliber model, have available features like adjust-able buttstocks and unique foregrips as well as camouflage finishes. “This line was tailored to meet the hunter’s needs,” enthuses Hunter. “It includes attributes of the DD line tuned up for the hunter, and we’re proud of it.”

Daniel Defense’s large and comprehensive operation grew out of concepts and designs for accessories that Marty Daniel developed to improve his own rifles. The company, started in 2001, now manufactures a complete line of rifles, and the Southern Region staff had the rare opportunity to see the work that goes into every model in production today.

We also had the chance to thank Marty Daniel for his support of the NRA and Friends of NRA when he stopped by to speak with us. That support is just part of the com-mitment that Daniel Defense and its founder have made to defending freedom and the firearms industry.

“We as a manufacturer have realized that we must make sure people know that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the NRA,” Hunter expresses. “So, we are providing mon-ey and support starting at the grassroots effort level with Friends of NRA. We want to speak out and say that we’re proud of what we do and we’re proud of the NRA for defending it.”

We want to thank Daniel Defense and their committed staff for all the support they provide the NRA and The NRA Foundation as an American company providing an American product for use at our local Friends of NRA events.

Interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor of Friends of NRA? Visit www.friendsofnra.org/Corporate-Sponsors.aspx for more information.

Brownell Family (Foundation) IowaShaw and Betty Walker Foundation MichiganFamily Shooting Centers, Inc. PennsylvaniaGordon A. Cain Foundation TexasAnonymous MichiganKamps Propane CaliforniaA.P. Kirby, Jr. Foundation New JerseyMargaret H. and James E. Kelley Foundation, Inc. MinnesotaMr. Loren E. Parks OregonRob Stalcup OklahomaMrs. Esther Q. Schneider IndianaMr. Richard Tzedaka MassachusettsMr. Bruce W. Wilkinson Texas

John S. Bainbridge, Jr. MarylandMr. Vernon Berning MinnesotaMr. Clete T. Brewer ArKansasMr. Robert J. Brinkman FloridaAnonymous IowaCDNN Investments, Inc. TexasNatchez Shooters Supplies, Inc. TenneseeCheaper Than Dirt TexasColt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC ConnecticutMr. Nathan Crain TexasCrimson Trace Corporation OregonDavid & Lorna Gladstone Foundation VirginiaDooley Enterprises Inc. CaliforniaMr. Robert K. Eddy MinnesotaMr. James D. Gambill FloridaDr. Kristin M. Gowin, MD North CarolinaMr. and Mrs. Tim Hixon TexasIndependence Tube Corp. IllinoisMr. and Mrs. Don F. Kesler CaliforniaMrs. Susan Kriley North CarolinaKulakala Point Foundation WashingtonLakeside Foundation CaliforniaThe David E. Maguire Foundation DelawareRichard King Mellon Foundation PennsylvaniaMrs. Marcy A. Meyer IllinoisMinnesota Weapons Collectors Association MinnesotaMontana Gold Bullet, Inc. MontanaMzuri Wildlife Foundation CaliforniaDr. James R. Pick, DVM TexasMr. and Mr. Walter Powell PennsylvaniaPyramyd Air OhioQuest Family Foundation Texas

Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc IndianaMr. Noel Richardson KansasMr. John G. Rocovich and Dr. Sue Ellen Rocovich VirginiaMr. Robert Roschman FloridaSayler-Hawkins Foundation MissouriMr. and Mrs. John W. Scott IndianaMrs. Helen M. Shiel FloridaThe Sigety Family Foundation FloridaThe Walter A. and Charlotte Soule Family Foundation ColoradoTAG Marketing Solutions LLC OhioThe Leroy Thom, Jean Thom & T L Thom Foundation, Inc. NebraskaMs. Christine J. Toretti PennsylvaniaMr. Robert Trapp FloridaMr. Robert A. Unkovic PennsylvaniaMark & Joe Wanenmacher OklahomaWallace N. Weber, COL, US Army (Ret.) KansasMr. and Mrs. James F. Webert FloridaMr. and Mrs. Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. TexasKent E. Witson, DDS MontanaMr. John Woods, Jr. MissouriMrs. Judith H. Woods Missouri

Ms. Carol Adams TexasAuctionarms.com, Inc. UtahAyco Charitable Foundation New YorkMr. William A. Bachenberg PennsylvaniaMr. Adrian Bailey TenneseeMr. Joseph H. Block, Jr. TexasMr. David J. Borgen IndianaPatricia M. Bullard TexasBusiness Services & Solutions LLC New YorkChampion Technology Services Inc. LouisianaMr. and Mrs. Michael R. Coltrane North CarolinaMr. Mark Danko MassachusettsMr. and Mrs. Robert V. De Vore NevadaDeep River Sporting Clays & Shooting School North CarolinaLt. Governor David H. Dewhurst TexasMr. Robert N. Dickenson OregonMr. David D. Dickerson ArizonaDillon Precision Products Corp., Inc. ArizonaFrank G. and Gertrude Dunlap Fund MichiganMr. and Mrs. Robert D. Fancher ColoradoFireclean VirginiaMr. and Mrs. James V. Fisler New JerseyMrs. Sherri T. Ghilarducci ColoradoGraf & Sons, Inc. MissouriMs. Marie L. Graziano Arizona

Ms. Helen K. Groves TexasMr. and Mrs. Bruce N. Hadley New YorkMs. Catherine A. Haggett VirginiaMrs. Karen Hanten CaliforniaMr. Marc A. Hembrough PennsylvaniaMr. John M. Howard CaliforniaJ & N Construction Consultants, Inc. CaliforniaMr. Wayne T. Janecek IllinoisMr. Alan Jochimsen CaliforniaMr. Brian M. Keelty MarylandMr. Franco Landini VirginiaMr. William A. Langdon, Jr. TexasMr. David F. Levy PennsylvaniaMr. Tom Lipinski TexasMr. James E. Lovern CaliforniaMr. Thompson Lykes FloridaMr. Walter Lynwood FloridaJill Marburger PennsylvaniaMr. Perry C. Maynard, Jr. GeorgiaMr. and Mrs. W. P. Mays OhioMr. Joseph L. Meibergen OklahomaMr. Maurice A. Mertens ColoradoMissionFish/PayPal Giving Fund District of ColumbiaMr. and Mrs. Harold B. Morgan CaliforniaNetwork For Good District of ColumbiaNumrich Gun Parts Corporation New YorkMr. Mike Nunez FloridaMr. Kenneth Olszonowicz ColoradoRaymond James Charitable Endowment Fund FloridaMs. Ann S. Reid ArizonaMrs. Alice M. Rhea NevadaMr. Robert A. Ringdahl VirginiaMr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Rising, Jr. TexasMr. H. Scott Rosenbush and Mrs. Cindy Zimmerman New JerseyMrs. Pauline M. Rupp MissouriMr. Richard G. Saloom, III LouisianaMr. and Mrs. Carl R. Shaver OregonMr. William L. Snyder WashingtonMr. Robert D. Talladay PennsylvaniaThe Conrad Family Foundation LouisianaThe Shirley W. and William L. Griffin Foundation New YorkMr. Edward F. Thieme, Jr. TexasMr. James Tunstall CaliforniaWashakie Foundation DelawareMr. James P. Weidener FloridaThe Clara Weiss Fund OhioWildlife Committee of Washington Inc WashingtonMr. Armour C. Winslow Louisiana

NRA Foundation Donors

GIFTS OF $5K-$25K

GIFTS OF $25K+

GIFTS OF $1K-$5K

Mrs. Jeanne Wootters Texas

Dr. Don G. Benson, Jr. TexasMr. and Mrs. Gary E. Bickel FloridaMr. Robert L. Billeaud, Jr. VirginiaBMO Harris Bank IllinoisMr. James Buckland South CarolinaMr. Randall W. Carroll VirginiaMr. Donald G. Chilcote MichiganMr. Charles F. Clark WashingtonMr. Rex E. Clausen IdahoMr. and Mrs. Danny M. Clayton North CarolinaMr. Brian W. Clements PennsylvaniaMr. Chuck Coccodrilli PennsylvaniaMr. Charles B. Coffman CaliforniaCommunity Foundation of Tampa Bay FloridaMr. Kenneth N. Connaughton ConnecticutMr. Raymond A. Corliss, USN (Ret.) New HampshireMr. Ed Cuthbertson VirginiaMr. Robert C. D’Antonio New JerseyDelaware Antique Arms Collectors Association, Inc. DelawareDr. and Mrs. Frank N. Derr MichiganMr. John Dervishian, Jr. CaliforniaMr. James E. Dhooghe OklahomaMr. Marc E. Enright VirginiaMr. Dan J. Farro CaliforniaMr. Phillip J. Field FloridaMr. Andrew Forrest IllinoisMr. and Mrs. Barry C. George PennsylvaniaMr. Mike Ging FloridaAnonymous ArizonaMr. David Healy PennsylvaniaMr. Curtis Hicks VirginiaMr. Terry R. Huggins South CarolinaMr. Thomas J. Hutton CaliforniaMr. Steve Hyatt FloridaMr. and Mrs. John A. Hyde CaliforniaJ & G Sales, Ltd. ArizonaMs. Jamie S. Johnson MichiganMr. Robert J. Kaufman TexasMr. Fidel Kloker, Jr. New YorkMr. Ryan Kopseng North DakotaMr. and Mrs. Gary D. Krietsch CaliforniaMr. Robert A. Kurtz GeorgiaMr. Thomas O. Lane, III GeorgiaMr. Thomas A. Langdo VirginiaLaufer Group International, Ltd. New York

Mr. Richard A. Leavy New YorkMr. Mark E. Lund PennsylvaniaMr. Daniel O. Maldonado TexasMr. Edward S. Martin PennsylvaniaMr. Ross A. Matlack OhioMcDonald Sportsmen’s Association PennsylvaniaMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. FloridaDr. Carl A. Meyer IowaMs. Mary M. Miller ColoradoMr. Robert L. Moore TexasMr. Robert A. Morrison, III TenneseeMr. and Mrs. Lathan D. Murphy FloridaMrs. Dorothy D. Murray IowaMr. George W. Nugent OhioMr. Mark S. Olson AlaskaPalm Springs Disposal Services CaliforniaPeil Charitable Trust GeorgiaPeneTeleData PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia Foundation PennsylvaniaPlasterer Equipment Co. PennsylvaniaMr. Richard A. Priester South CarolinaMr. Jestun P. Ramsey TexasColonel Thomas J. Regel GeorgiaRobert Louis Company, Inc. ConnecticutMr. Emerson E. Russell TenneseeMr. Paul Sadowski PennsylvaniaSan-Lee Gun Club, Inc. North CarolinaMr. Kurt O. Schneider TexasMr. Lawrence X. Schneider CaliforniaMr. Stephen G. Schneider MarylandMr. Tyler T. Schropp VirginiaSchwab Charitable Fund CaliforniaSierra Health Foundation CaliforniaMr. Robert L. Silva CaliforniaSouthern Tier Brewing Co. New YorkMr. Franklin Steinko, III MarylandMr. Floyd J. Stewart MinnesotaMr. Bob Strepka VirginiaSummers Foundation TenneseeMr. Matthew K. Taylor AlaskaMr. and Mrs. Bruce W. Tillotson NebraskaVal Pak of Southern Virginia VirginiaVirginia Gun Collectors Association VirginiaMr. and Mrs. Norman W. Voigt ArizonaMrs. Shirley K. Wall WyomingMr. A. P. Wilcox MichiganDr. James H. Willis ArizonaMr. John Yanek Pennsylvania

Estate of Ralph R. Jorgensen CaliforniaEstate of Kevin O’Boyle FloridaEstate of Susan B. Smith WisconsinEstate of Edward Theis South Dakota

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Albershardt MarylandMr. Gregory Eads ConnecticutMr. Albert G. Few, Jr. FloridaMr. Gregg Foote NebraskaMr. Victor Fulton PennsylvaniaMr. William T. Gennetti, Jr. VirginiaMr. Dan M. Healy MichiganMr. Pete Polidori CaliforniaMr. Richard G. Saloom, III LouisianaMr. Doc J. Thurston, III North CarolinaMr. Charles C. Winter Texas

Julie & Jimmy DeGaetanoMr. Thomas E. Lewerenz

Scott and Karen DuffFoundation For The Carolinas

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Fowler, Jr.Mr. William A. Langdon, Jr.

Tim HawkinsFoundation For The Carolinas

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff HendersonFoundation For The Carolinas

Norris BechtelDetective Lieutenant Dennis L. Willing and Mrs. W

Robert A CarmichaelMs. Ann Weingartner

David M. DaltonMr. M. Thomas Dalton

Harry DeVeauMs. Adele M. Maciejewski

Master Sergeant Warren E. Fisler, US Army (Ret.)Mr. and Mrs. James V. Fisler

Shawn FreeburgMr. Arthur M. Dennis

Elizabeth GatemanMr. Gerald A. Gateman

Paul GatemanMr. Gerald A. Gateman

Michael A. HaagMr. John C. Schoeberlein

McKinley Verne HighsmithMr. and Mrs. James A. Russell, Jr.

James LembergerMr. Broder J. Riewerts, III

Raymond Carl MortonMrs. Bette Tomlin-Safford

Louie Pellegrini, IIPalm Springs Disposal Services

Walter Connally Powell, Jr.National Philanthropic Trust

Judie TurnerMs. Margaret C. Arendsee

Theodore VreniosMr. and Mrs. Charles P. RothMr. and Mrs. Leon C. StecherMr. and Mrs. Gilbert A. Vandine

David WallMr. Bernice GrovesMr. and Mrs. David IversonMr. and Mrs. John J. MarvinMrs. Shirley K. Wall

November - January

GIFTS OF $250-$1KESTATES

IN HONOR OF GIFTS

IN MEMORY OF GIFTS

IN KIND GIFTS

THE NRA FOUNDATION11250 WAPLES MILL ROADFAIRFAX, VA 22030

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDTHE NRA

FOUNDATION

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