Club Connection, Volume 17, Issue 3

A Publication of the National Rifle Association of America volume 17, Number 3

Youth Education Summit 2012

Inside 4 10 15 22

Club Champion Program Y.E.S. 2012 Goes to D.C. NRA University The American 1800 Club

contents

table of

A Friend to the NRA ..........................................................................

By David A. Keene, NRA President

3

NRA Club Champion Challenge .......................................................

4 6 9 11 15 16 17 19 22 31

YHEC ................................................................................................

Distinguished Experts at Camp Perry ................................................

Y.E.S. 2012 Goes to D.C. ...................................................................

NRA University ..................................................................................

Gun Owners of South Carolina ..........................................................

Club Awards ......................................................................................

Chaplains: A New Resource ...............................................................

The American 1800 Club ..................................................................

NRA Field Representatives .................................................................

Youth Education Summit 2012

Established 1995 and published quarterly by the Field Operations Division of the National Rifle Association of America. © Copyright 2012 National Rifle Association

Editors:

On Cover: During their visit to the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, Y.E.S. Summiteers were invited to shoot at the NRA Range with certified instuctors and a variety of firearms.

For further reading about “Y.E.S. 2012 Goes to D.C.” turn to page 11

Elizabeth Bush

National Manager

Clubs &Associations,

Range Services ebush@nrahq.org 703-267-1348

Son Nguyen

Marketing Manager snguyen@nrahq.org 703-267-1345

Design & Layout:

Stephen Czarnik

Marketing Coordinator sczarnik@nrahq.org 703-267-1343

(800) NRA-Club (672-2582)

(703) 267-3939 fax clubs@nrahq.org

NRA Clubs & Associations ● 11250 Waples Mill Road- Fairfax, VA 22030 ● www.nrahq.org/clubs

President’s Column

By David A. Keene, NRA President

A Friend to the NRA

F

ormer Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is the Republican Party’s presidential nominee and the one man capable of denying President Barack Obama another four years in the White House. Anyone who looked at the Second Amendment records of those vying for the right to face Barack Obama this fall knew that every one of the GOP hopefuls could be considered a friend of America’s gun owners and sportsmen. As a result, we at NRA knew that we could get behind whoever emerged victorious—and we were right!

Mitt Romney didn’t serve as governor of Arizona, Wyoming or Virginia, but of Massachusetts.

While he was governor, anti-gun Democrats controlled two thirds of both chambers of the state legislature and were in a position to block anything and everything they didn’t like.

But gun owners in Massachusetts fared well under Mitt Romney.

Jim Wallace, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Gun Owners Action League (GOAL), and an NRA committee member, says that under Romney his organization had more access to the governor and his senior level staff than under any governor in something like a quarter of a century.

He notes, as do Romney’s chief advisors, they established relationships

that worked well during Romney’s tenure, and looks back on that bond with admiration.

Without equivocation,Wallace says that during Romney’s administration “no anti-Second Amendment or anti-sportsmen legislation made it to the governor’s desk and the governor managed to sign five pro-Second Amendment/pro-sportsmen bills into law.” That, says Wallace, must be considered an extraordinary achievement given the political realities of Massachusetts.

It has been observed that “politics ain’t bean bag” and when campaigns heat up, truth can lose out to exaggeration or worse. But some attacks on Gov. Romney during the GOP primaries struck those familiar with his record on gun and hunting issues as truly over the top. When Gov. Romney signed a 2004 bill titled “An Act Further Regulating Certain Weapons,” his critics erroneously cited this legislation as an assault weapons ban. As GOAL notes, with Massachusetts’ politics the titles of legislation do not always reflect the content, meaning this proposal was actually a pro-Second Amendment bill that began the process of reforming the state’s gun laws. Wallace points out that its passage represented a victory rather than a defeat for the state’s gun owners, “It was a reform bill totally supported

by GOAL. Press and media stories around the country got it completely wrong in claiming the bill was an extension of the ‘assault weapon’ ban that had sunset at the federal level.

They could not have been more wrong.”

Among other reforms, the bill reinstated a 90-day grace period for citizens who were trying to renew their state-mandated firearm licenses at a time when government agencies were falling behind in extending license renewals and it extended the term of licenses from four to six years. It also established a Firearm License Review Board that could review cases in which a misdemeanor conviction resulted in a prohibition on the ownership of a handgun for life, and long guns for a minimum of five years. This board was empowered to review cases and restore licenses where warranted. The full story of this bill and others can be found posted on the GOAL website and is worth a close look by anyone who has questions about the Romney record on guns (www.goal.org).

During his speech at NRA’s 2012 Annual Meetings, Romney, an NRA Life member, championed the U.S. Constitution. Romney commended the NRA for calling for the resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder, who continued to be defiant before Congress’ demand for answers in the Volume 17, Number 3 club connection l 3

NRA Club Champion Challenge

F

inding a way to battle for awards and bragging rights at your local club has become a little easier. The NRA Club Champion Challenge (CCC) is a new, more accessible form of NRA Competitive Shooting’s wildly popular Sanctioned Matches. This challenge has been designed as a shooting event with clubs, civic organizations, and businesses in mind. A fun, recreational event can be used as a fundraiser or recruitment tool as well.

The format for the match is simple.

Pick from at least three courses of fire from the selection of 13 shooting events. Register your event at www. nraclubchamp.com, and NRA will ship your awards package prior to your event. An NRA CCC can be registered at any time. After your event has been held, entry fees and

4 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

match reporting are due to NRA within 30 days. This is made much easier by going on the website with your event ID (provided to you when you registered your event); you can report your event and pay by credit card.

At $10 for adults and $5 for juniors, NRA competitions have never been this easy or cost effective to run! As a bonus, if your CCC has 25 or more participants, a free parking sign for the NRA Club Champion will be sent to you as well.

Shooting events available include popular firearms classes such as rimfire rifle, air rifle, hunting rifle, .22 pistol, skeet shooting, etc. NRA Competitive Shooting has designed the courses of fire to allow competitors to utilize “out of the box” firearms, without a need for special match grade ammunition or components. The Champion will be

determined from the total aggregate of events, and receives a Champion Belt Buckle from Montana Silversmiths.

2nd & 3rd place winners will receive colored medals with dated neck ribbons.

High Woman, High Senior, and High Junior will receive bronze medals with dated neck ribbons.

What the NRA CCC is not is a high level competition using state of the art competitive equipment and the use of this equipment should be discouraged. Any club or organization can participate and any range can configure a challenge. Having an NRA membership is not a prerequisite.

This program has been conceived from the ground up to encourage people to get their firearms out of the closet and in use on the range. This is YOUR event and is made to be adaptable for your range.

NRA encourages clubs to get non-shooters involved. New shooters having fun with a firearm helps secure our Second Amendment rights.

The CCC is a perfect way to introduce new shooters to competition in an easy format, without all the formality of standard NRA Competition.

For some beginners, this might be just the event they have been looking for to get their foot in the door of competitive shooting.

To learn more about the NRA Club Champion Challenge, visit our website at www.nraclubchamp.com.

Or you can email us at nraclubchamp@nrahq.org.

Call 1-877-672-6282 for more info.

We look forward to helping you run your NRA Club Champion Challenge.

How to register your NRA Club Champion Challenge: 1) Register your event at www.nraclubchamp.com. Click on the “Register my Event” button on the bottom of the page. Pick at least three events from the courses of fire, and submit your information. Three events are the minimum, but shooting more than three courses of fire will better determine the best all-around shooter.

2) After you have registered your event, an email will also be sent to you containing a unique event id, promotional poster and scorecards in PDF format that you can print out.

Awards will be dispatched to the address you have provided within 30 days of your scheduled match.

3) Conduct your NRA Club Champion Challenge. Any photos taken during the match can be uploaded directly to the NRA Club Champion Challenge website for promotional use.

4) Report your event as soon as possible to NRA. You can do this by going to www.nraclubchamp.com.

Click on the “Report my Event” button on the bottom of the screen.

Have your unique event id and credit card ready for payment. If you had more than 25 participants, be sure to click the check box for the FREE NRA Club Champion parking sign you are now eligible for.

President’s Column continued from page 3 so-called “Fast and Furious” scandal.

“I will protect the Second Amendment rights of the American people,” Romney declared, adding, “Let’s take back our nation and defend our freedoms!”

Romney went on to praise NRA and its membership, saying, “This organization is sometimes called a ‘single issue group’ and that is high praise when the single issue you’re fighting for is freedom. And you can be proud of your long and unwavering defense of constitutional rights and liberty.”

ILA Executive Director Chris Cox interviewed Romney and shares the view that we have an opportunity to vote for a presidential candidate who knows deep in his bones that anyone who swears to uphold the Constitution is pledging to support the Second Amendment.

The choice is clear: if President Obama wins a second term in November, he will go after America’s gun owners, our freedoms and the values we cherish. With Mitt Romney’s commitment to those values and our

rights, we can go “ALL IN” to elect a leader we will be proud to call our president.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 5

Family Affair: Cousins Sweep Titles at 2012 YHEC

By Justin McDaniel, Assistant Editor, www.NRAhuntersrights.org

A

s 16-year-old Hunter Efird stood on stage inside Straughn Auditorium on the campus of Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa., with his friends and teammates from the North Carolina Gray Stone Marksmanship Team, he didn’t think his week could get any better. Hunter and his teammates had just captured the senior team championship at the 2012 NRA International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), a title that had just eluded them the year before.

Moments earlier, his cousin, Shannon Efird, was named individual champion in YHEC’s junior division, becoming the first female ever to claim high overall honors in the 27-year history of the International YHEC. Shannon’s success had also propelled her team, the North Carolina Park Ridge Sharpshooters, which was coached by Hunter’s dad, Heath, to the junior team title.

It had been a great week for the crew from Albemarle, N.C., Hunter thought, even if he was unlikely to claim a third consecutive individual YHEC championship of his own. Too many missed opportunities on the archery, rifle and shotgun courses had doomed his chances of a three-peat, at least in his mind. But not in reality.

Much to his surprise, Hunter pulled off the Albemarle sweep, claiming his second straight senior title to go with the junior championship he won in 2010. “It’s pretty special,” Hunter said afterwards, fighting back the raw emotion of the moment. “I really feel like there was a guiding force involved. I’ll be honest, I prayed so much.

I feel like God was on my right shoulder the whole time.”

Hunter said his individual title was sweeter this time around because it was paired with a team victory. “Last year, we didn’t win it as a team,” he said. “That was the worst part.

I know it’s all about coming out here and having fun, but for us having fun means winning. I’m just so glad we got an opportunity to do this. It’s not bittersweet like last year.

This is pure sugar.”

His cousin’s historic victory was the cherry on top.

“Shannon deserves this more than anyone,” said Hunter. “Hands down, she was the best shooter out here.

“The crazy thing is now she’s competition for next year,” Hunter added, laughing. “She’s really good.” Shannon’s unprecedented achievement is indicative of the growing presence of women in hunting and shooting.

“It’s an honor,” said Shannon, 14. “It’s so great to be 6 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

able to share this with my team. I know they’re the ones who got me here.” Shannon, who has hunted since age 7 and lists whitetail deer as her favorite quarry, said that months of practice, sometimes every day, made the difference.

And that was on a surgically repaired knee. “We put in a ton of hours,” said Shannon’s dad, Eric, who coached his nephew Hunter’s senior team. “She had ACL reconstructive surgery at the end of December and didn’t know if she would be able to compete. For her to come back from that and win on the state level two years in a row and then come here and do this, it’s beyond my comprehension.

“She set a goal two years ago to do this and got real close last year. As a father, I couldn’t be more proud of what she’s accomplished.”

This year’s International YHEC was held at Mansfield University and the Mill Cove Environmental Center from July 22-27. More than 300 youth hunters from 13 states, plus their families and coaches, took part in the event, which is the largest and most comprehensive youth hunter skills competition of its kind in the country. The aim of the YHEC program is to build on the concepts kids learn in conventional hunter education classes and have them apply that knowledge under simulated hunting conditions.

After completing a hunter safety course and participating in a local or state YHEC event, youngsters are eligible to compete at the International YHEC. YHEC is comprised of eight events that challenge each participant’s marksmanship abilities, woodsmanship, and safety knowledge. Participants shot muzzleloaders at knockdown silhouette targets, .22-caliber rifles at spinner targets, shotguns on a multiple-station sporting clays course, and archery on a wooded 3-D course. All of the shooting events were designed to simulate actual hunting situations as closely as possible, and only conventional weapons are used.

The remaining four events, known as responsibility challenges, included a map and compass course, a writ-

ten test called the Hunter Responsibility Exam, a wildlife identification course, and the Hunter Safety Trail, where the young hunters encountered hunting scenarios that required a safety or ethical decision.

Participants earned points in each event and competed for both individual and team awards in two age categories: senior (ages 15-18) and junior (ages 14 and under). Each event offered a maximum score of 300 points for an individual and 1,500 points for a five-person team. Combined, an individual participant could achieve a maximum score of 2,400 points for all eight events; teams could accumulate a maximum score of 12,000 points.

Additional side events were held for fun, including a swap meet, turkey shoot, flu-flu arrow shoot, and an event called Cherokee Run, where participants completed a series of challenges that ranged from throwing tomahawks and spears to ring toss and horseshoes.

Hunter and Shannon both earned whitetail deer hunts at Gsell’s Whitetail Refuge in Fayetteville, Pa., later this year for their first-place finishes. Other prizes for them and their teams included muzzleloaders, bows, arrows, ammunition, firearm accessories, medallions and patches.

However, points and prizes are not what YHEC is about. The kids who traveled to Mansfield, some covering thousands of miles to get there, represent the very best and brightest young people our country has to offer. They are the future of hunting.

NRA 2nd Vice President Allan Cors, who grew up hunting in Cincinnati, Ohio, echoed that point when addressing the participants at the awards ceremony.

“When I was asked to be here I had a prior commitment today, but I immediately said ‘yes’ because YHEC, I believe, is the most important of all of NRA’s programs,” said Cors.

“When I was growing up we had an easy time finding places to shoot. I actually hunted in the city limits of Cincinnati.

It’s different for you. Finding a place to hunt and shoot is one of the biggest challenges we face today. “I hope you will treasure this experience. You have already met the challenge back home preparing for this event. You have met the challenge this week in Mansfield. Now, I challenge you to carry on the tradition of hunting in the years ahead.”

The value of YHEC extends beyond the events themselves.

The program teaches kids about sportsmanship, responsibility, and ethics. Friendships are made through YHEC, family bonds are strengthened, and the participants gain a deeper appreciation for the hunting tradition and the importance of keeping it alive for future generations.

One need look no future than the dedication of the many volunteers who make the program possible, the kind smiles from everyone you meet, and the throngs of parents who line up at each event to offer encouragement to not just their own children, but all of the kids, to see that YHEC is a program that’s making a difference.

“When the day is finished, more than 300 competitors will have fired more than 22,000 shots,” said Charlie Fox, a longtime YHEC volunteer from Pennsylvania who has attended every single International YHEC since the program’s founding in 1985. “I have not heard one bad word.

I have not heard anyone be disrespectful. These are the finest, best trained young people in the country when it comes to the shooting sports. I don’t know how you can say it any better than that.”

NRA’s YHEC program is made possible by generous contributions from companies like MidwayUSA, Cabela’s, Remington, Federal Premium Ammunition, Swarovski Optik, Hodgdon, Gsell’s Whitetail Refuge, Hoyt, Drury Outdoors, the Camp Fire Conservation Fund, Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, The Big Game Hunters Foundation, the North American Crossbow Federation, Bear & Son Cutlery, and The NRA Foundation.

The 2013 International YHEC will be held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., Jul. 21-26.

To learn more about the YHEC program or to get involved, visit www.nrayhec.org.

Junior Individual Overall Winners Shannon Efird N.C. Park Ridge Sharpshooters 1830 Zachary Meyer Arkansas Realtree Juniors 1805 David Leavitt Oregon Junior Team 1695 Senior Individual Overall Winners Hunter Efird N.C. Gray Stone Marksmanship 1882 Andrew Welker N.C. Gray Stone Marksmanship 1862 Nicholas Kiter N.C. Forbush Senior Red 1817 Junior Team Overall Winners N.C. Park Ridge Sharpshooters 8338 Mitchell Faulkner Shannon Efird Megan Frick Skyler Efird Patrick Stamey Coach: Heath Efird Oregon Junior Team 7799 David Leavitt Braden Staebler-Siewell

Austin Rolfe Josiah Ogg Kayla Pieren Coach: Terry Leavitt PA Junior Gold 7088 Clayton Mount Tod Everts Donald Springstead Mitchell Robson Jarrod Rathbun Coach: Robert Wolfe Senior Team Overall Winners N.C. Gray Stone Marksmanship 8717 Andrew Welker Jackson Allen Michael Huneycutt Hunter Efird Jenna Stamey Coach: Eric Efird Oregon Senior Team 8661 Cheryl Shaver Nicholas Vowell Brian Staebler-Siewell Reed Koozer Dustin Harrold Coach: Carl Shaver N.C. Forbush Senior Red 8332 Norris McLelland II Colton Horn Drew Queen Nicholas Kiter Dakota Baker Coach: Joel Dinkins

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 7

8 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

National Rifle & Pistol Championships

Camp Perry,

Tarl Kempley, whose family first competed at Camp Perry in the 1930’s claims the Kempley’s first National Title in the 2012 NRA Smallbore 3-Position Championships.

I

f you missed this year’s National Rifle & Pistol Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, then you missed a lot. Previous champions reclaimed their titles, new champions received their first crowns and hundreds of new competitors took their place in history during the World Series of Shooting Sports.

After more than a year away due to injury, Brian Zins pushed past 765 would be contenders to win his 11th National Pistol title with a score of 2,649-142x. “It’s an honor to win again,” said Zins. “All you have to do is better then everybody else. Next year, I want to make it an even dozen.

That’s a nice number.”

New at the top of the Smallbore 3-Position ladder was Tarl Kempley of Carson City, Nevada. From a family that can trace its Camp Perry roots all the way back to a Grandfather who shot in the Championships during the 1930s, there’s a sense of tradition here on the Ohio range.

But none of the Kempley’s ever made it as far as Tarl.

“This is my first NRA National Championships here at Camp Perry,” said Kempley. “I’ve won others in the past, but this is probably the biggest one by far.”

Smallbore Prone follows the 3-Position matches. That too was won by a first-timer. More specifically, Captain Christopher Abalo of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

His third trip to Camp Perry, he made it to the top of the mountain with a score of 4792-352x.

“It feels great,” Abalo said of his first win. “After coming in second and third the last two years, it feels great to be at the top of the podium this time.”

Camp Perry takes a turn after Smallbore. A week of quiet from the NRA is filled with specialty matches overseen by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Then we ramp things up again for the return of High Power Rifle.

With two new National Champions crowned during Smallbore, there was a hint that the same might hold true

Ohio

By Lars Dalseide

Communications Manager, Media Relations

for High Power. Those hopes were quickly dashed once Carl Bernosky appeared on the field.

Much like Zins, Bernosky came to Camp Perry with multiple National NRA Championships under his belt.

And much like Zins, he added to his collection with a 9th overall title.

“It’s just a matter of getting your mind ready to shoot the shot when it’s there and just tweaking everything a little bit,” Bernosky said. “When you enter the final day and you’re tied and you just stand up there and shoot a 200-15x, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

The Championships conclude with Long Range High Power. Shot at distances of 1,000 yards (except for the handful of Palma Matches), Long Range is home to some of the toughest crack shots in the game.

A new addition to the agenda is the America Match – a competition between teams from America, Australia, Canada, Great Britain and Japan. Most came to Camp Perry with the intention of using Long Range as a warm up for the America Match. As luck would have it, one warmed up so well that he won the whole thing.

“I was hoping, maybe, to get top Palma Rifle shot,” said David Luckman of the Great Britain Rifle Team.

“To win the overall (NRA) Championship is just brilliant.

I’m very, very pleased.”

New champions, old champions and more. With almost a hundred titles waiting to be handed out every year, there’s an electric sense of possibilities surrounding Camp Perry that you can’t find anywhere else. To Zins, Kempley, Abalo, Bernosky and Luckman, we bestow our congratulations upon you. Just watch out … there’s a big group of competitive shooters out there who are coming for next year’s title.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 9

Y.E.S. 10 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Washington D.C.

2012 Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 11

Adventures in Citizenship The 2012 Youth Education Summit experienced the best D.C. has to offer!

By Wendy LaFever, Managing Editor, Insights Photos by Peter Fountain

E

very year, the Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) brings 45 talented rising juniors and seniors for a week-long, expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. They come to learn about the Constitution and what it means by experiencing the workings of our federal government up close; they come to meet and learn from NRA leaders; they come to compete for $30,000 in scholarships. That, however, is where the similarities from year to year end. Each Y.E.S. experience is its own adventure, and the 2012 Summit was no exception.

It began as it always does, with teens from all over the country touching down at Dulles Airport to meet their new friends for the first time. There was a getting-to-know-you party, with trivia questions and a run-through of how the week would go. The Y.E.S students don’t just passively sit back and watch the D.C. scenery go by—they engage in debates and give three-minute persuasive talks on a variety of subjects. These debate and discussion topics may or may not be in line with their own personal beliefs, which is part of the point: The Summit is meant to help these scholars learn to stretch their intellectual muscles, and to learn the best ways to successfully argue a point. “My team had to debate whether universities should be gun-free zones,” said Nicholas Radzykewycz, from Park City, Mont. “We lost, but we did a good job.”

However, it wouldn’t be a proper trip to the D.C. area without first stopping at NRA headquarters in Fairfax, Va. In addition to a morning spent learning how your NRA works from the people who run programs like Eddie Eagle, Collegiate Shooting and NRA University, the youths got to meet Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. Of course, NRA headquarters is more than just an office building.

Here is found the NRA National Firearms Museum, with its thousands of guns—guns of every imaginable kind—that trace the course of history from the 13th century all the way 12 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Wayne LaPierre speaks to the 2012 Y.E.S. Summiteers

up to today. After a personal tour of the Museum, it was time to experience the NRA’s state-of-the-art firing range and to shoot some of the very same kinds of guns they’d just seen behind glass. Smiled Eli West, from Omaha, Neb., “I was telling my brother about shooting on the range, just to make him jealous. It was a lot of fun!”

Another universal favorite was visiting all of the incredible memorials and monuments that grace our nation’s capital. Over the next three days, the Summiteers would visit the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the newly dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and the Pentagon Memorial.

These humbling, solemn structures range from hauntingly stark to stunningly elaborate in their design, but all of them elicit a stir of patriotism that can be something of a shock the first time one takes them in. “I’ve never been anywhere so historically important,” mused Upton, Wyo.’s Kjersti Buckley.

But the Youth Education Summit is far more than a tour of the sights of Washington, D.C. It’s also an insider’s access pass to the workings of our government, and that is where the real adventure began for the 2012 Summiteers.

One day out of the week is dedicated to visiting the Capitol building as well as the Supreme Court, to observe how the Legislative and Judicial Branches of our government go about their duties. In a stroke of luck, on that very day, two events of huge historical importance took place, and the Summiteers were right in the thick of it.

As you may know, the Supreme Court and the Capitol building are more or less across the street from each other.

As the Summiteers waited outside the Capitol to begin their tour, a tremendous roar of human voices and drums thundered from across the street. At that very moment, the

Court had announced its decision on National Federation of Independent Business et al. v. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al. (You may better recognize the case as it was known in the press: “Obamacare.”)

What the Summiteers were hearing was the peaceful crowd of protestors from either side of the issue reacting to the decision. Later, after the human throng had dissipated, the Summiteers would visit the Court itself and see the vast, echoing marble halls where the decision was made.

But first, it was time for their Capitol tour. As they marveled at the statues and paintings, the frescoes and the marble, they knew that the real treat would be to visit the actual floor where the House of Representatives holds their debates. Filing into that chamber, they realized that the Congressmen were debating another topic of huge importance to America and to the Y.E.S. group in particular… whether or not to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his alleged withholding of documents in the Congressional inquiry into “Operation Fast and Furious.” (If you’re not familiar with the story of “Fast and Furious,” an excellent round-up can be found at www.nraila.org.) As it turns out, they voted to hold him in contempt—the first time in American history that this has happened to a sitting Cabinet member. “It’s real,” marveled Caitlin Hester, of Colchester, Vt. “You see something like this on TV, and now we’re seeing it in person. It’s so cool.”

There were other adventures to be had, of course.

The Summiteers also got to meet both Indiana’s Congressman Stutzman and California’s Congressman Hunter, in person, and to ask them questions. (They also had some time to speak with Congressman Stutzman’s aide, James Wegmann, himself a Y.E.S. alumnus from several years ago!) They rode a bus to Marine Corps Base Quantico, where they got to experience what life as a newly-minted Marine is like.

There was a scavenger hunt in the American History Museum, with the teens divided into teams competing to find — and photograph — the most items of truly historical importance. And because Y.E.S. is about fun and friendship as much as it is about scholarship, they even got to take a break at a local arcade to play a rousing game of laser tag and enjoy some pizza.

There was one final adventure that nobody could have planned on. The evening after visiting Marine Base Quantico, the event organizers had a funny feeling that it would be better to have the Summiteers skip the famous “8th and I” parade at the Marine Barracks Washington.

“God was on our side,” noted Senior Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon, because this decision meant that the teens were safe in their hotel when a record-breaking storm, known as a “derecho,” with 80-mph straight-line winds—rushed through the D.C. area. As frightening as

it was, the storm capped off an unforgettable week in a particularly unforgettable way.

Each year’s Youth Education Summit is unique, but some things are constant: scholarships, for example.

Fifteen thousand dollars in scholarships were awarded to outstanding Summiteers at the close of the week, with an additional $15,000 to go to the Y.E.S. student or students who best demonstrate the lessons they’ve learned in D.C. once they return back home.

Are you thinking about going on an adventure in citizenship? The Y.E.S. students have a message for you, best articulated by Summiteer Emily Trout:

“Jump in right away—don’t hold back!”

End of Week Scholarships $3,000—Nora Faris, Concordia, Mo. $3,000—Eli West, Omaha, Neb. $2,000—Samuel Evans, New Woodstock, N.Y. $2,000—Bethany Janzen, Happy Valley, Ore. $1,000—Emily Allen, Edgewood, N.M. $1,000—Jeffrey Dow, Anchorage, Alaska $1,000—Aiden Koplovsky, Duxbury, Mass. $1,000—Kaytlyn Leonard, Liberty, N.C. $1,000—Wyatt Saltarelli, Montgomery, Texas

I Want an Adventure!

NRA is issuing a call for all young leaders interested in making a difference for the 2013 Youth Education Summit!

June 24 - 30, 2013.

To apply, please call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342 or email yes@nrahq.org.

Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2013.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 13

Introducing SoundGear Electronic Hearing Protection!

Arm Yourself with the Best As a hunter or shooter, you know that hearing is a big key to your success. The new SoundGear is a shooting protection product that is 100% digital and enhances environmental awareness while also protecting your hearing from gun blasts.

Instant. Digital. Incredible.

• Features a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 25dB. • Provides easy-to-wear comfort, unlike earmuffs or earplugs.

• Dynamic Digital Protection for your ears.

• Offers instant fit convenience: they’re ready to wear right out of the box.

NRA Clubs and Ranges have the opportunity to become an Official SoundGear Distributor. For details, live product demonstrations and more information contact the SoundGear team at 800.769.8605.

“If you like to shoot firearms, you need to protect your hearing. Whether it’s safety at the range or success in the field, sound matters.”

Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President & CEO, National Rifle Association

l Volume 14 l©club Number 3 2012 connection All Rights Reserved.

5/1217, TJAD0153-00-EE-XX

NRA U W

e all know that the future of the Second Amendment rests solely in the hands of today’s youth. Young Americans are more “dialed in” to the election process and have a more sophisticated understanding of how important it is to preserve our rights than ever before in our nation’s history. These facts, coupled with their energy and enthusiasm, make pro-gun college students the ideal demographic to serve as future champions of our firearm freedoms.

Fall Schedule

In order to ensure the next generation of freedom’s protectors is ready to step up and into the breach, NRA-ILA’s Grassroots Division has been actively conducting NRA University (NRA U) workshops across the nation and have many planned for the upcoming semester. Be sure to visit NRA U on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nrau or visit www.nraila.org/NRAU. It is our responsibility to find tomorrow’s leaders today, and NRA University is where we will not only indentify these leaders, but train and activate them.

Wisconsin College Republicans Convention WISCONSIN August 19

University of Wisconsin — River Falls WISCONSIN September 12

Depauw University INDIANA September 4

Keene State College NEW HAMPSHIRE September 17

Purdue University INDIANA September 5

University of NH — Durham NEW HAMPSHIRE September 18

Notre Dame University INDIANA September 6

Old Dominion University VIRGINIA September 18

St. Anselm College NEW HAMPSHIRE September 19

University of Colorado COLORADO September 26

Florida State University FLORIDA September 24

University of NC—Charlotte NORTH CAROLINA October 3

University of Central Florida FLORIDA September 25 Colorado State University COLORADO September 25 Florida Gulf Coast University FLORIDA September 26

Temple University PENNSYLVANIA October 10 University of Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA October 11

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 15

Gun Owners of South Carolina

GOSC

recognized Sheriff Wright for his strong commitment to the right of self-defense and his advocacy of concealed carry. He has been un-wavering despite pressure from some community activists, media and others. The commendation - a framed letter of commendation, a plaque, and a mantle clock were presented during the Harry Hampton Foundation banquet in Spartanburg on May 11, 2012.

More information and photos at the link on the GOSC web site at www.gosc.org.

From Left to Right: NRA Advancement Officer, Jennifer Hoy NRA Board Member, Herb Lanford Spartanburg County, S.C. Sheriff Chuck Wright and GOSC Vice President, Neil Beers

16 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Is Your Club Outstanding?

Apply for a 2012 NRA CLUB AWARD! Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs, and an individual or organization for public service.

The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation, and public service rendered. The four award categories are as follows:

Outstanding Club Award Outstanding Youth Club Award Outstanding State Association Award Public Service Award

®

Winners are invited as official guests to the NRA Fall Board of Directors Meeting as well as the President’s Reception. Your visit will include a trip to NRA Headquarters, which will include a visit to the National Firearms Museum and the NRA’s state-of-the-art shooting range, in addition to a driving tour highlighting some of the historic sites and places of interest in Washington, D.C. NRA covers the cost of travel expenses, meals and lodging for the award winners.

All Clubs are mailed an application and information packet on this program in mid October. The annual deadline for submission for consideration of these awards is December 1.

Mail completed applications to:

National Manager, Clubs & Associations National Rifle Association 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA 22030 For more information call (800) NRA-CLUB or email questions to clubs@nrahq.org.

To download an application visit http://www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_awards.asp

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 17

18 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Chaplains

A New Resource for NRA Affiliated Shooting Ranges?

By The Rev. Warren Mueller, Chaplain, & Mrs. Julie Russell, President, Coast Rifle & Pistol Club, Woolmarket, MS.

W

Promotional material for this year’s Range Development and Operations Conference notes that “Today’s shooting range operator needs the savvy of a businessman, the wisdom of a firearms enthusiast, and the knowledge of a health and safety professional.”

hile providing a wide array of services to a broad spectrum of patrons as president of the Coast Rifle and Pistol Club in Woolmarket since 2011, Julie Russell has seen the truth in this statement.

CRPC’s facilities consist of two trap fields, an archery range, three skeet fields, three rifle and three pistol ranges.

CRPC hosts the Regional 4-H Shoot every year, and will host the 4-H State Shoot for the first time in 2012. The club caters to the needs of over 1,000 members on the rolls, sponsors and supports local chapters of 4-H in their shooting sports, and is a destination for families who want to learn about guns and teach their kids about gun safety.

This spring, NRA and CRPC member The Rev. Warren Mueller received a letter from Mrs. Russell announcing the annual meeting. Russell’s letter also reminded members to get more involved with club operations. In response to that letter, Fr. Mueller offered his services as a chaplain to the club. Fr. Mueller is an Anglican priest who pastors Resurrection Anglican Church on the Gulf in Long Beach.

He is also ordained within the Deanery for Chaplains of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America and a member of the Military Chaplains Association.

The idea fascinated Russell. She places great value on educating others on the shooting sports and the American values they are based upon. As she said, “what could be more American than honoring the God who has made us a mighty nation, in every area of our lives, even in our pastimes?”

Historically, chaplains have been ordained or lay representatives of the Christian faith who function within secular organizations such as the military, police departments, fire

departments, hospitals, prisons, and schools. Their overall purpose is to provide spiritual support and emotional support for members of those organizations.

Ordained ministers and firearms have been inseparable in American history. In his voluminous treatise George Washington’s Sacred Fire, Peter Lillback cites 44 instances when Washington called on chaplains to minister to his troops during battles he was involved with, including the Revolutionary War. Washington could not imagine his troops going into battle without the timely ministrations of clergy.

Fast forward to the Civil War, when the “Fighting Bishop,” Southern general Leonidas Polk, not only participated in many significant battles, but was also the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Chaplains have been a mainstay of the U.S. armed forces in more recent wars and military actions, including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

In May 2012, CRPC’s executive leadership group appointed Fr. Mueller as Range Chaplain. After several discussions Russell and Mueller developed a list of expectations for the position and the benefits that club members would enjoy from adding a chaplain.

1. Offer invocations or other prayers at important events in the life of the Club, such as the annual meeting.

These prayers need neither be long nor involved.

Simple statements of Thanksgiving for God’s grace and His Providence in the lives of the members are a good start.

Prayer at events on holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and the Fourth of July is certainly proper.

Chaplains can also make themselves available when Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 19

the range is used for community service events. As noted above, CRPC hosts 4-H Club shooting events. Offering an opening prayer for these events is on the chaplain’s schedule as they occur.

2. Liaise with chaplains of outside organizations using the range. If local police groups, state police groups, military groups or other similar organizations use your range, it is possible they have a chaplain within their organization.

Chaplains that build relationships with their peers in other organizations help build the range’s reputation across the community.

3. Serving during a time of club crisis. Safety is of paramount importance during range operations and the range safety officer is the point person for maintaining safety awareness and enforcing range safety rules. In the event of an accident with injuries, a chaplain is uniquely positioned and qualified to minister to the needs of the injured, their families and friends, and possibly to club members who may have been present at the time of the injury.

4. Communication. It is impossible to anticipate how events can thrust a shooting range into public awareness.

Obviously an on-range injury story might do that. But other regional or national events could do likewise. As part of an overall range communications strategy, chaplains can lend credibility to the club’s message.

5. Club member support. Chaplains in particular, and clergy in general, learn that as many as 20 percent of any given organization’s members are under some sort of significant stress. This stress could be the result of a death in

20 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

the family, significant illness, unemployment, divorce, and many other such situations. A chaplain can offer spiritual and emotional support during these times and help people find other useful resources. A chaplain might suggest to a member under significant stress that he or she take a temporary break from range activities.

6. Education. This is an often unappreciated facet of chaplaincy work. Yet chaplains can be forceful education advocates both within and outside of a club. Teaching others about the history of our country and the value our Founders put on the right to keep and bear arms is especially important in our day. Chaplains can also explain why the Second Amendment is vitally important not only to continued range operations but also to the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans.

Like anyone else involved in range operations, patriotic clergy are ready to contribute because they are active participants in shooting sports, they believe in the mission of the ranges, and they avidly support the NRA our Second Amendment rights. Hopefully this brief explanation of what a chaplain can do will pique the interest of NRA-affiliated shooting ranges interested in making improvements.

Anyone having questions about the role of chaplaincy in general or its contributions to range operations should feel free to contact The Rev. Warren Mueller at RAChurch1@gmail.com or Mrs. Julie Russell at jrussellteam@aol.com.

National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day N

ational Take Your Daughter to the Range Day was founded in Jan 2012 by Lynne Finch and Evan Carson (President, Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC). They created a non-profit corporation to support the effort. The inaugural event was held Jun 9, 2012 and saw 37 ranges in 15 states hosting families, many of whom were first time shooters. The key themes for the event were to promote gun safety education, encourage families to come out and participate in shooting sports and to have FUN! Despite the name, many young men were welcomed and participated as well.

The next event will be June 15, 2013 and we are hoping to have at least 100 host ranges across the country.

We are already off to a good start and may exceed our goal.

The specific format of the event is left to the host range, although there are minimum safety standards and each range must sign an agreement that they will have certified instructors and Range Safety Officers available and on the line to support the new shooters. Many ranges provided firearms (mostly lent by event volunteers) primarily in .22 and 9mm, although for the older kids some ranges had

AR-15s or other “exciting� firearms to make it more fun.

Many dad’s brought their own firearms but were glad to have assistance from Instructors to reinforce safe skills early.

At the founders event one thing that stood out where the smiles. On the faces of little girls who had just shot for the first time and loved it, and on the faces of very proud parents who got to witness the excitement. The response from the participants and hosting ranges was overwhelmingly positive.

If you would like more information, or are interested in hosting an event, visit the website at NationalTakeYourDaughtertotheRange.com or email Co-Founder Lynne Finch at Lynne@InnovativeDefensiveSolutions.com.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 21

Americana1800 Adventure Club

T

he event was held on May 12th of 2012 at Americana 1800 Club in Newhall, California. (an NRA Gold Medal Club). The event was the official dedication of our new skeet and five stand fields.

The skeet field was officially dubbed the “NRA Skeet Field”.

In 2009 we applied for and received a grant from the NRA of $5,000. With this grant and the help of our membership we were able to realize our dream of a new skeet field.

This project took three years to build and is without a doubt one of the finest skeet fields I have ever shot or given instruction on. The field is solar powered and fully lit for night shooting. All of our machines are now operated via remote control. It’s a state-of-the-art addition to our club.

This field was built by our members with no help from outside contractors! We would like to thank the NRA for their help from the bottom of our hearts!

From left to right John Pierce Tedd Osgood Earth Moving and Heavy R.S.O Equipment Operator Project Manager Member of the Certified NRA Pistol, Rifle, Jay Lee Myers Broad of Directors Shotgun Instructor, R.S.O Member of the Americana 1800 Club Treasurer Broad of Directors Jay Lee Myers Americana 1800 Club.

Certified NRA Shotgun Instructor Treasurer & Americana 1800 Adventure Club David Hesprich Money Management R.S.O for the Project.

Electrical Expert Ron Menashe Machine Repair R.S.O Joe Pizzo Construction/Cement NRA Representative

22 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Photo by Bridget Clark

Continental Arms Collectors Association, Inc. Oswego, New York Fair Haven - Continental Arms Collectors Association’s (CACA) Revolutionary War Unit blasted its way through the streets of Fair Haven celebrating America’s independence at the Independence Day Parade on July 5. Members from Oswego, Baldwinsville, Fayetteville, Potsdam, Saratoga, New York City, New York and Savanah, Georgia interpret a company from the 1st New York Regiment, of George Washington’s, Continental Army in 1782. During the War of Independence the State of New York furnished approximately 44,000 troops in the service of the United States. CACA, Incorporated is a National Rifle Association affiliated club committed to “enhance the public knowledge on the significance of firearms in American history”. This type of educational and patriotic event exemplifies the organization’s purpose.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 23

Need assistance with a Range?

NRA Can Help!

Let’s Start at the Beginning…

This is some information on how range cases are opened and what to do when you are contacted about starting a range case. If someone contacts you to have a shooting range evaluated by an NRA RTTA , of course the first thing I would tell them is that all cases are handled by the NRA Range Services Department. Simply use the contact information listed below and we are happy to answer any questions about the program. You may also direct them to the NRA’s Range Technical Team Advisor program web page (http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/technicalteam.asp).

This page contains contact information and all information needed to open a case. It contains a link to the official RTTA request form and the fax number to send it to (703) 267-1011. You may also submit a request electronically to ewhitescarver@nrahq.org.

Once we receive a request form, we are then able to determine if they actually need an RTTA visit. There are many times the information being requested is the type of assistance that does not require an RTTA visit. Each case is handled accordingly based on their individual needs.

If the case does call for a visit, we contact the club/range Point of Contact (POC) to go over all of the details. At that time, NRA generates a contractual agreement and sends 2 copies to the POC. When the signed contracts come back to NRA, they are forwarded to the Executive Director of General Operations for final signature.

24 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

Upon final approval, the NRA Range Services Department reviews the ranges needs with the POC and decide what RTTAs to contact and assign to the case.

Once an RTTA has been selected, we immediately contact the POC to let them know. It is at that time that both parties, the RTTA and the POC, are provided each other’s contact information to contact each other to set up a date for the visit.

Timing of these cases are typically 30 to 60 days for total processing from the on-site visit through the receipt of your final report. Please keep this in mind when submitting your requests. If you have a special request or a time sensitive case, please note this on the original request so it may be handled appropriately.

NRA Range Services stands ready... to help keep America’s ranges OPEN! Eric M. Whitescarver Range Services Coordinator National Rifle Association 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA. 22030 (703) 267-1279

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 25

The New American Match Rifle 10X Expert Small-bore XPR (Xtream Precision Rim Fire)

R

uger wasn’t the only one who was watching in distress while American riflemen were buying and shooting more and more firearms that are being built outside the U.S. In 2005, several Pennsylvania smallbore coaches were talking after a very successful Camp Perry Smallbore Championship and remembering photos of past teams competing with Remington and Winchester. As foreign manufacturers continued to develop better triggers, adjustable stocks and sights, American consumers switched to the more modern foreign rifles.

Coach Joel Dutra decided he would make an effort to bring back some of those classic American guns. After a trip to the CMP, he started refurbishing a 40X and a 52D. He rebuilt the barreled actions and created better stocks over the next few seasons. The next stop was to build four more and put a team of Jr. Marksmen together to shoot them. Progress was slow; enter Dutra’s DuBois High School Rifle Class of 2010 and William Swatsworth Jr. Dutra knew Billy was a junior long range rifle competitor and had used with great success rifles build by his father William Swatsworth and Loni London the owners of 10X Custom Rifles. 10X had been around for several years building high quality long range center fires for many local competitors in multiple disciplines and fielding a rifle for the military sniper trials.

26 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

To be competitive in today’s environment the team set goals for fast locktime, easily loadable in position and a bench rest heavy non-flex action with tight bolt tolerances.

The action would follow the 40x/52 lead and be round and stainless steel, the port was moved back to accommodate easier loading from all positions, and a short firing pin would speed lock time to 2 milliseconds. Bolt opening throw was also reduced to 46 degrees to help with rapid smooth loading and to complete the action it was to Accept Remington 700/40X style triggers to give the shooter an abundance of choices from the X two stage, moderate price rifle basics and other bench rest and silhouette favorites such as the Jewell.

All machined and hand assembled, this is going to be the smallbore to take the world by storm. All U.S. made and tested to win! Being a loyal high school team supporter, team 10X rifle are doing great shoots. 10X testing range, the XPR is a capable of 1 hole at 50 meters with an agronomical stock and all heat treated parts. This is the new world class winning rifle. All options can be ordered.

The standard rifle comes with a match grade BBL and jewel trigger.

The company promises to continue shooter requested improvements and is very proud of its customer services availability and repair turn around. Mr. London said “we’re proud of our product and want to keep up with the innovations our customers need, we’re shooters ourselves and always coming up with new ways to try and improve”.

The guns are available at www.team10X.com and through a few local dealers. Please call (800) 593-1150 for more information. Club and school multiple rifle purchases can be handled by Coach Dutra at dutra@team10x.com and Bill Swatsworth at www.10xcustomrifles.com.

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 27

NRA - Affiliated Alabama State Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. James Moses, President J.moses1@comcast.net • Mr. Ramon J. Samaniego, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer 256-534-2644 www.alabamaservicerifleteam.com

Alaska Outdoor Council, Inc. PO Box 87-1069 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-841-6849 • Mr. Rod Arno, Executive Director aoc@alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association PO Box 74424 New River, AZ 85087 623-687-4251 • Mr. Noble C. Hathaway, President president@asrpa.com • Mr. Ed Roberts, Vice President edroberts@cox.net www.asrpa.com

Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Association PO Box 2348 Conway, AR 72033 501-327-4702 • Mr. David Joyner, President 479-263-6665 davidj@specent.com • Ms. Ann Fairless, Sec./Treas. annfairless@sbcglobal.net www.arpa-online.org

203-272-1725 cablerandy@snet.net www.csrra.com

Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association PO Box 1786 Wilmington, DE 19899 • Mr. Daniel Lindberg, Vice President 302-475-4228 nanadear@verizon.net • Mr. Daniel Lindberg, Vice President 302-475-4228 nanadear@verizon.net www.delsports.net

Florida Sport Shooting Association, Inc. PO Box 65353 Orange Park, FL 32065 407-701-1030 • Mr. Al Dart, Secretary Rimfire22@aol.com • Mr. Robert Stokes, President Rstokes2@tampabay.rr.com www.flssa.org

Georgia Sport Shooting Association

PO Box 1733 Macon, GA 31202 478-955-7068 • Barbara Senbertrand, President beeranch@btconline.net • Mr. Tom E. Patton, Sec./Treasurer gssasectres@charter.net www.gssa.com

Hawaii Rifle Association

• Mr. Silvio M. Montanarella, President s.montanarella@crpa.org • Mr. John C. Fields, Executive Director jcfields@crpa.org www.crpa.org

PO Box 543 Kailua, HI 96734 808-261-2754 info line • Mr. Harvey F. Gerwig, President hghawaii@gmail.com • Bill Richter, Secretary itsmeblr@gmail.com www.hawaiirifleassociation.org

Colorado State Shooting Association

Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Association

California Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc.

609 W. Littleton Blvd, Ste 206 Littleton, CO 80120 720-283-1376 • Mr. Tony Fabian, President 303-663-9339 office president@cssa.org • Mr. David Gill, Vice President dave@dgillphoto.com www.cssa.org

Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Association

PO Box 754 North Haven, CT 06473 • Mr. Brad Palmer, President 860-480-4600 csrra.president@gmail.com • Mr. Randy Bieler, Director

28 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

• Mr. Neill Goodfellow, President njg308@fmtc.com • Mr. Jon Carter, Secretary jon@class3firearms.com www.idahosrpa.org

Illinois State Rifle Association, Inc.

PO Box 637 Chatsworth, IL 60921 815-635-3198 office 815-635-3723 fax • Mr. Richard Pearson, Exec. Dir. executive@isra.org • Mr. Donald A. Moran, President donm@isra.org www.isra.org

Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. c/o 7527 State Route 56 Rising Sun, IN 47040 812-534-3258 • Mr. Jerry Wehner, Executive VP vp@isrpa.org • Mr. William B. Thomas, Secretary 812-948-8226 billed2@hotmail.com www.isrpa.org

Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Association

240 Prospect Road North Liberty, IA 52317-9660 319-626-2710 • Mr. Bill Besgrove, Secretary besgrove@iowastateriflepistol.org • Mr. John Klopfenstein, President klopfenstein@iowastateriflepistol. org www.iowastateriflepistol.org

Kansas State Rifle Association

PO Box 219 Bonner Springs, KS 66012-0219 • Ms. Patricia Stoneking, President 913-667-3044 PStoneking@ksraweb.org • Ms. Elizabeth Brown, Secretary 913-608-1910 info@ksraweb.org www.ksraweb.net

League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.

2500 Handy’s Bend Road Wilmore, KY 40390 859-858-0135 • Rev. Tom Cottingim, NRA Liaison t.cottingim@insightbb.com • Mr. Mark Nethery, President markn11501@bellsouth.net www.kentuckysportsmen.com

Louisiana Shooting Association

350 Quill Court Slidell, LA 70461 985-781-4174 • Mr. Daniel Zelenka II, President dzelenka@louisianashooting.com • Mr. Danny Hudson, Secretary danohudson@bellsouth.net www.louisianashooting.com

(Maine) Pine Tree State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. • Mr. Ronald Vaillancourt, President ronval@roadrunner.com • Mr. Angus N. Norcross, Treasurer gusnor@roadrunner.com www.mainerpa.org

State Associations Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Richard Kussman, President rkussman@msrpa.org • Mr. Douglas Self, 1st Vice President dself@msrpa.org www.msrpa.org

(Massachusetts) Gun Owners’ Action League – G.O.A.L.

PO Box 567, 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-5333 office 508-393-5222 fax • Mr. James Wallace, Executive Director jimwallace@goal.org • Mr. Jon Green, Jr., Dir. Training & Edu. jongreen@goal.org www.goal.org

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Association PO Box 530637 Livonia, MI 48153-0637 • Mr. Leo Cebula, President 1cebula@hotmail.com • Mr. Gary Duda, Sec./Tres. keduda@provide.net www.michrpa.com

Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Association, Inc. MRRA Secretary 4737 CR 101, Box 114 Minnetonka, MN 55345-2634 • Mr. George Minerich, President george.minerich@q.com www.mrra.org

Mississippi State Firearm Owners Association

• Mr. Douglas Bowser, President douglasmbowser@yahoo.com • Ms. Deborah Withers, Secretary debbie@withersplace.com www.msfoa.tripod.com

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

PO Box 10170 Columbia, MO 65205-4002 573-449-2849 • Lee Koester, Secretary/Treasurer leekoester@hotmail.com • Mr. Kevin Jamison, President kljamison@earthlink.net www.missourisportshooting.org

Montana Rifle & Pistol Association

PO Box 48 Ramsay, MT 59748 406-782-3450 • Mr. Jamey Williams, President jameydan@gmail.com • Ms. Zona Mowrer, Sec./Membership secretary@mtrpa.org www.mtrpa.org

Nebraska Marksmanship Association

13105 Sky Park Drive Omaha, NE 68137 402-933-4881 • Mr. Bill J. Keil, President hpinne@cox.net • Mr. W. Aaron Woehler, Secretary wawoehler@msn.com www.nemarksmanship.org

Nevada Firearms Coalition 5575 Simmons St, Ste I-176 North Las Vegas, NV 89031 • Mr. Don Turner, President don@nvfac.org • Mrs. Megan Ferrante, Secretary megan@nvfac.org www.nvfac.org

Gun Owners of New Hampshire, Inc.

P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0487 603-225-4664 (GO-NH) • Mr. Mitch Kopacz, President president@gonh.org • Mr. Ralph Demicco, Vice President www.gonh.org

• Mr. David McFarling, President dhmcfarling@mindspring.com • Mr. David Prest, Membership Sec. 910-639-4742 office dprest@pinehurst.net www.ncrpa.org

North Dakota Shooting Sports Association

PO Box 228 Bismark, ND 58502-0028 • Mr. Rick Jorgenson, Exec. Director rjorgenson@dvl.midco.net • Mr. James Ladwig, President james@curtslock.com www.ndssa.org

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association

P.O. Box 43083 Cincinnati, OH 45243-0083 513-891-1325 • Ms. Gwen Bailey, President Gwen175@neo.rr.com • Mr. Keith V. Bailey, Secretary kvbguns@msn.com www.orpa.net

Oklahoma Rifle Association

5 Sicomac Road, Suite 292 North Haledon, NJ 07508 • Mr. Scott L. Bach, President defendfreedom@earthlink.net • Ms. Kathy Chatterton, Exec. VP kschatterton@msn.com www.anjrpc.org

P.O. Box 850927 Yukon, OK 73085-0927 405-324-8498 • Mr. Charles Smith, Executive Director 405-324-2450 office/fax okgun@cox.net • Mr. Rick N. Baker, Secretary 405-867-4460 x239 office/fax rbaker@burford.com www.oklarifle.org

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, Inc.

Oregon State Shooting Association

Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc.

PO Box 30850 Albuquerque, NM 87190-0850 505-856-6574 • Mr. Ed Dresner, President president@nmssa.org • Mr. Ken Laintz, Membership Secretary membershipsecretary@nmssa.org www.nmssa.org

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. 90 S. Swan Street, Suite 395 Albany, NY 12210 510-272-2654 • Mr. Tom H. King, President tomkingnra@gmail.com • Mr. Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr., VP jpd556@hotmail.com www.nysrpa.org

North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Association P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-295-7220

• Mr. Tim Pitzer, Vice President ossavp@ossa.org • Mr. Stan Pate, President president@ossa.org www.ossa.org

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Jack Lee, President 724-865-2597 phone/fax prpaleg@zoominternet.net • Mrs. Becky Dutra, Secretary jbd10@verizon.net www.pennarifleandpistol.org

Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver Association PO Box 10177 Cranston, RI 02910 • Mrs. Gail Hogan, Secretary gahogan777@hotmail.com • Mr. Charles Hawkins, President Hawkinsmachine@verizon.net www.risrara.org

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 29

NRA-affiliated state associations Gun Owners of South Carolina PO Box 211 Little Mountain, SC 29075 • Mr. Gerald Stoudemire, President lmgs@sc.rr.com • Ms. Peggy Bodner mbodner@comporium.net www.gosc.org

South Dakota Shooting Sports Association PO Box 3 Dell Rapids, SD 57022 605-428-5488 • Mr. Dan Anderson, Comm. Dir. dan@sdshootingsports.org • Mr. Tom Raines, President tom@sdshootingsports.org www.sdshooting.org

Tennessee Shooting Sports Association, Inc.

6653 Jocelyn Hollow Road Nashville, TN 37205 • Dr. Ray Harvey, President 615-352-3954 tnssa@earthlink.net • Mr. Eugene Paranick, Membership Dir. eparanick@comcast.net www. tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

Texas State Rifle Association 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste 300 Austin, TX 78752 512-615-4116 office • Mr. Stephen Hall, Exec. Director execdir@tsra.com • Mr. Robert Butler, President butlerra@gvtc.com www.tsra.com

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Association

4834 Van Buren Avenue Ogden, UT 84403 801-449-9763 office 801-476-8274 fax • Mr. Elwood P. Powell, President 1dpowell@sisna.com • Mr. Ralph Schamel, Vice President ralph@xmission.com www.usrpa.org

• Mr. Lucien Charette, Executive Director vssamain@verizon.net • Ms. Andrea T. Smith, Sec./Treas. andrea.smith@myvssa.org www.myvssa.orgsa.

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. P.O. Box 382 DuPont, WA 98327 • Mr. Duane Hatch, Secretary secretary@wsrpa.org • Mr. James Crosier, President president@wsrpa.org www.wsrpa.org

West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Association P.O. Box 2504 Buckhannon, WV 26201 304-472-5174 • Ms. Amy Tenney, Treasurer buckhannon@hotmail.com • Mr. Gary Bailey, President GLBFarm@aol.com www.wvasrpa.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs and Educators • Mr. Jeff Nass, President 920-687-0505 nass@athenet.net • Mr. Gary Nichols, Secretary 262-246-3317 gnichols@wi-rr.com www.wi-force.org

WYOMING STATE SHOOTING ASSOCIATION, INC.

PO Box 94 Guernsey, WY 82214 • Mr. Mark Spungin, President • Mr. Roger Sebesta, Secretary/Treasurer wssa@wyoming.com www.wyossa.com

Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc.

PO Box 225 Lyndonville, VT 05851 • Mr. Clint Gray, President • Mr. Evan Hughes, VP/NRA Liason VTGUNS@aol.com www.vtfsc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Association P.O. Box 1258 Orange, VA 22960 540-672-5848

30 l club connection l Volume 17, Number 3

NRA Endorsed Insurance Program Participant

NRA Field Representative Directory EASTERN REGION ●Eastern Regional Director Area 1 (ME, NH, VT) Area 2 (NY) Area 3 (CT, MA, RI, Lower NY) Area 4 (DE, Eastern PA) Area 5 (Western PA) Area 6 (MD, NJ) Area 7 (DC, Western VA, WV) Area 8 (Eastern NC) Area 42 (Western NC) Area 45 (Eastern VA)

Brian Hyder Lauralee Pearson Jay Rusnock VACANT Kory Enck Thomas Baldrige VACANT Jim Kilgore Lloyd Edwards Robert Doug Merrill David Wells

276-579-9828 207-375-5143 845-298-7233 ----------------717-689-3200 724-861-0447 ----------------304-255-2916 919-776-0922 828-628-0410 434-696-2189

CENTRAL REGION ●Central Regional Director Area 12 (Southern OH) Area 14 (IN) Area 15 (KY) Area 17 (WI) Area 18 (Northern IL) Area 19 (MO) Area 43 (TN) Area 49 (Northern OH) Area 51 (MI) Area 52 (Southern IL)

Chad Franklin Bryan Hoover John Crone VACANT Scott Taetsch Michael F. Huber Gregg Pearre Mike Webb Marc Peugeot Allan Herman VACANT

740-773-4119 740-297-4255 317-837-5673 ----------------715-873-3360 815-652-0033 573-761-5466 901-382-4789 419-636-3171 989-686-3013 -----------------

Al Hammond Dale Carwile Brad Ward Howell Lancaster Dick Kingsafer Gene Newman Chris Griffin Liz Foley Greg Stephens Jack Cannon Tom Knight

386-462-5421 864-223-9900 770-228-8218 352-463-1673 601-794-0068 205-489-1288 817-441-7700 936-273-6397 479-705-1815 325-617-4460 941-748-7676

Tom Ulik Darren DeLong Scott Lembke Tim Bacon Rick Chrisman Peter Ide Joseph Crismore David Manzer Gwen Chermack Clay Pederson

507-993-1824 405-692-8672 218-844-2000 515-576-1285 913-294-9956 505-281-6721 406-293-2498 307-746-2520 719-539-9574 701-522-9622

Brad Kruger Donna Cassity John Kendall Steve Vreeland Mike Carey Daniel Wilhelm Mike Davis Jason Quick VACANT Keifer Lewis Steve Wilson Bob Anderson

208-305-0945 520-316-0620 435-652-3062 208-286-0950 541-385-9404 707-994-5877 714-368-0451 805-239-4246 ----------------360-985-7749 209-847-4826 209-723-0233

SOUTHERN REGION ●Southern Regional Director Area 9 (SC) Area 10 (GA) Area 11 (Northern FL) Area 16 (LA, Southern MS) Area 22 (AL) Area 25 (Northern TX) Area 26 (Southern TX) Area 39 (AR) Area 47 (Western TX) Area 48 (Southern FL)

MID WEST REGION ●Mid West Regional Director Area 20 (OK) Area 21 (MN) Area 23 (IA, NE) Area 24 (KS) Area 27 (NM) Area 28 (MT) Area 29 (WY) Area 30 (CO) Area 41 (ND, SD) WESTERN REGION ●Western Regional Director Area 31 (AZ) Area 32 (Eastern NV, UT) Area 33 (ID) Area 34 (HI, OR) Area 35 (Northern CA) Area 36 (S. CA, S. NV) Area 37 (Central CA) Area 38 (AK) Area 40 (Western WA) Area 46 (E. CA, W. NV) Area 50 (Mid California)

Volume 17, Number 3 l club connection l 31

Nonprofit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Dullas, VA Permit No. 67

Club Connection National Rifle Association 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA 22030

2012 NRA Club Leadership & Development Webinar Series

Reserve Your Spot For An Upcoming Webcast!

September 27 - NRA-ILA Update November 8 - Membership Retention/Recruitment December 13 - Clubs & Associations

Wrap-Up Can’t make these dates? Check back on our website for links to pre-recorded webinars www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/default.asp

Online Webcasts All Scheduled - 1pm EST