Club Connection, Volume 14, Issue 1

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1

Get to know the National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors

INSIDE 4 10 14 24

Let NRA Help!

ILA News Club News Business News (NEW)

Contents Grassroots Activism Is A Powerful Force

By John C. Sigler, NRA President

3

Let NRA Help!

4

Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow

By Claudia Olsen, NRA Youth Programs

5

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

John C. Sigler

President

Ronald L. Schmeits

1st Vice President David A. Keene

2nd Vice President Wayne R. LaPierre

NRA 2009 Smallbore and Air Rifle

6

Executive Vice President Edward J. Land, Jr.

National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors (NYSSA) NRA Hunter Clinics ILA News

8 9 10

Secretary Wilson H. Phillips, Jr.

Treasurer

Kayne Robinson

Executive Director, General Operations Chris W. Cox

Club News

14

Executive Director, Institute for Legislative Action

Business News

24

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

Letter to the Editor

27

NRA Affiliated State Associations

28

NRA Field Representatives

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NRA Clubs & Associations Department National Rifle Association Attn: Clubs & Associations Department 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax,VA 22030 (800) NRA – CLUB (672-2582) (703) 267-3939 fax Elizabeth Bush, National Manager Clubs, Associations, & Range Services Ebush@nrahq.org (703) 267-1348 Son Nguyen, Marketing Manager Snguyen@nrahq.org (703) 267-1345 Jack Baker, Marketing Coordinator Jbaker@nrahq.org (703) 267-1351 Andrew Boardman, Marketing Coordinator Aboardman@nrahq.org (703) 267-1343

Cover Photo National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors pictured above (from left to right): John Washburn, Venturing, Avondale, GA; Matt McGroarty, Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Chareston, NV; Kevin Brannan, Royal Ranger Ministires, Corona, CA; and Dillon Jensen, National High School Rodeo Association, Queen Creek, AZ. 2 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

Editor: Elizabeth Bush Design and layout by Son Nguyen & Jack Baker, NRA Clubs & Associations Dept. © Copyright 2009 National Rifle Association

President’s Column

Grassroots Activism Is A Powerful Force Everyone now knows the danger the Obama-Biden White House poses to the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

We watched as President Barack Obama assembled his team from among the most anti-gun zealots to ever hold public office. With Hillary Clinton, Tom Daschle and Eric Holder in the cabinet, and Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, America’s gun owners know the dangers we face and that our friends in Congress will be mightily challenged in their defense of America’s beloved Second Amendment.

But do America’s gun owners know about the anti-gun legislative onslaught poised to strike their state capitals, or their own hometowns? Do they know that Obama and Biden aren’t alone in promising to “change” our lives?

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

In a paper outlining their legislative strategy, the gunbanning Brady Campaign wrote, ‘’Unless and until the Court holds otherwise, the Second Amendment does not restrict state or local laws. As direct precedent, Heller could not be used to support the invalidation of any other gun law in America.” “[T]he Heller decision could well mark a turning point,” they concluded. Already, anti-gun groups nationwide are preparing a state-level legislative blitzkrieg.

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

Chicago’s Mayor Daley, who brazenlydefies the Supreme Court’s Heller decision, is hosting a “gun conference” for like-minded politicians around the country to plot their gunban strategy.

“I believe the court’s ruling presents us with an opportunity to continue our efforts,” Daley said.

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

Consider these examples:

In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh City Council— in open defiance of that state’s firearm preemption law—recently passed an John C. Sigler, NRA President ordinance to punish gun owners like you for failing to report immediately the loss or theft of a firearm.

In Oregon, the state’s firearm preemption law is under attack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Tennessee, the Department of Safety instituted—and then retracted—a de facto gun registration scheme because gun owners like you expressed their outrage.

Over the next few years, your personal political activism must play a larger role in protecting our children’s future and our nation’s heritage.

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

When your state crime subcommittee or fish and game commission solicits public comments, tell them exactly what you think. If you don’t, our enemies will win by default.

Call, write, e-mail or fax your state legislators, city continued on page 4 Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 3

NRA Programs

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

Did you know as an NRA Club affiliate you have access to a number of resources to help you promote your club and increase membership? NRA is here to support and provide assistance to ensure the success of your club in the following ways: NRA Charter for New Clubs National Registry of Club Events NRA Club University Club Connection: A Quarterly Magazine NRA Endorsed Insurance Club Awards Club Grants Discounts on NRA Range Services Commissions for recruiting new NRA members Attorney referral service Discounts on credit card processing, telecommunications, office supplies, shipping & much more!

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

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

Host one of NRA’s 170+ programs to get the community involved at your club. Make friends with your neighbors, and your club and range will be viewed as a community asset. NRA has a program for just about every shooting interest.

Competitions & Matches, Eddie Eagle, Firearms Training, Hunter Services, Law Enforcement Services, Women’s Programs, Youth Programs, Friends of NRA, and NRA Membership Recruitment all feature programs to help your club recruit members and generate additional income for your organization as well.

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

President’s Column continued from page 3 officials, sheriff, governor and county leaders early and often. Tell them you care about freedom. Tell them you expect them to defend your Right to Keep and Bear Arms for hunting, self defense and every other lawful purpose.

Visit www.NRANews.com for timely intelligence about developments at home and around the country.

Call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAILA.org/ActionCenter to subscribe to customized email alerts notifying you of late-breaking legislative and regulatory developments in your city or state.

Join other activists by contacting your NRA state association or by calling NRA-ILA Grassroots at (800) 392-8683.

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

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

4 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

NRA Day at the 23rd Annual Country Fair and Auction: Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow

By Claudia Olsen, Program Coordinator, NRA Youth Programs Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow is a center for teenagers at risk, located in the Northern Virginia suburb of Bristow. On October 4th, 2008 the foundation hosted its 23rd Annual Fall County Fair and Auction, attracting 6,000 people. NRA’s Education & Training Division was asked to participate by running an air gun range during the event.

Providing additional entertainment were The NASCAR Experience- Joe Gibbs Racing show cars, Coca-Cola’s Coke Zero Racing Experience, and the Best Buy show car. A western themed area with line dancing, a blacksmith shop, pony rides and much more, make this one of the premier fall events in Northern Virginia.

The morning came with a hint of fall in the air, the straw bales were stacked and the air guns filled with CO2 cartridges. NRA Youth Programs staff, local volunteers from 4-H’s Trigger Time Club, and Arlington Fairfax Izaak Walton League were on hand to give instruction and help run the range. The doors opened at 10:00 a.m. From that moment on the targets never stopped swinging. The air gun range was a big hit, with shooters ranging from a 4-year-old girl to a grandfather enjoying taking aim at the swinging targets.

Each visitor to the air gun range received silver stickers and lapel pins, but the hot item was the NRA publication Neighborhood Air Gun Program, a booklet detailing how to start a air gun program.

Hundreds of the visitors to the range showed an interest in getting their children involved with a local club or they wanted to know how to start or build a range for themselves.

NRA is planning on inviting local youth groups such as the 4-H and the Boy Scouts to be on hand to answer any question or sign them up with their programs.

CO2 Cartridges (optional) 24 Safety Glasses 12 six foot tables 24 chairs 24 gun rests and bean bags Plenty of pellets Stack straw bales 30 ft from your firing line. Place your tables on the firing line with two chairs per table. Where appropriate add CO2 to gun, have pellets at the ready. Stir up some interest, and serve it with passion.

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

Mother assisting her child at Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow

Recipe for Successful Air Gun Event (Serves 24 at a time, recipe maybe reduced) 75 Bales of Straw 24 Air Gun Spinner targets 24 Air Rifles Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 5

nrA ProgrAms

What’s Ahead For NRA 2009 Smallbore & Air Rifle National Indoor Championships The National Indoor Championships began on January 1st with the first sectional tournament on January 3rd. These championships will continue from March (Open Adults) thru April (Juniors).

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

Scores from these sectionals are consolidated at NRA Headquarters and Indoor National Champions are identified. There is still time for clubs to request to sponsor a Sectional in their area.

Regionals The NRA Competitive Shooting Division Rifle Department is now accepting applications from sponsors wishing to conduct an NRA Smallbore Rifle Regional Championship.

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

The NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship Certificate and Distinguished Smallbore Rifleman Steps are awarded in all Smallbore Rifle Regionals (Prone and Position). The Certificate, good for two years, is presented to class winners for 50% off the National Championship Fee. Competitors may win up to two certificates per year, but only one in each shooting discipline of prone and position. If a competitor is unable to attend Camp Perry, or already won a NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship Certificate, the certificate may be passed down to the next 6 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

competitor in the same class within the same tournament.

Prone or Position Regionals can now be one or two day tournaments. One-day Regionals have become more convenient and desirable for competitors, especially in a tight economy. Additionally, NRA will no longer sanction Smallbore Rifle Regionals with less than five competitors.

NRA Distinguished Smallbore Rifleman The NRA Distinguished Smallbore Rifleman program, established in 1965, has added a new pin, patch, and certificate for those distinguished shooters who have won both Prone and Position Distinguished. The new award will be available by the summer. Shooters who attend the National Championships can stop by the NRA Trophy Building and claim their awards. Other Double Distinguished winners will receive their Double Distinguished awards later this year by mail.

Camp Perry New Facility -- Those of you who have attended the National Championships, at Camp Perry, will immediately notice a major renovation. All of the old buildings from, but not including, the Statistical Office were raised to make way for a new and larger facility. The new building will house the NRA Scoring, Target Display, Official Bulletin Board, and Challenge Offices. The new facility is planned to be operational in time for the 2009 championships.

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

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

Challenge Period – Competitors are now able to view their targets after they are scored and challenge the results on the spot, if necessary. Therefore, a new challenge period is established for the National Smallbore Championships.

When scored targets are displayer by 5:00 p.m. competitors will have until 6:00 p.m. to view and challenge their scores.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information call Dian Bullock, (703) 2671482, or email Dbullock@nrahq.org.

Ridge Rifle Association holds Women On Target® Event

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

I left the clinic convinced I would attend my next Women On Target® clinic accompanied with my mother. Sure enough, she decided to come east to visit for a weekend before Christmas. When I mentioned the idea, she seemed a bit hesitant, but she agreed to attend the Ridge Rifle Association’s event with me. continued on page 11 Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 7

NRA Programs

National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors (NYSSA)

F

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

The benefits to individual ambassadors include: - Official NRA NYSSA appointment letter for inclusion in their resume.

- $2,000 college scholarship check - Uniform items to include jacket, pin, decal and embroidered shooting vest that they may keep after their term of service.

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

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- All-expense paid events our Ambassadors will attend include: * A weekend at SHOT Show to meet with industry leaders * Invitation to the National Matches in their discipline (Air Gun, Shotgun, Small Bore, Hunting, etc.) * Quarterly conference calls to contribute their ideas on various youth shooting oriented topics and listen to shooting celebrities. * Local attendance at organizational events.

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

If you are aware of a deserving young shooter, you are encouraged to contact your national youth shooting sports coordinator to include your nomination in their consideration for the one youth who will represent your national group, i.e. 4-H, Boy Scouts, DeMolay, American legion, FFA, JROTC, National High School Rodeo, Royal Rangers or VFW. For more information, contact NRA Education & Training at (703) 267-1411.

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

2008 Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club Hunter Safety Classes In its continuing commitment to wildlife conservation, hunter and firearm safety Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club proudly hosted 2008 Hunter Safety courses in September, October and November. Over 400 young hunters participated and learned valuable lesson on conservation, wildlife, hunting and firearms safety.

Since GBHC began hosting Hunter Safety education in 1982 thousands of new hunters have been taught these valuable and necessary skills before their first foray into the field.

NRA Hunter Clinics Purpose: Improve the hunting experience with “How To” information on game habits, reading game sign, how to properly dress game, hunting techniques, wildlife management and conservation, ethical hunting, field safety, firearms safety and field shelters. This program is the next logical step after a statesponsored hunter safety class.

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

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

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

Clinics: www.nrahq.org/hunting/clinic/hunterclinic.asp YHEC: www.nrahq.org/ youthed.asp

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 9

ILA NEWS

Fighting Today To Protect The Second Amendment Tomorrow

T

he political climate in our country has changed, and with this change we can certainly expect significant attacks on our rights at both federal and state levels.

In order to protect our rights we have to start work now, preparing for assaults at every level of government. The threats to our rights under Barack Obama and the new Congress are very real.

Shortly after being declared president-elect, Obama’s anti-gun agenda was made clear on his transition website, listing four classic anti-gun initiatives including making the expired federal “assault weapons” ban permanent. (http:// www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=4227) Perhaps no other firearm issue has been more dishonestly portrayed by gun prohibitionists than “assault weapons.”

Notwithstanding their predictions that the ban’s expiration in 2004 would bring about the end of civilization, for the last four years the nation’s murder rate has been lower than anytime since the mid-1960s. Studies for Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the National Institute of Justice, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no evidence that gun prohibition or gun control reduces crime. Guns that were affected by the ban are used in only a tiny fraction of violent crime(about 35 times as many people are murdered without any sort of firearm [knives, bare hands, etc.], as with “assault weapons.”) Obama says that “assault weapons” are machine guns that “belong on foreign battlefields,” but that is a lie; the guns are only semi-automatic, and they are not used by a military force anywhere on the planet.

The attacks on our rights will be wide and varied.

Some attacks will be open, such as the reintroduction of the 10 CLUB CONNECTION Volume 14, Number 1

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

We need you in the fight today! Here are a few things you can do to begin actively working in defense of the Second Amendment: Visit NRA-ILA’s website at www.nraila.org for up-todate legislative alerts and important fact sheets on all NRArelated issues and legislation.

Join NRA-ILA’s premiere volunteer program, NRAILA FrontLines™ , at https://secure.nraila.org/volunteer. aspx.

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

Write letters to the editor! Few issues today are more misunderstood by the general public than the issue of gun control. Many of the commonly-held misconceptions result directly from the media’s often skewed coverage of this issue.

Contacting local newspapers, radio, and television stations to protest biased coverage of firearm-related issues helps influence the media’s presentation of this subject, as well as informs the public of the facts that support our position. For tips on writing letters to the media and contact information, please visit www.capwiz.com/nra/dbg/media/ Now more than ever it is critical that we fight today to protect, defend, and promote the Second Amendment for tomorrow. It will undoubtedly be a hard-fought battle over the next four years, and now is the time to recommit to the important principles of freedom and our right to Keep and Bear Arms!

Ridge Rifle Association continued from page 7 I grew up in a divided household. Mom, a homemaker, and Dad, a former Marine, had different opinions on firearms. Primarily, my mother didn’t see the need for them—and certainly not in her household, with her three daughters growing up.

When my father saw my interest in firearms peak while I attended college in Iowa, he agreed to purchase a pistol for my college graduation gift. Only when I started working for the NRA two years after receiving my .38 did mom realize the firearms issue wasn’t just a phase. She saw Dad and I trek to the local range when I was home on a weekend visit. She heard us talk excitedly about attending NRA’s Annual Meeting in St. Louis, right across the river from southwestern Illinois where I grew up. She witnessed his pride when I took the job at NRA Headquarters.

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

When I started working with Gene Strickler, the clinic director for the October 11th Women On Target® at the Ridge Rifle Association in Fincastle, Virginia, I knew the clinic was the right fit for Mom. It was a good three-hour drive from my place in Fairfax through rural Virginia, and she didn’t have any conflicting plans for the weekend.

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

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

The women surrounding us were from all over the state. Each had her own reason for being there, and I realized there is no such thing as a “typical” Women On Target® participant. The program is unique because it has something for everyone. What it doesn’t have is an agenda, hidden costs, or sales pitches. The women who were at Ridge Rifle that day were treated with the utmost respect. Questions were encouraged throughout the day, and the Ridge Rifle Association members went out of their way to ensure everyone’s comfort.

As she started firing, she was smiling. After she retrieved her first target, she was beaming. “It’s fun,” she said. Gene gave me a knowing look. Mom did even better at the rifle range--though she only out shot me because Gene insisted I try shooting left-handed.

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

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

For more information on attending a Women On Target® clinic contact Beth Hellmann at (703) 267-1398 or ehellmann@nrahq.org.

Volume 14, Number 1 CLUB CONNECTION 11

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Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 13

club news

Becoming A Webbie

By Walter Plitt, Plitt Crane & Rigging www.plittrigging.com NRA Clubs & Associations Committee Member

Y

ou already have a website, GOOD! Read this anyway!

You do not have a website, too bad…read this anyway. A True Story…..

About 10 years ago, our small and highly specialized industrial service company realized that we needed a website to promote our business. Our company provides rigging and millright services. What is that you say? No, we aren’t sailors and we don’t mill flour. We lift objects, transfer and install plan manufacturing and medial equipment. Our work is international and specialized. It is extremely important that our special services reach our customers such as corporate executives and purchasing agents.

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

Website Development Committee If you are blessed with club members who have web sites in place, that is terrific. (Hello, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!) Creation of your website can be great fellowship for computer literate people. Plus, you gain member participation. When volunteer members invest their time, they become more committed and supportive. Upon project completion, do not forget the appropriate “pat on the back” and recognition at your annual meeting and in your club newsletter.

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The Web – Wet their Whistle: A picture is worth a thousand words. If you toss yawn mail that consists of two or three pages of reasoning and pleas, you will appreciate line one. A brief introduction on shooting venues is critical to attract and catch potential new shooters and supporters. Highlight the club’s focus.

Example: family shooting, post photographs and briefly describe why junior’s face is smiling. “..7,8,9,10 Contact!! Committee members who are public relations types such as real estate and insurance folks know how to communicate. Email addresses should be posted, but encourage phone calls – a friendly voice is paramount to attracting first-timers and neophyte shooters alike.

Web Master and Calendar of Events Contact information, location map and address, opening days and hours, family events and shoots should be updated promptly. Do not allow information to become stale – that is like old newspapers!

Cost Perhaps your local college can help with design. Find a sponsor(s) to underwrite in trade for appropriate advertisement. A host to cover monthly connection fee could sponsor for advertising as well.

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

IRS and 501 Non-Profit Rules National and state news on 2nd Amendment issues and legislation is best provided through these links. Clear any legislation posting with your local attorney or contact NRAILA at (800) 392-8683.

Suzi Rouse:

The Amazing Woman Behind Oklahoma City Gun Club’s Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics

By Elizabeth D. Hellmann National Program Coordinator, Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics

Oklahoma City Gun Club’s 2008 Women On Target Clinic

O

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

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

Suzi and Ron Black, radio personality

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

Oklahoma City Gun Club’s Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics are among the largest and most eagerly anticipated events associated with NRA Women’s Programs. Almost a year in advance, she begins to receive phone calls from women hoping to reserve a spot.

Her clinics are often sold out 4 months in advance.

Behind every successful Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinic is a successful Clinic Director.

Suzi’s enthusiastic, outgoing personality is a magnetic force, drawing more women into recreational shooting. She is an avid hunter, instructor, and 2nd Amendment Rights enthusiast. She speaks to women’s groups on topics related to guns, provides direction in establishing clubs and leagues, and directs events at clubs other than her own. She is not only the person who led the way in establishing women’s programs at the Oklahoma City Gun Club: She’s also the president of the club! continued on page 17 Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 15

16 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

CLUB News

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

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

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

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

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

The Arms Collecting Society, and specifically the Colorado Gun Collectors’ Association, have been immensely enhanced by the work and dedication of this fine gentleman.

To the family of Bud Greenwald we extend our heart-felt appreciation and condolences.

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

Suzi Rouse continued from page 15 Of course, Suzi could not have done all this on her own. Her cohorts include Joann Burner, Suzanne Black, Susan Cusack, Sharon Conrady, Pam Green, Sandy Payne, Dawn Taylor, Diana Hannah and Kansas Conrady. These nine women became NRA Certified Instructors in pistol, rifle, shotgun and range officer disciplines through funding and support of the Women On Target® program. Their backgrounds varied from housewife to FBI Agent. They all had one shared interest and that was to teach various shooting sports and firearm safety to other women. They are

always looking for instructor candidates and eager, qualified volunteers.

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

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

Lunchtime at Suzi’s Clinic Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 17

club news

Yegua Airgun Club to Host 2009 FT Nationals On October 16-19, the Yegua Airgun Club in Somerville, Texas will host the U.S. Airgun Field Target Championships. Yegua (pronounced “Yeah-Wah”) is also the venue for the Texas state field-target championships, the Republic of Texas Field Target Roundup (ROT).

ROT is widely considered the most fun airgun event in the United States. The reasons for such notoriety are many.

Besides serious air rifle field-target competition, both the 2009 ROT and National Field-Target Championships will feature many fun events that have made ROT a resounding success. Side shoots at both the Texas state and U.S. national field-target championships will include pistol field-target championship competition, rifle and pistol silhouette matches, a night-time rifle field-target match, a candle-light shoot, and Daisy Red Ryder BB gun speed shoots.

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

Many national-caliber airgunners will attend the springtime ROT competition to orient to the Yegua Airgun Club venue and facilities, and experience the fun first hand.

Attendees can choose to enter as many of the matches as they like, and many of the side-shoots are free.

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

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

The night-time rifle field-target matches will be 30 shots, with all range lighting extinguished. Scorers may 18 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

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

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

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

News from Winchester Canyon Gun Club in Santa Barbara, California

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Information: Rob Vance c/o Winchester Canyon Gun Club PO Box 3306 Santa Barbara,CA 93103-3306 805-964-5606 rkeithvance@yahoo.com www.wcgc.org

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 19

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ClUB News

Inland Training – Shooting Sports Training Center

Perris, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 21

Volunteers Needed in Phoenix!

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

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

To volunteer or for more information, visit any of NRA’s web sites or the Annual Meeting site www.nraam.org. Or contact Dennis Eggers, Annual Meeting Volunteer Coordinator, at 270-522-0909. The email address is Deggers@nrahq.org. Thank you.

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club news

BLUE TRAIL BELLES LADIES NIGHT OUT BULLSEYE SHOOTING

By Catherine Smittner Blue Trail Range Wallingford, Connecticut The Blue Trail Belles is a women’s pistol league.

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

The league runs from November through April and has been sanctioned by NRA as an alternative program. Any Blue Trail Belle that wants to be part of competition will be classified as a Marksman. All scores are submitted to the NRA at the end of the season and classification cards are returned to the members around October. The season is celebrated with a recognition banquet, where each person is recognized. .22 caliber handguns can be made available at minimal cost. Personal items (ear and eye protection) must be furnished by each participant. Membership is open to Connecticut residents. All members must first schedule an appointment with a Certified Pistol Instructor at Blue Trail Range for a short safety course.

Remember, this is Ladies Night Out and each member sets their own pace. Having fun, being safe and socializing are the primary goals. Matches are scheduled against other leagues on a monthly basis. The Ladies really enjoy competing against other leagues (both men and women) as this gives us the experience of what competitive shooting is all about.

At the same time, if your goal is to just become familiar with shooting as a sport and learn about firearm safety, this is where it happens.

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

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 23

business news

Furniture craftsman designs undetectable gun safe for security and attractiveness

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toring firearms in a gun safe is a highly effective safety measure and acts as a crime deterrent as well.

But typical gun safes are large, plain and boxy – not suitable for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Stealth Vault gun safes are practical and fashionable, designed to be indistinguishable from ordinary furniture.

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

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

Using Gun Trusts to Increase Title II Sales Under the National Firearms Act In many cities obtaining CLEO signoff is a difficult process and is required for an individual to purchase a Silencer, SBR, SBS, AOW, or Machine Gun. By using a Gun Trust, your customers do not need to obtain a CLEO signature in most states. The National Firearms Act (NFA) approves the transfer of Title II firearms directly for business and trust purchases. Although a normal trust could be used they do not deal with the unique issues involved in purchasing, transferring, owning, and possessing items restricted by the NFA. 24 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

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

trust like with a corporation, LLC, or other business entity.

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

A NFA Gun Trust can allow you to increase sales of Title II firearms and offer significant advantages to your custom-

ers that are not available to individual purchasers. For more information on NFA Gun Trusts visit www.guntrustlawyer. com David Goldman is an Estate Planning Attorney who specializes in Title II firearms.

-David Goldman, Attorney Apple Law Firm PLLC 331 East Monroe Street Jacksonville, FL 32202

Don’t Tread On Me America was founded on the pursuit of freedom from tyranny and oppression. During the American Revolution and our fight for freedom, there was a war cry that rang unanimously throughout the colonies: DON’T TREAD ON ME! Now, over 200 years later, Don’t Tread On Me clothing is dedicated to protecting the American way of life and the freedoms of liberty.

Don’t Tread On Me offers many t-shirts that promote the 2nd Amendment and proudly advertise their involvement as an NRA Business Alliance on their website. They have formed a strong alliance with AR-15.com, one of the largest pro-gun communities online.

Don’t Tread On Me clothing is also proud to support the American work force. All Don’t Tread On Me products from t-shirts to jeans are made in USA. Don’t Tread On Me also recognizes our military and offers free shipping to all APO/FPO, AA, AE, and AP addresses.

Because of it’s strong American roots and liberty inspired

clothing, Don’t Tread On Me is also worn by many allAmerican rock stars like Chris Daughtry, Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down, and James Hetfield from Metallica. It is also sold in hundreds of Harley-Davidson dealers through out the nation.

The “Don’t Tread On Me” war cry and the coiled snake have been symbols of strength and independence in America’s fight for the past 200 years. Keep America strong by buying American-made goods and services, supporting our troops who fight for our liberty, and honoring those who have laid down their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today!

For more information, visit DTOM.com Media contact: Tim bauer 760-583-9597 tim@dtom.com

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 25

business news

Membership Benefit Provider Reports Heightened Security Measures Payment Alliance International (PAI), a creditcard processing company that offers NRA Business Alliance members reduced pricing on payment services, wants to call members’ attention to the protection plan it developed for its customers in 2008 and a recent card holder data security breach that happened to one of its competitors.

A representative for PAI noted in a recent e-mail that promoting this protection is particularly timely, following a recent hacking crime that victimized one of its major competitors in the payments industry. That security breach compromised 100 million transactions, reported Nathan Danus, Director of the Target Marketing Group, the association sales division of PAI. Here’s what Danus has reported his company has done to prevent such an occurrence befalling PAI or its customers:

26 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

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

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

letter to the editor

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

I

was recently hired by Andrews International in Burbank, CA as the Director of Firearms Training.

This position focuses on my passion for tactical and firearms training. In this position, I give private lessons to civilians (security officers), police officers and their family members.

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

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

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

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

Rick Lopez retired from the Los Angeles Police Department on February 29, 2008. The majority of his career was assigned to the Swat and Narcotics Division.

Based on his experience in training, he created a tactical training unit within the Narcotics Division. To obtain certification as a firearms instructor, Lopez also attended numerous NRA Instructor training courses.

Top photo: ITT Class-Burro Canyon Training day.

Bottom photo: Entry team stacked at door.

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 27

NRA-affiliated state associations Alabama State Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. James Moses, President 2009 Rodgers Drive, NE Huntsville, AL 35811 256-534-7968 home J.moses1@comcast.net • Mr. Ramon J. Samaniego,Jr.Secretary/Treasurer 2505 Isabelle Circle, NE Huntsville, AL 35811 256-534-2644

Alaska Outdoor Council, Inc. • Dick Bishop, President P.O. Box 73902 Fairbanks, AK 99707 907-455-6151 office rmbishop@ptialaska.net • Rod Arno, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 87-1069 Wasilla, AK 99687 alaskaoutdoorcouncil@gmail.com www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Landis Aden, President P.O. Box 40962 Mesa, AZ 85274-0962 602-524-4437 office 480-854-8823 fax president@asrpa.com • Ms. Margaret Conlin, Treasurer 1727 East Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282 480-838-6064 home/fax www.asrpa.com

Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Al Alberius, President 15424 Hartford Street Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 217-0217 jalberius@sbcglobal.net • Mr. Fred Buzen, Vice President 4275 Hwy 51 South Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870)246-2029 buzenf@asmasa.org www.arpa-online.org

California Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc.

Castle Rock, CO 80104 303-663-9339 office 303-713-0785 fax president@cssa.org office@cssa.org • Mr. David Gill 510 Wilcox Street #C Castle Rock, CO 80104 303-663-9339 office 303-713-0785 fax office@cssa.org www.cssa.org

Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Association • Mr. Randy Bieler P.O. Box 754 North Haven, CT 06473 203-272-1725 203-239-2106 fax cablerandy@snet.net www.csrra.com

Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association

• Mr. Neill Goodfellow, President 8156 North Penn Avenue Fruitland, ID 83619 208-452-4183 home njg308@fmtc.com • Mr. Jon Carter, Secretary 1065 River Heights Drive Meridian, ID 83642 208-888-2829 phone/fax jon@class3firearms.com www.idahosrpa.org

Illinois State Rifle Association, Inc. • Mr. Don A. Moran, President P.O. Box 637 Chatsworth, IL 60921 815-635-3198 office 815-635-3723 fax president@isra.org • Mr. Richard Pearson, Executive Director P.O. Box 637 Chatsworth, IL 60921 815-635-3198 office 815-635-3723 fax executive@isra.org www.isra.org

Florida Sport Shooting Association, Inc.

Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc.

• Mr. Thomas Brusherd, President 5921 Blackthorn Rd Jacksonville, FL 32244 president2009@flssa.org • Mr. Michael D. Langfield, Secretary 5921 Blackthorn Road Jacksonville, FL 32244 407-701-1030 (home) 407-273-9356 (fax) secretary2009@flssa.org www.flssa.org

• Mr. Jerry Wehner, Executive VP 7527 State Route 56 Rising Sun, IN 47040 812-534-3258 home vp@isrpa.org • Mr. William H. Jordan, President 755 W. 300 N. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-3270 president@isrpa.org www.isrpa.org

Georgia Sport Shooting Association

Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Association

• Dr. Paul Broun, President #450 2300 Bethelview Road Suite 110 Cumming, GA 30040-9475 Home: 706-227-0510 • Mr. Scott Bosso, Secretary/Treasurer #450 2300 Bethelview Road Suite 110 Cumming, GA 30040-9475 (706) 227-0510 gssa_sectres@bellsouth.net www.gssa.com

Colorado State Shooting Association

Hawaii Rifle Association

28 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Association

• Mr. John J. Thompson, President 113 North Road Wilmington, DE 19809 302-658-3070 office 302-658-3031 fax Lawman515@comcast.net • Mr. Daniel Lindberg 2010 Kynwyd Road Wilmington, DE 19810 302-475-4228 nanadear@verizon.net www.delsports.net

• Mr. Thomas O. Thomas, President 271 Imperial Highway, Suite 620 Fullerton, CA 92835 714-992-2772 office • Mr. John C. Fields, Executive Director 217 East Imperial Highway Suite 620 Fullerton, CA 92835 714-992-2772 jfields@crpa.org • www.crpa.org

• Mr. Tony Fabian, President 510 Wilcox Street, Suite C

(808) 306-7194 harveygerwig@hawaii.rr.com • Bill Richter, Secretary P.O. Box 543 Kailua, HI 96734 808-261-2754 Info Line itsmeblr@gmail.com www.hawaiirifleassn.org

• Mr. Harvey F. Gerwig, President 1039 Kupua Street Kailua, HI 96734

• Mr. John Klopfenstein, President 606 S. Harrison Pl Mt Pleasant, IA 52641 Johnklop@interl.net • Mr. Bill Besgrove, Secretary 240 Prospect Road North Liberty, IA 52317-9660 (319) 626-2710 begrove@iowastateriflepistol.org www.iowastateriflepistol.org

Kansas State Rifle Association • Ms. Patricia Stoneking, President P.O. Box 117 Bonner Springs, KS 66012 (913) 667-3044

PAStoneking@kc.rr.com • Ms. Linda McCune, Executive Officer KSRA P.O. Box 1119 Wichita, KS 67201 (316) 264-2727 ksramembership@cox.net www.ksraweb.net

P.O. Box 567, 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-5333 office 508-393-5222 fax jimwallace@goal.org www.goal.org

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Association

president@mtrpa.org • Ms. Patsy E. Frimodig, Secretary P.O. Box 477 Park City, MT 59063 406-633-2486 home membership@mtrpa.org www.mtrpa.org

• Mr. Leo Cebula, President P.O. Box 530637 Livonia, MI 48153-0637 269-781-1223 lcebula@hotmail.com • Mr. Mike Wesner, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 530637 Livonia, MI 48153-0637 888-655-6772 office 269-781-1223 mike308@twmi.rr.com www.michrpa.com

Nebraska Shooting Sports Association

Louisiana Shooting Association

Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Association, Inc.

Nevada State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc.

• Mr. Danial E. Zelenka, II, President 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1150 New Orleans, LA 70163 504-565-3727 office dzelenka@couhigpartners.com • Mr. Skip Blanchard, Secretary 3324 Lake Trail Metairie, LA 70003 504-887-5842 home skip_blanchard@msn.com www.lsa1.org

• Morgen Dietrich, Secretary 14500 45th St, NE Foley, MN 56329 (320) 522-1934 mdietrich@mchsi.com • Mr. George Minerich, President 14500 45th St NE Foley, MN 56329 320-968-6898 home president@mrra.org www.mrra.org

(Maine) Pine Tree State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc.

Mississippi State Firearm Owners Association

• Mr. Leslie M. Ohmart, III, President 73 Sunset Strip Brewer, ME 04412 207-989-7304 ohmalee@aol.com • Angus N. Norcross, Treasurer 14 Pine Road Wiscasset, ME 04578 207-882-4713 gusnor@roadrunner.com www.mainerpa.org

• Mr. Douglas Bowser, President P.O. Box 1061 McComb, MS 39649 601-249-3315 saman1@telapak.net • Mr. Samuel Richardson, Secretary P.O. Box 2486 Madison, MS 39130-2486 601-898-9832 goodbet2000@bellsouth.net www.msfoa.com

• Mr. Robert E. Smith, President P.O. Box 7512 Reno, NV 89501-7512 775-762-1494 office 775-355-8088 fax smitty@intercomm.com president@nsrpa.us • Mr. Mark Geldmacher, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 7512 Reno, NV 89501-7512 775-762-1494 office 775-355-8088 fax secretary@nsrpa.us www.nsrpa.us

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

• Mr. Larry Moreland, President 2814 Needlewood Lane Bowie, MD 20716 301-249-4586 home lcm1385@verizon.net • Mr. Richard Kussman, Chairman 832 Bear Cabin Drive Forest Hill, MD 21050-2734 410-838-1734 home rlkussma@yahoo.com www.msrpa.org

• Mr. Kevin Jamison, President 6140 N. Wagontrail Road Columbia, MO 65202 816-455-2669 816-413-0696 fax kjamison@missourisportshooting.org kljamison@earthlink.net • Lee Koester, Secretary Po Box 10170 Columbia, MO 65205 lkoester@missourisportshooting.org www.missourisportshooting.org or www.safewithguns.org

League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc. • Mr. Rick Allen, President P.O. Box 8527 Lexington, KY 40533 859-276-3518 home • Mr. Alex Lea, NRA Representative 217 Dorchester Road Louisville, KY 40223 502-649-8680 cell 502-429-3886 fax Sec1667@aol.com www.kentuckysportsmen.com

(Massachusetts) Gun Owners’ Action League – G.O.A.L. • Mr. John Durkin, Jr., President P.O. Box 567, 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-5333 office • Mr. James Wallace, Executive Director

• Mr. Ronald L. Grapes, President P.O. Box 1585, 3407-19th Ave. Kearney, NE 68848 308-237-7902 home rlgrapes@frontiernet.net • Mr. Terry Copple, Secretary 10285 North Aspen Avenue Hastings, NE 68901 402-744-2049 home tc68901@yahoo.com

Gun Owners of New Hampshire, Inc. • Mr. Mitch Kopacz, President P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0487 603-225-4664 president@gonh.org • Ms. Evelyn Logan, Secretary P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0847 603-225-2664 office 877-841-1672 phone/fax gonh_el@yahoo.com www.gonh.org

Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. • Mr. Scott L. Bach, President P.O. Box 651 Newfoundland, NJ 07435 (973) 697-9270 sbach@mindspring.com • Ms. Judith Iorio, Recording Secretary P.O. Box 1397 recordingsecretary@anjrpc.org www.anjrpc.org

Montana Rifle & Pistol Association

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, Inc.

• Mr. Matt Egloff, President P.O. Box 4394 Butte, MT 59702 406-782-5704

• Mr. Roger Buelow, President P.O. Box 30850 Albuquerque, NM 87190 505-345-3646 Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 29

NRA-affiliated state associations rhbuelow@comcast.net • Mr. Ken Laintz, Secretary P.O. Box 753 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-667-0034 nmssamembership@hotmail.com www.nmssa.org

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. • Mr. Thomas H. King, President P.O. Box 1023 Troy, NY 12181-1023 518-424-1349 518-449-1332 fax tking@nysrpa.org • Mr. Joseph DeBergalis, VP of Operations P.O. Box 1023 Troy, NY 12181 518-272-2654 office josephpdebergalisjr@hotmail.com www.nysrpa.org

North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. David McFarling, President P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 919-929-9585 home president@ncrpa.org • Mr. David Prest, Secretary P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-639-4742 office dprest@pinehurst.net www.ncrpa.org

North Dakota Shooting Sports Association • Mr. Eric Pueppke, President PO Box 228 Bismarck, ND 58502 701-967-8450 cpueppke@polarcom.com • Mr. Steve Faught, Secretary/Treasurer 701-347-5903 home rushridge2@wildblue.net www.ndssa.org

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. David Johnson, President PO Box 571 Dayton, OH 45409 513-934-1468 dajohns37@embarqmail.com • Mr. Keith V. Bailey, Secretary 175 W. Main New London, OH 44851-1018 419-929-0307 office kvbguns@msn.com

Oklahoma Rifle Association • Mr. G. Don Scott, President Rt. 2, Box 23 Maysville, OK 73057 405-867-5234 home dons@recok.coop • Mr. Charles Smith, Executive Director P.O. Box 850602

30 club connection Volume 14, Number 1

Yukon, OK 73085-0602 405-324-2450 office/fax okgun@cox.net www.oklarifle.org

Oregon State Shooting Association • Mr. Tim Pitzer, President 2815 South Shore Drive SE Albany, OR 97322 541-928-2460 home 541-981-2064 fax president@ossa.org • Mr. Jerod Broadfoot, Vice President (503) 930-4926 vicepresident@ossa.org www.ossa.org

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Jack Lee, President 100 Wycliff Way Butler, PA 16001 724-865-2597 phone/fax prpaleg@zoominternet.net • Mr. James G. Johnson, Secretary 405 Hilltop Road Paoli, PA 19301 610-647-2374 JJohnUVA@bellatlantic.net www.pennarifleandpistol.org

Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver Association • Mr. Paul Boiani, President P.O. Box 41148 Providence, RI 02940 401-233-0771 office • Mr. Donn C. DiBiasio, Secretary P.O. Box 17452 Smithfield, RI 02917 401-233-0771 office

Gun Owners of South Carolina • Mr. Gerald Stoudemire, President P.O. Box 211 Little Mountain, SC 29075 803-945-7677 home president@gosc.org • Ms. Peggy Bodner 1080 Pinecrest Dr Rock Hill, SC 29732 803-329-8668 mbodner@comporium.net www.gosc.org

South Dakota Shooting Sports Association • Mr. BJ McGuire, President P.O. Box 3 Dell Rapids, SD 57022 bj@sdshootingsports.org • Mr. Greg Iversen, Secretary 21421 Richard Road Sturgis, SD 57885 605-428-5488 605-428-5502 fax azyhy@blackhill.com www.sdshootingsports.org

Tennessee Shooting Sports Association, Inc. Mr. Ray W. Harvey, Jr., President 6653 Jocelyn Hollow Road Nashville, TN 37205 615-352-3954 tnssa@earthlink.net • Mr. Ralph Walker, Secretary 1436 Right Prong Blue Buck Road Duck River, TN 38454 615-662-9116 Ralph.walker@columbiastate.edu tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

Texas State Rifle Association • Dan Walker, President 717 Mountain Ridge Dr Leander, TX 78641 512-260-7157 dwalker@aeps.us

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Association • Mr. Elwood P. Powell, President 4834 Van Buren Avenue Ogden, UT 84403 801-449-9763 office 801-476-8274 fax president@usrpa.org • Mr. Willis K. Smith, Secretary 1349 West 2600 North Clinton, UT 84015 801-589-5825 home secretary@usrpa.org www.usrpa.org

Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc. • Mr. Roy Marble, President 14 Stafford Avenue Morrisville, VT 05661 802-888-5100 mmarrealty@aol.com • Mr. William Brunelle PO Box 1231, St. Albans, VT 05478 802-524-6320 home Billkat1@sover.net www.vtfsc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Association Mr. Lucien Charette, Executive Director P.O. Box 1258 Orange, VA 22960 540-672-5848 office vssamain@verizon.net Ms. Andrea T. Smith, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 1258 Orange, VA 22960 540-672-5848 office/fax andrea.smith@myvssa.org

waShIngton State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon, Inc. • Mr. Dave Sotelo, President PO Box 993 Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-925-4084 home president@wsrpa.org • Mr. Monte Milanuk, Secretary 4027 Stemilt Creek Rd Wenatchee, WA 98801 monte@milanuk.net • www.wsrpa.org

weSt vIrgInIa State rIfLe & pIStoL aSSocIatIon • Mr. Barry Hogue, President 1220 Philippi Pike Clarksburg, WV 26301 304-624-5363 • Mr. Richard C. Whiting, Secretary Rt. 1, Box 272-2 Buckhannon, WV 26201 304-623-6093 Mountaineer063@yahoo.com www.wvasrpa.org

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

wyomIng State ShootIng aSSocIatIon, Inc. • Mr. Mark Spungin, President P.O. Box 94 Guernsey, WY 82214 307-836-2188 home marks@champmail.com • Mr. Roger Sebesta, Secretary/Treasurer 625 Sweetwater Street Lander, WY 82520 307-335-9323 wssa@wyoming.com myweb.wyoming.com/wssa/

nRA field Representative directory eAsteRn ReGion

•Eastern Regional Director Area 1 (ME, NH,VT, N. NY) 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 Michael Langton Jay Rusnock Vacant Kory Enck Thomas Baldrige Brian Swartz Jim Kilgore David Wells Robert Doug Merrill Bob Hipple

276-579-9828 607-427-8404 845-298-7233 Vacant 717-689-3200 724-861-0447 973-343-2104 304-255-2916 252-456-2097 828-628-0410 540-6310633

Philip Gray Brian Hoover John Crone Larry Summarell, Jr. Scott Taetsch Michael F. Huber Gregg Pearre Mike Webb Lloyd Edwards Allan Herman Wayne Steele

740-773-4119 740-2974255 317-946-7260 270-586-5031 715-873-3360 815-635-3321 573-761-5466 901-382-4789 419-646-3669 989-686-3013 217-233-6784

Al Hammond Dale Carwile Mike Cockerham Howell Lancaster Dick Kingsafer Craig Pace Tommy Easterling Gayle Carter-Cook Mike Nevins Jack Cannon Larry Mills

386-462-5421 864-223-9900 478-472-4640 904-521-1945 601-794-0068 334-821-3200 903-330-4901 361-972-2166 501-366-0293 325-617-4460 941-378-9237

•North Central 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)

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

509-895-9407 405-692-8672 218-844-4400 515-332-1285 913-294-9956 505-281-6721 406-293-2498 307-746-2520 719-207-4080 701-522-9622

WESTERN REGION •Western Regional Director Area 31 (AZ) Area 32 (S. ID, Eastern NV, UT) Area 33 (Northern ID, Eastern WA) Area 34 (HI, OR) Area 35 (Northern CA) Area 36 (Southern CA, S. NV) Area 37 (Central CA) Area 38 (AK) Area 40 (Western WA) Area 46 (E.CA, W. NV)

J.P. Nelson Donna Cassity Vacant Brendon Hill Mike Carey Daniel Wilhelm Lissa Davis Jason Quick Bradley J. Kruger Jim Williams Steve Wilson

480-357-4057 520-316-0620 Vacant 509-325-0131 541-385-9404 707-994-5877 818-241-0735 805-239-4246 907-235-9059 253-904-8941 209-847-4826

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 (Southern MI) Area 52 (Southern IL) 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, Northern MS) Area 47 (Western TX) Area 48 (Southern Florida) MID WESTERN REGION

Volume 14, Number 1 club connection 31

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

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Merrifield, VA. Permit No.283