The troops are on their way to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando International Airport for the first Club University of 2010. We'll be talking about everything from insurance to range specs to membership benefits to those interested in pepping up their firearms club operations.

NRAblog will be on hand to share some of the details while we blog live from the event. Hopefully, it will be enough to convince you to attend our next events in Indianapolis, Indiana or Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's the least you can do to ensure that your club or association is operating at top efficiency.

For all the details on the next Club Universities, go to www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university or call (800) NRA-CLUB (672-2582) to register today.

Written by Larry Summarell, NRA Field Representative for Kentucky:

Friends of NRA: Kentucky State Meeting

Volunteer committee members from around Kentucky all came to Elizabethtown, KY again this year for the annual Friends of NRA Kentucky State Fund Committee meeting. We were honored again this year to have Mike Webb, NRA Field Representative for Tennessee, with us to share ideas for our events to continue to grow and achieve new levels. Richard D’Alauro, NRA Field Rep Specialist, also took time to come and give us new game ideas for our events. We also recognized twelve committees around the state by awarding them achievement banners to mark their success in 2009.

After lunch, the Friends of NRA grant committee and officers of the local committees stayed to distribute the funds raised in 2009 to qualified grant applicants. In 2009, Kentucky committees raised a net of $192K to support the shooting sports. $97K stayed in Kentucky and the balance went to support grants on a national level. Larry Summarell, NRA Field Representative for Kentucky, was recognized with a special gift in appreciation for his leadership and dedication to improving the Friends of NRA in Kentucky. He was presented with a Kimber Ultra Carry II “Freedom Defender."

Hats off to Kentucky Volunteer of the Year Scott Smith from the Big Rivers Friends of NRA committee in Owensboro! His tireless dedication to support the shooting sports and selfless volunteer spirit earned him this much-deserved award.

A big thank you to all our friends who attend our events and made our efforts a success! Find information about an event in your area by using this map.

Here are this week's Friends of NRA banquets, brought to us by Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon.

"2010 Friends of NRA events have seen substantial increases in online tickets sales. Over the first quarter of 2010, www.friendsofnra.org has had over 950 ticket orders for over $45,000 in revenue, up over 600% compared to the same period in 2009," Jeremy Greene, Event Services Manager told us. "The success of the Friends of NRA website and new online ticket feature make Friends of NRA more efficient and help our volunteers in their grassroots efforts."

03/10/2010
Appleton, Wisconsin
Deer Lodge, Montana

03/11/2010
Carmel, Indiana
Diboll, Texas
Sioux City, Iowa 

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Joe Mosby: Take a local look at the NRA

With any large organization, a quick glance isn’t enough to tell the story. You usually need to get down to the grass roots, the local and everyday people in the group, to get a handle on what really goes on.

Today we’re talking about the National Rifle Association (NRA), but more specifically the Toad Suck Friends of NRA. That’s local people. They have their annual fundraising dinner coming up Saturday, April 17.

In the big picture, meaning nationwide, the NRA is a lightning rod. Mention the name and reactions are hot or cold. Love ‘em or hate ‘em. The major news media is partly to blame in that it quickly pushes buttons to bring forth NRA’s comments on any issue involving firearms.

We hear NRA’s strong opposition to whatever Democrat is in office as well as whenever somebody says more gun controls are needed. Nobody bashed Bill Clinton more than NRA, and Barack Obama is catching the flak now.

OK, that’s on the national scene. What we’re looking at here are the people around Faulkner County who are involved in this support group called Friends of NRA and who are active in promoting responsible shooting programs for 4-H clubs, the Boy Scouts and school-affiliated shooting sports.

Yes, shooting and school can go together. The trapshooting and archery programs launched by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in recent years have become highly successful. We’ve got a couple of students at Greenbrier High School, Kayle Browning and Wesley Wilcox, who have obtained proficiency enough that they will be in the competition for United States slots in the next Olympics.

Teaching a young person the proper, safe, efficient ways to shoot a gun is extremely important in Arkansas, every bit as vital as teaching him or her how to drive a car. Do you want to argue that a gun is more dangerous than a car?

No, you didn't read that wrong -- NRAblog neglected to post this latest installment of Membership Monday yesterday. Enjoy this tardy post, exclusive to our readers, and provided by the talented Brian Evans, the NRAStore™ Merchandise Buyer:

Looking for an off-body carry method? Look no further than the NRA Concealed Carry Day Planner, designed exclusively for the NRAstore™. When you can’t carry on your person, this planner will help you to stay close to your firearm while staying concealed. Made of sturdy 600 Denier polyester, this planner features two zippered compartments: one for your planner and one for your handgun. The handgun compartment features an adjustable hook and loop holster and mag pouch with lockable zippers. The holster will fit small to medium-sized handguns.

The planner compartment features a three-ring binder fully stocked with undated calendar pages which can be replaced with all major manufacturers’ custom refills. The cover is embroidered with a black NRA Shield. Dimensions 10" x 7½" x 3½" (max height). Color: Black. Weight: 2¼ lbs.

This item is available at the NRAstore for 39.95. For more information, visit www.nrastore.com/nra/Product.aspx?productid=SA%2022207 or call 1-888-607-6007. Be sure to request a copy of the NRAstore™ catalog!

The National Firearms Museum (NFM) hosted their second "Night at the Museum" for 2010 on Friday. As luck would have it, Senior Curator Phil Schreier was on hand to report:

Boy Scout Troop 2010 from South Riding, Virginia visited the NRA National Firearms Museum Friday night for A Night at the Museum. Some of you might recognize Troop 2010 Committee member Mark A. Keefe IV as the Editor in Chief of NRA's own American Rifleman magazine. Mark and his son Duncan brought the troop out for a tour of the museum before everyone found a spot in the auditorium to watch "The Wind & the Lion", a classic film by NRA Board member John Milius.

After the movie, the troop was granted a VIP tour of the museum vault where guns from the upcoming "Hollywood Guns" exhibit were being staged. Firearms like the Remington 11-87 from "No Country for Old Men," Obi-Wan Kenobi's light saber from "Star Wars" (pictured at right), and a Colt 1895 Potato Digger from "The Wind & The Lion" were available for the guys to examine.

NFM hosts a variety of events throughout the year. A Night at the Museum is an opportunity for Boy Scouts and other NRA cooperative youth organizations to experience a behind the scenes look at the many treasures held here at headquarters. For more information or to become an affiliated club, contact the NRA Clubs and Associations Department at (800) NRA-CLUB.

MidwayUSA and its CEO, Larry Potterfield, have pledged $50,000 to become a Friends of NRA 2010 National Corporate Sponsor.

The donation will be used to provide funding for NRA Foundation programs dedicated to youth and women’s shooting sports, range development and law enforcement such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program, Refuse to be a Victim® and Women on Target®.

MidwayUSA is a world leader in shooting and reloading supplies which it sells online and through mail-order catalogues. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, they have maintained their strong commitment to Friends of NRA and the shooting sports over the years. Brenda Potterfield, co-owner and wife of Larry, has previously served as the Vice President of the NRA Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA's field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Larry Potterfield was instrumental in the startup of Friends of NRA with the founding of the first chapter in Columbia, Missouri, in 1992. Since then, Friends of NRA has expanded to hold over 12,000 events. The original chapter still holds its monthly meetings at the MidwayUSA building.

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From Nicole McMahon:

Every state does something different in order to raise money at Friends of NRA banquets, but Tennessee does something unique – it focuses on quality donations that are raffled or auctioned off at each of its 24 banquets. In the past, Tennessee may have had one or two statewide donations; this year, it had a remarkable 16, and the numbers keep growing.

One of the more coveted items added this year, a 1911 Pistol .45 ACP, is being produced by C.O. Arms exclusively for the Tennessee Friends of NRA. Each pistol is engraved with the words “Tennessee Friends of NRA 2010,” the Friends of NRA patriot logo, and a serial number TNFNRA01 through 24.

Mike Webb, the NRA Field Representative for Tennessee, received news from another high-end donor whose donation package would start at a minimum bid of $1,000. Included in the package is:

• A tour for up to 10 guests of the Barrett Firearms plant, which would include shooting the world famous Barrett .50-caliber rifle.
• Each winning bidder will be eligible for a drawing at the end of the year for one FREE Barrett 98-Bravo 338 Lupua Rifle. The 98-Bravo has been named the NRA Publications’ Golden Bullseye Rifle of the Year for 2010.
• Each of the top bidders from the Friends’ chapters (while they did not win the FREE rifle) may purchase the 98-Bravo during 2010 with a discount of $500 from Barrett.

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It's Wednesday, which means here is your list of the upcoming Friends of NRA events this next week, courtesy of Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon.

03/04/2010
Billings, Montana
Effingham, Illinois

03/05/2010
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Latham, New York
Missoula, Montana
Riverton, Wyoming

03/06/2010
Artesia, New Mexico
Ashland, Wisconsin
Auburn, California
Chillicothe, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Danville, Virginia
Danville, Indiana
Enon Valley, Pennsylvania
Eugene, Oregon
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One of the NRA's popular programs, the Range Development and Operations Conference, teaches participants all about what it takes to plan a shooting facility.

Experts from around the nation will gather to cover topics like business plans, dealing with zoning boards, OSHA guidelines, environmental sound, and range maintenance. No matter how much experience you have in the field, there's always something new to learn and master.

Their next conference is scheduled for March 20-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Only 25 spots remain.

Son Nyguen tells us that interested parties had better get a move on. "People who expect to register at the last minute will be disappointed," he said. "Seats are going fast, and the conferences are capped to keep the class sizes small."

To secure your spot, contact Kara Schlifke (KSchlifke@nrahq.org or 877-NRA-RANGE) and register now!

At the end of every year, divisions within the National Rifle Association recognize the hard work and efforts of their top performers. In NRA’s Field Operations, that recognition arrives in the form of the “Top Gun” award. Here’s more from Field Operations’ Managing Director Kyle Weaver:

The Field Operations “Top Gun Award” is handed out to the top employee within the division each year. Members of the senior management team get together and vote for the winner from a list of nominees. This year, Elizabeth Bush was voted Top Gun because of her outstanding work throughout our programs and division.

Among her many achievements, Liz built an entirely new benefit package for our affiliates, improved every aspect of the clubs and ranges department and as a manager has lead her staff to achieve new heights. She also established herself as a leader within our division, within the industry, and with many NRA Board members.

Kyle later explained that "Top Gun" is traditionally handed out to a field representative. In fact, this is the first time anyone at NRA headquarters received this award.

In recognition of this achievement, Liz was presented with a numbered print of Cole Johnson's "Pride" and the Friends of NRA 2008 Gun of the year -- a limited production Weatherby Orion D'italia 12 gauge shotgun. This over/under features 28 inch blue barrels with three inch chamber, a vented mid-rib, chrome lining, and a gold laid NRA Seal.

Congratulations Liz!

Friends of NRAEvent Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon brings NRAblog.com readers asmany profiles of Field Representatives as possible. Nicole worksdirectly with NRA Field Representatives and this week introduces us to Area 47's Jack Cannon, the West Texas Representative.

Nicole McMahon: What geographic area do you cover?
Jack Cannon: West Texas - west of a line from Wichita Falls and south to Eagle Pass.

NM: When was the start of your career as a NRA field rep?
JC: January 22, 2007

NM: What drew you to the job?
JC: The location and what the job was doing - supporting the 2nd Amendment. I had someone come up to me the other day telling me he thought the NRA was just about guns. It’s more than just guns- the NRA works to protect your rights. If somebody out there can wield an eraser and take away one of your rights, what’s stopping them from taking away this one?

NM: What is the most unique part about the area you represent?
JC: It ranges from dry desert country to mountains (yes, there ARE mountains in Texas) to lakes to woods to the south plains. As varied as the territory is, the people are just as varied.

NM: What would you say is your average traveled miles per year?
JC: 50,000

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The Times Leader just had a story highlighting next month's Friends of NRA banquet in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

NEPA chapter of NRA to hold fundraising event

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter Friends of NRA will hold its 18th annual fundraising banquet on Saturday, March 20, at Genetti Manor, 1505 N. Main Ave., Dickson City (off Exit 190 of Route 81).

In addition to the family-style dinner, the event consists of live and silent auctions, bucket drawings and door prizes, and other games and special events. Included in the auctions are firearms, limited edition prints and sculptures and many other valuable items.

Since its inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has held more than 12,000 events, reached more than 2 million attendees and raised more than $140 million for The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each year, The NRA Foundation allocates half of all net proceeds to fund projects within the state in which the money was raised and uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope.

Continue reading the story here.

Here is the list of the upcoming Friends of NRA events this next week, courtesy of Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon.

02/25/2010
Charleston, West Virginia
Kinston, North Carolina
Terre Haute, Indiana
Whipple, Ohio

02/26/2010
Colusa, California
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Shreveport, Louisiana

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After eight months of development, the legendary Shiloh Rifle brings Friends of NRA a truly unique 1874 Mt. Roughrider Rifle in .45/70 Gov. to add to the many great items that will be available at Friends banquets this year.

Each rifle, manufactured at Friends of NRA's request, includes over 30 hours of hand cut engraving by master experts at Baron Engraving. The intricate design on each receiver, side plate, latch lever, hammer and other metal parts were hand-detailed in keeping with tradition. Hand-polished and sanded Semi-Fancy wood stocks with pistol grips were individually inspected before being fitted to each receiver. The custom features found only in a collector's wish list also include a 30" full heavy octagonal barrel, steel butt stock, blade front sight, buckhorn full reare sight, along with pewter tip, and double set triggers.

Only ten of these rifles were produced, each with a color case hardened and dequentially numbered by hand with a 24K Gold NRA Serial Number at Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Company in Big Timber, MT.

Due to the exclusivity of these rifles, they will only be available to the top ten Friends of NRA High Caliber Events in the nation.

Each rifle comes with the Shiloh Rifle Lifetime Guarantee and is sure to be a priceless addition to any collection.

Your Shiloh Sharps is a 100% American made product. When you purchase this legendary rifle, you support the proncipals of a way of life Americans have fought and died for over generations – self-reliance, pride, and our freedom.

Look for Friends of NRA events in your area.