Volunteers: The Backbone Of The NRA

by
posted on August 2, 2023
NRA Volunteers
Photos: John Parker

Longtime NRA Smallbore Rifle supporter Paul Benneche scoring targets after the Pershing Trophy Match conducted during the Prone Nationals.

Throughout our Association’s history, the tireless efforts of volunteers over the years have aided the National Rifle Association of America in becoming the oldest, most-effective civil-rights organization in the world. Together with our more than five million members, we’re proud defenders of history’s patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.

From competitive shooting and our educational and training programs to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, women’s and youth programs, all the way up to the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, the Great American Outdoor Show and the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, our volunteers form a critical pillar in the fight to protect the Second Amendment. They travel from all over—from California to Vermont and all points in between, and their efforts propel NRA events and programs far above any alternatives.

What’s even more amazing is seeing firsthand how the shared love of the Second Amendment can bring people together to volunteer. For example, this past April in Indianapolis, we had teenagers, housewives in their 50s, men in their 70s and beyond, students, plumbers, carpenters, doctors, factory workers, a retired colonel, and police officers—name an occupational group and you could find a representative at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. These conscientious men and women with their willing hands were hanging banners, punching computer keyboards and providing support at many different events. All those hardworking volunteers make the entire experience better for everyone involved.

NRA Volunteers

More great examples of hardworking volunteers can be found among the competition staff at the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury. Middleton “Mid” Tompkins, one of the greatest High Power Rifle shooters of all time and now in his eighties, still maintains a grand presence at the range as match director for the NRA High Power and Smallbore Rifle Championships. Another longtime NRA competitive shooting volunteer and referee, Kenn Boyd, has been the Precision Pistol Championship match director since 2021 and is key to its smooth operation.

As America’s longest-standing civil rights organization, the NRA is dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment and your rights as American citizens that are enshrined in the Constitution. I encourage all of you to get involved in supporting the NRA in your community. By doing so, we can work together to ensure the future of the shooting sports, hunting, self-defense and our cherished way of life. Learn how to become an NRA volunteer at home.nra.org/volunteer.

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