Kyle's Story #3 from 2011 - Friends of NRA's successful first season

Last year Friends of NRA took the plunge onto the small screen, debuting a television show of the same namesake on the Outdoor Channel.

Hosted by professional shooter Jessie Harrison and retired Major League Baseball player Matt Duff, the two traveled across the United States, exploring the ins and outs of the grassroots fund-raising program.

Friends of NRA banquets are quite the experience to see and no two across the country are the same as Matt and Jessie experienced. Headed up by a tireless NRA Field Representative who helps conduct the committee staff and volunteers, each banquet may have its own unique style and variation in the items which are auctioned off, but one common theme connects them all – support for NRA and the Second Amendment. 

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Every year, a hard working group of people help make various NRA events a success. From the National Matches at Camp Perry, to the NRA Bianchi Cup, and even the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, these dedicated men, women, and even a few children are the unsung heroes of the NRA. Who am I talking about? None other than our cadre of volunteers!

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Last week, NRA lost a dear friend, Charles Poles. Known to most as Charlie, Poles was a dedicated volunteer for the NRA's Competitive Shooting Division, having worked the ranges at Camp Perry for 20 years.

Hailing from upstate New York, Poles began his volunteer work at Camp Perry as a Block Officer, watching over a group of shooters as they take the line, ensuring safe gun handling practices. As an avid and knowledgable shooter, Poles quickly advanced up the ranks to Tower Talker, giving the commands for the firing lines. He finally found himself as a Cheif Range Officer, overseeing all operations on Range 2 at the National Matches. Watch an NRANews' interview with Poles shot last year during the National Matches.

This July, Poles was recognized at the Camp Perry Volunteer Banquet for his 20 years of service. Charlie will truly be missed by all of his family here at NRA and remembered for his big smile, warm personality, and his dedication and service as a volunteer.

"I always enjoyed working with Charlie at Camp Perry," said Mike Krei, Director of Competitive Shooting Division. "He was great. It was a good day with Charlie on the line."

Each year, the National Rifle & Pistol Matches at Camp Perry near Port Clinton, Ohio rely on a cadre of volunteers to help keep all aspects of the event running smoothly. From working on the firing line to helping in the NRA Camp Perry store, our volunteers are the backbone of a successful summer at Camp Perry.

If you'd like to come be a part of our team, volunteer applications are now being accepted for the 2012 NRA National Matches. You can fill out and submit your application online or you can print and fax the application to 703-267-3941. See the tentative dates for each phase of the National Matches online, take a look at the Camp Perry Volunteer Brochure, and more on the NRA Volunteer website. You can even see other volunteer opportunities available including the NRA Bianchi Cup, the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, and other events around the country.

If you have questions about becoming a volunteer or would like more information, please contact Woody Arenas at warenas@nrahq.org or 703-267-1469.

During each phase of the NRA National Rifle & Pistol Championships, we take time to recognize the service of our dedicated volunteers. Their help is essential to ensuring the success of the National Matches as they work everywhere from the firing line, to the NRA Camp Perry Store, and everywhere in between. 

Last night, we honored the 112 volunteers that are donating their time and efforts to the National Pistol Matches. Along with dinner and drawings for door prizes, we recognized several volunteers for reaching service year milestones. Those who received service awards are: 

Above are just a few photos of our dedicated volunteers. From those who have served for decades, to those who are with us for the first time this year, we truly appreciate every that our volunteers do for us. If you're a shooter or a visitor here at Camp Perry, please thank a volunteer if you see them - they are the glue that holds these matches together. If you'd like to become an NRA Volunteer here at the National Matches or in another capacity, please visit www.NRAVOL.org or call 1-877-NRA-MATCH. 

Today marks the final day of preparation for the 2011 NRA National Pistol Championships here at Camp Perry. Competitors are beginning to arrive to pick up there entry packets and volunteer training is also getting underway this morning.

Also on the agenda for today is the opening of the NRA Camp Perry Store which will be open for business at 10:00. We'll be bringing a preview later on of the great items that store guru John Parker has for sale, including some fantastic new pieces and great deals on pieces from previous years. 

The NRA Junior Pistol Camp will be kicking off this morning over on Petraca Range, with young pistol shooters learning all about conventional pistol competition. Adults looking to learn more about pistol competition are taking part in the Small Arms Firing School conducted by the Army Marksmanship Unit. 

Finally, the day will conclude with the First Shot Ceremony, held each year to celebrate the start of the National Rifle & Pistol Championships. Starting at 6:30, the First Shot Ceremony will be on Rodriguez Range and will feature the Under Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Joseph Westphalt, as the guest speaker and shooter. 

We'll be bringing you more coverage of these events throughout the day, so check back for photos, news, and more from the 2011 NRA National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry!

Maryland State Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Coordinator Lee Esworthy sent NRAblog the following:

Williamsport, Maryland - The 2011 Maryland Youth Hunter Education Challenge was held on the June 18th weekend at the Potomac Fish and Game Club in Williamsport. Participants and spectators had a wonderful time. This year’s challenge had 23 teams including clubs from Virginia and New York giving us 112 registered participants. The girls showed up the boys by winning several awards and coaching the overall junior team to victory. I can’t say enough about my volunteers ... most are former coaches or parents. One of the best parts is the large number of past participants who come back as volunteers or team coaches.

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Just after this year's Bianchi Cup competition, we unexpectedly lost Olin “Olie” Barjenbruch, a dear friend and dedicated volunteer. It was two days after his 64th birthday.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Olie split his time between managing the Barjenbruch family farm and working in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's and University of Missouri's Archaeology Departments.

"He was a good man and a dedicated volunteer," said NRA National Pistol Manager Tom Hughes. "His 30 years of service to the NRA won't soon be forgotten."

Born in Norfolk, Nebraska, Olie was known for his love of history, archaeology, and gun collecting. He was an active member of the NRA and a dedicated volunteer as a long-time member of the NRA Bianchi Cup Protest Committee. On Saturday night at the awards ceremony, Olie was posthumously honored with his 30 year service award (pictured at right) and a moment of silence.

Services were held Thursday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville with full military honors. Many were blessed to have known Olie, and many will miss him, especially those who were part of his Bianchi Cup family. His generosity, loyalty and hard work will always be remembered by our staff, volunteers, and competitors.

NRA staff and volunteers are always continuing their education, which sometimes means adding a new title to their list of credentials. For one group, this meant taking a Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) Course here at NRA Headquarters.

Three Competitive Shooting Division and one Education & Training Division staff members completed the training along with a Competitive Shooting Volunteer. Led by Training Department staffers Steve Hoback and Sean Thornton, the group used the eight hour course to focus on learning the role of a Chief Range Safety Officer, who teaches others to become Range Safety Officers (RSO). As new CRSOs, they will use their skills to teach RSOs to run ranges at various competitions and shooting events.

"This training is useful for anyone who is going to be supervising other Range Safety Officers, whether it's during a competition or while hosting an event at a local range," said NRA Air Gun Coordinator Jessi McClain. "We'll use this training to teach other staff and volunteers down the line."

The course uses both classroom lectures and practical exercises to make students comfortable and competent teachers, such as having students teach each other basic RSO functions such as showing others how to safely unload a firearm.

If you're interested in becoming a Range Safety Officer or Chief Range Safety Officer, check out the program's website. You'll not only be an asset to your range or club, but also to the shooters you supervise.