Friends of NRA Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon, who works directly with NRA Field Representatives throughout the country, brings NRAblog.com readers as many profiles of Field Representatives as possible. Clay Pederson from Area 41 is this week's spotlight.
Nicole McMahon: Which geographic area(s) do you cover?
Clay Pederson: South Dakota and North Dakota.
NM: When did you start your NRA field rep career?
CP: December 3rd, 2007.
NM: What drew you to the job?
CP: I have always been a huge supporter of the NRA and decided to get involved at the local level by starting the Northwest Friends of NRA event in Lemmon, S.D. I chaired the event from 2000-2007. After years with the Friends of NRA as a volunteer and helping out with recruiting new members through our local club, I knew becoming a field rep was something I wanted to do. I never looked at it as a job, but being part of something bigger that will affect generations to come. I was drawn by the privilege of working for the greatest pro-Second Amendment organization in the United States and helping to continue the protection and promotion of our rights granted to us within the U.S. Constitution.
NM: What is unique about your particular geographic area?
CP: I have two states, North Dakota and South Dakota, and within those two states are two different ways of life. Western North Dakota and South Dakota is more rugged and arid, which is where the “Badlands” are located. There is more ranching in the western Dakotas where thousands of head of cattle are raised annually to supply our nation’s beef demands. The distance people have to travel is enormous. Where I live, the closest Wal-Mart, major airport, or mall is 100 miles away. Towns with major services are generally 50 to 70 miles apart if not farther.
In eastern South and North Dakota, the terrain is made up of rolling hills and flatland with a lot more rainfall. Both have a tremendous amount of farming and there’s also the fertile Red River Valley in eastern North Dakota. Towns are closer together and the population is also larger in the eastern side of each state.
South Dakota has the Black Hills, where each year thousands of tourists visit during the summer to see Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the many other attractions located in the Hills area.
The people in both areas are very strong and independent. I also don’t want to forget the tremendous amount of hunting and fishing we have in each state.
NM: How many traveled miles do you average a year?
CP: 25,000 to 30,000.
NM: What’s the best part of your job?
Clay’s passion for the NRA is carried down to his six-month-old son, Layton, who is pictured here in his Dad’s copper NRA tub.
CP: Knowing that what we are doing is extremely important. Protecting and promoting the Second Amendment is one of the most important things we can do. Working with the volunteers is also a highlight of this job. I work with so many who share the same passion and desire for our freedoms, which is very rewarding. I have the privilege of waking up each morning and being proud of what I do.
NM: Do you have a particularly memorable story about a banquet from your area?
CP: I would have to say it was this year with my brand new Northern Oahe Friends of NRA event. This was a very dedicated group of volunteers that set goals, and achieved them all, making High Caliber in the first year.
During the event, the time came for the Veterans Raffle to be drawn. Several individuals, stores, and groups donated to underwrite a very nice Reproduction 1911 Service Pistol. Every veteran, active duty, and retired military member of the Armed Services was given the opportunity to enter this drawing. They were also asked to write down the years of service and where they served. When the name was drawn, the winner came up to the stage to receive his new pistol and was greatly overwhelmed by it all.
As he headed to the stage, the entire room rose to their feet and applauded his service. He came up, the chairman presented it to him, and he was asked to say a little something. He said he was just so grateful and that he was proud to be an American and a veteran, and it was an honor to receive this gift. As he returned to his seat, the applause continued and then all veterans and military members were thanked and honored for their sacrifices and service. This to me was one of the most memorable moments I have seen.
NM: Is there anything else about your Friends of NRA experience you’d like to share?
CP: I have only been a field rep for a short time, but I have to say it is the best decision I have ever made. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had the privilege to be part of. We are a like a big “family” and although everyone is working in each of their own areas, nobody wants anyone to fail, and support within this organization is amazing. I am honored to be a part of the NRA and will do the best job I can to ensure the success of South Dakota and North Dakota.
Attend a 2009 Friends of NRA event in North Dakota or South Dakota. Contact NRA Field Representative Clay Pederson at (701) 522-9622 or via email at cpederson@nrahq.org for more information.