I hope all of you had a chance to read the “Executive Committee Message” by Art Fleener in the January Muzzle Blasts, Art detailed the award of a Grant from the Pittman Robertson Act of $1,200,000 to the NMLRA. This will be used primarily to improve our facilities and ranges. One of the first priorities will be new bathrooms that are handicap compliant. The grant is a 90/10 grant, the NMLRA will have to fund $120,000 toward these improvements to receive the matching portion from the federal and state government. We are working on a program to solicit help in reaching this target. We will be launching this initiative soon. I am writing this column to recognize a person that did not wait to be called upon for help but after finding out about this need, came forward to help, as he has at range work days, volunteering, etc.  I would like to relay his story and how it reflects on many of our members who have come forward to help and volunteer to support the NMLRA  when needed.   

Shortly after the article referenced above came out, I received a note that Sherrill Puckett and his wife drove down to the office at Friendship and dropped off a letter expressing their admiration for the NMLRA and a check for $1,000 to be applied to the $120,000 that we will need to raise. I called Sherrill to thank him and his wife for their generosity. During the conversation, I asked Sherrill about his motivation and involvement with the NMLRA. Like many of you reading this, he has been a long time member and participated in matches at Friendship. He has participated in range work sessions to get the ranges ready for the National Matches.

He related that like many of us seniors, he grew up in the ‘50s and ’60s watching Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett and fell in love with Flintlock rifles. One of his high water marks was introducing his grandson at the age of 8 years old to Friendship. He said after that initial visit, it became a regular journey for them both to

go to Friendship and enjoy their “shining times” together, One of their favorite areas was the woodswalk. This continued until his grandson turned 21 and moved away for his job. Sherrill told me that he is very interested in the NMLRA's focus on youth and hopes that we will continue to work in developing growth in this area with special classes during the big events. I told him this reminded me of so many families that I have met over the years. Many of them continue to camp and introduce their children to Friendship and the NMLRA.   

In closing, I want to thank Sherrill, his wife, and all of you. I have always been impressed and appreciative of the time, talents, and generosity of our members. At last count, I think we have had 787 members join the “1 of 1,000”.

God bless you all.

 Jerry Von Dielingen, Vice-President