Fear & Loading: Eddie Eagle Soars in July

by
posted on August 15, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
eddie_eagle.jpg

More requests for child gun safety materials were received by the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program in July than ever before in its 30-year history. The public-outreach effort was launched in 1988 by the NRA, and to date more than 30 million youngsters in every state in the nation have learned the safety message that if they see a gun, ““Stop! Don’t Touch. Run Away. Tell a Grownup.”

We can add 1/4 million to that already impressive total soon, roughly the number of requests received just last month. It goes without saying that Eddie Eagle and his Wing Team—consisting of Gary, Maya, Fiona and Howie—are flying high at the news, although NRA staff filling those orders are probably overworked about now.

There are some good reasons the effort continues to grow. For one thing, it focuses solely on the welfare of Pre-K through 4th graders, not feathering nests. “The NRA does not make any sort of profit off the program, nor does it intend to,” the program’s “about” web page explains. “The goal of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program is to help prevent accidents and keep children safe.”

The Wing Team has no party affiliation and safety is their entire mission. That singular goal resonates with youngsters and parents, and at every NRA Annual Meeting flocks of children gather for a selfie with the feathery mascot.

Eddie and his crew never hold guns or are seen with them. The approach hasn’t gone unnoticed by government agencies. Twenty-five states now include at least part of the program in their firearm safety education.

The odds are good a law enforcement agency near you—perhaps even the school your child or grandchild attends—offers the program sometime during the year. If not, here’s a link to grant guidelines if you’re interested in helping launch it in your community. In the meantime, encourage that young family member—and his or her friends—to visit the Eddie Eagle home page and watch the video lesson. Cost of admission is free, but the results can be priceless.

Watch the Eddie Eagle video here.

 

 

Latest

Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols 01
Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols 01

New For 2025: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols

Rossi downsized its Triple Black lever-action rifle into several pistol variants, creating large-format handguns that are sized for easy carry, vehicle storage or tight maneuvering in dense brush.

Preview: Stealth Cam Revolver 360

There’s nowhere for game to hide from Stealth Cam’s new Revolver 360 cellular trail camera, making it well suited for use in wide-open areas such as food plots or large fields.

Gun Of The Week: Rost Martin RM1S

We’re on the range with a concealable defensive pistol from one of the newest gunmakers in the firearm industry. This is the Rost Martin RM1S, and it’s an even smaller version of the company’s flagship design, the RM1C.

The Keefe Report: Remembering Frank Brownell

Frank Brownell, the patriarch of the Brownells family and a longtime leader in the firearm industry, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, at the age of 85.

The Armed Citizen® June 20, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Lone Wolf Arms Timberwolf 19X

In its Timberwolf 19X, Lone Wolf Arms focused on incremental updates and tweaks to the seminal Glock design, resulting in a versatile "crossover" handgun design capable of fulfilling a variety of roles.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.