Memorial Funds Established

by
posted on June 10, 2014
** 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. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

It’s old news on the Internet, but Sunday morning Joseph Wilcox-a concealed-carry permit holder-died as he confronted an armed criminal in a Las Vegas Walmart. A fund has been set up to help pay for his funeral expenses at Wells Fargo bank. To donate to the Joseph R. Wilcox Memorial Fund, the Las Vegas Review-Journalreports you use account number 8485852688 at any Wells Fargo bank. Sheriff Doug Gillespie calls Wilcox’s actions heroic in this CNN report.

Moments before entering the store, the pair of criminals killed Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers Igor Soldo (31) and Alyn Beck (41) while they were having lunch. Beck, who joined the police force in 2001, is survived by his wife and three children. Soldo started his job in 2006, and leaves behind his wife and infant child. A fund has also been set up for their families at Wells Fargo bank and via PayPal, according to this Las Vegas Fox news affiliate report. They paid the ultimate price in their efforts to “Protect and Serve”-let’s not forget their sacrifice.

Wilcox was between jobs and returning a modem on Sunday morning after remedying an Internet connection problem at his mother’s trailer. If you’ve ever been in a Walmart, you know there’s a crying infant at register 3, at least one physically challenged person somewhere, toddlers throwing temper tantrums down the candy aisle and it’s less orderly than the mosh pits at a heavy-metal concert. I’m exaggerating, and really don’t know for sure-nor do the Internet armchair quarterbacks second-guessing the incident and his actions. His sister, C.J. Foster, told CNN, “He did a very brave thing and I’m very proud of him.”

Yes, the perpetrators also have funerals scheduled, but they don’t count in my book.  One of them had a criminal record long enough to preclude his gun ownership, much less handling. I only wish the pair of officers who died caught him with a firearm a week ago. Then I’d be writing about something much more pleasant.

Latest

Taurus 817 01
Taurus 817 01

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 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.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.