NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre visited the Springfield, Mass., headquarters of Smith & Wesson on March 19 to meet with the company's employees and tour its manufacturing operations.
During his visit to the 162-year-old arms maker, LaPierre was presented with a $600,000 company donation by Smith & Wesson President and CEO James Debney, continuing the company's longstanding support of the NRA and the fight to preserve the Second Amendment.
“The importance of the NRA and its critical role in the protection of Second Amendment rights in the United States cannot be understated,” said Debney. “Through its various programs, pro-gun reform legislation and grassroots efforts, the existence of the NRA is crucial to the preservation of the shooting sports and to the entire firearms industry. Only by joining together, utilizing shared resources, and working toward the same objectives, will we be able to ensure the preservation of Second Amendment rights today and for future generations.”
Earlier this year, Smith & Wesson donated safety equipment valued at more than $500,000 to NRA Women’s Programs for Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics and Female NRA Certified Instructor clinics. Last year, Smith & Wesson was inducted into the NRA Golden Ring of Freedom, an honor reserved for those who have given gifts of cash or assets to the NRA totaling $1 million or more. As a member of the NRA Corporate Partners Program, Smith & Wesson has also made a long-term commitment to the NRA Life of Duty Program, with sponsorship of the online network’s Patriot Profiles and several other initiatives.
“On behalf of our 5 million plus members and tens of millions of supporters, I'd like to thank the men and women of Smith & Wesson for their generous support of our fight to preserve our gun rights and hunting heritage. Freedom needs our continued vigilance and America's 100 million gun owners must stand and fight to preserve our liberty,” said LaPierre.
Further demonstrating the company's commitment to the NRA, Debney also announced that Smith & Wesson will be adding a company-paid NRA annual membership to its Employee Benefit Program for all full-time employees beginning in 2015.
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