Smith & Wesson Donates $50,000 to Veterans Organization

by
posted on May 31, 2016
** 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. **
hava2016_lorres.jpg

Smith & Wesson Corp. presented Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) with $50,000 at the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky. The donation will support ongoing programs designed to assist disabled veterans and wounded active duty military personnel. Matt Buckingham, president of Smith & Wesson's firearms division, presented the donation to Tom Taylor, chairman of HAVA, during a special ceremony at the Smith & Wesson booth.

"For the last nine years, HAVA has enhanced the lives of thousands of military men, women and their families by enabling them to reconnect with the shooting sports as they return home from active service," said Buckingham. "These men and women have made incredible sacrifices on behalf of our nation and we view it as a privilege and honor to continue to support them throughout the healing process as they seek to reconnect with the outdoors."

Formed in 2007 by several companies in the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry, HAVA has focused its efforts on raising awareness and assisting disabled combat veterans with their healing process through outdoor activities as they transition back into their normal lives. To date, HAVA has sponsored events in over 20 different states. With continued support from its co-sponsors, which include major firearm and outdoor equipment manufacturers, HAVA has been able to heighten awareness of issues facing disabled veterans upon returning home. Donations from these companies are crucial for HAVA, which hosts numerous outdoor activities, including hunts and shooting events, each year.

"As a founding member, Smith & Wesson has remained steadfast in its commitment to HAVA and the veterans it serves by being the leading contributor of funds and products for the organization," said Taylor. "Through these donations and those received from other sponsors, HAVA has grown substantially and we have been able to expand existing and new programs to better serve the men and women of our Armed Forces. HAVA is privileged to have the backing of all its supporters and we pledge to continue serving those who have protected our freedoms both abroad and at home."

Latest

Icarry Taurus TX9 Compact 1
Icarry Taurus TX9 Compact 1

I Carry: Taurus TX9 Compact in a Galco Holster

In our latest "I Carry" segment, we pair the new Taurus TX9 Compact with a leather Stow-N-Go holster from Galco, Inc. This compact, concealed-carry kit is rounded out with an Xolotl automatic knife produced by CRKT.

The Armed Citizen® March 13, 2026

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: Canik USA MC9 Prime

Canik USA built out its concealed-carry handgun lineup with the MC9 Prime, which is a larger, yet still slim, CCW gun that sits in the same category as other upsized micro-compacts.

U.S. Army Awards Mossberg Contract for Additional 590A1 Pump-Action Shotguns

The U.S. Army has awarded O.F. Mossberg & Sons a contract for approximately $11.6 million dollars to supply the U.S. Army with additional Mossberg 590A1 pump-action shotguns.

250 Years of the U.S. Army: Bolt-Actions & Semi-Automatics on the Battlefield

In just a few decades, the U.S. Army would see itself go from a single-shot, blackpowder design in the form of the Trapdoor Springfield to a modern, semi-automatic fighting rifle in the M1 Garand.

Modernized & Economical Muzzleloaders: The CVA Optima XP & XP-SB

CVA's longest-lasting muzzleloader design, the Optima, has been updated in 2026 with "modern ergonomics and modularity."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.