The NRA Team Loses A Special Man

by
posted on May 1, 2014
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

The talented staff at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., went back to work this week short a person. On April 26 in Indianapolis, Ind., a 36-year-old member of the NRA team died after retiring to his room during the NRA Annual Meetings. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

The family needs privacy during this tough time, so I’m omitting his name. However, the professional and courteous manner in which he worked-like nearly all the staff in that building on Waples Mill-is the kind of story members should know.

He isn’t one of those familiar names to Second Amendment activists. In my estimation, being famous wasn’t on his radar screen. He was all about family and when on the job his focus was squarely on his work, always getting it done efficiently and without fanfare. Team players are hard to find, and fulfilling any mission is impossible without them.

Computers were his thing, and he was good. I don’t get along with software, hardware or bytes, so the first time we met he probably wondered if my vocabulary was limited to four-letter words. He responded by beaming that trademarked smile and 10 minutes later declared, “It’s fixed!” as he ran out the door toward another cursing editor. He always wore that smile, and it was contagious. Somehow, knowing he was going to wheel into your office in the next few minutes made staring at a blank screen OK, even if your magazine’s deadline was looming.

Software updates were when this young man had enough time to share photos of his family. He was so proud of his wife and children, and eager to hear about mine. The world’s a dimmer place without him around.

The NRA has an uncanny ability to attract the best and the brightest, talented people willing to mesh into an integral team doing amazing things. Take pride in the fact that the entire building is full of similar stories, decades of service, dedication and a positive attitude-although right now their endings are a lot happier.

Latest

Irish Lugers F
Irish Lugers F

The Irish Lugers: An Update

In recent years, a number of documents clarifying the role of the Pistole 08 Luger in the Irish War of Independence have been discovered. Here, the authors provide context and identifying information for a number of Lugers known to have been used in Ireland during the country's fight for freedom.

NRA's Response To The White House Office Of So-Called "Gun Violence Prevention"

NRA-ILA Executive Director Randy Kozuch released the following statement in response to the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

New For 2023: Rossi Brawler

Rossi USA is reinforcing the concept of an affordable, versatile, single-shot pistol that can be used effectively on game with its Brawler, a field-ready pistol chambered for both .45 Colt and .410 bore shotshells.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range in this week's video to learn about Springfield's modern bolt-action hunting rifle, the Model 2020 Redline.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 22, 2023

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

Picking A Propellant For Your Handloads

Choosing the best propellant for the application is critical to optimal load performance. Here, we provide guidance on navigating the oceans of smokeless propellant options.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.