President's Statement in June/July 2008 "Gunsmoke"

This issue, I’d like to discuss a few different subjects that should be of interest to the members.

The first subject is volunteers, especially those who help with the running of matches. Most of you probably realize that the matches that ORPA runs and sanctions are almost exclusively staffed by volunteers. These volunteers gladly give of their time and often their money, through expenses, to support the shooting sports. In addition, they often give up much, if not all, of their participation in these matches. In many cases, their time goes way beyond what you see of them on match day. They create match programs, collect entries, set up targets, squad participants, and otherwise organize the match beforehand, and they calculate the match scores and determine the winners afterwards. In many cases, they create match reports and send them to all the participants. Making sure that the matches have a venue, such as Camp Perry, is not a trivial task, and dealing with weather and other problems encountered during matches can be very frustrating for the volunteers, as well as the participants. The infamous “boat delays” at Camp Perry are a good example of problems unique to the shooting sports and to certain venues. I’m sure that you shooters know of many others.

So, I hope you’ll be patient next time there are problems at a match. You can be sure that the volunteers are doing the best they can to get “rounds down range” within the constraints of safety, time, and other parameters. Certainly, if you are a participant and feel that you aren’t being treated fairly, you should point this out to the Match Director. However, volunteers cannot control the weather and many other issues, so please have some understanding. Also, if you’re cautioned for a safety-related issue, take it in stride and learn from your mistake. By following a few rules, everyone can feel safe on the line. We’ve all carelessly forgotten a rule from time to time, so don’t take it personally when this is pointed out. By correcting small problems, we can avoid big, disastrous problems that no one wants.

I’d also encourage you to volunteer yourself, whenever you get a chance. Even a small bit of help can make a big difference, if everyone pitches in. Remember, everyone at the match is there because of his or her love of shooting, and the very best thing we can do to promote the shooting sports and protect our rights as Americans and Ohioans is to get as many people as possible involved.

The shooting season will be in full swing when you read this. I hope you’ll consider trying something new this year – perhaps smallbore, if you’re a highpower shooter, or pistol, if you’re a rifle shooter. Most of us have our favorite activity, and this may not change, but I always enjoy trying something new in the shooting sports, even when I’m not that good at it! If you’re a new participant in a sport, let folks know and they’ll be glad to help. If you’re the person who’s experienced, help out the person who’s trying it for the first time. Remember, you had a first time, also.

The last subject I wanted to address was the passing of a great American, Charlton Heston. Mr. Heston was the most dominant figure in the fight for firearms rights in my lifetime. Unlike so many celebrities who support causes that are popular with their fellow glitterati of Hollywood culture, he took numerous stands on issues that were very unpopular in that culture. In this, he showed great courage, and he always made his points firmly, politely, persuasively, and effectively. In doing so, he should be an example for all of us fighting for our rights as Americans. Charlton Heston spent his life "In the Arena," unabashedly fighting for freedom, and he will be sorely missed.