From 4-H to 2A Advocates: A Journey of Youth, Values, and Leadership
Volunteers are the backbone of Friends of NRA. Across the United States, more than 800 dedicated volunteers give their time and energy to make a difference in their communities. From selling tickets to local Friends of NRA fundraising events to securing sponsors and underwriters, assisting with day-of-event activities, and everything in between, their impact is felt at every level.
Meet Melinda and LeRoy—two outstanding volunteers from Texas—who were honored as the 2024 Volunteers of the Year and Southern Regional Volunteers of the Year. Hear how they first got involved with Friends of NRA and why their passion continues to drive their commitment to the future of shooting sports:
Why are you passionate about Friends of NRA?
When I was a young boy in 4-H, I joined the shooting sports program they offered. The only materials provided were the targets—each participant brought whatever firearm and ammunition they had access to. I used my grandfather’s Savage Model 4C bolt-action .22 rifle, which I still own today. Not everyone had a rifle, so we shared what we had and made it work together.
Working with Friends of NRA is a meaningful way to ensure that kids today have access to safe, reliable equipment they can use and enjoy. Raising funds to promote firearm safety among youth and helping local communities obtain equipment for their programs is incredibly rewarding. Knowing we can make a positive difference in the lives of children and young adults we may never even meet is truly special.
Along the way, we’ve also met some remarkable people from across the country. It’s inspiring to connect with firearm manufacturers, NRA Board Members, and Volunteers of the Year from places like Montana, California, and Michigan and to hear their stories. Meeting the Falls of Ohio, the 2024 Committee of the Year, at the Atlanta NRA Banquet last year was especially memorable. Relationships with dedicated, inspiring people like these help keep us motivated and passionate about the mission.
What fuels your committee’s success?
Our longest-serving committee member, Randy Witte, often recalls the first time our small community was visited by an NRA Field Representative. At the time, there were doubts that a town our size could support a successful Friends of NRA event.
Randy believed otherwise. He knew our neighbors—and folks from nearby towns—would show up, make an evening of it, and stand behind a cause they care about.
Year after year, they did just that.
Through steady effort, dedicated volunteers, and a community willing to support one another, something truly special took root. Today, we’re grateful to see how far that belief has carried us.
We’re thankful for the incredible people who made it possible and proud to continue paying it forward.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
We’re looking forward to putting on another great event for our attendees. Every year, they come excited to see what we’ll do next. We’re also eager to collaborate and share ideas with other Texas committees to help make each event the best it can be. And we can’t wait to bring the Eagle back to Texas when NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits comes to Houston.
Are you ready to become a champion of the Second Amendment? Join the excitement and make a real impact by getting involved with your local Friends of NRA committee. Volunteer, connect with like-minded supporters, and help strengthen the future of shooting sports in your community.
https://www.friendsofnra.org/volunteer/
