Friends of NRA is the premier fundraising program for The NRA Foundation, driven by the commitment of more than 8,000 dedicated volunteers. Their hard work and passion are the backbone of our success. Read below to meet some of our extraordinary 2024 Volunteers from the Western Region!
Ruben Rosas – California
Western Region Volunteer of the Year
“Ruben Rosas has made an exceptional impact through his dedication and service to the Friends of NRA program in Southern California. His commitment is reflected in his participation across a wide range of events, including 4 club visits, 5 gun show raffle ticket booths, 2 rodeo booths, 3 festival booths, and 2 motorcycle rally booths.
Ruben embodies the ideal volunteer— not only has he led his own banquets to success, but he has also traveled to assist at 10 additional events, helping ensure the success of others in Southern CA. He is often the first to invite struggling committees to join him at raffles and community events to help grow their net proceeds.
Ruben has served on the Southern California State Fund Committee for the past two years. This year, he completed the NRA Training Counselor Course at NRA Headquarters in Virginia, earning the title of Training Counselor (TC). He now plays a vital role in developing NRA Certified Instructors throughout Southern California.
In addition, Ruben has conducted over 10 Women on Target courses, expanding access to firearms education and training across the region. His work directly reflects the mission and values of the NRA Foundation, making him a standout example of leadership, service, and what the future of this program can be.”
– Jason Russo, NRA Field Representative
Nan Barker – New Mexico
“Nan played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Lady of the Mountain Friends of NRA event in 2022, dedicating herself tirelessly to building it into one of the premier events in the region. Her unwavering commitment and leadership have been instrumental in its success.
Highly respected throughout Alamogordo and the surrounding areas, Nan successfully mobilized support from local businesses, friends, and community leaders. The years 2022 and 2023 served as building phases for the event, and her efforts culminated in 2024 with the Alamogordo Friends of NRA achieving its first-ever High Caliber recognition, raising an impressive $37,000+.
Nan exemplifies resilience and dedication. Even while undergoing radiation therapy and traveling back and forth to Arizona for treatment, she never missed a step. She personally visited over 200 local businesses to secure support for the event, a testament to her determination and work ethic.
Under her leadership, event attendance grew dramatically—from 52 attendees in 2022, to 160 attendees and a record-setting net profit in 2024. Nan’s drive, commitment to the cause, and strength in the face of adversity have made her an invaluable asset to the Friends of NRA and a true inspiration to those around her.”
– Ron Capalongan, NRA Field Representative
Scottie and Ashley Harris – Arizona
“Scottie, with the unwavering support of his wife Ashley, consistently tackles every obstacle with determination and a solutions-focused mindset. Together, they exemplify what it means to be a true team, working tirelessly not only to ensure the success of the Globe Friends of NRA event but also to build and strengthen the community around it.
Understanding that success requires hard work and the right team, Scottie and Ashley have become influential leaders in their hometown of Globe, Arizona. Scottie remains deeply involved with local 4-H programs and youth shooting teams, while both he and Ashley play an active role in supporting and reviewing NRA Foundation grant requests each year.
Since officially taking over the Globe FNRA Committee in 2022, Scottie and Ashley have consistently elevated the event’s performance. By 2024, their extraordinary efforts led the Globe event to reach a milestone $50,000 net, a testament to their leadership, passion, and dedication in just three short years.”
– Ron Capalongan, NRA Field Representative
Would you like to become a volunteer? Go to https://www.friendsofnra.org/get-involved/volunteer/ and sign up today!
