Behind every successful Friends of NRA event is a community of passionate individuals who believe in making a difference. In the Southern Region, our volunteers don’t just support our mission—they define it. Their tireless efforts, creative energy, and commitment to freedom fuel the success of The NRA Foundation’s initiatives.
Join us as we shine a light on some of the standout volunteers of 2024 who are helping drive our cause forward, one event at a time.
Melinda & LeRoy Pawelek – Texas
Southern Region Volunteers of the Year
“As chairman and treasurer of the Karnes County Friends of NRA, LeRoy and Melinda exemplify outstanding leadership. Their integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment have earned them deep respect throughout their community. They lead with purpose, building genuine relationships and fostering a spirit of collaboration that strengthens both their chapter and its mission.
Thanks to their tireless efforts, in 2024 the Karnes County chapter ranked #2 as the highest net fundraising event in the nation among Friends of NRA events. Their success stems from a thoughtful approach: understanding the interests of attendees, curating event merchandise and firearms accordingly, and encouraging unique, tailored donations.
Melinda and LeRoy are exceptional candidates for Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to drive meaningful results and inspire everyone around them. They are the embodiment of what dedicated volunteer leadership can achieve.”
– Tyler Ward, NRA Field Representative
Terrence & Michelle Burke – Louisiana
“Terrence and Michelle exemplify strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to volunteerism. They actively promote the mission and values of the Friends of NRA program within their community every day.
Their dedication goes far beyond their own local banquet. This year alone, they attended and assisted at half of the Friends of NRA banquets across Louisiana, always stepping in wherever help was needed. Their efforts have been instrumental in driving growth and improvement for the North Louisiana Friends of NRA banquet, which saw a remarkable net increase—raising almost $20,000 more than the previous year.
Part of their success comes from their unique and fun approach: a friendly competition between the two to see who can secure the most donations and table sales. Their positive energy and strong community connections enable them to identify valuable donation opportunities and strategically leverage them to maximize fundraising impact.
Terrence and Michelle are tireless advocates for the Friends of NRA mission. Whether at work, in schools, or through extracurricular involvement, they continuously educate others about the program and its importance. Their selfless dedication, creativity, and community outreach have made a measurable difference, not only in their own banquet’s success but also across the broader region. Their willingness to lend a hand wherever needed demonstrates the true spirit of volunteerism and makes them invaluable members of the Friends of NRA family.”
– Alex Campbell, NRA Field Representative
Patty Galyean – Florida
“Patty has built a strong, well-organized committee and consistently leads with purpose and efficiency. She holds regular meetings and thoughtfully assigns roles based on each volunteer’s strengths, maximizing the effectiveness of her team. Widely respected as a leader, Patty has served as the State Fund Chairperson for over 11 years and has been a dedicated Friends of NRA volunteer for more than 15 years.
Her commitment extends beyond her own committee—Patty frequently supports other events across the state, always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. She’s a reliable and trusted partner, someone I can count on to provide honest, thoughtful feedback whenever I bring new ideas to the table.
Patty’s belief in the Friends of NRA mission is evident in everything she does. Her approachable personality and positive attitude make her a joy to work with, and she gets along effortlessly with volunteers, staff, and supporters alike. When changes in policy or procedures arise, she adapts with grace and professionalism.
If I could have 25 more Patty Galyeans, I would. Her dedication, leadership, and integrity are truly one of a kind.”
– Bret Eldridge, NRA Field Representative
Mark & Paula Wilson – Texas
“Mark first stepped into a leadership role as Chair post-COVID, bringing integrity, adaptability, and a steady hand to guide Brazos Valley through transition and maintain its status as the #1 net fundraising committee in our area—and one of the top in Texas . He leads with clear communication, openness to new ideas, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
Brazos Valley is a large group with many different ideas and Mark, with the support of Paula, has been a solid foundation for success. He stays in constant communication and helps to manage expectations for the team. Paula provides a calming support system bringing perspective to the management of the event. She is one of the top donation volunteers and spearheads decorations and jumping in to ensure Silent Auction, Treasurers Desk, or any area needed help is taken care of. Together they are a dynamic duo, exuding positivity and joy in the task at hand, never letting the grind of any tasks overshadow the importance of raising funds and protecting the program. They are a team I wish I could clone for every committee/event. Together they are the perfect example of working together to reach an end goal and their commitment and dedication are inspiring.”
– Liz Foley, NRA Senior Field Representative
Stevie Lowery - Georgia
“Stevie has been a dedicated volunteer with Friends of NRA for over six years. He consistently upholds the core values and standards of the program, serving as a trusted leader and role model. Stevie is passionate about mentoring new committees, helping to lay the foundation for their long-term success. His commitment extends beyond his own chapter—he frequently volunteers his time to support other events, having contributed to the success of six banquets across the Georgia area.”
– Richard Mulford, Former NRA Field Representative
Kenny Hunt – North Carolina
“Kenny has built a strong, cohesive team of dedicated individuals who work exceptionally well together. With a consistently positive outlook, he brings forward thoughtful ideas that enhance the function and flow of the banquet. His calm, can-do attitude sets the tone for those around him, and his confidence in handling multiple responsibilities is evident in everything he does.
As a natural leader, Kenny leads by example. He delegates tasks effectively and monitors progress without micromanaging, earning the respect and trust of his team. Beyond his own event, Kenny actively supports the Friends of NRA mission by attending other banquets and contributing his time and energy wherever needed. He also plays a key role in organizing the Eastern-North Carolina Workshop and State Fund Event—efforts aimed at strengthening committees across the region.
Kenny’s dedication and drive have distinguished him among his peers. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded leader, mentor, and community advocate. His leadership has been instrumental in helping the entire region move closer to achieving their goals.”
– Steve Slavik, NRA Field Representative
Billy Sanford – Tennessee
“When I think of leadership, integrity, high standards, and moral character, Billy Sanford is one of the first people who comes to mind. He is an outstanding leader, a dedicated motivator, and an incredibly hard-working individual who leads by example in every aspect of his life. A proud member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, Billy is also a respected figure in his community, a devoted church member, and an engaged father to two young daughters who are actively involved in Friends of NRA banquets alongside him.
Billy is a cornerstone of the Tennessee Friends of NRA family. He serves as chairman of three committees—Tennessee Volunteer, Stones River, and West Tennessee—while also volunteering at numerous events across the state. His commitment extends far beyond these roles. He plays a vital part in organizing the State Fund Volunteer Workshop, helps run the Gun-O-Rama, and consistently steps up to assist at banquets whenever extra help is needed, often with his daughters by his side.
Billy Sanford embodies everything a Friends of NRA volunteer should be. His dedication to the program’s success is unmatched. He is a tireless promoter of the Friends of NRA mission and works selflessly to ensure the success of not only his own events but any event in need of support.
- Tom Knight, NRA Senior Field Representative
Would you like to become a volunteer? Go to https://www.friendsofnra.org/get-involved/volunteer/ and sign up today!
