Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
by: James Stoker
The Great American Outdoor Show has come and gone and FOAC had a big role to play in it. FOAC leaders were invited to special events hosted by the National Rifle Association. Director Tichenor and I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, where we spoke with NRA ILA Directors David Conte and Darin Goens, two workhorses in the Commonwealth fighting alongside us for all of our gun rights. Meeting with KRPA President and NRA Board Member Todd Ellis, to discuss potential future joint endeavors, and speaking with legislators like Sen. Cris Dush, journalists and others invested in the industry.
Then Saturday the real work began. Joining FOAC super-volunteer Kevin Jackson, and members Chris and Stevan Cady, hosting the booth, greeting passersby, engaging in 2A discussion, and spending ten hours on your feet spreading the purpose of FOAC Institute. Off to dinner then an early turn in at the hotel to start again Sunday morning.
Sunday came and Director Tichenor had us luring people to the booth with candy, a surprisingly effective tactic, and our engagements with people at the show grew exponentially. Hundreds of stickers and palm cards handed out, as well as information packets all prepared for us ahead of time by another super-volunteer, Bob Canova. A slower day at the event, but interrupted for Director Tichenor and I to attend a ninety-minute presentation by the NRA executive leadership to discuss with a select group the reformation of the organization and their plans moving forward. Some face time with popular 2A journalists like John Petrolino (Bearing Arms), Amanda Suffecool (Eye on the Target Radio), Charlie Cook (Riding Shotgun with Charlie), and an introduction to Shawn Abramson (News2A).
Monday was a bit slower still but there was plenty to be done. Visiting our friends Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania at their booth, some fellow associates and FOAC members at the Delta Defense booth, and some industry contacts of mine at manufacturers’ booths always helps. We had a visit from Matt Mallory and friends, V.P. Klint Macro’s partner in crime at Meet the Pressers and the Trigger Pressers Union. Good to see friendly faces all around us. Then Director Tichenor and I attended a Farm Bureau event in the Commonwealth Room. A private event to celebrate some work the Bureau has been doing and a chance to speak to a few there who would like to enlist our cooperation with some issues being discussed with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the General Assembly in Harrisburg.
So, a long four days of shaking hands and spreading influence to further our Article I, Section 21 cause here in this great Commonwealth. A special thanks to the entire list of volunteers whom I believe are to be mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter. Without volunteers we could never cover nine days of this event. And if you have never come to the show or volunteered to stand the booth for a day, please consider it for next year. It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow that requires no previous experience. Just show up and we’ll show you how to get it done. Word of caution though… don’t drink tap water or use the ice cubes in Harrisburg! Here’s looking forward to next year!
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