Fear & Loading: Firearm Industry Supports Veterans

by
posted on November 15, 2017
fear_lede.jpg

There’s no doubt the firearm industry and its enthusiasts are unparalleled when it comes to supporting veterans and the non-profit organizations dedicated to helping them. A few of this month’s headlines drive home that point.

Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), which just celebrated its 10th anniversary, was founded by members of the firearm industry to aid disabled soldiers as they transitioned back to their lives in the U.S. Its programs include hunting, shooting and other outdoor sports, each designed to reconnect participants with their love of American traditions and increase their hope for the future—regardless of their service-related disability.

“The shooting sports industry has created a compassionate and efficient standard for other veteran’s charities to measure against, and we are proud to be the industry’s advocate for strong veteran service,” said HAVA Chairman Tom Taylor. To date, more than 8,200 disabled vets and their families have attended at least one of the organization’s free events.

It takes money to help, though, and that’s where the industry’s generosity shines. On Dec. 11, 2017 a Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact pistol chambered in 9 mm, sporting a special “Lone Star” color scheme, will be raffled off by the Lone Survivor Foundation, with the proceeds going to help military veterans affected by Hurricane Harvey. Brownells and Smith & Wesson teamed up to donate the handgun for the effort, and the $20 tickets are already available.

“We are grateful for this chance to partner with Smith & Wesson to help support our veterans,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell. “Somebody is going to win a sharp-looking, custom M&P M2.0 Compact.”

5.11 Tactical donated $20,000 to the Navy SEAL Foundation this month, part of the proceeds from its Always Be Ready campaign and sales of its Defender-Flex Pants and Jeans. “Nothing can ever fill the void left behind when someone is lost in the service of this country,” said 5.11 Vice President of Global Marketing Willem Driessen. “The most you can hope for is the support of individuals and organizations dedicated to helping the survivors and preserving their legacy. The Navy SEAL Foundation stands ready in the moment of need…”

It’s nice to know that even today—when profit margins seem to trump all other aspects of business—the firearm industry remains loyal to those who stood watch on the front line of our freedom.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.