Henry Repeating Arms Honors Military Veterans, Law Enforcement

by
posted on May 1, 2019
henry_fonra_banquet.jpg

Henry Repeating Arms presented engraved tribute-edition rifles to six deserving individuals in recognition of their service to country, state and community during the National Rifle Association Foundation Banquet and Auction in Indianapolis, Ind. The presentation took place in front of a crowd of more than 2,500 people at the Lucas Oil Stadium as the kick-off event for the 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

As the primary sponsor of the event, Anthony Imperato, president and owner of Henry Repeating Arms, invited the honorees to join him on stage where they were introduced to the crowd and presented with a Henry rifle. The honorees included the Sheriff of Baron County, Wis., a young veteran who was injured by a 200-pound IED during deployment in Iraq, three World War II veterans, and the father of a young man who was tragically killed in a car accident two weeks after returning from his second combat deployment.

Barron County Wisconsin Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald was the first to take the stage alongside Imperato. “I’d like to begin this presentation with a hero from our neck of the woods in Wisconsin,” said Imperato, referring to Henry Repeating Arms’ second manufacturing facility in Rice Lake, Wis. “Barron County became the center of the media world under the unfortunate circumstances of a kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl named Jayme Closs. Sheriff Fitzgerald and his team never gave up hope and will be closing the case on May 24 with the sentencing of the suspect in the case.” Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald was presented with a Henry Law Enforcement Tribute Edition rifle.

Others honored on stage and receiving Military Services Tribute Edition rifles included Sgt. Omar Avila, of Austin, Texas, whose injuries from an IED in Iraq resulted in burns over 75 percent of body and amputation of his left leg below the knee. Since then, he’s set the world record for the World Association of Bench and Deadlift in the Paralympics category. Don Burwell (Shelbyville, Ind.), Al Hutchcraft (Greenfield, Ind.) and Wetzel Sanders (East Lynn, W.V.), World War II veterans, were also honored. Sanders wan an anti-aircraft gunner at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, and it took 76 years for him to receive the Purple Heart he earned that day. 

The final recipient was Marshall Easley. He and his son Michael collected Henry rifles, together, although that was interrupted when the younger of the pair joined the Marine Corps and served two combat tours. After his honorable discharge, his plans to attend college ended in a car accident. “We know your son is looking down on all of us at this moment and I would like to present this rifle to you in his honor and memory,” Imperato said. “God rest his soul, God Bless these fine men behind me on stage, and God Bless the United States of America.” 

 

Latest

Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway
Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway

The Great FN Gun Giveaway At NRAAM 2025

Here’s a chance to win a custom, one-of-a-kind FN 545 Tactical pistol at the 154th NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 24-27, in Atlanta, Ga. No purchase necessary.

Training With Moving Targets

Most target shooters understand static or bullseye-type stationary targets quite well, but did you know that adding motion into your training routine will improve practical marksmanship and the skills necessary to conquer defensive situations?

USA Shooting Celebrates 30th Anniversary

USA Shooting marks a historic milestone in April as it celebrates 30 years as the national governing body for international shooting sports within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Rifleman Review: Rock River Arms LAR-15M .17 HMR

Building a reliable semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .17 HMR can be a challenge, but Rock River Arms seems to have solved the issue with its unique RRA .17 HMR AR-style rifle.

New For 2025: Tanfoglio Hexagon Tactical & Hexagon P

Tanfoglio manufactures CZ 75 pattern pistols in a variety of forms, and for 2025, the company is adding two new variants to its lineup with the Hexagon Tactical and Hexagon P.

See New Guns & Gear At The NRA's Annual Meetings In Georgia

Freedom-loving American patriots gather every spring at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to celebrate their liberty and check out the newest crop of guns, optics, ammunition and accessories. This year, 2025, the fun will take place in Atlanta, Ga.—we hope to see you there!

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.