Imperato also recognized five distinguished veterans by inviting them on stage to present them with a Military Service Tribute Rifle. United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Eugene L. Perrino, Sr.; United States Army Command Sergeant Major, Ret.; Tim Green; United States Navy Third Class Radioman John Wrinkle; Air National Guard Retired Tech Sergeant Shannan F. Brown; and United States Marine 3rd Battalion Michael Depew were the recipients.
Moved by the patriotism at the event, Imperato then surprised the VFW with a $50,000 donation. “The donation is being made in honor of my father who served in the United States Army in Korea from 1953-1955,” he told the crowd.
Earlier in the year at the NRA Foundation Banquet during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Nashville, Tenn., Imperato honored Tennessee heroes, presenting them with Henry Tribute Rifles that pertained to their particular branch of military or public service. Present were veterans from every U.S. conflict since World War II, and included a surviving veteran of the USS Indianapolis. First responders and NRA instructors were also honored with rifles.
During the banquet, Imperato said the impetus for this presentation was that he was “tired of gun owners getting a black eye,” and wanted to highlight the positive side of firearm ownership. “I wanted to show the world how great the firearm industry is and how good law-abiding gun owners are.” Thus he formed “Guns for Great Causes” with his company, which financially supports charitable causes such as sick children, wounded veterans and youth shooting sports programs. A second component pays tribute to heroes by presenting them with rifles, such as the ones highlighted here. (Learn more in this video interview with Anthony Imperato.)
For more, visit Henry Repeating Arms, Like their Facebook page or follow Henry on Twitter @HenryRifles.