National Rifle Association Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre Visits Smith & Wesson Headquarters
OutdoorHub 03.20.14
Smith & Wesson Corp. announced that Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA), visited the company’s Springfield, Massachusetts, headquarters today to meet employees and to tour the company’s manufacturing operations. During his visit to the 162-year old firearms manufacturer, LaPierre was presented with a $600,000 company donation by President and CEO, James Debney. Debney also announced that Smith & Wesson will expand its support of the NRA by adding a company-paid annual NRA membership to its Employee Benefit Program for all full-time employees beginning in 2015.
LaPierre spoke with company employees about the importance of joining the NRA and commended the company on its continued support of numerous NRA programs and its ongoing advocacy for the protection of Second Amendment rights. He stated, “On behalf of our five million plus members and tens of millions of supporters, I’d like to thank the men and women of Smith & Wesson for their generous support of our fight to preserve our gun rights and hunting heritage. Freedom needs our continued vigilance and America’s 100 million gun owners must stand and fight to preserve our liberty.”
Earlier this year, Smith & Wesson donated safety equipment valued at more than $500,000 to the NRA Women’s Programs for the Women on Target and Female NRA Certified Instructor clinics. Last year, Smith & Wesson was inducted into the NRA Golden Ring of Freedom, reserved for those who have given gifts of cash or assets to the NRA totaling one million dollars or more. As a member of the NRA Corporate Partners Program, Smith & Wesson has made a long-term commitment to the Life of Duty Program, with sponsorship of the online network’s Patriot Profiles and several other initiatives.
“The importance of the NRA and its critical role in the protection of Second Amendment rights in the United States cannot be understated,” said James Debney, Smith & Wesson President and CEO. “Through its various programs, pro-gun reform legislation, and grassroots efforts, the existence of the NRA is crucial to the preservation of the shooting sports and to the entire firearms industry. Only by joining together, utilizing shared resources, and working toward the same objectives, will we be able to ensure the preservation of Second Amendment rights today and for future generations.”
