During NRA’s Winter Board Meetings, held January 11-13 in Arlington, VA., a truly select-few NRA members from across the country were formally recognized for their meritorious efforts in support of NRA during the 2000 calendar year. Among the 2000 award recipients were a few of NRA-ILA’s Election Volunteer Coordinators (EVCs). EVCs are individual NRA members working in each congressional district to provide pro-gun campaigns with volunteer support for campaign-related activities, such as: literature drops, placement of signs, precinct walks, phone banks, voter registration drives, and Get Out The Vote & Election Day activities.
Jim and Margie Tomes of Wadesville, Indiana, on behalf of the "Second Amendment Patriots," received the "NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award." Proving that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome by teamwork, the "Second Amendment Patriots" have become a familiar face to those in Indiana’s eighth congressional district. By entering "NRA floats" in several local parades, volunteering hundreds of hours to pro-gun campaigns throughout Southwest Indiana, chartering buses for candidate debates, testifying before the Indiana State Legislature in support of pro-Second Amendment legislation, and organizing a "Bill of Rights Day Rally" in December 2001, the "Patriots" have forged a deep bond between gun owners and their elected officials that will last for years to come. Jim, with the constant assistance of his wife, Margie, serves as the EVC in Indiana’s eighth congressional district.
We were blessed to have three EVCs receive the "Jay M. Littlefield Memorial NRA-ILA Volunteer of the Year Award"-Anne Britton of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Gary Davis of Kansas City, Missouri; and David Adams of Richmond, Virginia.
Anne Britton is the EVC for Arkansas’ third congressional district, and has worked in support of numerous pro-gun candidates at the local, state, and federal levels, distinguishing herself as a tireless foot-soldier in the battle to protect our Second Amendment rights. Her efforts earned her a spot on "The POWER LIST 2000," counting her among one of Arkansas’ 100 most politically influential personalities. (For more information about Anne’s efforts, see "In The Spotlight" from the March 2001 issue of "Freedom’s Voice.")
Gary Davis is not only an outspoken firearms enthusiast and the EVC for Missouri’s fifth congressional district, but he is also the longest-serving President in the history of The Western Missouri Shooters Alliance (WMSA). Gary is a standard fixture at Missouri gun shows, signing up volunteers to bolster his pro-gun volunteer network and spreading the message about Second Amendment-related issues. Thanks to his efforts to leave no stone unturned in Western Missouri, pro-gun candidates at all levels of government enjoy the critical volunteer support of gun owners in Gary’s region of the "Show-Me State."
David Adams is a long-time activist in the defense of our Second Amendment freedoms. As the EVC for Virginia’s 7th Congressional district, he played a pivotal role in motivating and organizing NRA members to elect a pro-freedom U.S. Representative in his district, as well as U.S. Senator George Allen (R). David is also active in the Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA), NRA’s affiliated State Association, and he serves on the Friends of NRA committee in the Metro Richmond area.
All NRA National Award Winners were treated to a tour of both the National Firearms Museum and the NRA Range facility at NRA Headquarters, as well as given an opportunity to meet with NRA Officers and Staff at various events during the Winter Board Meetings.
Our congratulations and our heartfelt appreciation go out to all the National Award Winners!
To find your congressional district’s EVC contact the ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 or click here. If your district currently has a vacancy, contact ILA Grassroots if you are interested in serving in this critically-important volunteer role.