MPFO Announces Winter 2010 Raffle Winner
(April 2010) Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership is pleased to announce that Howard McComas, of Abingdon, MD, has won its raffle fund raiser that concluded in February.
A fine spring day marked the transfer of Howard’s prize, a magnificent Fulton Armory M1 Garand rifle, presented by Fulton’s Tim Beetle (at left.)
Howard is a long-time hunter and fisherman, with strong ties in Harford County. His family business, McComas Funeral Home, just observed 200 years in continuous operation, and the fifth generation to bear his name is already learning the ropes to carry on business in the future. A strong supporter of the Second Amendment (and with Gunsite training to boot) Howard brought his (now adult) children up right – all three are safe and proficient as well, leaving him time now to focus on firearm safety instruction with the grandkids. Says Howard, “We should all be free to choose to own a firearm, whether for protection of ourselves or families, for hunting or for defense of the community.”
A big thanks to Fulton Armory for the tremendous quality of its made-in-Maryland products, and a special thanks to all the donors who make MPFO’s fund raising efforts a success. You fuel the pro-gun effort. When we conclude the election – in seven months! – all independent media and mail on behalf of our Cause will have been funded by you.
MPFO Announces Summer 2009 Raffle Winner
(December 2009) Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership is pleased to announce that Mike Rouzer, of Sugar Land, TX, has won its raffle fund raiser that concluded earlier this fall.
At left Mike displays his prize, a beautiful Fulton Armory AR15 tactical carbine, built for speed, accuracy and attitude in one of Fulton’s preferred law enforcement configurations.
A veteran who few P3’s in the Navy and later served as a flight instructor, Mike today works as an airline pilot, which keeps him on travel around the world. But Mike has never forgotten his roots in Maryland either. He graduated from North Hagerstown HS before heading into the service years ago, and has followed the politics ever since, eventually becoming a newsletter subscriber and MPFO donor. Mike writes, “I’ve been reading Tripwire for years now and very much appreciated your news and analysis of what was going on. Being close to DC, I figured you guys were on the ‘front line’ and covering for us a bit here in Texas.”
A big thanks to Fulton Armory for the tremendous quality of its made-in-Maryland products, and a special thanks to all the donors who make MPFO’s fund raising effort a success. You fuel the pro-gun effort. When we conclude the election – next year! – all independent media and direct mail on behalf of our Cause will have been funded by you.
MPFO Announces Spring 2009 Raffle Winner
(June 2009) MPFO announced that Billy Gleaves, of Ellicott City, MD, has won its spring fund raising event, bringing him the Fulton Armory Titan Carbine - a .308 powerhouse! Billy, a mechanical engineer, has 20 years in with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and today serves as senior project manager for design certification of a next generation reactor.
As a lifetime shooter and competitor he's a member of Greenbelt Club, but because of his work complains that he doesn't get in enough trigger time. (We sympathize with that!) But he has two sons (ages 2 and 4, respectively) who will be coming of age soon enough, and Billy assures he he looks forward to getting them into airgun competition at earliest appropriate chance. The Fulton Titan? That will get used immediately, as another opportunity to talk with his sons about safety in the home and the importance of why we keep such things. Amen to that!
MPFO Announces Winter 2008 Raffle Winner
(February 2009) MPFO announced that congratulations are due to Bill Beltz, of Towson, for winning the PAC’s Winter Rifle Raffle fund raiser. Bill’s winning ticket brings him the Fulton Armory ‘game gun’ (an FAR-15 carbine tricked out for both fast action and accurate shooting.)
Bill is an avowed plinker, who assures us that any place he gets to pull a trigger is his favorite place to shoot. As an infantryman who served two tours in Viet Nam (1966 – 1968) he’s no stranger to either the M14 or AR-15 actions. A former Baltimore firefighter, Bill now works as an SHA safety engineer.
Bill is also one of the state’s many unabashed pro-gun Democrats, who appreciate (and in his case fought for) all of the Constitution and Bill of Rights – including the Second Amendment. He indicates he is pleased that Tripwire doesn’t stereotype people by political affiliation, since doing otherwise needlessly alienates possible allies. “Self defense, and defense of country and community, shouldn’t be about party.” We in turn appreciate that Bill makes a point of circulating each issue of Tripwire, especially among anti-gun friends who need conversion.
As usual, a big thanks to the folks at Fulton Armory for their terrific made-in-Maryland products, and special thanks to all the many MPFO donors that make these fundraisers a success for our shared Cause!
MPFO Announces Fall 2008 Raffle Winner
(November 2008) Frank Coviello, of Rockville, MD, won the Fulton Armory ‘game gun’ in MPFO's Fall 2008 raffle.
Frank is a successful personal injury attorney (also a former assistant state’s attorney in Montgomery County) with 35 years experience in the business.
A long-time member of the Izaak Walton League’s Rockville Chapter, he mostly spends his time at the range as a plinker, though still favors the M1 Garand (which he carried for 3 years of military service.) He’s done right for us all, by ensuring that each of three of his children grew up knowing about safety, sight alignment and trigger squeeze.
No surprise, Frank is a firm believer in the Second Amendment: “The words are there for a good reason, and they should remain there. Anyone who believes in the right to keep and bear arms should check out the position of all public officials and candidates for office, else the steady erosion of our rights will continue.” We’re pleased that one of the ways Frank keeps tabs on what is going on is via Tripwire.
As usual, a big thanks to the folks at Fulton Armory for their terrific made-in-Maryland products, and special thanks to all the many MPFO donors that make these fundraisers a success for our shared Cause!
MPFO Announces Spring 2008 Raffle Winner
(June 2008) Congrats and a tip of the hat to Chuck McCormick, of College Park, MD, as winner of MPFO's Spring rifle raffle. This successful event built the state's war chest, and brought Chuck the Fulton Armory 'Classic' AR-15 rifle, with the lines and nostalgia of the original M16A2 upon which the design was based. With the rifle also came a case of Black Hills match ammunition to feed it! Chuck (on right) is presented with his rifle and ammunition by Fulton's armorer Rich Hall, who built the rifle.
Chuck has a doctorate in economics and works at the University of Maryland in support of various research projects in its College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. News of his win came only days after the arrival of his second child, so this was obviously a big week in the McCormick family. His work demands don't give him much opportunity for range time, but maybe this will change with the new AR-15. At least he has a few years to enjoy the rifle before his new daughter will grow into it.
Like many members of our community, Chuck got into the politics of firearms before he owned a firearm, taking an interest shortly after Parris Glendening's "Gun Violence Act" put gun availability squarely on the radar of most Marylanders. He indicates that he doesn't think Maryland is quite hopeless yet, saying "now is a great time to get ready for the state elections in 2010." We couldn't agree more!
Thanks to Fulton Armory for their terrific made-in-Maryland products, and as usual, our special thanks to all the MPFO donors who fill the war chest!
MPFO Announces Winter 2007 Raffle Winner
(February 2008) MPFO concluded its successful winter fundraiser with the announcement that Dave Seafolk-Kopp, of Columbia, MD, is the big winner. Shown at left, Andrea, the ‘voice of Fulton Armory’, steps away from the switchboard long enough to present Dave with a Fulton AR-15 ‘Predator’ accuracy system.
Dave is a senior software guru at one of the area’s large high-tech firms. He became one of the faithful when “Poppa Joe” Curran, MD’s previous Attorney General, declared war on private firearm ownership a decade ago. As soon as he heard that, he marched out and bought his first handgun. (Thanks, Joe!) He has been a plinker since, and done right for both his daughter and two grandchildren too, all of whom are learning sight alignment and trigger press under his guidance. Pointing out that the real reason he’s an MPFO donor is to help the Cause, his first act after transferring the rifle was to donate again.
Thanks to Fulton Armory for their terrific made-in-Maryland products, and for allowing the ever-more-photogenic Andrea to present this event’s prize. A special thanks to all the MPFO donors who fill the war chest in Maryland!
MPFO Announces Summer 2007 Raffle Winner
(October 2007) Ticket sales for Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership's summer fundraiser were brisk, with strong interest in defending the rights of Maryland gunowners. Okay, so the fabulous prize package surely did not hurt! Congratulations to Dr. Michael Emmer of Bethesda, MD, on winning the Fulton Armory .308 'Tactical Titan' rifle, with Eotech sight system.
Dr. Emmer, an internist whose practice is in Montgomery County, splits his free time between plinking, traveling (as a private pilot) and teaching each of his grandchildren about gun safety and trigger control as they come of age. He clearly follows firearms' political and policy developments closely, not least of which the DC gun-ban case that is potentially on its way to the Supreme Court. As someone who has "been an NRA member since forever" he voices strong concerns about where we're going if we aren't careful. "We're living side-by-side with too many people who are simply hostile to gun ownership. The threat to our right to keep and bear arms is clear." Obviously he puts his time and political donation where his sentiment is, and this time his support for MPFO not only boosted the state's strongest operation dedicated to our RKBA, but it brought him a superb rifle system as well.
As always, thanks to Clint McKee (shown presenting Emmer with his prize) and the folks at Fulton for making such terrific products possible, and a special thanks to all the generous donors who keep MPFO number one in state advocacy!
MPFO Announces Spring 2007 Raffle Winner
(June 2007) The Spring Fundraiser for Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership concluded with the PAC’s announcement that Dr. Mark Rayner held the winning ticket. His prize: the Fulton Armory .308 Titan rifle and red dot sight. While legislators debated what to do with ‘these sorts’ of firearms, MPFO answered “raffle ‘em!” We usually include a short quote from each winner, but Mark’s note was just too nice to edit down. He writes:
“I am a physician in Mankato, Minnesota. I’m originally from Pittsburgh but have lived in Minnesota for eight years now. I was surprised at the attitude of Minnesota toward firearms in general. You must obtain a yearly permit if you want to purchase a handgun or a rife that is deemed an “assault rifle”, but hunting rifles or shotguns can be purchased with just the regular paperwork. Firearm owners are made to feel like second class citizens, and there are calls for reduction of shooting ranges which are in short supply as it is. On the other hand, this is a state with a lot of hunting groups, so there is an attitude that if it’s for hunting, it’s ok. Pennsylvania, of course, is a much more firearm friendly state and the Second Amendment has a broader interpretation.”
“I was introduced to the MPFO through the raffle several years ago and once I started getting Tripwire, I became fascinated with the political atmosphere in Maryland. It was very clear to me that the MPFO was a well run and well directed grassroots organization focused on protecting second amendment rights. It was also clear that Maryland was one of the best representations of what gun owners are up against. I am more comfortable supporting a group like the MPFO than any of the other second amendment rights groups. I can see the direct result of my contributions, I am not hounded with clarion calls every month for money, and I get real, unvarnished updates.”
Not to mention the chance of winning a Fulton Armory special! Thanks to Mark for his kind words, thanks to Clint McKee and the folks at Fulton for making such terrific products possible, and a special thanks to all the generous donors who keep MPFO number one in state advocacy!
MPFO Announces Winter Raffle Winner
(March 2007) While legislators debated what to do about semi-autos, the folks at MPFO fueled pro-gun issue advocacy with a successful raffle fund raiser, which concluded with the drawing of a winning ticket held by Montgomery County resident Abe Lockman. Abe wins the eye-popping AR built by Fulton Armory, a one of a kind package which included a red dot sight. ( (Wee have yet to meet a gun owner who didn’t fall in love with this two-toned, .223 beauty at first sight. No photo can truly do it justice, but it sold a lot of tickets at the gun shows where it was displayed!)
Abe is a consultant in the computer industry, and frequents the Rockville Chapter of Izaak Walton League. As an enthusiast, he helps the cause by recruiting people one at a time, regularly teaching NRA Basic Pistol courses to new shooters. Invited to comment for this announcement, he kindly remarked “MPFO is a fine organization doing important work for the citizens of Maryland. We need more of you involved!” As usual, a big thanks to Clint McKee and his team at Fulton Armory for crafting such terrific Maryland-built products, and an extra big thanks to all the MPFO donors who make Maryland’s only Second Amendment political action committee one of the most effective advocacy operations in the state!
MPFO Announces Fall Raffle Winner
(November 2006) Concluding its very successful fall fundraiser leading into the election, MPFO announces Karl Krchma of Silver Spring has won its raffle of a Fulton Armory M1 carbine with holographic sight, plus 500 rounds of ammunition.
Karl has been involved in the state firearm community for decades, and shoots just about every sport involving rifles or pistols. When we caught up with him, he was shooting field target air guns at IWLA, but he’s a regular in spring and fall highpower leagues with Greenbelt club too. It seems like Karl had to retire a few years ago in order to have enough time for all the activities. Softball leagues, community service (e.g., providing audio translations of newspapers for the visually impaired), and practicing practical shooting skills keep him awfully busy.
As usual, a big thanks to Fulton Armory for crafting such terrific Maryland-built products, and an extra big thanks to all the MPFO donors who kept Maryland’s only Second Amendment political action committee as one of the most effective advocacy operations in the state!
MPFO Announces Summer Raffle Winner
(October 2006) Last month MPFO announced John Leber won its summer rifle raffle – now we’ve got details for you. John spends much of his time these days gunsmithing in Shady Side (though we think this is chiefly to keep him in ammo money and excuses to loaf at his home range, St Charles Sportsman’s Club.) John retired from the Marines as a Master Sergeant after 21 years service, including tours in Viet Nam where he picked up some of his decorations (among them a Purple Heart.) To his fellow shooters in the Single Action Shooters Society he’s known as RebelPot, but he’s also an active highpower competitor.
A supporter of MPFO since its start, John is passionate in rallying fellow gun owners to the defense of our Second Amendment, and reminds us we’re all called to show up at the polls on November 7th to kick anti-gun butt. John wins the Fulton Armory AR-15 Tactical Carbine in 6.8Rem SPC. As always, thanks to the good folks at Fulton Armory for providing this terrific prize, to the Gun Rack in Burtonsville which assisted in lawful transfer, and of course to all the generous donors who made this fund raiser such a success on behalf of the Second Amendment in Maryland. Much appreciated!
MPFO Announces Winter Raffle Winner
(April 2006) Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership announces that Marvin Crenshaw of Gaithersburg, MD, has won the PAC’s Winter Rifle Raffle.
By having purchased the first ticket drawn out of the ammo can at MPFO’s March drawing, Crenshaw receives the heavy match barreled AR-15 in a carbine sized package, built by Fulton Armory.
As a long-time collector and enthusiast, Marvin is an expert in Mauser rifles, the classic bolt actions whose design is now over 100 years old. That doesn’t mean he isn’t interested or proficient in more modern firearms, and Marvin makes clear he expects to get a lot of trigger time in with this prize rifle, most likely at the Damascus IWLA facility where he is already a regular when not working as a consulting engineer in the construction industry. Marvin is like so many Maryland gun owners whose top political interest is right to carry – he holds carry permits valid in dozens of other states in which he travels and works, but none valid in his home state of Maryland, where our right to carry is routinely infringed.
MPFO Announces Fall Raffle Winner
(December 2005) Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership announces Philip Rodgers of Myersville, MD, has won its Fall raffle, bringing him the lever action 'Big Boy' .44 Magnum donated by Henry Repeating Arms. Ticket sales were brisk and the fund raiser was a clear success. The marvelous craftsmanship in this rifle captured the imagination of our donors, and response probably wasn't hurt by the fact that by now most of the community knows the importance of making a big 'pre-session' push to fill the war chest. This is the eve of the last legislative session before elections next year, and now is definitely the time for us to not only look strong but also be strong.
Phil is retired from 22 years as a Supply Systems Analyst with fleet ballistic missle systems, and before that 11 years in the Navy. He’s a plinker, and a regular out at Catoctin Fish and Game Protective Association ranges. No word yet on whether this lever action will inspire him to check out the cowboy action shooting game, but he’ll have plenty of chance to practice, since his prize includes plenty of Black Hills ammunition. On politics, Phil diplomatically points out he is “certainly a conservative” and closely follows action in Annapolis. “My views on the Second Amendment are those of the Founding Fathers, and I believe that MPFO’s presence in Annapolis is a vital component in the protection of my Second Amendment rights.”
Thanks to Henry Repeating Arms for their generous role effort, and special thanks to the many donors who are on our way to once again making the Second Amendment number one among social advocacy groups in the state!
MPFO Announces Summer Raffle Winner
(September 2005) MPFO wrapped up another successful summer fundraiser with David Evans, of Chevy Chase, MD, turning up with the winning ticket for a Fulton Armory Competition AR-15 rifle and a case of Black Hills match ammunition to feed it!
Dave serves as Executive Director of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers which has its world headquarters in Bethesda. These are the people who apply science and technology to make the world safe from fire, and Dave came to this position after 28 years in the Federal Service in the fire research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg.
This important work may demand a great deal of his time, but Dave still manages to squeeze in time to squeeze a trigger. As a target shooter, his attention is usually occupied by smallbore rifles and pistols where his goal is to put 'em all in the same hole. This prize AR-15 represents a step up in power, but with a Fulton competition rig and Black Hills excellent match ammunition, he can still enjoy prospects of bringing home targets with all the holes punched in the middle.
Dave has been a regular MPFO donor and also says "I follow closely the information in every issue of the Tripwire, where news and the realities of the potential impact of the political process in Maryland are clearly explained." Congrats to Dave, and also to his son Adam, who is working on his Boy Scout Eagle rank and will shortly have a rifle shooting merit badge. We're always tickled to see the next generation come on board!
MPFO Announces Spring Raffle Winners
(May 2005) The latest fund raiser dedicated to our Second Amendment rights and run by Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership ended on a high note last month with winners announced in the “two times .22 rifle raffle.” Russ Hawver of Waldorf, MD, held the winning ticket of a Henry Golden Boy Rifle, generously donated by the Henry Repeating Arms Company.
Russ is a Navy vet who now works at (what else?) Naval Research Labs. He’s a regular at the range (we wouldn’t be so bold as to say ‘range bum’ but surely some people would…) and also a regular supporter of pro-gun causes. No surprise, he is a long-time backer of MPFO.
“I’m glad to be a part of the growing pro-gun movement here in Maryland,” said Russ. “Looking back, ten years ago we were at a low point, but the strategy of fighting smart, not just hard, sure has paid off. I’m delighted to have this terrific Henry rifle but the real win for me is seeing our side succeed with the funds that events like this bring.”
Wayne Calvert of Perryville, MD, won the Fulton Armory .22 rimfire AR-15. Wayne is a retired railroad worker, long-time firearm enthusiast, and an unabashed champion of the ‘old fashioned way of doing things’ – like putting criminals in jail for crime instead of banning guns. “You can’t legislate responsibility so legislators shouldn’t try,” he says. “Gun owners are already the most responsible folks around, so why do politicians only come after us?” Why indeed!
This fundraiser’s theme was rifles to educate our next generation. Both winners have long since done right for their families – Russ’s daughters are proficient shooters, and Wayne hunts with all three sons, one of whom owns a gun shop! – but each says he will use his prize to recruit even more new shooters. A big thank you to our new friends at Henry; to our old friends at Fulton Armory; to Atlantic Guns, of Rockville and Silver Spring, for donating eye and ear protection for use in these efforts; and of course to all the donors who make this a success for the Cause!
MPFO Announces Winter Raffle Winner
(February 2005) Whether because of a premium prize or the start of legislative session in Annapolis (reminding us what our fund raisers are for – filling General Assembly seats with pro gunners), demand for tickets was brisk, as donors made MPFO’s latest effort a success. In the end, Dr. Lawrence Christopher, of McLean, VA, was the big winner of a Fulton Armory Tactical M14 in Sage Stock.
Larry is a naval engineer working for the federal government, and happens to be a Maryland refugee who fled our oppressive tax and gun laws for a safer climate years ago. His shooting experiences stretch back to smallbore competition high school (how long has it been since you heard Maryland public schools fielded a rifle team?) and later spanned the spectrum of military firearms. Today his chief role is as firearm safety instructor to three daughters.
Even though now a Virginia resident, Larry closely monitors the Maryland political scene, and through his MPFO donations over the years helps the rest of us bring our state back from the anti-gun abyss. “You guys do a tremendous job of telling people what’s really going on,” he said. “I think good people will do right at the ballot box when they’re fully informed. Give citizens good intel and we’ll do the rest.”
Thanks as always to our friends at Fulton for putting together such a special prize package; thanks to the MPFO volunteers; and thanks most of all to the many donors who make this pro-gun operation a success!
