Buckeye Reporter

Nearly a dozen leaders from the Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) represented Ohio's gun owners and Second Amendment supporters at the 154th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits held in Atlanta from April 24 to 27. The event attracted over 70,000 members and their families from across the United States and other countries. It featured seminars, a 14-acre exhibit hall with more than 600 exhibitors, an NRA Foundation banquet and auction, live performances by Big & Rich and Will Jones, and the annual meeting of NRA members.

BFA leaders attended several seminars, including the National Firearms Law Seminar, noted as the largest gathering of Second Amendment attorneys in the country. A key session focused on anti-gun laws enacted or under consideration in various states.

Dean Rieck, BFA executive director, emphasized that attending this annual event benefits the organization by representing Ohio’s gun owners, building connections, and learning new ideas from national experts. He stated that this commitment is crucial for advancing gun-friendly laws in Ohio and preventing it from adopting strict rules seen in states like California, Colorado, or Hawaii. "While the NRA has faced significant legal and management challenges in recent years," Rieck said, "it remains a powerhouse for gun rights at the national and state level."

Linda Walker, BFA board president and an NRA board member, highlighted achievements by both organizations in defending gun rights. She described the annual meetings as an opportunity to meet others who share constitutional values and learn from experts. Walker remarked on NRA's future direction: "NRA 2.0 is moving in the right direction under the leadership of Doug Hamlin as the executive vice president...The future looks bright."

Following the four-day event, Bill Bachenberg was elected as NRA president by its Board of Directors. Doug Hamlin was unanimously reelected as NRA executive vice president and CEO. Mark Vaughan of Oklahoma was elected first vice president, while Rocky Marshall of Texas became second vice president.