The “Jay M. Littlefield Memorial NRA-ILA Volunteer of the Year Award” is awarded annually to recognize an NRA member who demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second Amendment rights. Similarly, the “NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award” is bestowed upon a group that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in defending our freedom over the previous year. The 2005 NRA-ILA volunteer award winners are:
“Jay M. Littlefield Memorial NRA-ILA Volunteer of the Year” winners: Joseph DeBergalis, Jr. (NY) and Ed Williamson (TN). The “NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award” will be presented to both the Kansas State Rifle Association and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.
Joseph DeBergalis is the NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) for New York’s 27th and 28th Congressional Districts, where he has served since 2002. Joseph has raised the bar in member activism with his continually “can do” attitude. Making phone calls to volunteers, recruiting new members, or meeting with elected officials, Joe is a vital piece in the political puzzle that is New York.
Ed Williamson joined the EVC program in 2003, and quickly took helm of Tennessee’s 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts. Ed has been instrumental in assisting with NRA-ILA’s lobbying efforts throughout the state. Not one to shy away from grunt work, Ed has also put in countless hours at gun shows, campaign offices, and NRA-ILA booths at political events. He also takes time to appear on numerous news shows promoting our Second Amendment rights.
The Kansas State Rifle Association (KSRA) was instrumental in last year’s passage of the state’s historic Right-to-Carry law, through its formation of a coalition of groups, businesses, and organizations that supported Right-to-Carry. In 2005, President Ralph Goodwin made legislative success an absolute priority. KSRA began collecting funds for political action, and, working with NRA-ILA, they put those funds and an enormous volunteer effort to good use in support of Kansas gun owners. KSRA has established itself as a credible political force in Kansas politics and contributed tremendously to the passage and successful implementation of Right-To-Carry and Castle Doctrine legislation.
Finally, the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) has distinguished itself as a lobbying powerhouse. Working alongside NRA-ILA, the NYSRPA has many accomplishments for which to be proud of in 2005. Through alerts and grassroots activism the NYSRPA defeated numerous anti-gun proposals, defeated several anti-gun officials running for re-election to office, and advocated expanding firearm and hunting laws throughout the state. The dedication and leadership of this organization symbolizes the true nature of firearms owners in New York.
We know you all join us in congratulating these individuals and organizations for their tireless defense of the Second Amendment. Congratulations to all!
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