Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News

NRA Honors Liberty University Student

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

NRA Honors Liberty University Student

Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is recognizing Liberty University student Riley Hayes for his grassroots activism in protecting the Second Amendment.

NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox presented Riley with the Youth Leadership Award at the NRA’s January 2018 board meeting.  “Riley is the future of gun rights in America,” said Glen Caroline, NRA-ILA Grassroots Programs & Campaign Field Operations Director. “Riley played a critical role in turning out the pro-Second Amendment vote in southern Virginia. Now, more than ever, we need to honor our young activists such as Riley because they will be leading our fight for freedom in the coming years.” 

The Youth Leadership Award recognizes an individual college student or recent graduate for his or her meritorious defense of the Second Amendment.

Riley is a senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Throughout his time at Liberty University, he has been heavily involved in a pro-gun campus group called “Students at Liberty for Gun Rights” where Riley served as club treasurer. Riley has been a steadfast NRA activist and currently serves as the NRA-ILA Campus Coordinator at Liberty.

Throughout the 2016 campaign, Riley took it upon himself to start, grow, and encourage Liberty Students to advocate for NRA-Political Victory Fund-endorsed candidates, including Donald Trump and Congressman Tom Garrett. Leading his ground team, he and his volunteers spoke to thousands of Virginia voters over the phone and at their doorsteps about the importance of the Second Amendment.

“Without Riley’s commitment and resolute leadership, we would not have seen the successes we saw in the greater Lynchburg Area in 2016,” added Cox. “His work ethic and devotion to the National Rifle Association stand as testament to what a true leader looks like.”


Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.

TRENDING NOW
Rhode Island:  Gun Bans On Tap In Providence Next Week

Friday, April 3, 2026

Rhode Island: Gun Bans On Tap In Providence Next Week

On Wednesday April 8, the House Judiciary Committee will meet in the House Lounge at 4 p.m. to launch an historic attack on our Second Amendment rights. 

Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

On Saturday, March 14th, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session, and the future of the Commonwealth hangs in the balance. 

Ammunition Serialization: The Five-Cent Fiasco in Illinois

News  

Monday, March 30, 2026

Ammunition Serialization: The Five-Cent Fiasco in Illinois

Democrat officials in Illinois have long taken unabashed pride in the abridgement of Second Amendment rights, and their latest attempt at “bullet control” is again making headlines.

Kentucky: Governor Beshear Vetoes Pro-Gun Bills - Urge Your Legislators to Override!

Friday, April 3, 2026

Kentucky: Governor Beshear Vetoes Pro-Gun Bills - Urge Your Legislators to Override!

On Thursday, April 2nd, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed two pro-gun bills, House Bill 78 and House Bill 312.

California Court’s “Technical Issue” Nullifies Background Checks

News  

Monday, March 30, 2026

California Court’s “Technical Issue” Nullifies Background Checks

California, already well known for its de-policing, non-prosecution, and other soft-on-crime policies, has taken enabling criminals to a whole new level.

West Virginia: Governor Morrisey Signs Constitutional Carry Expansion Bill

Thursday, April 2, 2026

West Virginia: Governor Morrisey Signs Constitutional Carry Expansion Bill

On Wednesday, April 1st, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 4106, expanding constitutional carry provisions to 18-20 year olds.

“Gun Free Zones” Herd Honest Citizens into Physical and Legal Peril

News  

Monday, March 30, 2026

“Gun Free Zones” Herd Honest Citizens into Physical and Legal Peril

Never mind the homelessness, drug use, and routine violence … according to Empire State politicians, New York City’s transit system is a “sensitive place.”

Connecticut: Pistol Ban Advances in the Legislature

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Connecticut: Pistol Ban Advances in the Legislature

Last week, the Connecticut Judiciary Committee voted to advance HB5043 - A bill championed by Governor Ned Lamount aimed at banning so-called "convertible pistols".

NRA Defeats California Gun Control Law; State Must Pay Nearly $500,000 in Attorney Fees Incurred by NRA

Monday, March 23, 2026

NRA Defeats California Gun Control Law; State Must Pay Nearly $500,000 in Attorney Fees Incurred by NRA

Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California granted a stipulation for final judgment and permanent injunction in Safari Club International v. Bonta, under which the state conceded that its firearm advertising restriction is unconstitutional ...

Is Finland Looking to Emulate America’s Founding Era on Firearms?

News  

Monday, March 30, 2026

Is Finland Looking to Emulate America’s Founding Era on Firearms?

We’ve written before about Finland, a European nation with arguably better gun laws than the majority of the continent.  

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.