It is perhaps a cliché to say, “elections matter,” but the adage holds true. The past few years of Joe Biden’s presidency have illustrated this as his administration has repeatedly levied one attack after another against the peoples’ individual right to keep and bear arms.
The NRA, meanwhile, stands steadfast in defense of the right to keep and bear arms, not only in the courts and legislatures, but also on the frontlines across the country. NRA-ILA Grassroots staff and volunteers are out en masse day after day, week after week, in support of candidates who understand and cherish this constitutional right.
To give but a glimpse into the work of these patriots, America’s 1st Freedom had the privilege of joining NRA Grassroots Field Coordinator Andrew Brown and Campaign Field Representative Holly Klucarich, as well as her son, Justin, in Concord, N.C., on a sweltering summer day.
It was late June, and the temperature was in the mid-90s with the humidity at nearly 80%. For those unfamiliar with east-coast humidity, the air is thick, nearly palpable, as it hangs on you with each and every step. Brown and Klucarich were undeterred, if not entirely unphased, by the daunting conditions—their commitment to the cause was far more important.
Their first NRA Day event of the weekend was set up before 10 a.m. at Hal’s Pawn and Gun Shop, a quaint and comfortable store in Concord that specializes in home defense and has been family owned and operated for nearly half a century. What became immediately clear is that this store is an embedded part of the community, as regulars shuffled in on that Saturday morning, but many were there for more than just the scuttlebutt.
A steady stream of people entered who had gotten word of the NRA Day event, by email or otherwise, and were eager to join the NRA FrontLines team in whatever manner they could. Some were keen to get out with the team and knock on doors, while others, who had limited time to volunteer, were glad to hear that there is a plethora of other opportunities to promote this worthy cause. Many grabbed multiple magnets and stickers, and those who signed up received an NRA hat as well. Each had a level of excitement as they knew this election could very well shape the future of the Second Amendment for years to come.
One recurring theme of conversation was the withering assault the current administration has leveled against the Second Amendment. From “we need to vote them out” to “I don’t think we can withstand another four years,” the need for a change in November was evident to these freedom-loving folks.
Each attendee was warmly received by Brown, Klucarich, her son or some combination of all three. Brown is an affable, readily approachable guy who knows what it takes in this fight. From engaging volunteers to answering questions about concealed-carry reciprocity throughout the states, he is always on the ball. Klucarich, the campaign field representative for the area, is a seasoned campaigner who brings not only her experience to the cause, but also her family. While only one son was with her this Saturday, she had been out with four of her children canvassing the day before; she truly epitomizes the family values that this nation’s oldest civil-rights organization espouses.
Before long, it was time to head out into the field to meet voters where they are. Anyone who has gone door to door knows it is often tiring, thankless work, especially in the heat of summer, but this is what makes a difference in elections. As the sun reached its apex for the day, we set out, palm cards in hand with “Commit to Vote for Donald Trump this November!” printed across the top of each.
Grassroots volunteers across the country are out in support of former President Trump, who is endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund (PVF), as well as other down-ballot candidates who have been recognized by the NRA-PVF as staunch defenders of the Second Amendment.
Though not every door knocked on was answered, the majority of those who answered were eager to make known their support for Trump’s potential return to the White House. One man, a military veteran, asked how he could get involved with the NRA, including how he could become an NRA-certified instructor. Another, a Cuban immigrant, proudly noted how he had voted for Trump the last two elections and will absolutely do so again this November. “Trump 2024!” yelled a man driving by, as he saw us out going door to door in support of the former president.
“One of the things that I am most proud of is seeing friendships formed through our volunteer and community efforts. Seeing like-minded people who have never had the opportunity to meet and come together to work towards a common goal and build a friendship through that is not something I expected to happen as often as it does,” said Brown.
Though Brown and Klucarich were only canvassing in support of former President Trump at the time this was being written, they will also be supporting down-ballot candidates who have received positive grades from the NRA-PVF as this election draws closer. While it is imperative that Second Amendment-supporting Americans vote to send Trump back to the White House, lest we suffer another four years of Joe Biden, the local elections are equally important; for example, without the state-level successes over the past several years, if not decades, constitutional carry would not have spread to the 29 states that now have some form of it today.
Once a sufficient number of doors were visited, it was time to head to another NRA Day event, this time at Eagle Guns & Range, also in Concord. This featured a dozen-and-a-half lanes at its state-of-the-art range. It should come as little surprise that many of those who literally take this constitutional right into their own hands support the tireless work of NRA employees and volunteers on the frontlines.
“These are NRA people,” proudly proclaimed one man, who donned an NRA Institute for Legislative Action cap, as he gestured toward the range. “They’re here because of y’all.”
People from all walks of life engaged with Brown, Klucarich and her son as they headed to and from the range. When not given an outright verbal affirmation, others simply gave a thumbs up or briefly thanked them for the work they do every day. One man added that he receives every magazine from NRA Publications, though I’ll decline to say which he most looks forward to reading out of respect for those other publications. Another attendee even noted that it’s good to see that the NRA is back, campaigning on the frontlines for those who will protect our Second Amendment rights.
When it came time to wrap up the second event, it was nearly eight in the evening. The team had spoken to a lot of people at both NRA Day events and whilst out canvassing. Brown and Klucarich had signed up quite a few volunteers who, in turn, will recruit more people to the cause to help spread this important message ahead of November’s crucial election. In addition to this, they were also able to sign up patriots who wanted to join the NRA on the spot. Many have joined the National Rifle Association thanks to these NRA Day events that are being held in states throughout the country.
Perhaps even more important to recognize, this jam-packed day was but one example showcasing the diligent work that NRA Grassroots does. To say I was gassed would be an understatement, but Brown, Klucarich and many others were ready to get back out the very next day; for reference, over 1,000 volunteers were activated in the previous presidential election cycle and the NRA has only grown stronger since then.
“Our goal at NRA-ILA Grassroots is to activate and engage members and frontlines leaders across the country to support our mission and show support for our NRA-PVF-endorsed candidates. I have had the opportunity to meet members from all walks of life during my four years in this position and the one thing I have seen is a true passion for our Second Amendment rights. A lot of the time, people are not expecting to see a representative of the NRA knock on their door. The excitement that can come from that is appreciated every time by myself and our volunteers,” said Brown.
To see NRA members volunteer their time at these events, and countless others across the country, is to witness patriotism and dedication to defending freedom. This is why the NRA Institute for Legislative Action’s (ILA) aptly named FrontLines is in action throughout the country. These are everyday people who cherish and value our constitutional freedoms. They are the ones who make a difference in legislatures and elections at every level.
This fall, freedom is on the ballot, perhaps more than ever before. Rest assured, the NRA’s Grassroots army will be on the frontlines from now until Election Day and far beyond it, too. It’s up to freedom-loving Americans to make sure that this country remains free.
Become a FrontLines Volunteer
NRA-ILA FrontLines is comprised of the NRA’s most-dedicated volunteers, who work resiliently at the local, state and federal levels to make meaningful contributions in support of our Second Amendment rights. These volunteers are at the tip of the spear in the ongoing fight for freedom. In our continued efforts to provide
members opportunities to get involved, the NRA has Grassroots coordinators, like Andrew Brown, throughout the country. They help FrontLines volunteers prepare to speak at events, make calls, send text messages and/or host an NRA Day event. If you are ready and able to join NRA-ILA FrontLines and begin actively working in defense of the Second Amendment, please visit nrailafrontlines.com/join.
To find your FrontLines activist leader, visit nraila.org/grassroots/find-your-frontlines-activist-leader. These are the people who coordinate and implement NRA-ILA’s grassroots activities and programs in their areas. They also work with NRA staff, members and Second Amendment supporters in their area to provide boots-on-the-ground support for NRA programs and activities on a year-round basis. This includes election and legislative efforts.
To find events near you, visit nrailafrontlines.com. For more information on elections, legislation and more at all levels, visit nraila.org.
