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Grassroots Spotlight: Meet Jay M. Littlefield Award Winners Rick Coufal and Dennis Barthenheier

Monday, February 13, 2023

Grassroots Spotlight: Meet Jay M. Littlefield Award Winners Rick Coufal and Dennis Barthenheier

The annual NRA-ILA Jay M. Littlefield Award recognizes individual NRA members for their meritorious defense of the Second Amendment. Late last year, awards were presented to two individuals for their selfless commitment to upholding and supporting the Second Amendment.

Dennis Barthenheier, owner of Wisconsin Firearms Training Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin, received the award for his invaluable work with the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division over the past five years. Combining his passion for the Second Amendment, with his business, Wisconsin Firearms Training Center, he continually serves as a beacon for pro-Second Amendment activities in Wisconsin.

Dennis is always willing to generously let NRA, local volunteers, and pro-2A activists use his business and resources for so many important grassroots events focused on educating and engaging many in Wisconsin in support of our rights. He additionally lends his own personal time to the cause and has assisted NRA-ILA with other endeavors outside his business, such as NRA State Conferences and other events.

Rick Coufal has been volunteering directly with the NRA-ILA in Oregon for just a few short years, but has made a huge impact!  He has been instrumental in important grassroots outreach in Oregon as a Frontlines Activist Leader, as well as the Legislative Director for the NRA affiliated State Association. Rick went above and beyond the call by not only helping the new NRA-ILA PNW Grassroots Coordinator get acclimated to the region, but also helped to staff numerous gun shows and legislative events that contributed to his accumulation of more than 120+ volunteer hours in a single year. Most recently he was an integral part of the Oregonians for Freedom Committee, which was instrumental in fighting the atrocious Oregon gun control ballot initiative. A U.S. Army Veteran, he has always been a wealth of knowledge and commitment and one day aspires to serve the NRA in a greater capacity on the Board of Directors.

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New York:  Gov. Kathy Hochul Signs Gun Ban in State Budget Process

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul Signs Gun Ban in State Budget Process

On Wednesday, May 27, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.9005C, which “enacts into law major components” of the state’s public protection and general government budget.

HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

News  

Monday, June 1, 2026

HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

The fight to defend Second Amendment rights is not confined to Washington, D.C., or even to the halls of state capitals.

Virginia’s Semiauto Ban Hits Snag With County Enforcement Officials

News  

Monday, June 1, 2026

Virginia’s Semiauto Ban Hits Snag With County Enforcement Officials

While Virginia’s bans on “assault firearms” and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds was signed into law on May 14, and is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, it remains to be seen ...

Oregon: Initiative Petition 28 Threat to Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Heritage One Step Closer to Reality

Friday, May 29, 2026

Oregon: Initiative Petition 28 Threat to Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Heritage One Step Closer to Reality

The criminalization of hunting and fishing is one step closer to a reality in Oregon. 

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Maryland’s Glock Ban

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Maryland’s Glock Ban

The National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging Maryland’s ban on Glock and Glock-style handguns.

Yet Another Tragic Example of the False Promise of Red Flag Laws

News  

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Yet Another Tragic Example of the False Promise of Red Flag Laws

We’ve consistently highlighted the defects of “red flag” laws, the chief of which is the underlying philosophy that compelling removal of a person’s own firearms is a sufficient resolution of any risk or threat of harm.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Post Office Carry Ban

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Post Office Carry Ban

The National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, and three NRA members today filed a lawsuit challenging the federal prohibition on carrying firearms at United States Post Offices.

Department of Interior Announces Major Expansion for Hunters and Anglers

News  

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Department of Interior Announces Major Expansion for Hunters and Anglers

This week, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced it will be issuing a proposed rule that would result in the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in agency history.

Virginia: Spanberger Signs Unconstitutional Gun Bills into Law

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Virginia: Spanberger Signs Unconstitutional Gun Bills into Law

Today, April 23rd, Governor Spanberger Signed HB1525 and SB727/HB1524 into law. 

Virginia: Despite Injunction, Virginia State Police to Conduct Background Checks for Private Sales

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Virginia: Despite Injunction, Virginia State Police to Conduct Background Checks for Private Sales

On May 27th, Virginia-based gun rights group the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) was informed by the Virginia Attorney General’s office that the Virginia State Police (VSP) would resume conducting background checks on private firearm ...

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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.