INVITATION: NRA Members' Council Conference -- July 26, 2008 [Archive]

H Paul Payne

07-03-2008, 05:45 PM

Calgunners:

Do you support the goals, policies, and objectives of the National Rifle Association of America?

Are you currently an NRA member?

Have you ever wanted to meet NRA activist/volunteers and discuss efforts to restore and protect the Second Amendment in California?

Would you like to hear about NRA's efforts and activities in California, AND be able to share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions with others --- including NRA leadership in California?

If you answered YES to all four of these questions, this offer is for you!

================================================== ===

The date of the 2008 NRA Members' Council Conference is Saturday, July 26, 2008. Please schedule your time accordingly.

Register for this event and mark your calendars NOW!

It will be held at the Anaheim Marriott Suites, located at 12015 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA. This is located near the intersection of Chapman Ave. and Harbor Blvd. -- near Disneyland. A map can be found HERE (http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1 dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=33.78842&lon=-117.915149&zoom=16&q1=12015%20Harbor%20Blvd.%20Garden%20Grove%2C%20CA %20)

Event Q&A:

**** What time does it begin?
== Sign-in and session selection begins at 8:00am. We expect the final session to end about 4:00pm.

**** Is there a charge for parking?
== No. Parking is free.

**** Does it cost anything to attend?
== No. There is no charge to attend the NRA Members' Council Conference. However, all attendees must be registered to attend and will be given Conference identification badges that will be worn while at the Conference.

**** Is food provided to the attendees?
== Yes and no. A light breakfast (pastries, bagels, coffee, decaf, tea, and water) is being supplied to all attendees. This is being co-hosted by Trutanich-Michel, LLP and the California Rifle & Pistol Association. In order to keep costs down, lunch is not being provided as a part of the Conference. However, there are several restaurants nearby and I am negotiating a discount for Conference attendees in the hotels restaurant.

**** Is this event just for Members' Council Officers, or can any MC member attend?
== The NRA Members' Council Conference is open to all NRA Members' Council members.

:D NOTE: I have opened-up the NRA Members' Council Conference to our NRA-supporting friends on Calguns.net. We have a limited amount of space but I will do my best to find a place for those desire to participate.

**** How can I register to attend the Conference?
== By completing the on-line event registration form at http://nramemberscouncils.com/cgi-bin/reg2008.cgi

**** What level of NRA leadership will be at the Conference? Will I be able to speak with them or will there just be speeches?
== NRA Executive Vice-President Wayne LaPierre, -- NRA Board of Director Members Tom Gaines, Manny Fernandez, Joel Friedman, -- NRA-ILA California State Liaison Ed Worley, -- NRA Liaison to the Executive Vice President & MC Program Administrator H. Paul Payne, -- will be there and you will have opportunities to interact with them.

There is more information, and more details are developing daily. I will send out another message soon, or when more people ask questions.

Register for the NRA Members' Council Conference by clicking HERE (http://nramemberscouncils.com/cgi-bin/reg2008.cgi)!

Due to limited space, we only have room for a limited number of guests (those who are not currently Members' Council members). If you would like to participate, please register soon! I will fit-in as many as I can.

Paul

bwiese

07-04-2008, 12:03 PM

Folks,

I'll be the bad boy and add one caveat: if you sign up, do please attend! It makes things difficult when folks flake, and we Calif folks should make a good showing - 'cuz there's a lotta additional time & $$$ that's gonna be directed to the CA fight.

These meetings are a great way to meet the NRA folks who work tirelessly for us.

H Paul Payne

07-09-2008, 08:40 PM

and we Calif folks should make a good showing - 'cuz there's a lotta additional time & $$$ that's gonna be directed to the CA fight.

Thanks Bill.

I'm hoping to meet lots of pro-gunners that I've not met before. But not very many Calgunners have registered, so far. I'll bet I should'a used a different word than "register" ?!? ;) :eek: ;)

http://nramemberscouncils.com/cgi-bin/reg2008.cgi

Paul

hoffmang

07-11-2008, 12:26 AM

Most of the board members of the Calguns Foundation are going to be there so its an especially good event to meet the Northern California Calguns ambassadors.

-Gene

jmlivingston

07-11-2008, 10:24 AM

I'm in, just received my confirmation email.

John

AfricanHunter

07-11-2008, 10:26 AM

I'll be there. Who else is going?

ivanimal

07-11-2008, 10:37 AM

I will be in attendance.

jmlivingston

07-11-2008, 10:38 AM

Hey, that's awesome! I finally get to meet you!

John

ivanimal

07-11-2008, 10:41 AM

Hey, that's awesome! I finally get to meet you!

John

You are in for a big let down.:p

H Paul Payne

07-11-2008, 10:55 AM

You are in for a big let down.:p

THAT'S NOT TRUE! Folks, I've met Ivan and he's a great guy.

I met him at the "Black-Rifle Friday" shoot (the day after Thanksgiving, aka "black Friday") at Chabot Gun Club last year. There was lots of good food and great stories..... and shootin' too. ;)

BTW, if you haven't seen the schedule for the NRA Members' Council Conference yet, its posted at http://www.calnra.com/conference08.shtml . Wow! Don't you just hate those shameless plugs?

I sure appreciate all of the support that we're receiving from Calgunners. I hope to see lots of you at the event.

Paul

jmlivingston

07-11-2008, 11:01 AM

You are in for a big let down.:p

Ha! I know better. We may not have met, but we've certainly conversed here frequently as well as telephonically. And don't worry, I'll recognize you by the hammer you carry...

John

Kestryll

07-11-2008, 03:20 PM

I'm in.

H Paul Payne

07-16-2008, 05:15 PM

With today's general announcement (http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=4091) of the NRA Members' Council Conference, the available spaces are filling-up fast. If you are planning on attending, and haven't yet registered, please consider doing so (http://nramemberscouncils.com/cgi-bin/reg2008.cgi) ASAP.

I'm not sure if we will fill-up or not. But it is looking like we might. :D

http://www.calnra.com/conference08.shtml

Paul

tenpercentfirearms

07-16-2008, 11:35 PM

I just registered and I am bringing guns!

Liberty1

07-16-2008, 11:48 PM

I just registered and I am bringing guns!

I'll be wearing mine:p

bulgron

07-17-2008, 08:49 AM

Show offs. They still won't let me wear my guns in public. :mad:

Liberty1

07-17-2008, 11:05 AM

Show offs. They still won't let me wear my guns in public. :mad:

? What did you do?

oaklander

07-17-2008, 01:47 PM

I'm in!!!

:D

Anthonysmanifesto

07-17-2008, 03:40 PM

Plane Tickets and hotel reserved!

Im there!

I can also tell you I have had the opportunity to attend and participate in similar events and it will be a Saturday very well spent.

bdsmchs

07-17-2008, 05:07 PM

Just responded in the other thread, but I've registered and I'll be there.

So how are us Calgunners going to get together and meet each other? :) Someone gonna have a table and sign? heh

tenpercentfirearms

07-17-2008, 05:14 PM

So how are us Calgunners going to get together and meet each other? :) Someone gonna have a table and sign? heh

Look for the freak show. That will be the calgunners. :D

bulgron

07-17-2008, 07:33 PM

? What did you do?

I moved to Santa Clara County. That's all it takes.

6172crew

07-18-2008, 01:45 PM

Me and my buddy will be there.

jmlivingston

07-18-2008, 03:36 PM

We need a Calgunner's dinner either Friday or Saturday night.

John

Anthonysmanifesto

07-18-2008, 03:38 PM

We need a Calgunner's dinner either Friday or Saturday night.

John

I vote friday

hoffmang

07-18-2008, 06:28 PM

Ditto on Friday.

-Gene

oaklander

07-18-2008, 07:52 PM

Say we meet in the lobby at 7 or 8 on Friday???

Blackwater OPS

07-19-2008, 05:36 PM

I'll be there.

Moonclip

07-22-2008, 01:54 AM

I sent a PM to op, might be attending if possible.

jmlivingston

07-22-2008, 09:36 AM

So it sounds like some of you are up for a CalGuns dinner & get-together on Friday night. I know some of you guys are big meat eaters, so how about some Brazilian BBQ at Agora Churrascaria? Full dinner is $41, salad-bar only (very nice by itself!) is $29. If this place is acceptable, you guys set a time and give me a headcount and I'll make the reservations. This place is just around the corner from John Wayne Airport if any of you Norcal'rs are flying in and want to go straight there.

http://www.agorachurrascaria.com
http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/profile/41743259/irvine_ca/agora_churrascaria.html

In case you'd like something different I can come up with some more options.

John

bdsmchs

07-22-2008, 11:45 AM

I'm up for attending a calguns dinner Friday night. Agora is nice, and quite filling. But I'll go to wherever the party ends up at.

jmlivingston

07-22-2008, 12:27 PM

Agora is nice, and quite filling. But I'll go to wherever the party ends up at.

I'm kind of the same way, regarding going where-ever. I suggested Agora as nobody will go away hungry, the food is awesome, and it's also pretty quiet inside making it a good place for conversation. It's an all-you-can-eat place, the food brought on giant skewers to the table and sliced onto the plate making it a bit of a different dining experience than the typical restaurant. It's kind of the place I'd want to go try if I was traveling, but I'm certainly open to alternative suggestions. Frankly I was thinking of Bill and Gene when I suggested it, those two guys - especially Bill - have made it no secret of their passion for good beef.

John

6172crew

07-22-2008, 12:32 PM

I will try to make dinner as well.

hoffmang

07-22-2008, 01:21 PM

Frankly I was thinking of Bill and Gene when I suggested it, those two guys - especially Bill - have made it no secret of their passion for good beef.

Mmm.... Cow....

-Gene

oaklander

07-22-2008, 01:25 PM

Did someone say DINNER?

:D

jmlivingston

07-22-2008, 04:25 PM

Alright, here's a running list of people who are up for dinner on Friday evening. Time is TBD, location is tentatively set to Agora.

Name & number in party:

jmlivingston - 1
Oaklander - 1
HoffmanG - 1
bdsmchs - 1
6172Crew - 1 (maybe)
AnthonysManifesto - 1
BlackwaterOps - 1 (maybe)
BWiese - 1
Ivanimal - 1
Kestryll - 1
Liberty1 - 1
Ed Worley - 1
Paul Payne - 1

Total committed: 11
Maybes: 2

I'll keep this a running list right here, Thursday afternoon I'll call the restaurant and make the reservations. Let me know any corrections/additions and I'll get it updated right away.

John

Blackwater OPS

07-22-2008, 04:27 PM

Agora sounds pretty good, but it's a long drive there and back, anyone have any extra room down there Friday night?

bwiese

07-22-2008, 05:58 PM

John,
Sign me up for Agora dinner... I guess we can back some dead cows up to the door...

jmlivingston

07-22-2008, 07:24 PM

John,
Sign me up for Agora dinner... I guess we can back some dead cows up to the door...

I knew you'd be up for it Bill!

John

Moonclip

07-23-2008, 12:01 AM

Frankly I was thinking of Bill and Gene when I suggested it, those two guys - especially Bill - have made it no secret of their passion for good beef.

This should be a sig line:) I can't make the dinner I don't think but I still would like to go to the conference. I have not received a PM though about it and time is getting short, should I register?

hoffmang

07-23-2008, 10:12 AM

This should be a sig line:) I can't make the dinner I don't think but I still would like to go to the conference. I have not received a PM though about it and time is getting short, should I register?
Register and show up.

-Gene

ivanimal

07-23-2008, 10:30 AM

I am riding with Kestryll so its up to him.

Moonclip

07-23-2008, 10:34 PM

Ha! . And don't worry, I'll recognize you by the hammer you carry...

John

Looks like I'll be there. And is he a Hells Angel? Whats up with the hammer?

Anyways, also when I registered I was not asked to prove I am an NRA member, I only left a cell # and address as a contact, they can call if they want, hopefully I am not denied entry on Sat morning due to some glitch.

Moonclip

07-23-2008, 11:47 PM

And just how many calgunners are going to be at the conference you think? I'm surprised there is not more people here posting about it on this thread.

H Paul Payne

07-23-2008, 11:59 PM

We only have a few openings available for the Conference.

And yes Moonclip, you're in. ;)

I've just finished printing all of the name badges and its almost 300. That's the scheduled amount with the facility.

If you are serious about going to the Conference, please register now at http://www.calnra.com/conference08.shtml . But ONLY if you're going to attend.

Hey folks, how would you feel about having a couple of NRA staff-types (myself and Ed) tag along for dinner on Friday? I don't know if we can swing it or not, but we can try -- if its okay with you.

Paul

Moonclip

07-24-2008, 12:18 AM

I'm sure you are welcome to go. And of the 300, how many calgunners? Maybe we should have a dinner or drink after the conference.

jmlivingston

07-24-2008, 07:28 AM

No problem at all Paul, we'd love to have you and Ed! Just tell me how many people will be there so I get the reservation count correct.

John

bwiese

07-24-2008, 09:02 AM

Paul, we'd love to have you & Ed along with us for dinner.

Bring an appetite.

oaklander

07-24-2008, 11:02 AM

Can anyone spare a ride to the restaurant for moi. . . ???

jmlivingston

07-24-2008, 11:07 AM

Where do you need to be picked up at?

Also, is 7pm a good time for dinner for you guys?

oaklander

07-24-2008, 11:20 AM

I'll be at the hotel -

:)

Where do you need to be picked up at?

Also, is 7pm a good time for dinner for you guys?

Anthonysmanifesto

07-24-2008, 12:30 PM

Ill be at the hotel

hoffmang

07-24-2008, 02:09 PM

Bill and I will have at least 1 and maybe 2 seats available in our rental car.

Which reminds me to go rent it. Gotta love the special rental car clubs...

-Gene

Anthonysmanifesto

07-24-2008, 02:53 PM

ill be at the airport at 3:30PM

still havent figured out how im getting around-

speak up if you are going to be there around that time.

Kestryll

07-24-2008, 03:04 PM

So you and Bill are renting a car and Oaklander, how are you getting from JW airport to the hotel?

Ivan's flight arrives in Long Beach at 7:20 so I'll be picking him up then.
Dinner sounds good but it also sounds like we'll be late.

Kestryll

07-24-2008, 03:04 PM

Which airport Anthony?

Anthonysmanifesto

07-24-2008, 03:13 PM

Which airport Anthony?

orange county- john wayne

Kestryll

07-24-2008, 03:28 PM

Okay, Oaklander is coming in to JW at 3:00 so depending on how he's getting to the hotel you two should be able to hook up. Let's see how he's planning on getting around or if he needs a ride too.

H Paul Payne

07-24-2008, 06:31 PM

Can anyone spare a ride to the restaurant for moi. . . ???

Ed and I are planning on attending the dinner and I have plenty of space for three more people in my 4-door p/u.

Feel free to give me a call, because I don't know how often I will be able to logon in the next day or so.

Paul

oaklander

07-24-2008, 06:36 PM

I was just going to grab a cab from JW - but I think maybe me and Anthony can share one - it's only 12 miles from there to the hotel. . .

Guntech

07-24-2008, 06:40 PM

Man I wish I could make it but I am in norcal

Kestryll

07-24-2008, 07:06 PM

Gene and Bill are renting a car, Anthony and Oaklander are grabbing a cab to the hotel and then can grab a ride to the restaurant with Paul so the only one I'm picking up is Ivan, correct?

oaklander

07-24-2008, 07:11 PM

Confirmed on me and Anthony - we'll share cab from airport to hotel, and share ride with Paul P. from hotel to restaurant.

Gene and Bill are renting a car, Anthony and Oaklander are grabbing a cab to the hotel and then can grab a ride to the restaurant with Paul so the only one I'm picking up is Ivan, correct?

jmlivingston

07-24-2008, 07:35 PM

Here's the final count for dinner:

jmlivingston - 1
Oaklander - 1
HoffmanG - 1
bdsmchs - 1
AnthonysManifesto - 1
BWiese - 1
Ivanimal - 1
Kestryll - 1
Liberty1 - 1
Ed Worley - 1
Paul Payne - 1

BlackwaterOps - 1 (maybe)
6172Crew - 1 (maybe)

Total committed: 11
Maybes: 2

Dinner is at Agora, time is 7pm and we'll have Ivanimal and Kestryll arriving a few minutes late. I'll make the reservations for 12 people, if both of the "maybes" show up we'll squeeze it in a little bit and make it work.

I'll send a copy of this out via PM once I have the reservations made, in just a few minutes.

John

oaklander

07-24-2008, 07:52 PM

Agora is that new vegetarian place, right?

;)

Here's the final count for dinner:

jmlivingston - 1
Oaklander - 1
HoffmanG - 1
bdsmchs - 1
AnthonysManifesto - 1
BWiese - 1
Ivanimal - 1
Kestryll - 1
Liberty1 - 1
Ed Worley - 1
Paul Payne - 1

BlackwaterOps - 1 (maybe)
6172Crew - 1 (maybe)

Total committed: 11
Maybes: 2

Dinner is at Agora, time is 7pm and we'll have Ivanimal and Kestryll arriving a few minutes late. I'll make the reservations for 12 people, if both of the "maybes" show up we'll squeeze it in a little bit and make it work.

I'll send a copy of this out via PM once I have the reservations made, in just a few minutes.

John

Kestryll

07-24-2008, 07:54 PM

Agora is that new vegetarian place, right?

;)

:ban:

:D

Anthonysmanifesto

07-24-2008, 07:54 PM

why do I always draw oaklander?

jmlivingston

07-24-2008, 07:55 PM

Agora is that new vegetarian place, right?

;)

They do have a great salad bar....

oaklander

07-24-2008, 08:04 PM

why do I always draw oaklander?

"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."

:D

6172crew

07-24-2008, 08:27 PM

I have to go to Camp Pen. to see my sister but if Im back in time we (me and my buddy) will show for dinner. I can get Ivans # if needed.

trashman

07-24-2008, 08:40 PM

I have family obligations this weekend otherwise would get down there.

If you guys get a chance to say hi to Wayne LaPierre, you might mention that at least one Calgunner went to the same high school he did in Roanoke, VA..

--Neill

jmlivingston

07-24-2008, 10:21 PM

Confirmation sent via PM to those coming to dinner....

John

hoffmang

07-24-2008, 10:35 PM

Mmm... Cow....

Looking forward to it!

-Gene

bdsmchs

07-24-2008, 10:54 PM

Angie will be coming with me as well.

Moonclip

07-24-2008, 11:14 PM

I hope for a photo op with the VP and for him to autograph a copy of Guns,Crime and Freedom for me. Any interest in a get together ad=fter the conference? Looking forward to meething you Bwiese. I have never met any NorCal people before.

bwiese

07-25-2008, 08:12 AM

Moonclip great idea, I'm sure Wayne'll be mobbed though.

It'll be first time I've had a chance to meet some of the SoCal crew. Gene & I will unfortunately be flying out Sat very late afternoon right after conf wraps up.

AfricanHunter

07-25-2008, 08:46 AM

Too late to get in on dinner? Didn't think I would be able to make it up to OC in time but looks like I will be able to. I'll drop a pm to jmlivingston

jmlivingston

07-25-2008, 09:24 AM

Too late to get in on dinner? Didn't think I would be able to make it up to OC in time but looks like I will be able to. I'll drop a pm to jmlivingston

PM received and responded too.

BWO and 6172Crew, I have the two of you as "Maybe". Are you guys going to make it tonight?

John

AfricanHunter

07-25-2008, 09:26 AM

Great, I'll see you guys there at 7. Looking forward to it.

Josh

Blackwater OPS

07-25-2008, 10:35 AM

PM received and responded too.

BWO and 6172Crew, I have the two of you as "Maybe". Are you guys going to make it tonight?

John

I'm officially in.

RRangel

07-25-2008, 03:49 PM

Man, a lot of you guys are lucky. I'm unable to shake an obligation with my employer on Saturday. Looking forward to more events in the future at such time when I can attend.

jmlivingston

07-25-2008, 03:57 PM

I'm officially in.

Sound good! See you later this evening.

John

tenpercentfirearms

07-25-2008, 06:01 PM

I like how Bill told me at 5:45 that I should drive down and join you for dinner. What are the odds I could get to OC from Taft by 7 PM on a Friday afternoon?

I think I will save that 5 hours of me life and make it 2.5 hours tomorrow morning at 5 AM.

jmlivingston

07-25-2008, 10:03 PM

Gotta say Wes, you missed a heck of a dinner! We had a great time tonight.

Let me just say that we're doing our bit for global warming. We eliminated several head of cattle this evening.

John

ivanimal

07-25-2008, 10:31 PM

I am sitting in a bar with BWO ,Kestryll, Oaklander, HoffmanG, Bwiese, Anthonysmanifesto and liberty1 I would say the forum will be well represented tomorrow.

Blackwater OPS

07-26-2008, 03:13 PM

I am sitting in a bar with BWO ,Kestryll, Oaklander, HoffmanG, Bwiese, Anthonysmanifesto and liberty1 I would say the forum will be well represented tomorrow.

We were, that seminar (1st one) was great.

383green

07-26-2008, 06:02 PM

I'm sorry I didn't make it! I've bet BWO, but I'm still looking forward to meeting some of those other big names someday! :)

hoffmang

07-26-2008, 06:52 PM

This was an OUTSTANDING event.

Thanks again to Paul Payne for putting this all together!

Also, thanks to all the Calgunners who were there and helping make our little corner of it a success.

-Gene

jmlivingston

07-26-2008, 09:10 PM

This was an OUTSTANDING event.

It sure was! Gene, Bill, Wes, and of course Kestryll were basically able to introduce the "californicated" AR-style firearms to an entirely new crowd. Bullet-buttons, mag-locks, monsterman grips, etc were all well received and brought a lot of good questions from the crowd.

Thanks again to Paul Payne for putting this all together!

3 Cheers for H. Paul Payne! It was a really good event, for sure!

Also, thanks to all the Calgunners who were there and helping make our little corner of it a success.

+1! Some really great guys showed up from Calguns today (and last night for dinner too!). Thanks for coming out and showing your support for the NRA, Calguns.net, and the CGF.

John

WokMaster1

07-26-2008, 10:09 PM

It sure was! Gene, Bill, Wes, and of course Kestryll were basically able to introduce the "californicated" AR-style firearms to an entirely new crowd. Bullet-buttons, mag-locks, monsterman grips, etc were all well received and brought a lot of good questions from the crowd.

Now that demo alone will be bringing in another 20,000 receivers to California...:D

Anthonysmanifesto

07-26-2008, 10:52 PM

thanks to Livingston for picking a truly unique restaurant-

thanks to Paul Payne and Ed worley for putting together a grade A event

Thanks to the NRA BOD members who came and spoke and interacted with everyone.

Thanks to CGF BOD for showing the colors with great style!

and finally thanks to everyone I got to meet in person and hang with.

I just really cant say enough about the turnout and the quality of the event and the people.

Moonclip

07-26-2008, 11:15 PM

I did get to meet Bwiese which was nice, didn't meet the other calgunners really. I did get the NRA VP to sign his book Guns,Crime and Freedom for me which was nice. Buffet was ok too.

I'd of liked to seen even more people, especially more calgunners. And besides 10%,were any other FFL's present? Turners should have been there at a minimum I felt.

hoffmang

07-26-2008, 11:28 PM

I spoke to at least four other FFLs.

-Gene

Moonclip

07-26-2008, 11:35 PM

Any major ones or ones from the area? I know Ades had a prior obligation and couldn't make it.

Anthonysmanifesto

07-26-2008, 11:52 PM

Any major ones or ones from the area? I know Ades had a prior obligation and couldn't make it.

dunno but I got to hang out with a ton of really cool calgunners and a lot of hardcore activists.

tenpercentfirearms

07-27-2008, 07:09 AM

I think you would all be very proud of Kestryll and the way he presented this board. I was very impressed. I expect Gene to perform and he did great, but Kestryll really rose to the occasion.

It was great to see everyone and I had a great time.

I just want everyone to know that the fact the NRA is trying to include us into the mix and that we were allowed time to present ourselves was a pretty significant event. We are a political force in this state and people are listening to us. I liked when H. Paul said in essence we are a member's council in ourselves.

Let’s keep up this good work ladies and gentleman.

And now to make a CRPA thread.

bdsmchs

07-27-2008, 08:32 AM

Thank you H Paul Payne, and the NRA for putting on such a wonderful event. Wayne LaPierre is one of the finest pro-gun speakers I've ever seen, and it was truly an honor to get a chance to see him speak in person.

I had a fantastic time getting my chance to really hang out with more of the "big name" bay area calgunners, and to meet and hang out with kestryll. Thank you, everyone.

Also, lets not forget that the NRA bestowed an award upon Kestryll for the fine work that he and calguns has done for rights and freedoms in this state. Someone needs to get a picture up!

jmlivingston

07-27-2008, 09:39 AM

Also, lets not forget that the NRA bestowed an award upon Kestryll for the fine work that he and calguns has done for rights and freedoms in this state. Someone needs to get a picture up!

Here you go! I'm sure Ivanimal has some better pictures, he had a real camera while I was just using my blackberry.

11419

AfricanHunter

07-27-2008, 04:57 PM

Hey Guys, Sorry I missed the dinner but ended up having to work a bit late and was too late by the time I got to OC.

Anyway, Was nice to meet some of you on Saturday. Excellent work on the Calguns seminar.

oaklander

07-27-2008, 06:07 PM

Well guys - it was fun and informative!!!

The Friday night dinner was awesome (thanks Jimlivingston) for the pick and the reservations. On Saturday, Kestryll and Gene did an awesome job presenting Calguns (both .net and board) to many new people.

Jason (from T&M) also did an excellent job in his seminar of presenting the current legal climate in California.

It was nice to see some familiar faces again, and to meet some additional Calgunners and NRA members.

I also wanted to thank Paul Payne for setting this up, it was a great venue and everything ran super smooth. All in all - a great event!!!

bwiese

07-27-2008, 06:28 PM

It was great seeing a lotta folks from Nor- and SoCal.

I suspect that some of the smoothness in organization/execution was greatly assisted by Paul's lovely wife, Jane, who was doing 7 dozen things at the entry booth on Saturday morning and who probably didn't get much sleep the night before...

oaklander

07-27-2008, 06:32 PM

Yes - totally agreed!

There's a lot to putting these on - I *tried* helping for a while stuffing packets with flyers, but I kept screwing up. So if anyone didn't get all of their flyers, it is my fault!!!

:eek:

It was great seeing a lotta folks from Nor- and SoCal.

I suspect that some of the smoothness in organization/execution was greatly assisted by Paul's lovely wife, Jane, who was doing 7 dozen things at the entry booth on Saturday morning and who probably didn't get much sleep the night before...

Angie

07-27-2008, 09:03 PM

Thanks so much for getting everything together, it was really nice meeting you all at the dinner and put faces to names. I am so bummed I had to work Saturday and miss the conference. Maybe next time!

Moonclip

07-27-2008, 09:44 PM

Any major ones or ones from the area? I know Ades had a prior obligation and couldn't make it.

Anyone care to list what other FFLs were in attendance? The calguns seminar was quite well put together and the condor issue was well researched. I enjoyed meeting also the lawyer who was related to the Davis and Raven founders.

hoffmang

07-27-2008, 09:47 PM

Anyone care to list what other FFLs were in attendance? The calguns seminar was quite well put together and the condor issue was well researched. I enjoyed meeting also the lawyer who was related to the Davis and Raven founders.

There wasn't a list. I just happened to shake hands with a few additional FFLs.

-Gene

Big Don

07-27-2008, 10:11 PM

Well, it only seems right that my first post to Calguns should be as a thank you to my friends and fellow "Chapter" members, Paul and Ed, for putting on such an outstanding conference. It was great seeing so many of my old (and some really old) friends after too many years! More importantly, it was deeply encouraging to see so many activists all under one roof and with one common purpose. I am proud to have been there. The break-out sessions were excellent (hence my new relationship with Calguns) and educational. Methinks the conference needs to be an annual affair, perhaps bouncing back and forth from South to North, with a stop in the Middle once in a while too.
Don

bwiese

07-27-2008, 10:24 PM

Anthonysmanifesto

07-27-2008, 10:44 PM

Kestryll

07-27-2008, 11:42 PM

The first thing I need to say is that this was a great event, there are so many people that deserve thanks for setting this up and working the event so that the rest of use could enjoy it that I know I'd miss someone important if I tried to list them all. So I'll stick with Thank you to all that made this happen, it was far too cool.

I think you would all be very proud of Kestryll and the way he presented this board. I was very impressed. I expect Gene to perform and he did great, but Kestryll really rose to the occasion.

I really appreciate that Wes, I was so nervous about how I was going to be seen, I actually asked Wes, Ivan and John to keep an eye on me and if I started floundering too much to light something on fire to distract the crowd!

Both presentations went very well, the original plan was for me to do the morning one and Gene to do the afternoon one but as the morning session got going Gene and I started tag teaming it. It was very comforting to know that when I got to a point of uncertainty Gene was there to pick it up and run with it. There was even a few points that both of us didn't quite hit thoroughly and Ivan stepped up to handle.

I left the morning session so jazzed and happy with how it had gone that we decided to just keep the same format for the afternoon one.

The afternoon session went a bit differently, as it started Gene was wrapped up with some of that behind the scenes stuff he handles so well so I started the session myself. As much as Wes may comment on my performance he left out the part where he stepped up to the front and became a part of the presentation. His help was invaluable.
In fact the afternoon session was really a Calgunner 'squad' event. Ivan stepped up with Wes to help, when Gene came in to co-host he brought Bill who of course had info to add and jmlivingston and 6172crew brought some great points up as well.

We did good and I think we represented both the community and the Foundation well.

Also, lets not forget that the NRA bestowed an award upon Kestryll for the fine work that he and calguns has done for rights and freedoms in this state. Someone needs to get a picture up!
Oh man, that was such a surprise! I was not expecting that.
When Paul Payne called out 'Paul!' I was looking for who was going to go up!
Then he called 'Kestryll' and I realized that he was calling me! I was so graceful going up there, I damn near tripped over my chair and then suavely gave my best 'deer in the headlights' look to everyone in room... :D

I have to say, I got the plaque but it really was earned by and belongs to all the members here whose efforts and work have made this forum the loud voice and strong presence it is. It will be proudly displayed on my wall.

bulgron

07-28-2008, 12:03 AM

I was so graceful going up there, I damn near tripped over my chair and then suavely gave my best 'deer in the headlights' look to everyone in room... :D

Yes, and it's a good thing that I didn't win one of those rifles from the raffle. You had me fooled, and for a moment there I was thinking it was poachin' season. :D

Just kidding! You did good. In both the morning break-out session on Calguns and at the end when you got your award, I didn't notice any nervousness at all. Frankly, you did way better than I would have done in your shoes, since I tend to drool and trip all over my own tongue in those situations.

Thanks to both your and Gene for a great break-out session. It was quite informative and actually quite entertaining. :)

trashman

07-28-2008, 02:23 PM

Sorry I couldn't be there -- sounds like a great event with all the right people. Look forward to one nearer to our neck of the woods soon.

--Neill

Moonclip

07-28-2008, 10:56 PM

I thought the morning Calguns session was just fine and presented well. I was just worried some tourist or maid was going to walk by when the OLL rifles were being shown and freak out, lol!

ivanimal

07-29-2008, 12:34 AM

Time to chime in.
The hotel was taken over by the positive attitude we brought with us. There were so many great calgunners there and everyone made a difference! I am so proud that I was allowed to share in the message we put out as Paul Payne himself said we are a members council all on our own.
You know I love you guys and I honor your efforts..........but......I have to say the highlight of the trip and meeting was getting to meet the living legend in Wayne La Pierre. He gave a speech and showed a few videos that were both moving and relevant, he spoke of heller and New Orleans, but the message I really got is that they are here for us and are glad we are here to defend. He finished with a short film of Charleston Heston that made my hair stand up. That man was special! After he said good bye he stayed and talked to everyone and looked them in the eye and listened to what they had to say.He signed my name tag for my son it reads "Joey always defend freedom like your Dad" with a signature and date. I will always remember the way I felt when he handed it back to me.
I ended the trip sitting next to my friend Paul (kestryll) in a Vietnamese restaurant wrapping our own eggrolls and discussing the great whirlwind we had just experienced. My second favorite thing was the look on Paul's face when he got called up for the plaque.................LMAO!:D

So to Paul. Bill, Gene, Kevin, Anthony, Chris and so many others thank you for the wonderful gift of defending our rights and enrolling others to do the same.

A special thanks to John for being exactly as I thought you would be,;) the restaurant was unforgettable as well.

Moonclip

07-29-2008, 12:45 AM

I'm glad the VP stuck around, I thought he had to take off and I felt fortunate he was able to sign my copy of Guns,Crime and Freedom for me.

I only slept 2 hours the night before, I felt kind of sick at some of the sessions and I left almost immediately after I had the book signed and met Bwiese. I felt lucky I didn't crash on the way home but it was worth it!

ivanimal

07-29-2008, 12:48 AM

Moonclip

07-29-2008, 12:52 AM

I wish I had met you there it was a bit crazy at times with all there was to hear.

I didn't meet many calgunners there, I'm shy,LOL! I did recognize BWO though and 10%. I saw you speak also I think. I'm dissapointed I didn't meet the "head janitor".

I know more calgunners from the "pho meet" and such though.

jmlivingston

07-29-2008, 06:05 AM

My second favorite thing was the look on Paul's face when he got called up for the plaque.................LMAO!:D

That was funny. He was trying to eat something, and literally looked like he was going to choke on it once he figured out that it was him they were calling!

A special thanks to John for being exactly as I thought you would be,;) the restaurant was unforgettable as well.

Well Ivan, you sure weren't what I was expecting; you big ole Russkie, you! Glad you enjoyed he restaurant, but you should send me that recipe for Carne Asada you told me about.

John

mikehaas

07-29-2008, 08:52 AM

I believe it was March 2006 when I joined calguns specifically with the intention of bringing NRA and the forum together. I remember sitting at lunch one month earlier with Ed & Paul, who suggested it would be a great thing if the legal beagles here could be focused to work hand-in-hand with the association.

My first post was a bit controversial but intended to address NRA bashing head-on and begin introducing calguns to NRA in CA - I titled it "NRA takes the heat for everything".

NRA finished the job BIG-TIME on Aug 16. 2006 (a date that will live in infamy - for anti-gunners! :-) when the calguns leadership saw firsthand and up close what I had been trying to describe - NRA looking out for your interests while "other groups" just played political games.

Just as NRA stands out among gun rights organizations, calguns shines as a public gun-rights forum. The 2008 NRA Members' Councils of California Conference was a very special event for me. I watched NRA and calguns cement their relationship and "others" standing by wishing they had what we had.

Well, our task is large and indeed, we need every serious and focused pro-gun entity engaged and contributing. So yes, there is more room at the inn, but only for those who are dedicated to working SELFLESSLY and TIRELESSLY for our common interests. Those who wish to screw around with NRA bashing and cutting gun-owners off at the knees while saying they are defending something we care about need not apply.

NRA and calguns has shown them how to do it. I'm very proud of my friends here and in NRA. Thank you all for being on the team.

For those that want to get more involved with your local NRA Members' Council (really, they need you there too):
http://calnra.com/volunteer/

6172crew

07-29-2008, 09:03 AM

The suit and tie threw me off big time Mike, didnt know it was you until Paul called you up for the award.....Er well deserved award.:)

artherd

07-29-2008, 11:04 AM

Great work everyone! I'm very proud of all of us, and wish I could have been there myself. Next time!

Big Dog, I like your ideas :)

H Paul Payne

07-29-2008, 12:32 PM

A lot has been said about the NRA Members' Council Conference and I just wanted to add my $0.02 worth.

THANK YOU to all who attended!

Your efforts and activism made the event what it was.

A few days before the Conference, I had a discussion with someone who informed me that I was "misguided in my methods" because I wouldn't script the content of any of the sessions. I was informed that I "should follow the advice, because it comes from a professional..." Well, you get the idea.

Politely as possible, I declined to follow the "advice." Instead, I chose to let grassroots interact with the grassroots. My requests, to all session leaders was that "I would like you to discuss ___________ as it relates to your activities and your relationship with the NRA."

You see, before becoming a full-time staffer for the NRA (specializing in grassroots political activity), I spent more than eight years in the trenches as volunteer Second Amendment activist. My experience taught me that the best ideas come from outside of the box, and not from someone who is smart enough to earn a degree in political science, but not smart enough to realize that political science is an oxymoron. ;) And BTW, I have no such degree. :D

I didn't want to script the discussions or limit the scope of participation. In the Opening Session I stated that we wanted to focus on INCLUSION, NOT EXCLUSION. All of the Session Leaders did great.

In the near future, I hope to post a message that will ask some questions and solicit suggestions regarding similar events in the future.

Until then, please accept my thanks to all of you who took the time, and incurred the expense, to participate and make the Conference the success that it was.

Paul

mikehaas

07-29-2008, 04:45 PM

The suit and tie threw me off big time Mike, didnt know it was you until Paul called you up for the award.....Er well deserved award.:)
Now c'mon 'crew, I specifically didn't even BRING a tie to Anaheim! Ok, I did have a sportcoat on but also jeans and tennis shoes (albeit nice new white ones my wife bought for me. I was stylin'! :-)

Yep, I got an award too (what a strange experience!), thanks for the congrats my friend. My congratulations to Kestryll and the Members' Council volunteers that received awards. Hmm... I should post a picture of mine too. I'll try to do that tonight (didn't take any pictures there - TOO BUSY.)

Wayne looked relaxed and casual, didn't he? Well, casual anyway (even moreso that I :-) I don't think I've ever seen him "relaxed". If that energy couldn't get out, the guy would simply explode.

I'll tell ya one thing I thought was MAX COOL - when Kestryll and Gene started pulling out bare receivers and fully-built OLL rifles in their seminar. "Now THIS is what an NRA meeting should look like" I thought.

FYI, I started off my 2 "Using CalNRA.com online tools" sessions by illustrating one very basic gun-related concept on the overhead projector...
http://ammoguide.com/gfx/web/moreusefulthancamera.jpg

Finally... Great job, Paul and Jane Payne! Since it's we NRA members that pay Paul's salary, I say let's put him in for a nice beeeg raise!