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Guns and ammo to support vets

Glenn County Transcript - 6/7/2017

June 07--Willows Veteran Memorial Hall was turned into an armory to support the efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars during last weekend's gun show fundraiser.

About 57 vendors turned out for the VFW's first-ever gun show fundraiser, which managed to raise approximately $3,000 for the veterans organization's activities.

The VFW is a group of local veterans that supports other veterans by offering financial assistance when needed; they also host military-themed events and serve as the honor guard at military funerals.

"This is our first-ever gun show, so it's fantastic we had a good turnout," said Dave Emery, event organizer and VFW member. "We were looking for a fundraiser and I came up with the idea; it's all new to us and there's a lot of work involved. All the guys in the VFW are into hunting, so it makes sense."

Vendors came from near and far to participate in the gun show; among them was Shoot 'Em Again Ammunition -- the largest ammo retailer on the West Coast -- and Eminence Arms from Idaho. In addition to providing firearms and ammo for sale, many of the booths were also informative; since California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, retailers had advice for consumers on how to ensure they can continue to purchase the guns they want.

"If people want to support their freedoms, they need to attend these shows to ensure they have access to the things they want," said Billy Martin, a representative of Eminence Arms. "Just because they look military, it does not mean they're assault weapons -- they're modern sporting rifles."

But the show wasn't limited to guns and ammo; organizations that provide special services for veterans also made an appearance.

"I've worked with the VFW and wanted to come out and help vets," said Justin Pierce, a counselor at the Chico Veterans Center. "We provide free counseling for war vets and we answer questions about health care, benefits and burials."

For the most part, attendees were local gun enthusiasts and law enforcement.

"I think it's wonderful; I enjoyed it -- it was a nice show," said Sheriff Richard Warren.

According to Emery, the VFW plans to make the gun show an annual fundraiser; next year, they promise not to hold it during school graduations.

"On top of everything else, it was pretty crazy," Emery said.

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(c)2017 the Glenn County Transcript (Willows, Calif.)

Visit the Glenn County Transcript (Willows, Calif.) at www.appeal-democrat.com/glenn_county_transcript/

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