First Responder & Self Defense Training

First Responder & Self Defense Training

WHAT:  First Responder & Self Defense Training will be offered at no cost in a joint effort between the Iowa Firearms Coalition and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton Iowa.  The training is aimed at people in church, school, or individuals hoping to elevate their skill level – young, aged, teachers, students, women, men, etc.  If you’re a teacher and would like some real-life considerations for rendering aid when needed and would like to have the mental wherewithal to avoid being a victim, this training is for you.  Churches out there considering a security and first aid program, this training should offer the basis for a well-prepared body.  This is a beginner’s level course, so don’t feel pressure to fall into a certain “box” in order to fully absorb and enjoy the day.  This is vital and practical training.  Age-appropriate children are welcome!

WHERE:  Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

WHEN:  Saturday, April 22, 2023

BREAKDOWN:
-Morning Session 10am to Noon (First Responder, Basic Medical Attention, etc.)
-Noon to 1pm – break for lunch
-Afternoon Session 1pm to 3pm (Self Defense Strategy and Tactics including *Pepper Spray)

Extra Considerations:  The cost of the basic training is FREE.  There is a *Pepper Spray component that people can either watch or physically participate in for a $20 cost (see below for the Pepper Spray explanation).  IFC has absorbed the cost of the training and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship is offering the use of its church and facilities.  IFC will have a donation jar present for folks who wish to contribute – all proceeds will be given to Cornerstone Bible Fellowship.

*Pepper Spray Training:  The pepper spray portion of the self-defense training can be viewed as a demonstration.  However, if you’d like to participate, we encourage it.  For $20, you’ll receive an inert canister to use during the training or use where you practice.  Additionally, the $20 purchase includes a full-strength canister of pepper spray for self-defense use.  You’ll get the feel for how these work with an inert canister, and also take home the “real deal” for your defense.  This $20 pack will be available for purchase that day.  There is no way to run through cards or verify checks during the training, so cash is the accepted method of payment.

TRAINING NOTATION – This training is designed and offered in the spirit of preparedness basics.  Terrible things can and do happen in this world.  Mental preparation combined with training and practice offers you much better odds to avoid becoming a victim and to be able to come to the aid of others.  This training is foundational to grasping very tough concepts.  We naturally resist thinking outside our comfort zones.  But…  If we’re going to contradict evil and save lives, we do have to face the unpleasant nature of violence itself, and that begins with understanding it.  When you’re truly ready for a perspective that offers a concrete reflection of violence and what is required to counter it, watch the IFC Warrior Wednesday Episode 29 with Ed Monk below:

 

House Supports Students First Safety Act

House Supports Students First Safety Act

Students First Safety Act

Students First Safety Act (HF 2586) represents a two-year effort by IFC, to address school safety in a meaningful way.  However, it has been difficult.  After days of struggle in the House, Representative Matt Windschitl gave an impassioned, and direct, speech in favor of the bill to the House. Getting the bill to the floor of the House for a vote, and then getting the votes to pass the bill to the Senate, took a lot of effort. Iowa Firearms Coalition greatly appreciates those legislators who have steadfastly worked on behalf of student safety.

The bill is now in the Senate. The Senate Education subcommittee, to which it was assigned, voted to calendar it in the Senate.

Below is the text of the recent email communication by Representative Windschitl to his constituents about HF 2586, and other bills focused on making schools safer.

 

Representative Windschitl’s Message to Constituents

PROTECTING OUR STUDENTS

One of the main themes House Republicans have been working on this session is school safety and security for our students and staff in educational settings. We have brought forth numerous proposals surrounding this topic and will continue working on multiple ways to accomplish this goal.

One of the bills we have advanced to the Senate for consideration allows schools flexibility to protect students by arming staff. For a staff member to qualify for this responsibility, they must undergo specific training regarding active shooters and emergency response strategy, and they must obtain a professional permit to carry that requires elevated firearm training. The training laid out in the bill is extensive and rigorous. Keep in mind this would be on a voluntary basis for schools and staff to choose if they want to use this option. No one will be forced to undergo training if they do not want to have the responsibility, and no school is required to arm staff.

Another proposal we have put forth deals with school infrastructure and creates grants for schools to utilize technology to equip schools and detect bad actors with harmful intentions. This bill creates a task force to develop school safety building codes to determine what makes school buildings safer. Currently none exist.  With new standards, school officials will be able to make sure they are doing what they can from an infrastructure standpoint to make buildings safe for students and teachers. Along that same line, the bill prevents districts from bonding to build athletic stadiums or facilities unless and until their facilities are up to date with the school safety building standards from the task force.  Safety and security should be the priority.

This bill also deals with how schools can get help or send for help if an emergency arises. Schools are allowed to have a mobile panic alert system if it can connect to emergency services and integrates with local public safety answering points. This is a mobile phone application districts can utilize. The Governor’s office previously developed a grant program for emergency radios. Many schools took advantage of that grant, but some did not.  The Governor’s office has said that they plan to re-open that grant program to make sure all schools can have access to funding for the radios. If schools do not take advantage, they will be required to use their own funds.

This bill establishes two grant programs. The first is a three-million-dollar Firearm Detection Software grant program run by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The grant program provides funds to school districts of varying sizes to help offset the cost associated with purchasing, installing, operating software that meets these requirements:

  • Designed to alert and detect district employees and first responders if there is a visible, unholstered firearm on a property owned by the school district.
  • Designed to integrate with a district’s existing security camera infrastructure.
  • Was developed in the U.S. without any of third-party data or open-source data.

The second grant program is the School Security Personnel Grants for Infrastructure, Equipment, and Training. This grant program states that if the bill is passed, it will provide school districts grants to purchase infrastructure and equipment related to employee permits to carry weapons, facilitate the training associated with employee permits to carry weapons, and to provide stipends to employees who participate in the training associated with employee permits to carry weapons. Districts who choose to enhance school security this way will have additional expenses and House Republicans want to help cover those costs to truly make schools a safer place for students and staff.

Regardless of the outcome of the Students First Safety Act in the Senate, all IFC members — indeed, all Iowans — owe Representative Windschitl their thanks for his fervent and steadfast support, as well as thanks to others who voted in favor of advancing the bill to the Senate.

If you are not a member of IFC, please join HERE and volunteer.  We have many opportunities to get involved.

Second Amendment Matters

Free First Aid and Self Defense Training

Free First Aid and Self Defense Training

Free first Responder & Self Defense Training will be offered at no cost in a joint effort between the Iowa Firearms Coalition and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton Iowa. 

PLEASE RSVP

This training is aimed at people in church, school, or individuals hoping to elevate their skill level – young, aged, teachers, students, women, men, etc.  If you’re a teacher and would like some real-life considerations for rendering aid when needed and would like to have the mental wherewithal to avoid being a victim, this training is for you.  Churches out there considering a security and first aid program, this training should offer the basis for a well-prepared body.  This is a beginner’s level course, so don’t feel pressure to fall into a certain “box” in order to fully absorb and enjoy the day.  This is vital and practical training.

WHERE:  Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

WHEN:  Saturday, April 22, 2023

BREAKDOWN:
-Morning Session 10am to Noon (First Responder, Basic Medical Attention, etc.)
-Noon to 1pm – break for lunch
-Afternoon Session 1pm to 3pm (Self Defense Strategy and Tactics including *Pepper Spray)

Extra Considerations:  The cost of the basic training is FREE.  There is a *Pepper Spray component that people can either watch or physically participate in for a $20 cost (see below for the Pepper Spray explanation).  IFC has absorbed the cost of the training and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship is offering the use of its church and facilities.  IFC will have a donation jar present for folks who wish to contribute – all proceeds will be given to Cornerstone Bible Fellowship.

*Pepper Spray Training:  The pepper spray portion of the self-defense training can be viewed as a demonstration.  However, if you’d like to participate, we encourage it.  For $20, you’ll receive an inert canister to use during the training or use where you practice.  Additionally, the $20 purchase includes a full-strength canister of pepper spray for self-defense use.  You’ll get the feel for how these work with an inert canister, and also take home the “real deal” for your defense.  This $20 pack will be available for purchase that day.  There is no way to run through cards or verify checks during the training, so cash is the accepted method of payment.

RSVP HERE

IFC Presents: Immediate Casualty Care training for all Iowans

IFC Presents: Immediate Casualty Care training for all Iowans

 

 

DECEMBER 16
4-8 pm
Cedar Valley Outfitters – Marion, Iowa
SIGNUP

DECEMBER 17
Noon to 4 pm
CrossRoads Shooting Sports – Johnston, Iowa
SIGNUP

 

The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) has organized two Immediate Casualty Care classes in Iowa. These courses will teach emergency response and patient management. Recent natural disasters and tragedies remind us of the need for individuals to be ready to respond and act in the event of an emergency. As such the IFC is leveraging its extensive network of industry professionals and first responders in order to further serve the people of Iowa.

IFC’s Immediate Casualty Care course will teach participants skills that can save lives in the event of auto, farm, industrial accidents or other traumatic events. Students will receive Stop the Bleed training as well as Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training that’s been developed specifically for U.S. military forces deployed around the world. From effective tourniquet use and how to stop life-threatening bleeding  and learning how to seal puncture wounds to the chest.

“This is not your summer camp first aid class. These are skills you wish you’ll never need to use, but if they are needed you’ll thank God you have them,” said Kurt Liske, President of the Iowa Firearms Coalition.

The four-hour Immediate Casualty Care course will be offered on December 16th at Cedar Valley Outfitters in Marion and December 17th at CrossRoads Shooting Sports in Johnston.

The courses will be strictly related to emergency medical care and are open to all Iowans, regardless of whether or not they own or carry a firearm. Participants will walk away with the knowledge needed to save lives. “The Iowa Firearms Coalition is doing real work that benefits the people of Iowa. We are putting tangible, life-saving skills into our communities. There’s no doubt in my mind that what we’re doing will save the lives of Iowans in years to come,” said Liske.


The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) is a grassroots Second Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Permit to Carry process in 2010, legalizing suppressors in 2016 and passing the largest pro-Second Amendment bill in Iowa history in 2017. IFC’s members work to protect and enhance the Second Amendment rights of all Iowans. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. Sign up for our email list for the latest on Second Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member or making a donation.

IFC Strongly Condemns the Attack on Perry High School

IFC Strongly Condemns the Attack on Perry High School

John McLaughlin, IFC Chair
515-724-4164 
jmclaughlin@iowafc.org 

(MOVILLE, Iowa) — The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) strongly condemns Thursday morning’s attack at Perry High School.

“Our prayers are with the Perry community following this morning’s act of evil. Iowa must, finally, harden soft-targets and empower school staff who love their children enough to protect them to do so. Signs don’t stop evil, good people do,” said IFC President, Dave Funk.

IFC has offered free active-shooter training to Iowa educators and school staff, most recently at the IFC Educators Academy this past August in Johnston. The intensive three-day training program provided participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond to active shooter threats in schools.

IFC has also worked with school districts in the state to increase their security and allow for trained staff to exercise their constitutional rights on school grounds.

IFC continues to lobby Iowa lawmakers to ban “gun-free zone” signs that are endangering the lives of students and emboldening criminals to commit acts of evil. Additionally, IFC has included in this effort, the need to end Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies that are preventing schools from taking the necessary and scientifically proven steps needed to protect students and staff during a crisis.

“The time for Iowa lawmakers to act is now,” said Funk. “These tragedies can be prevented, and the solution is not to make the vulnerable defenseless.

The Iowa Firearms Coalition, Iowa’s official NRA State Association, is a 501(c4) nonprofit and is Iowa’s only effective pro-Second Amendment rights organization.

-Ed Monk (Nationally Renowned Active Shooter Expert) Exclusive on IFC Warrior Wednesday
-IFC Educator Academy
-Ed Monk and Adam Winch (Active Shooter Experts) with IFC on how to prevent loss of life in schools and churches – PT1
-Ed Monk and Adam Winch (Active Shooter Experts) with IFC on how to prevent loss of life in schools and churches – PT2
-FREE church and school self defense and first responder training (172 students in one day!)
-Meeting with Gov Reynolds to discuss the IFC Educator Academy and the IFC push for allowing schools to train and arm staff

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Cat’s Away…the Mice Will Play!

As the saying goes, while the cat’s away, the mice will play!   IFC’s illustrious President, Dave Funk, who normally pens this message, decided he needed a little vacation.  Reluctantly, we let him go.  (Hope you’re having a good time, Dave!)  So, this message is a look back at the year so far and a couple of things to come.

Legislation

2023 has already been quite a year for IFC members.  Granted, the legislature did not deliver for us, but it was not for lack of effort!  Our volunteer Lobbyist, Richard Rogers, spent every day at the Capitol impressing on the legislators the importance of the bills we were supporting and trying to garner the votes needed to pass them.  Michael Ware, also on the Board of Directors, put in countless hours, and others wrote pieces explaining the purpose of each bill and why it was important,  drafted information pieces for our members, and wrote letters for our members to submit via Action Alerts.  (If you haven’t used our Action Center yet, take a look here.)

All to no avail…I can tell you that IFC is not used to this!  Historically, IFC has helped to get many 2A bills ‘over the finish line’ (and “killed” many bills that never should see the light of day).  If you want to see just how effective IFC has been over the years, look here.  But you can’t win them all, unfortunately, and we now have information about the opposition to these bills so will be better able to position them for success next Session.  As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “I’ll be back!”.

2A Lobby Day 2023

Then, in February, there was 2A Lobby Day.  Of course, it snowed and it WAS windy and cold, but that did not stop folks from trekking to the Capitol.  If you missed it, I’m sorry.  Kris Paronto “Tanto” of legendary Benghazi fame, talked straight from the heart to the attendees in the Rotunda.

  He and his team were the victims of red tape, indecision, politics and bureaucracy — delays and bad decisions that cost Ambassador Stevens his life.  Tanto and his team were absolutely caught out, seriously outgunned.  No one came to their rescue–all night long.  Since no one (on the other side) was in uniform, one of the biggest challenges was identifying the friendlies from the terrorists.  His retelling of the story was detailed, heart-wrenching, and raw.  It was clear that his life, and the lives of his team, were irrevocably changed.  If you did miss the event, be sure to watch 13 Hours.

2A Lobby Day 2024

In the meantime, SAVE THE DATE!  January 18, 2024, at the Capitol for the 2024 2A Lobby Day.  Gabby Franco (competitive shooter previously featured on Top Shot, and Walther Firearms representative) moved to the US from Venezuela and is now a US Citizen.  Her story is compelling and a cautionary tale about what can happen if we don’t protect our Second Amendment rights.  More information to come!

First Responder Training April 2023

Now rewind to April and a day of First Responder & Self Defense Training in Newton.  Organized by Michael Ware, and John McLaughlin (who conducted the training), this event was held in a church in Newton.  172 people attended and they learned about situational awareness, concealment, and cover, how and when to apply a tourniquet, or use a chest seal or pack a wound.  They also learned “Firearms 101” and practiced with pepper spray (inert cannisters).  It was a fantastic day.  Many church security folks were there.  Several farmers and farmers’ wives, and their kids, also attended.  One shared with me that she wanted to come because, “If he’s out on the tractor and one of the kids gets hurt, I need to know what to do”.

On The Border 2023

Just this past week, I had an eye-opening trip (not affiliated with IFC) to the Yuma sector of our border in Arizona.  Our group heard from the Mayor of Yuma, the recently retired Chief of the Border Patrol/Yuma Sector, farmers and educators and health care providers working in the area, the Sheriff, and other Border Patrol agents on the job.  I have actually spent 25 years of my life living along the border (not in the Yuma sector), so I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the situation but “Dorothy, we’re not in Kansas anymore!”  Things have definitely changed since the last administration and now that Title 42 has expired, the situation is even more grim.  The impacts to public safety, hospitals and other medical facilities, and to the schools is horrendous.  The number of apprehensions is staggering and the amount of fentanyl (and other drugs) coming across is unfathomable.

The border wall — where it exists — really is a great big beautiful wall (as shown in photo below)…with gaps that are as wide as two tour busses end-to-end in some places.  This “gap” wasn’t quite that large.  Perhaps only as wide as a single tour bus.

We were told that apprehensions over the past year were from 140 countries, with apprehensions from Mexico ranking 8th or 9th.

  They are seeing more people attempt border crossings from Russia and China; the highest number of apprehensions was single Adult Males.  It was an informative, astounding and disheartening trip.  The need for border security and for immigration reform is paramount.

Next Up:  IFC Educator Academy

Looking forward, IFC is hosting the IFC Educator’s Academy August 15-17 for eighteen very fortunate Iowa school employees who will spend three jam-packed days learning from experts about Active Shooter situations in schools and being trained on how to effectively counter that threat.  IFC is not only putting this program together and bringing in the experts, but is sponsoring $1,000 scholarships for those fortunate school employees, to cover the cost of the program.  If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, or to learn more about the program, check out the link above.

Join IFC!

Yes, we are that busy!  Keep in mind, IFC is an all-volunteer organization.  If you want to get involved, JOIN IFC!  We are always looking for new talent to help out with these events and at gun shows…(Oops!  I forgot to mention the numerous gun shows!)  Oh, and I forgot to mention the weekly vlog from John McLaughlin “Warrior Wednesdays“!  There is indeed a lot going on at IFC.  We could really use some help with those gun shows, with graphic design, event coordination, and to help further develop our Trusted Partners program, which is one of the ways we are adding value to your membership.

Thus ends the “surrogate President’s Message” for the week!   🙂

 

 

IFC Warrior Wednesday EP107 – Jason Polinski 3dresponse.com

IFC Warrior Wednesday EP107 – Jason Polinski 3dresponse.com

IFC Warrior Wednesday EP107 – Jason Polinski 3dresponse.com  –  3D Response Systems revolutionizes school security through a proactive, multi-layered approach.

Jason has 30 years of diversified law enforcement experience ranging from patrol officer to lieutenant. He created, implemented, and supervised several innovative police initiatives. Jason received the Medal of Merit for researching, creating, and training thousands of first responders and employees in active shooter response.  He tirelessly works with schools to make lock-down drills more practical and real.

Lieutenant Polinski was awarded the 2015 Friend of Education Award by District 194 for his continued dedication to education and training that aided in creating safe learning environments.

Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Sociology and a Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in Law Enforcement.

 

Not Just For the Guys

Not Just For the Guys

Not Just For the Guys

Not just for the guys…I was fortunate that IFC sent me to the NRA Annual Meeting this year, in Dallas, about three weeks ago. Although I have been a Life Member of NRA for many years, it was the first time I had attended the NRAAM. Registration to the event is free, if you are an NRA member. Also, most of the seminars and educational sessions were free to attend as well. I highly recommend that you go.  Next year’s event will be in Atlanta, Georgia (a little closer to home), on April 24-27th.  Hotels are available to book now: https://www.nraam.org/.

Just a quick word about logistics. I have attended many large conferences in my life and the organization for this event was stellar. It is obvious that the NRA has invested heavily in their annual flagship event. Everything from the shuttle buses to the hotels, to the on-site assistance available, signage, sticking to the schedule…it was all handled superbly.  Kudos to the NRAAM personnel.

14 Acres of Guns & Gear – It’s True!

Because I had heard about the “14 Acres of Guns & Gear”, I wore my hiking boots — and was very glad I did!  The first thing that strikes you is the sheer enormity – the scale – of the event.  The famous “Wall of Guns” had drool-worthy classics on display. Every conceivable vendor was on hand to show you their latest guns, gear and gadgets. There was an entire aisle devoted to safari and US-based hunting trips.  Ammunition and gun manufacturers competed for your ear, each one seemingly one-upping the other.  There were trainers for every shooting sport, and hands-on displays for dry fire systems. Booths featured specialized targets, home defense, and self-defense. Sales staff were on hand to share their product knowledge, and strategies for use. Suppressors, scopes, RDS, weapon mounted lights, tactical lights, slings and cases…on and on.  Literally there was just about everything firearms-related available!

IFC Trusted Partner On Deck

While in the Exhibit Hall, I stopped to chat with the good folks at Firearms Legal Protection, one of IFC’s Trusted Partners and they obliged with a photo.  Always good to see friends when away from home. Check out their services at the link above.

 

Women & Guns

And women — women were everywhere.  Women are the fastest-growing demographic for new shooters and first-time firearms purchasers in the country, and they are an enthusiastic bunch!  Shoot Like A Girl was there with their semi-trailer where you could shoot any of the guns they had on hand, free of charge. Vendors and trainers are finely attuned to this sustained, multi-year trend in new firearms purchasers. Consequently, they are adopting and adapting marketing, training strategies and even changes in manufacturing, to accommodate this huge new influx of women gun owners. Sorry guys.  The world of guns and shooting is no longer a ‘good old boys club’.  There are an awful lot of women who have a passion for various shooting sports and disciplines and they are pretty impressive. And relentless! More on that later.

The Seminars

Apart from the several exhibit halls devoted to toys that could break even Elon Musk’s bank account, there were multiple tracks of educational and training seminars, also available at no charge.  My only complaint was that — despite going ’round the sun many, many times in my life, I have yet to figure out how to be in two places at one time. Choices were difficult even though some sessions were offered more than once. This is a link to the 99 sessions offered during the three days, just to give you a sense of the many opportunities.

I attended two sessions offered by John Correia/Active Self Protection (“Lessons Learned From Analyzing 50,000 Gunfights” and “Top 5 Myths Concealed Carriers Believe, Revealed”). John walked us through his analysis of many situations captured on video. He emphasized the importance of making Good, Sane, Sober, Moral and Prudent decisions.

I also attended two sessions offered by Lt. Col. Ed Monk/Last Resort Training (Considerations for Armed Responders to Active Shooter Attacks”).  These were provocative sessions designed to get you thinking seriously about “what if”.  Mr. Monk described what a person might encounter, what to do (and not do), as well as tactics for how to be effective and survive in such a situation. Very sobering stuff.

(Photo is of three IFC Life Members (from left: myself, Presenter Ed Monk, Dave and Todd)

NRA Clubs & Associations

However, the first session I attended, was the “NRA Clubs & Associations Workshop”.  Our very own Dave Funk, President of IFC, was one of the two featured presenters, and he did an excellent job.  He discussed the multi-faceted social media approach we used in 2022 to ensure the passage of Iowa’s Freedom Amendment.  This was the Constitutional Amendment that added language to the Iowa State Constitution to protect Iowan’s Second Amendment rights from infringement.  (Prior to that amendment, Iowa was one of only six states that did not have such language in our Constitution.  To remind you of the company we were in, the other states were California, New Jersey, Illinois, etc.  You get the drift.)

Not a Wardrobe Malfunction

But a funny thing happened mid-speech…(Only funny, because no one was hurt!) Dave Funk was presenting at a podium on the stage. Moriah Day, Executive Director of the Kansas State Rifle Association (also presenting), and NRA Board member, Dave Halbrook (pictured here), were also seated on the stage – when it collapsed!  It literally folded at the middle seam and both of those seated, suddenly were down!  They quickly recovered and left the stage.  What did ‘our’ Dave do when this occurred?  Glanced over, assessed the situation, grabbed the mic, stepped off the stage and continued his slide show presentation, unruffled, while maintenance fixed the stage. This was the first event on the first day and to say it started off with a bang is an understatement 🙂

There were several NRA Board members who attended the Clubs & Associations meeting, along with members from Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, California, Michigan,New Mexico, and others I cannot recall. The information exchange was great and I made several new contacts and brought back many useful ideas. If that had been the only session I had attended, the trip would have been worthwhile.

The “Women’s New Energy Brunch”

This was the single special event I attended. It was billed as a “unique opportunity to learn about NRA’s programs, outreach efforts and mission as relates to women”, networking, etc. It was all that and more. There were several women NRA Board members in attendance, and sponsors as well. The most beneficial part was the breakout sessions, where you could choose which topic you wanted to learn more about. For example, I am very interested in the NRA’s ‘Women on Target’ program.

The various board members each led a discussion on “their” topic/area of expertise. However, what was really revealing was the introductions among the women participants. We were each asked to briefly describe our interest and background with firearms. There were ex- and current military, law enforcement, competitive shooters of every discipline, firearms training instructors, women’s shooting group leaders, reps from national women’s shooting organizations, state gun rights reps, RSOs, gun shop owners – you name it.  As I said earlier – women were everywhere, and enthusiastic, at the NRAAM.  It was inspiring.

So, Iowa ladies – I leave you with this question: If you’re reading this, you are likely an IFC member.  Are your friends who shoot, also IFC members?  Strength in numbers — and I know you are out there! Get your friends involved.  Encourage them to join IFC. (It’s not just for the guys!) 🙂

Second Amendment Matters

P.S. – Look familiar?!!!

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

EVIL COMES TO NASHVILLE — AMERICAN HEROES SHOW HOW TO STOP IT!

Last week we all watched in horror as evil came to Nashville — American heroes show how to stop it. Again, another crazy person attacked a gun-free zone.

Initial reports indicate that the private Christian School had a plan in place to immediately lock down the facility, and the Nashville Metro Police Department quickly responded and closed with and killed the attacker. If you watch the body camera videos you can see that the officers did not delay while they waited for instructions or orders like the Uvalde, Texas Police did several months ago, costing many lives. But instead two officers from the NMPD took tactical command, and aggressively led the team to take out the shooter as quickly as possible.

Of course those dangerous leftist quacks immediately were blaming the guns, but not the evil woman who used them. In Asia and parts of Europe, weekly knife attacks are happening, and in the United Kingdom, over 37,000 knife attacks had happened in 2021, including many with multiple victims.

Fortunately for Iowans, our legislators have provided our school boards with the legal tools they need to ensure that their staff who are Present, Trained, and Willing to be armed are there with the tools they need to stop any threat to the kids we leave in their charge at schools every day immediately.

Free Training Available

If you have time on April 22, join us in Newton for an exclusive and free First Responder & Self Defense training event [scroll down after opening link, for information]. If you’re unsure about what being Present, Trained, & Willing is, this four-hour course will open your eyes.

Contact Your Legislator Regarding HF654

As this Iowa Legislative session grinds on, we all need to reach out again to our State Senator or State House Representative with your support for HF654. Call, fax, email, or use the IFC Action Alert system to reach out to them as soon as possible. And while you’re at it, remind them that Iowa’s voted them into office, not the woke big banks and freight companies; they need to support Governor Reynolds Anti-ESG bill Senate File 507 and stop discriminating against firearm, agriculture, and energy businesses in Iowa. 

Have you joined IFC or renewed your membership?

Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.

Dave Funk
President, IFC