I spent this past weekend participating in the annual conference of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association. In addition to a Saturday morning fun shoot, we had classes on the law as it relates to the armed citizen, Texas law relating to concealed carry and first aid tips for the armed citizen. I was honored to be asked to teach a class on the Combat Mind Set. The event was topped off with a banquet featuring Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson as the guest speaker.
The obvious value of such an organization is to provide continued training, at a very reasonable cost, for those who have their concealed-carry license. However, you also cannot overlook the opportunity for fellowship and informal exchanges of information between the members. Shooting Illustrated provided support for the event by sending copies of our magazine to be put in the tote bag that was gifted to everyone who attended. And Gunsite sent training calendars for the same reason.
Does your home state have such an organization? Well, amigo, it ought to! And it isn't really very difficult to get one started. You need a dedicated group of like-minded people to organize the association and get it off the ground. I would be willing to bet that your local NRA representative would be happy to offer guidance and support, too. And don't overlook the value of having someone from your state licensing board make a presentation on the laws that govern you in your state.
Getting your concealed-handgun license is like graduating from elementary school. We need to be ever conscious of the need for more training and the sharing of more information. A concealed-carry association is the perfect way to accomplish these important goals. Gun folks need to stick together, and a concealed-carry association is the perfect way to make this happen.
