The past year was indeed a year of change for many! The volume of guns and ammunition purchased from dealers in 2009 suggests that many are concerned about changes on the national political level. These concerns were further fueled by significant controls exerted by politicians over large financial and manufacturing companies as they attempted to regain financial stability and by concerns over the financial consequences of pending health care legislation. At least two newspapers in Indiana have been emboldened to publish details of concealed carry permit holders in the state. I hope that all of you will take time to carefully evaluate candidates for political offices in 2010 and share your concerns about, and support for, specific candidates with your friends and neighbors before you head for the polls in May.

On a related note, Indiana State Senator Johnny Nugent is a candidate for re-election to the NRA Board of Directors. He has been a great supporter of the second amendment within the state and as a member of the NRA. Please consider supporting him in the upcoming NRA election.

A special tip of the hat goes to David Fisk who researched the advertisers of the Bloomington newspaper who shared details of Indiana concealed carry permit holders. His note to the advertisers caused Harley- Davidson of Bloomington, to publicly acknowledge their support for the second amendment. Also, please see comments by our legislative director, Bill Dowden and watch the ISRPA website for further information on how you might be able to help through contacting your Indiana legislators on pending legislation.

The American Legion in Indiana faced a new challenge when the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children's home in Knightstown was closed. This had been the site of the American Legion sponsored state airgun matches. The Legion is very supportive of youth training programs and is encouraging local legions to provide more support. Please be assured that Steve Short and his staff in the state legion office are anxious to help develop programs on a local level if you find willing volunteers. Special thanks goes to Ron Ordelheide of New Palestine for bringing together the Indiana American Legion, the New Palestine Legion post, Marion County Fish and Game, Hancock County 4-H, and the ISRPA to continue the tradition of the Indiana State American Legion airgun championships. The match was won by one of our own Hancock County 4-H shooters, Adam Turvey when held at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in November. Contact your local legions and watch this magazine for an opportunity to support youth from your area to compete in the Fall of 2010.

Brad Reese, Mt Vernon, has initiated a drive to have public shooting areas built at both Hovey and Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife areas. It would be great to increase the number of locations where shooters can safely practice their sport. Please watch for more details and share your support for this idea with your legislators and/or the department of natural resources.

In addition to gaining grandson number two this year, a big "change" occurred for me December 31 when I retired after thirty-one years, from a large pharmaceutical company to work part-time for a contract research organization. My schedule is still pretty uncertain, but my goal for 2010 is to visit at least 10 gun clubs in different parts of the state. If your local club would be willing to let me and your regional director attend one of your meetings to learn more about how the ISRPA can better support your activities, please send your meeting schedule to me at President@ISRPA.org.

Please consider accepting a goal for each of you to introduce at least one non-shooter to shooting this year and tell us of your experiences.

Bill Jordan

President, ISRPA