3

NRA

LOUISVILLE TO PHOENIX

When I told my wife, Kelly, that I had joined The American Thompson Association she laughed at me. But, when

I told her I was going to Newark, Ohio to shoot a Thompson machine gun she insisted that she come along. We

were hooked! Yet, it was challenging to convince (AKA: bribe) Kelly to accompany me to Louisville for the 2008

NRA Convention where we would be working at the TATA display. I don't know anything about guns, and you

know I hate gun shows, Kelly said. However, we agreed to help set up the TATA display and work ...only one

day per Kelly's request.

 The night before setting up the display all the TATA members meet for a quick debriefing. We were given

homework (a flyer that would prepare us to answer questions about the St. Valentine's Day massacre, the two

Thompsons recovered from Killer Burke, and the great lengths Dr. Calvin Goddard went through with the first

ballistics investigation). After several hours the display came together beautifully. I must say, if you've never seen

a huge convention come together, it's quite an experience to see the truckloads and crates of guns, displays, and

freebies that the vendors bring in and set up for the show.

Friday morning was opening day, and after the final touches were put on the display, the doors opened and a flood

of spectators eagerly entered the exhibition hall. At first Kelly and I, and a few other new guys, stood to the side

making sure that no one would tamper with the display, and we watched the veteran members easily describe the

display to the anxious spectators. At one point I thought Kelly had disappeared to the ladies room, but then I noticed

she had begun working one side of the display where she remained for the rest of the day.

I found it most gratifying to share the display with visitors of all ages. Kelly especially enjoyed talking to children

and helping them look through the comparison microscope to compare two casings side by side, just as Dr. Goddard

had. Older gentlemen would discuss how they carried a Thompson during the war or talk about people they knew

who lived in Chicago (IL) or St. Joseph (MI) at the time of the massacre. Others were simply fascinated with the

Thompson and were unaware individuals could own one much less that there was a group devoted to collecting and

shooting them.

That evening Kelly popped a surprise question: What would you say if I wanted to go back to the show tomorrow

instead of going to some quilt shops?  I was dumbfounded. She indicated that she had only worked one side of the

display and had to learn about the other side.

This experience allowed us to get to see an amazing show, learn about two famous and historical guns, get to know

the other members in the group (which is great for new members), as well as being part of an award winning display.

Kelly and I encourage you to join us at the 2009 NRA show in Phoenix (Kelly's hometown) where we will be

displaying the One Millionth Garand presented to John Garand, along with several rare items that accompany the

gun. We're sure you'll have as much fun as we all did!

Ron & Kelly Brock Oxford, Michigan