Hi folks,
As some of you might know, I am a competitive long range rifle shooter. I was recently selected to represent the USA at the 2019 World Long Range Championship in New Zealand as a member of the US Palma Team. This team is made up of some of the best long range shooters in the country, and I am truly honored to even have my name considered among these men and women. Making this team has been my only shooting goal for the last 5 years, and I can't wait to represent my country.
Now, for the bad news. The Palma Team has been funded for many years by the NRA. We recently found out that that funding has been pulled. Not reduced, but completely eliminated. As in zero dollars. This is literally the worst news that we could have gotten after 4 years of preparations. After much deliberating and soul-searching by team management and staff, we collectively arrived at a decision:
WE ARE GOING ANYWAYS.
The USA started this match, and the USA deserves to be represented. For many of us, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we aren't going to miss it.
Our team is made up of people from all over the country, from all kinds of different backgrounds, including many veterans, and several active-duty service members. Team member ages range from early 20's to late 50's - this is a sport that doesn't discriminate. From a financial standpoint, some of us are better able to handle this news than others. I know that when I was in my early 20's there would have been no way I could have paid for a trip like this. Financial means has nothing to do with shooting ability, and we need every member of this team in New Zealand next January to have a chance to bring home the gold medal.
If you'd like to help, please take a look at the GoFundMe campaign linked below. Support of any kind is greatly appreciated, whether it be financial, or prayers and well-wishes. If you would like to help, but aren't in a position to donate, you can help by spreading the word.
Sincere thanks,
Erik Rhode
2019 US Palma Team
PS - This is not an individual fundraiser for me, all proceeds go directly to the team.
https://www.gofundme.com/send-the-team-to-new-zealand