Recently, as I sat on the tailgate of my pickup listening to Bull Elk bugle watching the sun peak over the eastern horizon, I was overcome with feelings of patriotism, thankfulness and humility. Allow me to explain.

Patriotism is a word overused and underappreciated now-a-days. But as I sipped my coffee I became very in tune with just how lucky we Americans are. We can express our view points on life, politics and religion without dire repercussions; we can live wherever we choose; pursue any career we desire all under the safety and security of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I dearly love this country and this Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) I call home. And to me, the epitome of freedom was sitting on my tailgate in that magical dawn hour listening to the echo of the Bull Elk bugle feeling the early fall chill nip at my nose.

Thankfulness is the ablity to recognize what others either take for granted or overlook altogether. How lucky are we to enjoy a facility such as the NRA Whittington Center, to have it at our fingertips every day? Incredible lucky! At that moment I described I was incredibly thankful for the privilege to be sitting here in New Mexico and having a job that allows me to interact with incredible people from all over the world and watch the sun rise over the New Mexico mesas. Too many people spend their lives locked in a concrete jungle running the great race of life and never have the opportunity to sit and listen to the Elk bugle!

Humility is an oft forgotten attribute. How much better would we all be, would this country be, would our jobs be if we all found the time, found the ability to be a bit humble? Humility is the ability to have a modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc. We have the great privilege of living in a country that allows us unalienable rights and I have the great privilege of leading a facility that represents freedom and gives us a place to exercise one of our most important freedoms and that is the freedom of firearm ownership. Let us never forget the sacrifices made by courageous men and women throughout our history ensuring our freedoms.

Friends, the Whittington Center is a magical place, visit once and you will understand why New Mexico is called The Land of Enchantment. You will also understand why words like Patriotism, Thankfulness and Humility immediately come to mind.