News Category: Guns for Great Causes
DALLAS, TX – May 3, 2018 – Henry Repeating Arms presented three Texas heroes with American-made Henry God Bless America Edition lever action rifles to recognize their outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities.
The presentation took place in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people on May 3rd at the National Rifle Association Foundation Banquet during the NRA’s 2018 Annual Meetings & Exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
As a premier sponsor of the event, Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, invited the heroes to join him on the stage. This year’s recipients included Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff; the two men hailed as heroes for chasing down and stopping the gunman responsible for the mass shooting that took place at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, about 300 miles south of Dallas. “These two gentleman that just walked out on stage are the epitome of true American heroes. They embody the person that we should all aspire to be,” Imperato told the crowd.
Willeford, a former NRA instructor, heard the gunshots from his home and sprang into action without hesitation. He grabbed his rifle and ran barefoot across the road where he and the gunman exchanged gunfire, which led to the gunman fleeing in his SUV. Langendorff, who saw the action unfold from inside his car, let Willeford into his truck and a high-speed pursuit began to chase down the gunman. While keeping local law enforcement informed of their location, they followed the wounded shooter until the chase ended when the gunman crashed his SUV into a ditch.
“Stephen and Johnnie’s actions on that fateful day stopped evil, saved lives, and ended one of the most tragic events of 2017. Twenty-six people lost their lives that day and may God continue to comfort the families, friends, and neighbors who lost a loved one that day,” Imperato said as the crowd rose to a standing ovation for the two heroes.
The third honoree, Ryan Ashcraft, became known as “the flying cowboy” because of his actions immediately following Hurricane Harvey. The devastating storm inflicted $125 billion in damages throughout Texas where it made landfall. The extensive flooding put thousands of people and millions of heads of cattle at risk, so Ashcraft took to the skies in his helicopter to help ranchers drive their cattle to high ground, a task that would be impossible over land. Ashcraft saved thousands of cattle and dozens of people across seven counties.
As Ashcraft took hold of his Henry rifle, Mr. Imperato stated, “We would like to thank Mr. Ashcraft for his selfless acts and showing the rest of the country what being a Texan is all about, helping your neighbors.”
The crowd of more than 2,000 people rose to give multiple standing ovations during the presentation. “Thank you again to all of our recipients and thank you all for coming tonight. God Bless you all, and God Bless the United States of America,” Imperato concluded as the crowd rose to applaud the heroes one last time.
More than 80,000 attendees and exhibitors will be attending the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits later this week in Dallas, TX and Henry Repeating Arms is doubling down on their support this year through special event sponsorships and donations.
For the first time in the company’s history, Henry is a supporting sponsor of the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, an exclusive event that will take place in a crowded arena at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. President Trump spoke at this event last year and the key speakers this year continue the political significance including Vice President Mike Pence, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, United States Senator Ted Cruz, NRA executives Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox, and several others.
Henry is also proud to sponsor the NRA Foundation Banquet again this year, which will kick off the events on Thursday evening. Anthony Imperato, the president and owner of Henry Repeating Arms, uses this evening to honor military veterans for their service, citizens who rose to the occasion to become heroes, local first responders, or outstanding leaders in firearms education.
President of Henry Repeating Arms, Anthony Imperato states, “The NRA Show is and always has been Henry’s biggest show. Over the years we’ve continued to grow as a company, which means that our presence at this show just gets bigger and better. Texas is a great state and we’re excited to meet our fans and customers while showing everyone just how much the Second Amendment means to us.”
Henry will be in booth #8251 with over 50 firearms on display, which is roughly one-third of the entire product line. Henry is also giving away a Second Amendment Tribute Edition .22 LR lever action rifle every day of the show.
The highest bidder of Serial #1,000,000 with his milestone rifle.
In 2017 Henry Repeating Arms manufactured their one-millionth H001 Classic Lever Action .22, which is considered their most affordable lever action rimfire rifle. Over the past 20 years, this model has become a staple in the firearms industry known amongst shooters for its American walnut stocks, smooth action, affordable price tag, and the fact that it’s American-made. The one-of-one rifle, which features exhibition grade stocks and highly detailed hand engraving became the 2018 SHOT Show Auction rifle. The auction concluded on the final day of the show, and the hammer fell at $55,025.
The winning bid elevates the rifle into record-breaking territory as event history indicates that no other rimfire firearm has ever sold for more. In 1985 the first-ever SHOT Auction firearm was a lever action .22 that sold for $21,250. Serial #1,000,000 also beat out Henry’s last entry into the SHOT Show Auction, which happened in 2014 with Serial #1 of the New Original Henry rifle- a reproduction of the first lever action rifle patented by Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860.
Anthony Imperato, President, and owner of Henry Repeating Arms states, “We’re thrilled with the outcome of the auction. The fact that a .22 raised over $50,000 is incredible and we thank our friends at Hunting Heritage Trust for assisting with the auction listing, Gunbroker.com for hosting the auction, and Baron Technologies for the fantastic job they did with the engraving.” Imperato continues, “We’ve now sold over one million H001 rifles which means we must be doing something right!”
Henry Repeating Arms is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a series of twenty hand engraved Big Boy .44 Magnum lever action rifles. Serial number ‘20HENRY01,’ the first of the series sold at auction on Gunbroker.com for $25,225 with all of the proceeds directly benefitting the Hunting Heritage Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving hunting and the shooting sports.
“I am beyond pleased that serial #1 was able to raise over $25,000 at auction. There was a bit of a bidding war at the end, and we’d like to congratulate and thank the winner for choosing to own such a special rifle,” says Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms. He continues, “I think it surpassed everyone’s expectations, and it’s a good sign for what’s to come with the other 19 rifles in the series.”
All of the rifles in the very limited-edition run are being auctioned off on Gunbroker.com, and the proceeds are benefitting various organizations that work to support hunting, shooting, and wildlife conservation in America. Some of these organizations include the Boone & Crockett Club, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, Hunting Heritage Trust, Kids & Clays, the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and others.
The rifles feature a highly-detailed, hand engraved brass receiver boasting the brand’s motto, “Made in America or Not Made at All.” Presentation-grade, AAA American Walnut stocks and a highly collectible “One of Twenty” serial number are another distinguishing feature.
Serial number ‘20HENRY02,’ ‘20HENRY03,’ and ‘20HENRY04’ are now up for auction on Gunbroker through December 10th, 2017. Refer to these auction listings for more information on the organizations that these specific rifles are benefitting, images, and the schedule for the rest of the series.
Joe Petrucelli (L), Owner of Tri-County Sporting Goods, presenting check for $70,000 to Joshua Brennan and his family (C) with Anthony Imperato (R), President of Henry Repeating Arms.
BAYONNE, NJ, October 9, 2017– Henry Repeating Arms of Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI designed 54 custom Henry Lever Action Octagon rifles to help raise funds for 14-year-old Joshua Brennan of New York who was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome before he was even born. 24 of these rifles were donated directly to the Firemen for Joshua Foundation, a 510(c)(3) organization, and the remaining 30 were purchased by Joe Petrucelli of Tri-County Sporting Goods who organized further fundraising efforts to benefit the charitable foundation formed in Joshua’s name.
Eric Trump (L) stops by Tri-County Sporting Goods to show his support for Henry’s Guns For Great Causes.
For the past few years Joshua has served the emergency service community by volunteering at the Pawling Fire Department in Dutchess County, and while he is too young to fight fires he is a critical member of the department. Washing trucks, keeping the firehouse in good order, lending a helping hand in the kitchen, and attending special events are just some of the tasks that Joshua tends to, all stemming from his love for the department and his call to volunteerism instilled in him by his father Tom, who is also a volunteer firefighter.
Joshua Brennan suffered heart failure last year and has a pacemaker and two valves keeping him alive. He now needs a heart transplant.
In 2014 a similar partnership between Henry Repeating Arms and Tri-County Sporting Goods raised over $60,000 for 4-year-old Grayson Sutton of Sedan, KS who was battling Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and facing a series of costly surgeries.
President of Henry Repeating Arms, Anthony Imperato explains, “Tri-County Sporting Goods has always stepped up to the plate to help Henry with any of our Guns for Great Causes initiatives. When they told me about this great young man Joshua, and his battle, we instantly decided to reciprocate.”
The 54 special edition rifles are currently being sold through Tri-County Sporting Goods in Patterson, NY and all proceeds are going to benefit the Firemen for Joshua Foundation, which goes directly to Joshua and his family.
Petrucelli organized Firemen for Joshua Day at Tri-County Sporting Goods on September 30th where over 200 people from the local community came together to show their support. Joshua was nominated for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and he and his family were presented with a $70,000 check from the proceeds of the rifles sold to date along with donations from local businesses. Proceeds are expected to raise over $100,000 before the end of the year.
Serial number “JOSHUA001,” the first of 54 made is currently up for auction on GunBroker.com, item #705771173.
Tri-County Sporting Goods will continue to sell the Firemen for Joshua rifles while supplies last, as well as custom serial numbered Henry Heirloom rifles. Proceeds from these sales will continue to fund the Firemen for Joshua foundation. To purchase one of these rifles contact Joe Petrucelli at (845) 878-6084. General donations are being accepted here: https://www.gofundme.com/firemen-for-joshua.
Donates $50,000 and gives service officer of the year a Henry Military Service Tribute Rifle at 2017 VFW National Convention
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA- July 24, 2017– VFW Service Officer of the Year Raymond Denisewich was presented with a Henry Repeating Arms Military Service Tribute Rifle during the Joint Opening Session of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 118th National Convention.
Henry Repeating Arms gifts VFW Service Officer of the Year Raymond Denisewich with a Henry Military Service Tribute Rifle during the Joint Opening Session of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 118th National Convention in New Orleans, LA. Pictured from left: Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms; Raymond Denisewich, VFW Service Officer of the Year and his wife Susan.
Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, presented the rifle to Service Officer Denisewich in appreciation of his service to our great nation, and dedication to our nation’s veterans, service members and their families. Imperato started by saying, “It may be a bit unfair to condense a 36 year military career into a couple of paragraphs, and I am honored to try.” He continued, “Colonel Denisewich is a veteran of the U.S. Army and recipient of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is an advocate for veterans, helping them to navigate the confusing maze of the Department of Veteran Affairs to secure the benefits they have earned and truly deserve. I am humbled to stand beside him and before such an esteemed audience.”
In addition to receiving a Henry Military Service Tribute Rifle, Mr. Denisewich was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by both Brian Duffy, Commander-in-Chief of the VFW, and Anthony Imperato.
Henry Repeating Arms donates $50,000 to the VFW during the Joint Opening Session of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 118th National Convention in New Orleans, LA. Pictured from left: Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms; and Brian Duffy, Commander-in-Chief of the VFW.
In late 2016 Henry Repeating Arms partnered with the VFW to establish a fundraising program that would raise money for the VFW National Headquarters and offer individual VFW Posts the opportunity to enhance their fundraising efforts. For more information on the program please email [email protected]. Imperato told the crowd, “This new program has generated $9,000 so far. Feeling the swell of patriotic pride as I do when attending this annual convention, we are adding to that and I am honored to present the VFW with a check for $50,000.”
Watch the LiveStream Video Presentation »
Veteran heroes honored by Henry Repeating Arms during 2017 National NRA Foundation Banquet in Atlanta, GA. L to R: Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, with Honorees Don Jenkins, George J Krakosky, Ty Carter and Linda Becker.
ATLANTA, GA- May 1, 2017– Henry Repeating Arms paid respect to four distinguished Veterans by bestowing American-made Henry Military Service Tribute Rifles to thank them for their service to our country.
The presentation took place on April 27th at the 25th Friends of the NRA Foundation Banquet during The NRA’s 2017 Annual Meetings & Exhibits at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
As a sponsor of the event, Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, invited the heroes to the stage to thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s recipients included 97-year old WWII Veteran George J. Krakosky. “How many of you remember the movie Saving Private Ryan and those vivid images of American soldiers landing on the beaches of France under tremendous enemy fire? For us it was a movie and for our recipient it was reality,” Imperato told the crowd.
Krakosky was drafted in the wake of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and chosen by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to be part of the Army’s top marksmen. He soon found his way on a ship headed toward France, and with the Germans shooting at them before his landing craft could hit the beach he went over the side of the boat and swam to shore. He and what was left of his troop fought their way up the cliffs, past the enemy and on to the battle of St. Lo, France. It was there that after a fierce fight with the Germans he found a metal cross in a blown-up church. He picked up that cross, put it on, and is still wearing it today.
Anthony Imperato with 97-year old WWII Veteran, Mr. George Krakosky. Anthony gifted Mr. Krakosky with a Henry Military Service Tribute Rifle during the 2017 National NRA Foundation Banquet.
“This man served and fought in a war that saved the world from unspeakable evil. He is one of the last of America’s greatest generation and we owe our freedom to him today,” Imperato said, voice cracking.
His fellow recipients of Henry Military Service Tribute Rifles included:
Linda Becker, who retired from the US Air Force/Air National Guard after 39 years of service that included three overseas tours: Kuwait; Oman; Qatar. In addition she served in the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where she received our fallen military personnel killed overseas and prepared them for the journey home to their final resting place. She received Air National Guard Commendation medals from the states of Indiana and Pennsylvania, and she’s the recipient of the 2010 Air National Guard Senior NCO of the year.
Don Jenkins, a former United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Vietnam War, when during firefight in Kien Phong Province he repeatedly exposed himself to extremely heavy hostile fire to engage the enemy, resupply his ammunition, and obtain new weapons. Despite being seriously wounded by shrapnel he made several trips through intense fire across open terrain to rescue other wounded soldiers. Ignoring the continuing fire and his painful wounds, and hindered by darkness, he made 3 trips to the beleaguered unit, each time pulling a wounded comrade back to safety. His extraordinary valor, dedication, and indomitable spirit inspired his fellow soldiers to drive back the attacking enemy and achieve victory.
Ty Carter, a former United States Army Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions at the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan, when he woke to an attack of 300 enemy fighters on all four sides. Bravely he ran twice through a 100 meter gauntlet of enemy fire to resupply ammunition and remained there to defend his isolated position. Armed with only an M4 carbine rifle, he placed deadly fire on the enemy, preventing the position from being overrun. With disregard for his own safety and in spite of his own wounds, he ran through enemy rocket grenade and machine gun fire to rescue a critically wounded comrade. He saved his comrade’s life by extending first aid and carried the Soldier to cover. He then maneuvered through enemy fire to check on another fallen Soldier and at the same time recovered the squad’s radio, allowing them to coordinate their evacuation. His heroic and selfless actions saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers.
The crowd of 1800 people rose to give multiple standing ovations during the presentation. “Thank You for your service to our country, God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America,” Imperato concluded as the crowd rose to applaud the honorees one last time.
A few days later at NRA Board of Directors Meeting at the Omni Hotel, Board President Allan Cors and Vice President Peter Brownell presented Henry Repeating Arms with the President’s Special Recognition Award. Anthony Imperato, president of Henry Repeating Arms accepted the plaque which reads: Presented by the NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA To HENRY REPEATING ARMS In Grateful Appreciation for Distinguished Philanthropic Leadership. NRA Board of Directors Meeting Atlanta, Georgia. May 1st 2017.
Henry Repeating Arms was awarded the President’s Special Recognition Award for Distinguished Philanthropic Leadership at the NRA Board of Directors Meeting.
L to R: Board VP Peter Brownell, Henry Repeating Arms President Anthony Imperato, Board President Allan Cors
Peter Brownell explained the genesis of the award, “As you know there are many individuals and groups that provide the financial resources to help the NRA advance its mission. Today we recognize a great patriot for his distinguished leadership.” He continued, “In the spirits of freedom and solidarity at a historic production Henry Repeating Arms partnered with the NRA to set a world record on November 14th, 2016 with the 1000 Man Shoot. During this unique event, 1000 freedom-loving Americans joined together in Phoenix, Arizona to simultaneously fire 1000 Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy Silver rifles.” Henry donated the 1000 rifles that were used, and proceeds from the sale of all 1000 rifles were donated to Friends of NRA.
Brownell went on to say, “And if that isn’t enough Henry Repeating Arms is also a sponsor of the NRA Foundation Wall of Guns, the NRA Foundation banquets, NRA Gun Gurus TV and supporting sponsor of NRA All Access.” Henry Repeating Arms also donated 1150 Henry Frontier Rifles to be used at Friends of NRA fundraising events across the country.
“Henry Repeating Arms has proudly supported the NRA for two decades. This combination of cash, gift in kind and sponsorship contributions total over 2.7 million dollars to the NRA.” Brownell told the crowd, “This man holds a healthy respect for the company’s rich history but with an eye for the future. Henry Repeating Arms has the distinction of being one of the top five long gun manufacturers in the United States, and Anthony Imperato is ensuring that Henry Repeating Arms’ name continues to stand at the forefront of history and his generosity and desire to preserve our sacred 2ndAmendment is exemplary.”
Following a round of applause Imperato thanked the Board and all members of the NRA, and told the crowd, “I accept this in memory of my grandfather who got started in the gun business in the police equipment business 100 years ago. And in memory of my father who was a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment and promoter of youth shooting sports, I’m thinking of them both this morning. It’s an honor on behalf of Henry Repeating Arms. Thank you.”
Henry designed and donated 33 custom Henry Golden Boys to raise funds for 3-year-old Brayden of Indiana who was born prematurely at 3 pounds, 2 ounces with a condition that left his intestines outside of his stomach. The surgery to remedy this condition led to infections and now most of Brayden’s organs need to be replaced, excluding his heart and lungs.
Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms immediately offered the family assistance through the Guns for Great Causes branch of Henry Repeating Arms. The 33 special edition rifles were auctioned off and sold across the country to generate funds to help Brayden’s family cover the cost of the anti-rejection drugs that are required for a successful transplant operation of this severity.
The first of the series, serial number “BRAYDEN01” was auctioned off on gunbroker.com and sold on October 16th for $3,525. The remaining 32 rifles were sold directly through Henry Repeating Arms for $750 each. These sold out in a matter of hours within the first day they were available after hundreds of requests came in to purchase one of the rifles. A total of $27,525 was raised, which is all being given to Brayden’s family to help with their medical expenses.
Henry Repeating Arms would like to thank the following individuals and dealers for supporting this cause by purchasing one or more of these rifles:
- Roy Basham Jr. – Manteno, IL
- John Burnau of Tactical & Hunting Solutions – North Webster, IN
- Herb Wilmers of Keystone Firearms Corp – Lake Ariel, PA
- Al & Linda Quarnstrom – Red Wing, MN
- James & Sandra Stewart – Thornton, CO
- Ronald Miller Family – Mishawaka, IN
- Joseph Jurkaites – Mishawaka, IN
- Martin Minich – Crown Point, IN
- Chris O’Brien – Livermore, CA
- Nick Germanio – Belleplain, NJ
- Ken Downham In Memory Of Waylon Robert – Anderson, IN
- David Harris – Hixson, TN
- Dan Princeotto – Costa Mesa, CA
- Roger Smith – Gainesville, GA
- Ronald Ridge – Tucson, AZ
- Henry & Joan Francis – Reynoldsburg, OH
- James & Teresa Adams – Franklintown, PA
- Luwanna & Roger Rhonemus – West Union, OH
- Rebecca & David White – Rockmart, GA
- James Downey – Philadelphia, PA
- Rick Dues – Portland, IN
- Kevin Manahan – Granville, IL
- Michael Jackson – Savannah, GA
- Randy Beatty – Jasper, GA
- George J Walmsley III – Rose Valley, PA
- Steven & Vikki Lutz – Lexington, OH
- Brian Mastro – Potomac, MD
- Edward Van Tassel – Gahanna, OH
- Robert Toelke – New Haven, MO
- Larry Rollins – Ellijay, GA
- Thomas & Kelly Adams – Marysville, WA
Lever Action Octagon Rifle Frontier Model
Company President and Owner Anthony Imperato donated 1,150 Henry Frontier Rifles to be used at Friends of NRA fundraising events across the country. This donation is valued at $450,000 and proceeds will be used by the Friends of NRA to ensure that future generations will enjoy the shooting sports with the help of the NRA’s education, safety and training programs.
John DaSilva, Director, Industry Partnerships of the NRA had this to say, “It’s clear his commitment to supporting the NRA Foundation is unwavering. His creativity and generosity with his American Made company Henry Repeating Arms ranks him among the best in the industry”.
