16th Annual
FNRA Banquet

The National Rifle Association launched the Youth Education Summit (YES) Program in an effort to encourage America's youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens on both national and local levels.  Funding for the Youth Education Summit comes from a combination of local donations and the Friends of NRA program.

YES is a 7-day, all expense paid educational experience in Washington, DC for outstanding high school sophomores and juniors. While in the nation's capital, students will learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of federal government and the importance of actively participating in it.

The students are selected from numerous qualified applicants from across the country. Applicants are required to complete an extensive application which includes the submission of transcripts, writing a 5-page essay about the Second Amendment and obtain three personal recommendations.

Sophomore and junior students interested in applying for the Y.E.S. program can access program details and application instructions by visiting the Mid-MO FNRA web site or you can call 800-672-3888 ext. 1353.  The application deadline is March 1 of each year.

Enrique Fuhlage, a Rock Bridge High junior from Columbia, was selected to participate in the YES. program during the summer of 2007. Along with 41 students from across the nation, Enrique participated in the program from July 9th – 15th.  Your generous support of the Annual Mid-Missouri Friends of NRA banquet helped provide the funding for Enrique’s experience.

He was kind enough to share his experience with us.

Enrique's Story

First and foremost, I would like to thank the supporters of the FNRA tremendously for the continued efforts with the NRA and support for the Youth Education Summit, a truly unique and revealing experience.  This opportunity, provided by NRA members, allowed me to see the core of American success and explore the various aspects and requirements of establishing and maintaining a successful government.

My journey to Washington D.C. on an all expenses paid trip began when I learned about this event through an article about Jaclyn Yeager, who attended in 2006.  After a challenging application process, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to participate in the extremely insightful and unique experience that is YES.  The trip to YES was similar to the first day of high school; I didn’t know what to expect but everything indicated it would be a great experience.  The plane ride went by in a flash and before I knew it I was meeting students from all across the nation.  From Alaska to Vermont, Michigan to Alabama, Texas to California and everywhere in between these students came to experience the core of our nation’s inner workings as well as the history and culture that defines us. 
The week’s events were extensive to say the least; an auctioneer would be pressed to list them all in 10 minutes.  Our days began no later than 7am, departing to wherever the days events took us, be it down the road to NRA headquarters to listen to speakers; the NRA range to have a small shooting competition; getting a brief feel of the life of a Marine at Quantico Marine Corps Base; touring the national firearms museum, visiting countless memorials; touring congress, the supreme court building, the library of congress, the White House, and Arlington National Cemetery as well as countless other activities.

The visits to the war memorials were very powerful and demonstrated proof of the level of dedication and sacrifice that is required to maintain the freedoms that we have.  Visiting the numerous memorials of Vietnam, World War II, World War I, Korea, and Arlington National Cemetery demonstrates the superior level of commitment, valor, and bravery that are present in our nation’s armed forces.  Seeing the 4,048 stars on the Freedom Wall at the World War II memorial, each representing 100 Americans that gave their lives for freedom, changed the meaning of appreciation.  Seeing the vast cemetery at Arlington showed everyone that the cost of being free is much more than words can describe.

This appreciation and gratitude was furthered with the visit to the Marine Corps base at Quantico.  While our visit was merely the tip of the iceberg, we were given a small glimpse of what our soldiers go through to ensure they protect freedom to the best possible level.  The training facilities and commanding officers are the best and they intend to train their troops to the same degree.  We were shown a small night vision course, which we were allowed to use as well as a very brief self-defense class and in that time we realized that they are the elite and when they enter a battle, they win.  And they win because they continuously dedicate themselves to being the best.

What also made the week unforgettable, was the friendships formed that will last a lifetime.  We still talk nearly everyday and recount days and events while at YES and talk of when we will see each other again.  I am confident that everyone that attended YES will stay in contact with at least one person because the bonds and friendships that formed in that one week were better than most that form in a school year.

My gratitude to the NRA and FNRA for providing such an amazing trip is immense.  That week will without a doubt have a lasting impact on my perspectives in life and my future as a whole.
 
If anyone has even the slightest interest in attending this amazing opportunity I would not hesitate in the least to tell them that it will be one of the most rewarding, educational, and insightful trips they could ever take, and that they should take full advantage of the incredible programs setup by dedicated people, for the preservation of our culture and our rights.  I wholly encourage everyone to apply and would be happy to talk to anyone who would like additional information.

Thank you for all of your time and support of the NRA and the YES program.  Your efforts are notable and greatly appreciated.