- Published: 13 July 2009
Over one hundred fifty people gathered on a dark and rainy Saturday morning to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Ohioans For Concealed Carry!
Despite the weather, which saw heavy cloud cover and rain eventually turn to periods of sunshine, a great time was had by all. After a great lunch with Second Amendment supporters from around Ohio featuring burgers, hot dogs, sausages, BBQ chicken, Italian marinated chicken and more capped with birthday cake, the crowd turned their attention to the guest speakers
OFCC President Jeff Garvas kicked things off with a welcome note and a brief recap of the history of OFCC. Secretary/Treasurer Daniel White followed with a reminder about OFCC's restaurant carry bill and announced the renaming of OFCC's scholarship to the GTF Gun Rights Scholarship in honor of Jeff Garvas, Bryan Torok, and Travis Fasko, the three founders of OFCC.
Daniel also announced the recipient of this year's Tony Gordon Memorial Award to Chris Harben for all his work on ensuring compliance with statewide preemption by various government agencies, such as when he worked to help get the "no guns allowed" signs removed from the rest stops across Ohio.
The first guest speaker was Robert Portman, candidate for U.S. Senate.
Next up was William Lee (Tweed Ring from the OFCC Forums) who read a Commendation issued by Senator Karen Gillmor (who was unable to attend) and the entire Ohio Senate.
Former Ohio attorney General candidate Rob Owens was the next speaker, followed by Dennis VanWey, and Joy Ferkel.
Secretary of State candidate Sandy O'Brien talked about her candidacy followed by Representative Kris Jordan, Ohio attorney general candidate Dave Yost, Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association president David Johnson, and Ohio congressional candidate Dick Stobbs.
Current Ohio attorney general Richard Cordray was unable to attend, but was well represented by Section Chief of Health & Human Services Jonathan Fulkerson. The last Ohio politician was Ohio Representative Josh Mandel.
The final guest speaker of the day was Second Amendment March Founder Skip Coryell, who gave a rousing speech about the need to preserve and defend our Second Amendment Rights.
After the guest speakers, OFCC Vice President Bryan Torok closed out the speaking program.
After a brief break, the door prizes were given out. The wide away of prizes were donated or sponsored by businesses, organizations, and individuals from across Ohio including Black Wing Shooting Center, Charmin Carmen's Carpet/Floors/Blinds, Mad Duck Training, Roy Cordone, The Appleseed Project, Brian Dover, Javelin Man, Senator Karen Gillmor, "Gary's friend", Larry Hussey, Mark Reising of Little Miami Tactical, Mike Smieg, Muxtech, Shooter Wolf, Mike Edwards, Dick Stobbs, Skip Coryell, OFCC, and a few that remained anonymous.
All in all, it was a memorable day on a momentous occasion and we hope to see many more!
OFCC Birthday cake #1
OFCC Birthday cake #2
OFCC Gadsden Flag flew over one of the pavilions
Daniel White addresses the crowd
U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman
William Lee, aka Tweed Ring
OFCC Board members Bryan Torok, Jeff Garvas, and Daniel White show off the Ohio Senate Commendation
Dennis VanWey
Skip Coryell
Terry Kittle, winner of the Springfield XD Compact
Alan McClure, winner of the Smith & Wesson Heller Commemorative revolver
Click here for more photos, these taken by "Bob" (password: OFCCPIP)
