My good friend, and fellow RO of the River Bend Precision Rifle Match Brian Abernathy, is submitting an endorsement for publication in the May 2024 RBGC Bullet-In, if you would like to join Brian in endorsing me by singing the below letter, just enter your info below and your name will be added to the letter when published in the May Bullet-In.

You MUST be an RBGC member to add your endorsement.

 Hello fellow River Bend Members. 

As we move toward elections for Directors for the board, I felt compelled to share some thoughts that are shaping my consideration of the candidates, and more importantly the future of our Club. 

First off, I feel it is appropriate to recognize and appreciate our current directors for the sacrifice of their time, their energy, and their expertise to manage the Club. I’ve been a member for just a few years, and I can see the great commitment of the board in how well-managed the Club is. Every one of us should be grateful for their service. 

As I reviewed candidates' stated priorities for the future of our club I am encouraged to see that all candidates show a commitment to the sustained use and development of the Club. I believe this is consistent with the perspectives of all members, at least those with whom I have a relationship.  

While many of the objectives shared (maintaining and expanding facilities, continuing to provide great matches, etc.) are common among all candidates, there is one critical factor that I believe is absolutely crucial to address for the long term future of our club.   

There is only one candidate who references future generations in their long-term goals, that is Luke Crawford (Annual Director Candidate). 

I believe that every one of us desires the sport we love, and our Club will be available to be enjoyed by future generations. Already my 7 and 9-year-old daughters are asking me when they will be able to have their membership at River Bend. Personally, I believe there are 2 potentially major threats to the future of River Bend: 

1. The increase in development around the property

2. Our Future Membership (or potential lack thereof…)

   Regarding development in surrounding areas, Lukes's business specializes in land acquisition and development resulting in extensive professional experience working with land use matters. While we may have had decades of strong relationships with our neighbors, we are getting new neighbors every day and I believe we cannot be too proactive in bringing more of this type of expertise to the Board. 

In terms of Membership, according to last year’s member survey, only 27% of members responding were under the age of 50. If we are to ensure that the Club that we love is around for future generations to enjoy, we must proactively work to ensure the representation of these future generations on the Board of Directors. Don’t get me wrong - I have absolutely no complaints against our current board. However, I do wholeheartedly believe that as shooting sports progress we must be intentional to grow as a club in how we appeal to future generations so that our sport and our Club can remain as strong as they are today. If we are to do this, we must be proactive in assessing what future members will be looking for. 

Luke has been an ambassador for our Club and for the 2nd amendment. I’ve personally seen numerous members come to RBGC due to the Precision Rifle Match that Luke runs (I help RO that match). I’ve gotten to know Luke, and he is of high character and has an absolutely rock-solid reputation in standing for the 2nd Amendment and the sport we love. I have the fullest confidence he will stand to ensure the future growth of our Club if elected. 

Additionally, 3 days ago I participated in the Run-n-Gun (big shout out to the match directors for putting on a great match, and to the Board for allowing the use of so many ranges!) My wife (who is not a shooter but loves fitness) participated, and now she wants to shoot more so she can be more competitive next year. We invited 3 other shooters to participate with us, 2 of whom are now asking about membership after seeing the range during Run-n-Gun. We must have more events like this to draw people in and showcase our Club. Luke is highly engaged in various types of emerging shooting competitions and is an ideal candidate to help discern how River Bend can adapt and expand opportunities like Run-n-Gun, Precision Rifle, Archery, and other disciplines to remain appealing and relevant to future generations of shooters.

I hope you will join me, and the other members noted below in casting your vote, or submitting a valid proxy to support Luke Crawford for Annual Director. 

Luke has provided instructions on how you easily submit a proxy by visiting http://jbonemedia.com/voteforluke

Brian Abernathy

Annual Member

Buford, GA