SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 10, 2014) --- Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that it will donate $50,000 to Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) at the 2014 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Wednesday, January 15th at 4pm PST, Smith & Wesson President and CEO, James Debney, will present a check at the Smith & Wesson booth (#13731) to Tom Taylor, Chairman of HAVA. Several special guests will be on hand and media as well as general SHOT Show attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth to show their support of the veteran's charity.
"As HAVA begins to prepare for its 7th Anniversary, Smith & Wesson is honored to re-dedicate its commitment to the organization with a contribution that will support HAVA's ongoing mission and programs," said Debney. "We are privileged to be a founding member of HAVA, an organization that has played a key role in the lives of thousands of military men, women and families who have reconnected to the shooting sports and related activities."
Formed in 2007 by a group of like-minded companies in the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry, HAVA has focused its efforts on raising awareness and assisting disabled combat veterans with their healing process through various outdoor activities as they transition back into their normal lives. To date, HAVA has sponsored events in over 20 different states. In 2013, HAVA completed three successful Family Day Events, which took place at the San Antonio Police Department Training Academy, in Kentucky, near Ft. Campbell and at the Academi Training Facility in Moyock, North Carolina. The three events allowed HAVA to provide a fun-filled day of shooting activities, entertainment and celebrity appearances for over 600 disabled veterans and wounded active duty military personnel and their families.
"Over the last three years, Smith & Wesson has shown their relentless commitment to the HAVA organization by becoming the leading contributor with donations of funds and product exceeding $250,000. These generous donations have played a significant role in expanding existing and new programs focused on reconnecting wounded warriors with their passions afield," said Taylor. "Smith & Wesson along with all of HAVA's sponsors understand the grave sacrifices these men and women have made and together have pledged to use the full extent of their products and services to assist with giving back to these heroes. HAVA is honored to have the support of all of its members and pledges to continue to serve those who have protected our freedoms both abroad and at home."
Those who would like to continue on HAVA's mission, learn more about the organization and how to contribute or see photos from past events can visit www.honoredveterans.org.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P® and Thompson/Center Arms(TM). Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
About HAVA
HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, NSSF, Mossberg, Yamaha Outdoors, Academi, Proof Research, Crimson Trace, Leupold & Stevens, Surefire, Hornady, Ruger, XS Sights, Glock, Diamondback, Taurus, Sig Sauer and FMG Publications among numerous contributing companies. Those who would like to learn more about the HAVA organization can do so at www.honoredveterans.org.
