Willow resident honored by NRA

February 3, 2006

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

WILLOW - Willow resident Roy Burkhart was presented with the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action volunteer of the year award for his work during the 2004 local, state and national elections.

Burkhart, the election volunteer coordinator for Alaska, received the award Jan. 7 during the NRA's national board meeting in Arlington, Va., by NRA president Sandra Froman.

The NRA bestows the award annually on individuals or organizations who have performed outstanding volunteer work.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski nominated Burkhart for the award, crediting him for spearheading her campaign efforts in the Mat-Su Valley.

&#8220The only reason candidates succeed is through the dedication and efforts of grass-roots volunteers like Roy and his wife, June,” Murkowski said in her nominating submission. &#8220Not only are the Burkharts top-notch campaign volunteers, but I consider them to be friends.”

Roy, who has held the election volunteer coordinator for Alaska post for four years, said he did little out of the ordinary during the campaign.

&#8220I just made information available to whoever wanted it and kept in touch with other volunteers around the state,” he said. &#8220But convincing Alaskans of the need to support the protection of the Second Amendment and other major NRA positions is easy. I would say approximately 95 percent of Alaskans agree with the NRA's position.”

Brad Kruger, the Alaska field representative for the NRA, is honored to have a volunteer from Alaska recognized for his efforts.

&#8220Roy is a hard worker and a great asset to the NRA in Alaska,” Kruger said. &#8220I am happy that he was recognized for all his work during the last campaign.”

Contact Darrell L. Breese at

352-2267 or darrell.breese@

frontiersman.com.