ICYMI: Industry News,
June 9–13, 2025

Walk The Talk America Expands Impact Through New Partnerships

Walk the Talk America (WTTA), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership, announced two major collaborations that advance the organization’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership and suicide prevention. Cannon Security Products, through its leading brands Cannon Safe and GunVault, has stepped up as a key partner in WTTA’s growing efforts.

WTTA’s Kids to Kings project is a mental health youth outreach program focused on the causes and effects of Complex Trauma & CPTSD. Cannon Safe has donated a large safe to store firearms when not in use.

In addition, GunVault has launched a pilot project with WTTA and The Armory Project in Louisiana. The initiative equips three licensed firearm retailers (FFLs), Apocalypse Sports, Red River Range and The Rustic Renegade, with discounted codes for GunVault locking devices, which are being offered to individuals in need, particularly those who cannot otherwise afford a means to store their firearms and prevent unauthorized access.

Launched on May 19, the pilot project reflects a proactive approach to suicide prevention and firearm safety, increasing the accessibility of quality in-home storage options. If successful, this program may expand to more dealers and additional states, supporting WTTA’s long-term goal of increasing access to responsible storage devices nationwide.

“It’s exciting to work with companies and organizations with the same passion for responsible gun ownership as WTTA. The false narrative that the gun industry doesn’t provide solutions for negative outcomes of firearms is being shattered by companies like Cannon. I’m proud to be affiliated with them,” said Michael Sodini, founder of Walk the Talk America.

“We know that one of the main reasons firearm owners give for not storing their firearms securely is the financial burden. We are excited to partner with Cannon Security and WTTA to make responsible, secure firearm storage more affordable and accessible to everyone,” added Jennifer “Gala” True, PhD, who leads The Armory Project and is a community and population medicine professor at the LSU School of Medicine and an investigator with the VA’s South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC).

For more info: walkthetalkamerica.org

CMP Announces 2025–2026 Scholarship Winners

The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Scholarship Committee presented 127 scholarships to outstanding junior marksmen and women for the 2025–2026 school year.

The CMP Scholarship Program awarded over $350,000 in new and recurring scholarships to remarkable individuals from across the country — 80 one-time $1,000 scholarships, 32 one-time $3,000 scholarships and 11 one-time $5,000 scholarships.

Students receiving $5,000 one-time scholarships are Noah Meierotto (Two Rivers, Alaska), Alexa Bodrogi (Bridgewater, N.J.), Anna Block (Madison, Ind.), Nathan Carbaugh (Herndon, Va.), Abigial Montgomery (Gibsonburg, Ohio), Ashley Carr (Alliance, Neb.), Roy Bauer (Louisburg, Kan.), John Bruner (Blairsville, Pa.), Aidian Peters (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.), Olivia Harvey (Hendersonville, Tenn.) and Owen Snook (Lansing, Mich.).

The CMP also granted four repeat $5,000 scholarships, totaling $20,000 over four years for each recipient. Each of the four recurring $20,000 scholarships is named in honor of past CMP Board members Harry Sieben, Carolyn Hines, Jon Bengston and former Chair Judith Legerski.

Earning this year’s four-year recurring scholarships were Harry Sieben Scholarship: Dominic DeBenedetto (Prairieville, La.); Carolyn Hines Scholarship: Katlyn Sullivan (Statesboro, Ga.); Jon Bengston Scholarship: Hannah Goin (Walla Walla, Wash.); and Judith Legerski Scholarship: Elisa Boozer (Oklahoma City, Okla.).

Outside of CMP’s contributions, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) generously donated $20,000, while the family of Michael Randall donated another $15,000 — all to be presented as additional scholarships to marksmanship athletes.

The three $5,000 Michael T. Randall Memorial Scholarship recipients were Austin Williams (Liberty, N.C.), Jack Ogoreuc (Grove City, Pa.) and Tyler Wee (Wake Forest, N.C.). Likewise, earning $5,000 GCA Scholarships were Matthew Lin (Fairfax, Va.), Jessa Harwood (Kingston Springs, Tenn.), Emily Kiselicka (Medford, Wis.) and Eli Kopp (Alexandria, Va.).

The CMP was also proud to award scholarships to students in districts surrounding CMP’s facilities in Anniston/Talladega, Ala., and Port Clinton (Camp Perry), Ohio. A total of 17 $1,000 Community Scholarships were awarded, marking $17,000 overall for CMP’s support of neighboring areas.

For more info: thecmp.org

Benelli Supports 88th Ducks Unlimited National Convention

Avid waterfowl supporters from across the nation met for Ducks Unlimited’s 88th National Convention in Baltimore, Md., May 28–31. Based in Maryland, Benelli USA took a lead role in making it a memorable event. Donated Benelli firearms were featured at raffles and auctions throughout the multi-day event.

One of the high points of the week’s fundraising efforts centered on a one-of-a-kind set of Benelli guns specifically created for this convention. The set — named “The Trilogy”—consists of three Super Black Eagle 3s with premium wood stocks and forends with one each in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge configurations. Each gun sports a beautiful engraving of waterfowl in flight: wood ducks on the 28 gauge, mallards on the 20 gauge and Canada geese on the 12-gauge. Just forward of the stock on the receiver, each gun proudly displays an engraved Ducks Unlimited logo with “2025 National Convention” wording wrapping around the wrist of the gun within a gold band.

The Trilogy was a key item in the gala auction on the last evening of the convention and sold for a record-breaking $42,000 to a generous Ducks Unlimited supporter.

“Benelli is proud to have helped Ducks Unlimited reach a new record amount for a single auction firearm set as well as a new high-water mark for funds raised at a national convention auction,” said Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA.

“Ducks Unlimited was thrilled to hold our 88th National Convention in Baltimore, Md., and Accokeek-based Benelli USA welcomed us with open arms,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “The record-breaking auction of The Trilogy set exemplifies the strength of our partnership, the strong appeal of Benelli’s products for our members and enthusiasm for wetlands conservation. I am grateful for Benelli USA CEO Tom DeBolt’s personal leadership and support of this collaboration. We look forward to taking this partnership to even further heights in the years to come.”

For more info: benelliusa.com, ducks.org

BlackPoint Tactical Holster Earns NTOA Recommendation

BlackPoint Tactical, a High Speed Gear Products Group brand, announced its Leather WING Concealment Holster has been awarded a 4.55/5 overall score along with the coveted “Member Tested and Recommended” designation by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). This rating follows extensive evaluation by seven law enforcement professionals from Nebraska, New Jersey, Louisiana, Alabama and Illinois.

Reviewers consistently praised the holster’s leather “wings,” which contour to the body for all-day comfort while minimizing printing. The adjustable passive retention and a firearm-specific Kydex shell delivered flawless draws and re-holstering across all tests. Field testers reported zero fraying, deformation or loose hardware after weeks of daily use, rigorous movement and range testing. The high ride profile, light bearing options and conversion capability to IWB make the Leather WING an adaptable choice for on and off-duty carry.

For more info: blackpointtactical.com

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