New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Presents First Annual Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award

TROY, NY (01/30/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is proud to announce the creation of a new and important award for meritorious service in furthering Second Amendment Freedoms and fostering the growth of the shooting sports statewide and nationally. To that end, in the spirit of enthusiastic service to these ideals, we are dedicating and naming the award after long-time member Henry Ristau. Henry, a World War II veteran, recently died shortly after his 101st birthday. Henry's dedication to the Association and the Second Amendment manifested itself in his daily work ethic: he worked diligently at the NYSRPA's office until six months prior to his passing. It is that same level of dedication and commitment we are looking for in recipients for this award.

In describing the first recipient of the award Tom King, NYSRPA President, said "Every once in awhile a deserving and hardworking individual is rewarded for the anonymous hard work and effort he daily puts in to foster and expand the shooting sports in New York State as well as the nation. The individual chosen for the NYSRPA Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award serves as Vice President for the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and in this position oversees the shooting sports in New York State. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association Board of Directors where he serves on the Law Enforcement Assistance Committee and the Sport Shooting Committee. He is vice Chairman of the Action Shooting Committee and Chairman of the Education and Training Committee. He accomplishes these tasks while fulfilling the everyday duties of full time professional employment. He travels far and wide on weekends promoting the shooting sports – particularly his favorite 'The Three Gun Competition' – the fastest-growing of all the expanding shooting sports.

"It is with great pride and pleasure that I present this year's first annual "Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award" to my friend and associate Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr."