This afternoon (11/30/06), I had the privilege and pleasure of visiting with Tommy Franks, retired 4-star general and Commander in Chief of United States Central Command, the man responsible for conducting the initial, devastating and successful invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The purpose of my visit was to present General Franks, and his wife Cathy, each with a highly embellished (compliments of our partners at Baron Technologies) .380ACP Guardian. This was intended as just a very small way that NAA and I could show our respect and appreciation for General Franks' leadership and career of service to our country.

     While I would like to say that the general and his staff approached us to express his interest in obtaining an NAA firearm, that wouldn't be wholly accurate. Notwithstanding, the interest shown by his wife and staff officer, Col. Hayes (who was responsible for orchestrating this presentation) was initiated on their end. I couldn't be any prouder of the honor bestowed on me and my company of the general's time, hospitality and the flattering remarks he made about our product and initiative.

     The general was as gracious, charming and engaging as you might expect from a man so accomplished and so successful, charged with leading countless thousands of men (and women) into battle. Regardless of your politics or your level of dissatisfaction with the war decision or the current state of affairs in Iraq, no one can reasonably criticize the effective execution of the battle plan that General Franks, his team and our allies crafted.

     I left his office with an autographed copy of his recent book, "American Soldier", as well as a solicitation for the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum which will be built in Hobart, OK, a presidential library of sorts. More information can be found at www.tommyfranks.com. For those of you not "fortunate" enough to own a gun company which makes presentation-grade firearms, and/or to be invited to express your appreciation and admiration in person, a generous expression of support of this project would be well received.

     A press release, as well as photos of the gun and the presentation, will be posted as soon as they become available.

     Click Here to see a photo of the presentation

     Click Here to see a close up photo of the guns

     Click Here to see the press release