Now, more than ever, it is essential that Second Amendment advocacy groups, which purport to defend our freedom, be led by individuals with a proven track record of integrity, transparency, and a commitment to American values. For this reason, Firearms News Magazine is honored to support Lt. Col. Robert K. Brown in his nomination to the National Rifle Association (NRA) Board of Directors. As a decorated veteran and defender of the Second Amendment, Lt. Col. Brown has dedicated a lifetime of service, sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering support to the Constitution of the United States and Americans’ right to bear arms.
Lt. Col. Brown was first elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 1983 and appointed to the Publications Committee due to his experience as founder and publisher of Soldier of Fortune Magazine since 1975. Throughout his 39 years on the committee, Lt. Col. Brown uncovered multiple instances of questionable expenses related to NRA publications, including First Freedom, bringing the issues to the attention of Wayne LaPierre and then-NRA Treasurer Woody Phillips in the late 1990s.
“I have tried to resolve this problem over several years and have got no satisfaction. This is gross corruption and incompetence. When our members find out, they will be outraged,” Brown explained.
An Ammoland article published this past July highlighted recently leaked emails demonstrating Lt. Col. Brown’s efforts to raise awareness about the NRA's spending and governance issues from as early as 2011. Brown, not one to mince words, explains that concerns over at least a decade’s worth of expenditures went largely ignored by NRA leadership.
“It's a lot of pure, unadulterated bullshit!… You totally refuse or fail, either due to incompetence or sucking up to Wayne and management… over the last 10 years we have paid between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 to Ack Mac for their providing about 10 to 15 pages of editorial copy per issue. You have failed to address [the] main question I have raised over the years which is ‘Why are we paying so much for so little?’”
That’s correct. Years before LaPierre would expose the organization to the scrutiny of its political enemies, Lt. Col. Brown was sounding the alarm on fiscal responsibility and accountability to the NRA’s membership. In fact, much of what was uncovered in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit matched issues that Brown had fought to resolve in the years prior. Had someone been listening, it may have saved the NRA countless millions in legal fees, humiliation, and trial revelations that LaPierre had misappropriated funds for lavish expenses like private jets, yachts, and luxury travel.
With the NRA being but a shell of its former glory, the time has come to decide if we’re going to pivot or waste every inch ever gained simply to throw the baby out with the bathwater. An organization can never succeed without steadfast leadership, and Lt. Col. Brown embodies the principles necessary to help guide the NRA to a brighter future, making him an outstanding candidate to support during this election and a leader in the fight for the Second Amendment that Americans deserve.
If you are an NRA voting member in good standing, you may e-sign the following petition to get Lt. Col. Brown on the ballot. The deadline is October 7th, 2025, so vote now, and forward this to anyone else who may be eligible. If you are unsure, verify your membership or voting eligibility by calling the NRA at 866-672-3000.
Darwin Nercesian is a long-time gun rights advocate and shooter of targets far, far away. As a News Field Editor at Firearms News, Darwin writes about the Second Amendment, firearms, and related gear. Follow him on Instagram, X, and YouTube @DTOE_Official.
The ongoing issues surrounding the NRA point to a critical moment for the organization, especially as elections draw near. With Lt. Col. Brown’s extensive history and commitment to fiscal scrutiny, his candidacy may signal a necessary shift towards accountability and transparency, essential traits for any advocacy group, especially in a polarized climate. As discussions evolve around Second Amendment rights and governance, the implications are significant for members and advocates alike. The path forward appears uncertain, but Brown’s leadership might just provide the oversight needed to transition the NRA into a more responsible and respected organization.