I am qualified as a sharpshooter with the Pennsylvania National Guard before spending four years in the Air Force. I have had a concealed carry permit for years. But I always had questions about carrying a gun. What can I do, what can’t I do. What should I do, what should I not do in challenging situations. I attended a ‘concealed carry seminar’ in Columbia County and it was loaded with gun owners who had many of the same questions. There we were. What an opportunity – an audience with the top lawmen in the area. Imagine you being able to put your carry concerns directly to Lycoming County District Attorney Eric Linhardt about concealed carry laws; and to ask County Sheriff Mark Lusk about the rules and regulations, and question local and state police how to safely interact with the police when carrying a firearm.

This is why State Representatives Jeff Wheeland and Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) continue to host concealed carry seminars for residents of the 83rd and 84th legislative districts. Many say attendance at these seminars should be mandatory, but most concealed carry gun owners do not have to be ordered to be there. For example, the seminar scheduled for January 28th at the Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company was booked solid, every one of the 160-seats taken, less than a week after the meeting was announced.

The gathering scheduled for February 4th in Jersey Shore is almost filled. One recent seminar attracted 400. I have been assured that more are planned and staffers at the office of both representatives urge you to call to be placed on the waiting list to attend since seating is obviously limited and advance registration is required. You may contact 570-321-1270 or email “mailto:kmarshall@pahousegop.com”>kmarshall@pahousegop.com“or 570-398-4476 or mail to: kkoch@pahousegop.com.

The right to carry is packed with plenty of responsibility beyond your command of your gun. One gun owner told me to be as passionate about your rights as you are about your gun, and always be prepared to find out what gun legislation means for you, a trained gun owner who obeys the law.

John Bendick

Benton, PA