If you live around Port Clinton, Ohio there is a good chance you are familiar with historic Camp Perry, which was established in 1903. Located just five miles west of Port Clinton on Hwy #2, Camp Perry is the home of the Civilian Marksmanship Program which hosts the National Matches along with the NRA and the Ohio National Guard. Camp Perry is also the home to the 200th RED HORSE Squadron and the Camp Perry Training Site Detachment, which manages the Camp and provides support to military and non-military users. The Friends of Camp Perry (FOCP), a non-profit support organization, can now add their name to the list of organizations housed on base year round.

The Friends of Camp Perry is comprised of volunteers who provide support to the base. Their mission is, “to promote the health and welfare of the soldiers and sailors at Camp Perry, to preserve the heritage, history and traditions of Camp Perry and to promote a good and harmonious relationship between Camp Perry and the community.”

The organization was established in 1995, but has recently been certified as a non-military support organization officially authorized to conduct activities on base. Some of their past projects included restoring the “Gratitude Train” and the “Baggage Station” both historical markers on post that were in dire need of repair. They also supported the Army and Air National Guard Family Welfare Program, which provided much needed relief to soldier’s families when the 200th RED HORSE Squadron was deployed in Iraq. These are just a few of the many programs Friends of Camp Perry support. Funding for these projects come from the fund raising efforts and hard work of the group’s membership, who have hosted golf tournaments, breakfasts and even invitational matches to raise money.

On November 25, the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association will hold the First Annual Modified Record Fire Shoot for the Friends of Camp Perry. Camp Perry’s military pop-up target range will be used for the shoot. The cost will be $30 to join FOCP and includes the first relay of firing on the range; additional relays are $10 each. The non-member price is $15 for each relay. The First Annual Modified Record Fire Shoot will begin at 8 a.m. with a safety briefing and squadding information. The first relay will begin at 9 a.m. Contact Ralph Reichman at 330-468-1287 or reichmans@juno.com to sign up. If you are interested in attending the First Annual Modified Record Fire Shoot, you are encouraged to sign up today as spaces are limited. There will be a food trailer available for purchasing sandwiches, chili and non-alcoholic beverages.

Camp Perry has been home to the National Matches since 1907 and draws thousands of competitors each year. This means 2007 is a premier year for Camp Perry; as it commemorates the 100th year the Matches have been held on post. The FOCP have been asked to participate in the celebration and are eagerly looking forward to working with the Camp Perry leadership in making 2007 a year to remember.

For more information about the Friends of Camp Perry or to join, contact the Vice President Jim Hansen at 419-734-2423 or download the FOCP Member form at http://www.odcmp.org/1106/FOCP_APP.pdf.