NRA president Jim Porter signs an autograph for Dacota Keeton as Sen. Roger Bedford looks on. Photo by Matt Wilson.

By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

RED BAY – State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow hosted a meet-and-greet with Jim Porter, president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), this past Friday at Cypress Cove Farm in Red Bay.

Porter was in Franklin County during the weekend to serve as grand marshal for the Rock Bridge Canyon Rodeo in Hodges.

“It is awesome to have the president of a national organization here in our area,” Morrow said.

The event was open to the public and despite a passing thunderstorm, there were several dozen people who attended the event.

Porter posed for photographs with members of the community and signed autographs for community members.

“There are 100,000 (NRA) members in this state and it is always good to meet the folks who have belief systems that are in line with us,” Porter said.

Porter said it was his first time to be a grand marshal for a rodeo.

“I am looking forward to doing this and I’m glad I could be a part of the event down in Hodges,” Porter said. “But it ain’t my first rodeo.”

Morrow said he approached Porter with the invitation to come to Cypress Cove Farm while Porter was in Montgomery.

“He is from Alabama and I knew the rodeo in Hodges was coming up and they were looking for someone to be the grand marshal,” Morrow said. “So I just asked him if he’d be interested and he said he’d be honored.”

Morrow said having Porter come to the area was great for the community.

“The values and ideas that Porter and the NRA represent are so important to the people of this area,” Morrow said.

“I’m happy he was able to come and be a part of everything.”

Morrow said Rock Bridge Canyon is a beautiful park that he expects to serve as economic developments for the area.

“Hodges is a great little town and they’ve been through some tough times throughout their history,” Morrow said.

“Just like in 1943 when they were asked to chip in and help with the war effort, the people are helping to keep the spirit of Hodges alive.

“With the beautiful scenery that the area has to offer, I expect good things for that area.

“That equestrian trail is a defining moment and something that people will be talking about for a long time.”