Noah, I’m sitting here looking at the calendar and it just doesn’t seem real that we’re down to one day to go. Tomorrow morning we’ll be kicking off the 6th Annual Noah Jeffries Memorial Clays Event. It’s Friday, February 27th as I write this, and by Saturday the 28th, the air at Tenoroc will be filled with the sound of shots ringing out and the kind of laughter that only happens when a community comes together for something bigger than themselves.

I can almost see you there, leaning against a truck, that grin on your face, probably making fun of someone’s aim […] It’s been six years since we started this sporting clays fundraiser, and every year, the weight of your absence is met with the incredible strength of the "Army" you left behind. We aren't just shooting targets; we are keeping a legacy of service alive. You were headed for the Sheriff’s academy, dreaming of the Cody Mounted Police in the Tetons and eventually the U.S. Marshals. You wanted to protect, to serve, and to care for everyone around you. Since you can’t walk that path physically anymore, we’re walking it for you: one event, one donation, and one life changed at a time.

If you’re joining us this Saturday at the FWC Tenoroc Range in Lakeland, here is everything you need to know to be ready.

The Mission: Why We’re Here

Before we get into the gear and the times, I want to remind everyone why we do this. This isn’t just a fun day at the range (though it is definitely that!). Noah’s Army Foundation was built to continue a life of service that was cut far too short.

When you support this memorial foundation, your registration fees and raffle tickets go directly toward:

• Supporting our First Responders and Cadets: Helping those who, like Noah, have answered the call to protect our community.
• Children in Long-Term Healthcare: Bringing a little bit of light and support to families facing the unthinkable.
• Organ Donor Advocacy: Because Noah’s final act was the gift of life, and we will never stop sharing the importance of that legacy.

And I want to be very clear about something we take a lot of pride in: Noah's Army Foundation is 100% volunteer-run. No one here takes a salary. Not me, not the board, not the people hauling gear on Friday afternoon. Every single penny raised goes directly to the causes we serve. When we say we’re a support first responders charity, we mean it with every fiber of our being.

Your Saturday Morning Checklist

Logistics can be a headache, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to have ready for Saturday, February 28th:

1. Location & Arrival Time
We’ll be at the FWC Tenoroc Range (3755 Tenoroc Mine Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809).

• 8:30 AM: Check-in begins. Don't be late! We want to get everyone signed in, geared up, and ready to go so we can start on time.
• The Vibe: It’s Florida in February. It might be chilly when the sun comes up, or it might be 80 degrees by noon. Check the forecast and dress in layers.

2. Safety Gear (Non-Negotiable)
This is a shooting event, so safety is our absolute priority. You must have:

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or even a good pair of wrap-around sunglasses.
• Ear Protection: Plugs or muffs. We want you to be able to hear the raffle winners' names called later!
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet, moving between stations. Leave the flip-flops at home; go with boots or sturdy sneakers.

3. The Gear
If you have your own lucky shotgun, bring it! If you’re a beginner, don’t worry: this community is the most welcoming group of people you’ll ever meet. Just make sure you’ve got your ammo (if not provided in your specific registration tier) and a pouch or vest to hold it.

What to Expect When You Get There

Once you’ve checked in at 8:30 AM, the energy starts to pick up. You’ll see familiar faces, local first responders, and families who are all here because they believe in the same mission.

The Raffle & Auction:
I am always blown away by the local businesses in Polk County. We have some incredible raffle baskets and auction items this year. We’re talking gift certificates, gear, and some surprises that I can’t wait for you to see. Bring a little extra for raffle tickets: it’s one of the biggest ways we raise funds for our cadets and first responders.

The Main Event:
Whether you’re a pro or it’s your first time holding a gun, the clays event is about camaraderie. We have trophies for different divisions, so there’s a little competitive spirit in the air, but mostly, it’s about the "wake of kindness" Noah left behind.

Lunch & Community:
After the tournament, stay for the catered lunch. It’s a time to sit down, swap stories about the ones that got away (the clays, I mean!), and remember why we’re doing this. It’s a time for us to say thank you for being part of Noah’s Army.

For Those Who Can’t Be There in Person

We know not everyone can make it to Lakeland this Saturday. If you’re following along from afar: maybe you're up in the Tetons or out west where Noah dreamed of being: you can still be a part of this.

• Donations: You can contribute via CashApp ($NoahsArmyFoundation) or through our website. Every dollar helps a cadet get their gear or a family in the hospital feel a little less alone.
• Spread the Word: Share our posts. Tell people about the organ donor registry. That advocacy is just as important as the funds we raise.

Visit noahsarmyfoundation.org to see what we’ve been up to and how your support changes lives.

A Note to the Volunteers

To the crew coming out Friday afternoon to help set up […] thank you. You guys are the backbone of this whole thing. We are a small but mighty team, and seeing you show up year after year, giving your time for free, is a testament to the impact Noah had on all of us. He didn't care about titles or paychecks; he cared about the person standing next to him. You all embody that.

Final Thoughts as the Clock Ticks Down

Noah, I hope we’re doing you proud.

Sometimes the grief feels like it happened just yesterday, and other times it feels like a lifetime ago that I heard your voice. But then I look at the registrations pouring in, or I talk to a first responder who was helped by the foundation, and it feels like you’re right here. You are still serving. You are still protecting.

So, to everyone coming out on Saturday: bring your best aim, your biggest smile, and your heart for service. Let's make this 6th year the best one yet.

Quick Recap Checklist:

• Saturday, Feb 28 @ 8:30 AM
• FWC Tenoroc Range, Lakeland
• Eye & Ear Protection
• Comfortable Shoes
• Raffle money/CashApp ready
• A heart ready to give

Let’s go leave a wake of kindness. See you at the range! 🏹💙

#NoahsArmy #LiveLikeNoah #SportingClays #PolkCounty #SupportFirstResponders #OrganDonorAdvocacy #WakeOfKindness