The five million members of the National Rifle Association of America today mourn the loss of former NRA board member Joaquin Jackson, as NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre paid tribute to the legendary Texas Ranger and Second Amendment advocate.
"Joaquin Jackson was an American hero in the truest sense," LaPierre said. "His twenty-seven years as a Texas Ranger was the stuff of legends, the heroic tales of books and movies and campfires. He loved the people he served, loved Texas and America, loved and adored his wife and family."
LaPierre said Jackson served the NRA board with great distinction. "Joaquin believed in the Second Amendment with all his heart and was a great friend to gun owners in his service to the NRA. I knew I could always count on his personal support and friendship."
"The NRA has lost a valued director, a trusted member of the NRA family," LaPierre continued. "America has lost a legendary lawman. I have lost one of my heroes."
LaPierre was reminded of a conversation he once had with Jackson. "I once asked Joaquin how he would like to be remembered," LaPierre recalled. "I'll never forget what he told me. He said, 'Wayne, I'd like to be remembered as a good hand, a Texas Ranger, a lawman that made Texas safe for decent people.' That's how I'll always remember my friend, Joaquin Jackson."
