Martin passes the torch at Bear Paw Junior Rifle Club

Thirty-four years. That is how long Randy Martin has been an instructor, then the lead instructor, for the VFW Bear Paw Junior Rifle Club.

He was introduced to the club when he was 9 and was an active member until he left for the U.S. Army at 18.

"After I came back (from the Army) I felt like I owed (the rifle club) something and I have been here ever since," said Martin, who turned the leadership of the club over to Errol Niedert while he battled cancer.

While more than a thousand different kids have come through the club - including Niedert's daughters Abby and Linzy - under his leadership,...