Dear Shooters,

I have recently been elected to the Advisory Council of the NSCA, representing sporting clays shooters across the country. The NSCA will be having its Annual Advisory Council meeting on Jan 27th - 29th.

I would like to hear your comments, concerns, and topics that you would like me to bring forward at this meeting as shooters from our state. If you are so inclined, please send me an email or feel free to give me a call to let me know your thoughts before I go to the meeting.

I will be at the Sumner and Tacoma shoots this coming weekend, Jan 14th and 15th, so you can find me and we can talk there if you desire to.

Best Regards,

Ted Sapoznik
360-977-2329

We just heard that Nick Ockfen passed away the beginning of December. Here is his obituary.

Nicholas D. Ockfen passed away peacefully in his home, with family, on Dec. 5, 2011. He was 78. Nick was born May 2, 1933 to Nicholas and Helen (Barna) Ockfen. He grew up in Elk Plain and graduated from Clover Park High School. He attended the College of Puget Sound while working for the family's commercial construction company, Western Constructors. Nick also served as a First Lieutenant in the Armed Forces.

Nick is survived by his dear companion Annette Mora, son Stan Ockfen, daughter Shannon Hendrickson (Rick), step-sons Travis and Ryan Benson, sister Audrey Charles (Rich), and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Nick was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.

He was an avid sportsman, including everything from archery, polo, tennis, golf, and skiing, as well as logging many hours as a private pilot. Most recently, his passion turned to sporting clays, where he was a life member of the National Sporting Clay Association. Several times Nick was chosen as an All American team member as both a senior and veteran shooter. He also competed in several FITASC world shoots.

Donations can be made to any local food bank. As per his request there will be no service.