Things to Know if you Decide to Carry with OLLI at TTU, Highland Lakes

By Sarah Ramos, OLLI at TTU, Highland Lakes, Coordinator

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Texas Tech University, Highland Lakes had the honor of sponsoring the gun safety class "Things to Know if you Decide to Carry." The presentation was held in Horseshoe Bay at Quail Point with the beautiful views of Lake LBJ serving as the backdrop. The class was free to the public as a way for OLLI to say "thank you" to the community that has supported the program's mission since day one.

The weather was less than ideal, but even with its lack of cooperation, the course had a good turnout. Those in attendance fell on all ends of the spectrum when it came to thoughts on gun ownership and usage. It is a hot topic across the nation, and this course was another beacon with which to gain more knowledge on the topic.

This complimentary course addressed issues related to owning and using a firearm. Gun ownership represents varied rights and responsibilities, and those were highlighted throughout the hour-and-a-half discussion. The presenters addressed gun selection and the legal issues related to gun ownership and use in public, in the car and the privacy of one's home.

Each presenter spoke from different areas of expertise to ultimately provide a complete picture of all the many facets of gun rights, responsibilities and protocol, and potential consequences, should one decide to shoot. At the end of the session, attendees were able to ask personalized questions and they were graciously answered by the speakers. Guest speaker Chief Rocky Wardlow from the Horseshoe Bay Police Department even gave out free gun locks to those in attendance.

In addition to Chief Wardlow, participants had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Sonny McAfee, district attorney; and Gail Wood, License to Carry instructor, Marble Falls, as co-presenters on the topic.

Wardlow's distinguished career started in 1980 when he graduated from the Texas Department of Public Safety and began working as a State Trooper. Throughout his of years of service, he has affiliated with the Texas Highway Department and the Texas Rangers where he was honored as Texas Ranger of the Year. He has also received multiple state and national awards for his service.

McAfee is the district attorney for Blanco, Burnet, Llano and San Saba counties. He has worked in the field of public service in Texas for decades. He has over 40 years of experience in criminal justice as a prosecutor, legal advisor and expert legal instructor. He also served as a police officer for 20 years with the Houston Police Department.

Wood is a native Texan with a distinguished background. He is a retired colonel, rancher, active real estate company owner and realtor in Highland Lakes, Austin and San Antonio. Until recently, Wood provided conceal carry training classes for gun owners in the Highland Lakes area.