Man with special needs earns NRA title

The Veterans of Foreign War Bear Paw Jr. Rifle Club has honored a local man with special needs for his rare achievement.

Lance Seely, 21, of Havre was awarded the Expert Marksmanship title Nov. 4. This title is sanctioned by the National Rifle Association.

Seely said his favorite part about being involved with the rifle club is "shooting at the targets."

Seely's mother, Leslie, said her son has overcome a lot throughout his life.

"When he was a baby he had seizures and so then he was behind on his education and everything," she said. "He had brothers before him who were constantly achieving in wrestling and football - he just wanted to be just like them."

Leslie added that she was excited when she found out her son earned the title.

"He never gives up; I just really love that about him," she said. "When he finds something he loves, he sticks with it until he masters it. ... He just continues on to get better and better."

Leslie also said that Seely has been interested in guns for at least seven years.

"Right now he practices every Tuesday - he enjoys shooting guns," she said.

Staying active is a passion for Seely. He has been involved with Special Olympics since 2006 and Leslie said participating in this has gotten him out of his shell.

"Now he realizes that, 'Hey I can achieve just like the rest of my brothers and everybody out there,'" she said.

Laura Martin, a coach at the rifle club, said this is the start of Seely's fourth year with the club.

Martin also said Seely was excited when he found out he was awarded the title.

"He was extremely pleased, he loves the idea of having another medal," she said.

Martin said that Seely had to shoot at 10 targets in the prone (laying down), standing, sitting and kneeling positions and score a 40 or better from 50 feet away.

"In the single-bull targets you're having to shoot a 40 or better 10 times," she added.

Martin also said that Seely enjoys being able to progress at his own pace.

"He had the will to want to keep going and get further," she said.

Seeley is the son of Bert and Leslie Seely of Havre. He plans to continue to work out during the winter.

For more information on the junior rifle club, one can call 265-1655 and ask for Randy or Laura Martin.