CMP’s Jim Henderson Headlines 2026 National Matches First Shot Ceremony
Posted on: Jul 20, 2026
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – On Monday, July 13, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the annual First Shot Ceremony, the traditional start to the month-long National Matches that has been held at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio, since 1907.
Unlike previous years, this year marked the first time in recent history a pistol competitor has fired the honorary First Shot, which is typically left to rifle competitors. Also unlike previous years, this year’s actual “first shot” downrange was not completed by one person but two.
The ceremony began with the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band entertaining the crowd on the hot 85-degree day, while vintage vehicles from Timeless Ts Model T Club and Firelands Military Vehicle Group lined the roadside. Guests were able to walk up to each vehicle, with some even taking private rides around base.
In the skies above, a U.S. Army Air Corps Mitchell B-25 bomber (Georgie’s Gal) and a U.S. Navy Grumman TBM Avenger fighter-bomber from Port Clinton’s Liberty Aviation Museum made passes above the stands, with World War II nose art clearly visible to the spectators below.
Christie Sewell, CMP’s Chief Programs Officer, served as emcee of the event, as distinguished guests from the Ohio National Guard, CMP Board members, other CMP leadership and Director of Civilian Marksmanship Emeritus, Gary Anderson, sat nearby and observed in attendance.
CMP’s Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Jerry O’Keefe, made brief remarks and announced his upcoming retirement from the CEO position – passing the reigns to current Chief Operating Officer, Fabian Lobera, who will officially begin his new position in the fall. The CMP also informally announced new Chief Competitions Officer, International Disciplines, Brad Donoho, and Chief Competitions Officer, National Disciplines, Brian Williams.
Sewell went on to introduce the 2026 honorary First Shot Speaker, CMP’s own pistol manager, Jim Henderson.
“Jim isn't just a great shooter – he is one of the legends of bullseye and precision pistol competitions,” she said. “His accomplishments are remarkable, but together they tell the story of a competitor whose name has become part of the history of Camp Perry.”
She went on to list his many accolades: two-time USA Shooting National Champion in Free Pistol and Air Pistol, silver at the 2025 USA Shooting National Championship, an Olympic Quota for the United States in Free Pistol, a two-time NRA National Pistol Champion, nine-time Interservice Champion, eight-time President’s 100 Champion, four-time National Trophy Individual Champion, double-distinguished in Pistol and Revolver and 68 National Records – just to name a few.
After heavy applause from the crowd and a handshake from Sewell, Henderson took the podium.
“It is a tremendous honor to stand here at Camp Perry, a place that has shaped the lives of generations of Americans,” he began. “To be asked to fire the First Shot of the National Matches is something I never imagined when I first came here as a young competitor, carrying a pistol box that, at times, felt heavier than I was.”
He went on, “Camp Perry is where I learned to hone the discipline the U.S. Army instilled in me. Camp Perry is where I learned to deepen my sense of humility and introspection. Camp Perry is where I learned that excellence is not given, it’s earned one proven shot process delivered to the best of my ability at any given moment.”
“I would not have had all this success without the skills, confidence, positivity and humility I learned here at Camp Perry – my home,” he continued.
He humbly discussed the ups and downs of his life and career that helped him to achieve his successes, but the awards and recognition, to him, are not what matter most as he thinks back on his career and his many years at Camp Perry.
“It’s the people,” he said. “The coaches who took time to help a new shooter. The armorers who kept guns running through rain and heat. The teammates who stand shoulder to shoulder on the line. And the volunteers and staff who make these National Matches possible year after year.”
He concluded with a profound thought, “Before we begin these National Matches, let’s remember why we are here: To compete with honor and integrity. To support each other in our highs and lows. To carry forward a tradition that has defined American marksmanship for over a century.”
“Good luck to everyone and shoot well.”
After his words, Henderson made his way to the First Shot table placed on the berm of Rodriguez Range, where two pistol targets awaited downrange. As a symbol of passing his legacy on to the next generation, Henderson invited a junior to accompany him with a second first shot.
Jason Marshall, 15, of the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association, is one of the youngest competitors on the firing line at this year’s National Pistol Matches but has already earned such successes as the High Junior title at the Governor’s Cup at the Canton McKinley Gun Club and has competed in five National Championships.
Once the two reached the table, they got into position and put on their protective hearing and eyewear. A brief hold with his .22 pistol given to him by the late pistol legend, Steve Reiter, a silent pause, then Henderson took the first shot. Soon after, Marshall fired his own .22, with a pyrotechnic explosion occurring below each pistol target downrange to signal the official opening of the National Matches season.
For the pair’s participation, the CMP presented Henderson a commemorative First Shot plaque, including a shadow-boxed 1911 pistol, and Marshall a commemorative coin as the Junior First Shot Shooter.
A Gillmor Ordnance-crafted cannon, like those the company has built for such feature films as Master & Commander, Antietam, Gods and Generals, The Last Samurai and Emancipation, gave one final blast as the 122nd Army Band played out the traditional Armed Forces Salute to honor the many men and women of the U.S. military.
And, with that – the 2026 National Matches is now open!
The 119th National Matches is currently underway and will run through Aug. 9, featuring smallbore rifle, air gun, pistol, highpower rifle, vintage rifle and long range rifle events for adults and juniors of all experience levels.
Outside of competition, the National Matches is home to several retail options for your marksmanship needs through the CMP North Store (open year-round) and Commercial Row, which includes numerous vendors throughout the National Matches.
Learn more about the 2026 National Matches at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/. Come be part of the tradition!
NOTE: Photos of the 2026 First Shot Ceremony are available on CMP’s Zenfolio online album at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p289547268.