Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

Arizona Junior Feature: McKenna Beckham

March 22, 2019

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Arizona Junior Feature: McKenna Beckham

By Serena Juchnowski, CMP Feature Writer

McKenna Beckham started out shooting from an early age with her father. She fondly recalls trips to the range and shooting in the desert with family. Currently 16 years old, she has been shooting competitively for nearly three years, having started in early 2016.

Preparing for President’s 100 Rifle Match July 29, 2018 – 2018 Camp Perry National Matches, Camp Perry, OH.

Beckham was introduced to smallbore rifle through the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association (ASRPA), shooting the Western Wildcat match three short months after starting smallbore. Participating in the NRA Winchester Marksmanship Qualification Program, McKenna gained a good basis for high power positions, shooting four-position smallbore rifle.

For McKenna, each shooting experience builds on the previous.
“Marksmanship has taught me discipline and maturity,” McKenna says. “It has also taught me [that] goals that seem nearly impossible can be achieved through hard work and dedication.”

Over the past two years, McKenna has not only been continuing to improve as a shooter but has been helping others improve while coaching the Naval Sea Cadets in three-position smallbore.

One unique aspect of the shooting sports is that they allow one to be independent, yet provide the opportunity for one to grow alongside and learn from others. McKenna likes that shooting allows her to depend on herself, but that there exist teams and team matches.

Coaching US Navy Sea Cadets in proper use of a web sling November 24, 2018 – Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix, AZ
Learning the basics, 9 years old , November 2012. Mohave County Desert, Arizona. Also pictured Blue Beckham.

Describing her shooting experience, she says, “I…love the shooting community and how my relationships with others have grown from shooting. I have met some of my best friends through shooting high power.”

She adds, “The shooting community is unlike any other group I’ve been a part of. The members of this community are incredibly gracious and willing to help others. I’ve been lent just about every piece of gear out there (including rifles).”

It is this support that has helped McKenna to get to where she is now. Her greatest accomplishments include placing High Woman at the 127th Washington’s Birthday Match and High Junior at the Arizona State Smallbore Prone Championships.

CMP/USMC Junior Rifle Clinic 600 yards Slow Fire Prone. July 28, 2018 – 2018 Camp Perry National Matches, Camp Perry, OH. Credit Quang Nguyen.

McKenna offers the following to new shooters, saying, “If I had to give one piece of advice it would be…don’t get discouraged. It is a very difficult sport in the beginning, but once you start to improve it becomes incredibly rewarding.”
She also stresses the importance of comfort. If one does not find a comfortable position, or is uncomfortable on the range in general, it will be harder to shoot, focus and perform well. This is another reason having such an inclusive shooting community is so crucial to the future of the sports.

CMP/USMC Junior Rifle Clinic July 27, 2018 Preparing for 200 yard rapid fire sitting – 2018 Camp Perry National Matches, Camp Perry, OH. Also Pictured, Coach Randy Jackovich. Credit Quang Nguyen.

Outside of shooting, Mckenna runs cross country, plays flute in concert band and enjoys hiking and playing with her dogs. She also spends a good bit of time cooking and baking.

McKenna recalls that when she was a toddler she had plans to become a baker. Nowadays, she says “my plans have definitely changed. I would like to attend a service academy and eventually serve in the U.S. Secret Service. It has always been my dream to serve my country in the military and law enforcement.”

Shooting high power introduces one to a significant number of service men and women as well as teaches leadership skills and develops character. McKenna Beckham continues to use her experiences to encourage others and her plans shall undoubtedly inspire younger shooters as others have inspired her.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share16
16 Shares

2 Replies to “Arizona Junior Feature: McKenna Beckham”

  1. Kim McGhee says:
    March 23, 2019 at 1:38 am

    My son is employee by the United States Coast Guard. He is a fantastic marksman, and has been a Junior Olympic Archer. Service personnel do not make a lot of money. I would hope Walther would sponsor him, providing him with a low cost competitive pellet rifle. Let me know what I can do. My e-mail is: [email protected]

    Reply
    1. Christine Elder says:
      March 27, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Depending where your son is at, he may be able to join a CMP Affiliated Club – search http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=clubSearch. We do offer payment plans for junior clubs – https://thecmp.org/clubs/sales-index/jr-rifles/. You may also be able to check directly with distributors to see if they have any options for you – http://www.pyramydair.com or http://www.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx?p=categoryBody&c=AIARWA.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.