Larry Grace

New Haven, Vermont

State Director Info

Background

I started my marksmanship career in 1978 when I joined the Unites States Marine Corps. Upon leaving the Marine Corps I joined the Vermont Army National Guard. In 1984 I was added to my unit combat pistol team. Having never shot a pistol before, I searched for the best possible coaches. One year later I was picked up on the state bullseye pistol team. I competed with them until 1988 when the state moved me over to their combat program. I competed with the state combat pistol team until 2013. During that period, I was selected numerous times to the All-Guard Combat Team, representing them both nationally and internationally. I became the State Marksmanship Coordinator for the Vermont National Guard in 2002. This position manages and coordinates all competitive marksmanship events with the Vermont National Guard (both Army and Air). I served in this role for the next 18 years. In that time, I reinvigorated the bullseye program, both within the Vermont National Guard and within the state under the Vermont State Rifle and Pistol Association. I also supported two youth programs in different parts of the state as well as the annual NRA junior camp. I was instrumental in securing the CMP’s establishment of the New England Games at Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range. While serving in the Vermont Army National Guard, I was selected as the Marksmanship Advisory Council (MAC) Region 1 chairperson representing the northeast region at the national level. Additionally, I also served as a past president of the Association of Marksmen in the National Guard (AMNG), a 501(c)(3) organization supporting marksmanship. Throughout my career I trained thousands of Soldiers in marksmanship fundamentals in preparation for deployments. After I retired from the National Guard in 2020, I became a CMP seasonal employee, assisting with their Marksmanship 101 Courses as well as running pistol ranges.

Awards

My shooting awards include the Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge, Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge, Distinguished .22 Rimfire Pistol Badge, the NRA Distinguished Revolver Badge, the President’s Hundred Tab, and the Chief’s 50 Badge. I am also an All-Army Champion, a 3-time National Guard National Pistol Champion, a 2-time Armed Forces Skill at Arms Champion, a 3-time Territorial Army Skill at Arms Champion, a Canadian Forces Small Arms Pistol Champion, and a National Smallbore Combat Pistol Champion within the Chief of the National Guard Bureau program. I was inducted into the Association of Marksman in the National Guard Shooter’s Hall of Fame in 2020.

Personal Info

I am married with one son. My hobbies include working on and restoring older or classic cars and trucks, shooting, and gun collecting.

Reasons

I would like to reinvigorate and organize youth shooting sports in the state of Vermont as it hasn’t received much attention for a number of years.

Goals/Hopes

My goal is to increase the current number of programs and to eventually hold training camps with the end goal of sending teams to the Nationals.

CMP Returns to Vermont for the 2025 New England Highpower Rifle & CMP Games Matches

Jericho, Vt. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce the return of the New England CMP Highpower Rifle and CMP Games Matches, scheduled for Sept. 20-28, 2025, at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt.

This annual event welcomes competitors of all skill levels to compete, learn and enjoy the camaraderie of the shooting sports community. All rifle matches will be conducted using electronic targets—the same eTargets featured during the National Matches—which deliver instant shot feedback on monitors at each firing point.

The New England Games offers a mix of modern and vintage rifle events designed to appeal to both seasoned competitors and new individuals. Participants can take part in:

  • CMP Pistol Matches, including Military & Police/1911 As-Issued, 2700 Pistol Aggregate and EIC matches
  • CMP Highpower Rifle Matches, including the 80 Shot and EIC Service Rifle matches
  • CMP Games Events, featuring Vintage Military Rifle, Springfield, Garand, and M1 Carbine matches
  • Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship 101 Clinics, led by CMP-trained professionals
  • Rimfire Sporter Match and Vintage Sniper Team Match
  • CMP Sales on site

Camp Ethan Allen, a Vermont Army National Guard facility, provides a stunning natural setting and outstanding facilities for competition. With a relaxed and welcoming environment, the event is perfect for competitors of all ages and backgrounds—from juniors and families to long-time CMP participants.

“The New England Games are a favorite among our traveling events,” said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief. “It combines classic marksmanship with the beauty of New England in the fall, making it a memorable stop on the CMP calendar.”

All events are open to the public, with no club affiliation required. The Marksmanship Rifle and Pistol 101 classes include top notch instruction, firearms and ammunition.

The award dinner sponsor is Laplatte River Angus Farm (https://www.facebook.com/p/LaPlatte-River-Angus-Farm-100064590258395/).

Housing is available on base and individuals may request housing at https://thecmp.org/l/new-england-hp-rifle-cmp-games-matches-housing-meal-request-form/. 

Registration is now open! For full event details and to sign up, visit https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/new-england-cmp-hp-rifle-cmp-games/.

For answers to questions about the New England CMP Games & CMP HP Rifle Matches, contact the Amy Cantu at [email protected]  or call 419-635-2141 ext. 602.

Stunning ‘Sweatah Weather,’ Performances Highlight 2024 CMP New England Games

By Jennifer Green, CMP Contributor

CMP’s Highpower Manager, Brian Williams, won the Garand Match and poses for a photo with a representative from the Garand Collectors Association.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the New England Games for the eighth time in beautiful Jericho, Vt., at Camp Ethan Allen. Staff members were so grateful to the Vermont National Guard for being generous hosts and for allowing the use of their beautiful facilities.

The New England Games took place in late September and was jam-packed with fun from the start. The smell of fall was in the air – a competitor even brought a custom carved pumpkin to display at the check in area!

Participants were feeling the fall vibes, someone even created this custom design to display at the competition!

The weather couldn’t have been more gorgeous (except for one day of torrential rain).  The morning air was crisp and felt like the start of “sweatah weather.” The mountains provided the perfect backdrop to the event.  If you weren’t focused on your target downrange or catching up with other marksmen, you could look out to the mountains and watch the crimson leaves grow brighter every day. 

Pictured here, Brian Appel, did well in several categories.

The week started, of course, with an introductory class for both Rifle and Pistol, followed by an Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) match for each, where the top 10 percent of competitors were awarded their first EIC points towards a Distinguished Badge. 

A rimfire sporter competitor takes aim in the prone position.  The competition attracted 35 competitors this year.

Paul Edwards won the rifle EIC match with a score of 366-4X, and John Desroches took first place in the pistol EIC match with a score of 274-3X.  Congratulations to both! There’s nothing better than getting a taste of competition and getting closer to achieving your goals!

Nathan Zajac dominated in many pistol categories, showcasing his precision and high level shooting.  He claimed the top spot in the 40 Shot Pistol Match, Pistol EIC Match, EIC Service Revolver Match,.22 Rimfire Aggregate, Match Pistol 2700 Any Sights and Overall Individual Pistol Aggregate.  He was also a part of “Range 5-1,” which won the 2-Man Pistol Team event.

TSgt Nicolas Poirier also had an impressive showing in Vermont.  His discipline, accuracy and consistency earned him first place in the Center Fire 900 Aggregate and .45 Pistol Aggregate for Any Sights. 

TSgt Christopher DeForge was the guy to beat in Metallic Sights categories, with a 742-9X in the .45 Pistol 900 Aggregate and a 2,240-29X in the Match Pistol 2700 Aggregate.  David Valintakonis took the top spot in both of those matches for .22 only with scores of 795-8X and 2,394-42X, respectively. 

The CMP’s very own Brian Williams decided to trade the KTS iPad in for his gun and won the Garand Match with a score of 291-5X.  Of course, he wasn’t finished – after that, Williams secured the top spot in the Modern Military Match with a score of 291-11X.  

Another Brian who posted excellent scores and placed first in the Springfield and Three-Gun Aggregate was Brian Appel, posting scores of 291-9X and 855-16X, respectively. He also won all three days of the 800 Aggregate for Civilian Service Rifle, placing him third overall for the 2400 Overall Aggregate – just two points behind second place SSG Verne Conant of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU).  

Camp Ethan Allen provided a beautiful backdrop for the event.

The winner of the 2400 Service Rifle Aggregate was PFC Amber Kingshill, USAMU, with a score of 2,373-111X.  She was able to edge out Conant by just one point.

Kingshill reflected on her win and said, “We had a pretty rainy start to the 2400 Agg., but I was pleased it ended on such a nice day. Sitting back here at the 600 yard line, all I could tell myself was ‘target 11…target 11…target 11…’ and then just shot my match.  So, it was cool to get a win out of it.”

PFC Amber Kingshill won the 2400 Service Rifle Aggregate with an impressive 2,373 – 111X.

Kingshill had a fair bit of hardware that needed to find room in her luggage for her trip back to Georgia.

The next CMP New England Games will be in September 2025.  Keep your eyes peeled for the date announcement! Find full results and photos of the 2024 event as well as more information about the New England Games at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/new-england-cmp-hp-rifle-cmp-games/.

A competitor takes a rest between strings of fire.

CMP New England Games Results:

M9 EIC Pistol Match – John Desroches – 274-3X

M16 EIC Rifle Match – Paul Edwards – 366-4X

40 Shot Pistol Match – Nathan Zajac – 335-3X

CMP .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Match – CW5 Lawrence Grace, ARNG – 270 – 5X

Pistol EIC Match – Nathan Zajac – 266-5X

EIC Service Revolver Match – Nathan Zajac – 328-1X

2-Man Pistol Team – Range 5-1, Nathan Zajac, CW5 Lawrence Grace, ARNG – 516-4X 

.22 Rimfire 900 Aggregate – Nathan Zajac – 854-25X

Center Fire 900 Aggregate – TSgt Nicolas Poirier, ANG – 843-24X

.45 Pistol 900 Aggregate 

  • Any Sights- TSgt Nicolas Poirier, ANG – 851-24
  • Metallic Sights – TSgt Christopher DeForge, USAF – 742-9X
  • .22 Only- David Valintakonis – 795-8X

Match Pistol 2700 Aggregate

  • Any Sights- Nathan Zajac – 2,522-73X
  • Metallic Sights – TSgt Christopher DeForge, USAF – 2,240-29X
  • .22 Only- David Valintakonis – 2,394-42X

CMP As- Issued 1911 Pistol- CW4 Cara Krauss, ARNG – 376-5X

Military & Police Service Pistol – CW4 Cara Krauss, ARNG – 376-14X

Overall Individual Pistol Aggregate – Nathan Zajac – 1,922-27X

Rimfire Sporter

  • O-Class – Bruce Baroffio – 568-17X
  • T-Class – Angela Benward -588-25X

Garand – Brian Williams 291-5X

Springfield – Brian Appel – 291-9X

Vintage Military – Gregory Hommel – 283-5X

Three Gun Aggregate – Brian Appel – 855-16X

Modern Military – Brian Williams – 291-11X

Four Gun Aggregate – Stephen Bukowsky -1,118 -16X

Unlimited Garand – John Desroches – 277-1X

Unlimited Modern Military – William Duthie – 287-12X

Carbine – James Sinclair – 369 -5X

Bruce D. Memorial Aggregate – James Sinclair – 1,195 -14X

Vintage Sniper Team – Lovers Quarrel- Ronald Leblanc, Holly Stowe- 390-14X

Mid-Range 3×600

  • Service Rifle- SGT Forrest Greenwood, USA – 594-21X
  • Match Rifle/Any Sights – Thomas Lowry – 591-31X
  • AR Tactical – Matthew Morrissey – 592-28X

CMP 2-Man Team – USAMU Conant- SSG Verne Conant, USA, PFC Amber Kingshill, USA – 593-27X

CMP 800 Aggregate 

Day 1

  • Civilian Service – Brian Appel – 793-30X
  • Military Service – SSG Verne Conant, USA – 794-41X

Day 2

  • Civilian Service – Brian Appel – 788-31X
  • Military Service – SSG Verne Conant, USA – 789-37X

Day 3

  • Civilian Service – Brian Appel – 789-30X
  • Military Service – PFC Amber Kingshill, USA – 791-42X

2400 Overall Aggregate – PFC Amber Kingshill, USA – 2,373 -111X

Krauss, Allen Take Control of Pistol Events at 2023 New England CMP Games

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

JERICHO, Vt. – CPT Cliffton Allen and CW3 Cara Krauss of the Vermont Army National Guard came to win at the 2023 New England CMP Games and Highpower Matches, held in Vermont in September. The pair led 11 different pistol competitions, collectively, during the event – including a joint victory in the 2-Man Pistol Team match.

CW3 Cara Krauss on the firing line between shots.
CW3 Cara Krauss of Bristol, VT, won multiple events at the 2023 New England Games and set a new record.

Individually, Krauss, 42, of Bristol, VT, set a new match record score in the Military & Police Service Pistol competition that had been in place since 2018, reaching 379-12X overall. Allen, 37, New of Port Center, VT, not only overtook the 40 Shot Pistol Match but went on to find the top spot in each of the Pistol Aggregate Any Sight competitions (.22 Rimfire, Center Fire, .45 Pistol and 2700 Aggregate).

Also giving noteworthy pistol performances was SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, of Greenville, SC, who set two new records in his Metallic Sight wins in the Aggregate matches, while TSgt Christopher DeForge, 36, of Hampton, VA, dominated the .22 Aggregates.

Rifle competitor in the prone position at the CMP New England Games.
The New England Games features a mix of pistol matches along with vintage and modern rifle events.

The annual New England Games features CMP’s own exciting lineup of vintage and modern military rifle and pistol competitions, designed for everyone to enjoy. The events are suitable for those just beginning in the sport of marksmanship while offering fun challenges for more experienced individuals. 

This year, for the first time, the New England Games added a Mid-Range 3×600 Rifle Match, featuring Service Rifle, Match Rifle, Palma, F-Class, F T/R and AR Tactical classes. 

SSG Verne Conant with the award for the rifle 2400 Aggregate.
SSG Verne Conant led the service rifle portion of the rifle 2400 Aggregate.

Leading the first New England Games Mid-Range 3×600 Service Rifle event was SSG Verne Conant, 27, of Cataula, GA, with a score of 394-30X. Conant, a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is fresh off an outstanding win in the prestigious President’s Rifle Match held at the 2023 National Matches in July. He arrived at New England Games to not only claim the overall spot in the Mid-Range Match but also led the Carbine Match and Service Rifle 2400 Aggregate, where he set a new match record score.

Other results of the first New England Games Mid-Range 3×600 were:

Match Rifle/Any Sights: SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, Greenville, SC – 596-28X

F-Class: Kevin Clark, 33, Bristol, VT – 574-13X

F T/R: Gene Lyman, 62, Burlington, VT – 572-10X

AR Tactical: James Horton, 66, Gaithersburg, MD – 573-14X

Palma: No competitors

CMP’s line of outdoor electronic targets.
Rifle events of the New England Games are held on CMP’s line of outdoor electronic targets.

Also earning multiple wins in rifle events was CDR Thomas Lowry, 60, of Waynesboro, PA, who claimed both the Garand Match and the Vintage Military Match. MAJ Ian Swisher, 37, of Rockville, MD, brought home victories in the Springfield Match and within the Four-Gun Aggregate for consistent high scores in the Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military events.

Brian Williams, 49, of Granby, MA, set an additional match record in the 2400 Rifle Aggregate in the Match Rifle Category, with a score of 2362-94X. 

Winning the M9 pistol match was David Webb, 63, of Harrisville, NH.
Winning the M9 pistol match was David Webb, 63, of Harrisville, NH.

Other overall Competitors of the 2023 New England Games:

Pistol:

M9 EIC Pistol: David Webb, 63, Harrisville, NH – 207-1X

40 Shot Pistol: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 359-10X

CMP .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC: CW3 Cara Krauss, 42, Bristol, VT – 281-5X

Pistol EIC: CW3 Cara Krauss, 42, Bristol, VT – 272-3X

EIC Service Revolver: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 338-4X

2-Man Pistol Team: Vermont Army National Guard (Krauss, Allen) – 521-6X

As-Issued 1911 Pistol: CW3 Cara Krauss, 42, Bristol, VT – 374-5X

Military & Police Service Pistol: CW3 Cara Krauss, 42, Bristol, VT – 379-12X

.22 Rimfire 900 Aggregate:

Any Sights: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 846-23X

Metallic Sights: SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, Greenville, SC – 756-9X

.22 Only: TSgt Christopher DeForge, 36, Hampton, VA – 788-15X

Center Fire 900 Aggregate:

Any Sights: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 843-25X

Metallic Sights: SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, Greenville, SC – 795-18X (new record)

.22 Only: TSgt Christopher DeForge, 36, Hampton, VA – 789-12X

.45 Pistol 900 Aggregate:

Any Sights: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 830-22X

Metallic Sights: SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, Greenville, SC – 751-10X

.22 Only: TSgt Christopher DeForge, 36, Hampton, VA – 786-13X

Pistol 2700 Aggregate:

Any Sights: CPT Cliffton Allen, 37, New Port Center, VT – 2519-70X

Metallic Sights: SFC Dwayne Lewis, 57, Greenville, SC – 2302-37X (new record)

.22 Only: TSgt Christopher DeForge, 36, Hampton, VA – 2363-40X 

Rifle:

Rimfire Sporter:

O-Class: Bruce Baroffio, 65, Northfield, VT – 572-17X

T-Class: David Chase, 54, Tujunga, CA – 589-37X

TU Class: Robert Pestridge, 60, Marathon, NY – 565-13X

Carbine Match: SSG Verne Conant, 27, Cataula, GA – 363-2X

Garand Match: CDR Thomas Lowry, 60, Waynesboro, PA – 289-9X

Springfield Match: MAJ Ian Swisher, 37, Rockville, MD – 283-2X

Vintage Military Match: CDR Thomas Lowry, 60, Waynesboro, PA – 286-6X

Modern Military Match: Stephen Bukowsky, 36, Clinton, CT – 295-10X

Three-Gun Aggregate: Michael Speary, 49, Cortland, NY – 842-12X

Four-Gun Aggregate: MAJ Ian Swisher, 37, Rockville, MD – 1130-18X

Vintage Sniper Team, Manual: Muhls Raiders (Sgt Lynn Stanton, Van Dyke Bergen) – 392-12X

Highpower Rifle:

4-Man Team: USAMU (SP4 Dustin Carr, SSG Verne Conant, SSG Jacob Blackburn, PVT Amber Kingshill) – 1962-77X

EIC Rifle: SP4 Dustin Carr, 22, Fort Benning, GA – 495-24X

2400 Aggregate:

Service Rifle: SSG Verne Conant, 27, Cataula, GA – 2379-101X

Match Rifle: Brian Williams, 49, Granby, MA – 2362-94X

For a complete list of results, visit https://ct.thecmp.org/23NEGamesResults. Find photos of the event and download for free at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/f691026397. Save the Date for 2024 – we’ll be back in Vermont September 21-29, 2024.