CMP’s Jim Henderson Headlines 2026 First Shot Ceremony
May 23, 2026
CAMP PERRY, Ohio –The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is happy to announce all the exciting details of the First Shot Ceremony, set to take place July 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility’s historic Rodriguez Range in Port Clinton, Ohio!
The First Shot Ceremony is open to the public, with free admission and plenty of on-site parking.
Since 1907, the National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Matches have been held at Camp Perry – welcoming each generation’s most talented marksmen and women from around the country as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport. The First Shot Ceremony serves as the traditional opening to the month-long competition season, while the First Shot speaker is an honored distinction amongst the marksmanship community.
This year’s First Shot Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m., with prelude music by the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band. Scheduled activities include a flyover by a pair of WWII aircraft, including a U.S. Army Air Corps Mitchell B-25 bomber, nicknamed Georgie’s Gal, and a U.S. Navy Grumman TBM Avenger fighter-bomber. Both aircraft are provided courtesy of Port Clinton’s Liberty Aviation Museum. The aircraft will make passes above the grandstands before the start of the festivities, at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Pyrotechnic displays, provided by cannonmaster Bob Gillmor, of Old Fort, Ohio, will simulate explosions on the ranges below as the aircraft pass prior to opening remarks. Those sensitive to loud noises are encouraged to bring hearing protection, though hearing protection will also be available from CMP staff.
Additionally, static military vehicle displays will be available for viewing on the grounds, presented by Firelands Military Vehicle Club, as well as free antique car rides provided by the Timeless T’s Model T motor vehicle club of Erie County.
The 2026 First Shot Speaker will be CMP Pistol Manager, Jim Henderson.
Henderson is a retired member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, where he served for over 30 years. During his marksmanship career, he reached many notable achievements, including:
- Distinguished Pistol Badge in 1989
- Eight-time winner of the President’s Pistol Match (one of the most prestigious events held during the National Matches) and the National Record holder of the event
- National Record holder and four-time winner of the National Trophy Individual Match
- Two-time National Rifle Association National Outdoor and Indoor Pistol Champion
- Nine-time Pistol Inter-Service Champion and record holder
Now, Henderson is instrumental in advancing CMP’s pistol initiatives, including the expansion of the action pistol program through the Bianchi Cup International Tournament, held in Missouri in May.
Visitors to the 2026 First Shot Ceremony are also encouraged to check out Petrarca Range and the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, only a short walk away from the ceremony site. Petrarca Range features outdoor electronically-scored rifle targets, while the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center features an indoor air gun facility and authentic Olympic memorabilia from the career of celebrated marksman, Gary Anderson. Both are open for marksmanship practice to the public weekly, all year long.
We hope to see you at Camp Perry as we begin this year’s National Matches season!
About the National Matches:
The National Matches schedule is comprised of the Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, National Games Matches, National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. Along with several competitive opportunities, the National Matches includes a variety of educational clinics for all experience levels as well as shopping selections from some of today’s leading industry vendors.
View a full schedule of the 2026 National Matches events at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/.