July 30, 2010
Dick Heller
About DC vs. Heller Ongoing Cases Scheduling Favorite Links
Dick Heller - Founder and Co-Chair, President of the Washington Gun Club
Dick Heller was the successful Plaintiff in the landmark Heller v. DC case which found that the right to own a gun is a constitutionally protected individual right. Considered the first major gun rights victory in one hundred years, the case has restored the right of DC residents to own handguns and restated in clear language the Second Amendment for all Americans. Fueled by the victory, Heller has recently filed a second right to bear arms case, Heller II v. DC.
Heller was called to action in the 2nd Amendment fight when his house, in a once safe DC neighborhood, was shot up twice by thugs from the Kentucky Courts housing project in the 1970’s. These nerve wrenching encounters with his neighbor’s bullets made Heller realize that the 1976 DC Gun Ban was disarming good citizens yet, criminals were still running rampant with weapons of their choice. The situation was neither moral, Constitutional, nor safe, and from this experience Heller heard the calling, through his front door and living room window, to act; “doing nothing was no longer and option!”
After meeting with fellow protectors of 2nd Amendment liberties, Heller came up with a powerful idea. In addition to fighting for gun rights as a citizen, he would become a DC Armed Special Police Officer as a means to further challenge gun restrictions in the District. When Heller v. DC was filed, Heller was dutifully working in the Supreme Court Annex, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judicial Center.
Heller’s efforts to aid the great people of the District of Columbia may have started with 2nd Amendment liberties but, certainly do not stop there. Realizing that many criminals are “born” from troubled and underprivileged youths, Heller decided to reach out to this vulnerable constituency. To maximize his aid, he established the “Children’s Birthright Trust Fund” in 1984.
The charitable organization raises funds to support youth projects for children in need, such as the purchase of computers; a necessity to succeed in our modern technology era. Heller has also found time for teaching. His topic of choice has been entrepreneurship, encouraging DC public school children and DC housing project residents to think strategically, take risks and make a difference.
With regard to politics, an area that is challenging to evade in the District, Heller is actively involved with the Libertarian Party. In addition to supporting Dr. Ron Paul’s two Presidential bids, Libertarian and Republican, he has kept his financial skills acute by serving as the Treasurer of The Libertarian Party of DC since 2004.
Before his time as a 2nd Amendment proponent, Heller worked his way through Montgomery College in Silver Spring, MD, earning an A.A. in Engineering, and completed one year of MBA studies at Kingston Polytech in London, England. His engineering and business background led him to an eclectic array of jobs: Bank Teller, Data Technician at NASA-Greenbelt, IT Consultant for TYMnet, and Investment Banker.
Prior to focusing his attention on his post-secondary education and career, Heller proudly served in the United States Army for three years. He joined the Army in 1958 immediately after his graduation from Manteca High School in Manteca, California. During his time with the Army he was a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne division and a Sky Diver at Fort Campbell, KY. Heller’s military service included successfully completed 49 jumps.
Even before Heller personally joined the Army, he was lived the military lifestyle through his father’s Navy service. Since Heller’s birth in San Diego, CA in 1941, Navy travel – domestic and abroad - ensured Heller and his four brothers had a global understanding of the world and profound love and respect for the United States of America.
Dick Heller Addresses the NRA Members.
Dick Heller with Extreme Fire Power Gun (www.extremefirepower.com).
Dick Heller with Charter Arms Guns (www.charterarms.com).
Heller with Custom BushMaster AR-15 to Celebrate the 2nd Amendment Victory.
Dick Heller Speaking at The Liberty Forum of The New Hampshire Free State Project (March 2009).
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