BRODHEADSVILLE, PA. — While 556 Airsoft just opened a few short months ago, and they certainly do not have the biggest and baddest Airsoft playing field in the industry, its owners feel it’s not all about making money. It is about giving back to our nation’s wounded veterans, many of whom are airsofters in their own right.
Two life-long friends and fellow airsofters launched the opening of 556 Airsoft, the only indoor airsoft arena in the Poconos, in Oct. 2009.
The arena is owned by Christopher Walker and his soon to be brother in-law, Paul VanDunk.
Located in the lower half of the American Sport Shooting building on Route 209 in Brodheadsville, PA, 556 Airsoft focuses mainly on close quarter battle type scenarios. American Sport Shooting is the Pocono’s leading dealer of firearms and firearm accessories.
VanDunk worked upstairs when he approached Walker and said the owner of the gun shop would be interested in leasing them the lower level to set up an Airsoft arena.
“The timing was just right; we had everything we needed. People in the airsoft community had been asking for an indoor facility in this area for a couple of years,” said VanDunk.
“Sometimes you just have to seize the moment,” added Walker.
Even though the duo has only been in business several months they wanted to host a fundraiser to assist in helping wounded veterans get back on their feet.
It was Walker’s sister, Jessica who told Eric Kowal, owner of Semper Fi Marketing and Managerial in Roseto, PA that her brother might be interested in working with him.
Kowal’s business focuses in coordinating fundraising activities for the Marines Helping Marines organization such as the Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament which has gained the attention of many professional anglers in a relatively short time.
Marines Helping Marines is a non-profit organization providing support for injured Marine Corps personnel. Founded in 2005, the organization has grown to include five participating hospitals and has raised and contributed over $250,000 in much needed supplies, goods and services and offer assistance to those Marines and their families who are in need.
On Saturday, April 10, airsofters of various experience levels are invited to attend Op: Out Reach.
The event will run from 5 – 11 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Marines Helping Marines charity.
Rental equipment is available for those who do not own their own guns, however, no gun that shoots over 300 frames per second is allowed in the playing field.
The cost of Op: Out Reach is $25, however, players will also receive an event t-shirt and one raffle ticket earning them a chance at an Airsoft themed prize donated by one of the event sponsors.
Themed events are not new to 556 Airsoft as nearly every weekend features a new and exciting event that almost anyone can participate in.
Walker said imagination is a huge part of the development process of 556 Airsoft and that they even encourage the players to come up with their own scenarios
“The focus of this arena is the kids,” Walker said.
Affordable entertainment and exercise are two driving forces behind the opening of the 556 Airsoft Arena.
“They are so limited in what they have available to them in the way of entertainment these days,” Walker said.
“Today’s economic crunch has put families in a bind where they need to pull back on their entertainment activities. Where going to see a movie will set you back about twenty dollars per person for a mere hour and a half of entertainment, 556 Airsoft provides six hours of fun and physical activity for about the same price,” he added
“Of course 556 also caters to the experienced player,” VanDunk said.
“The arena is here for everyone to enjoy. Players of all ages are welcome,” Van Dunk added.
For more information on 556 Airsoft or the Op: Out Reach event contact Walker at (570) 691-1803 or visit www.556airsoft.com.
For event sponsorship information or to confirm media attendance please contact Kowal at (570) 350-2818 or visit www.semperfimarketing.com
