A limited edition rifle produced by Wellington LTD is commemorating the state’s bicentennial but also honors Alabama veterans, according to a press release.

Only 67 rifles of the rifles will be made, which is based on the number of counties of Alabama. The rifle is ornately engraved with key images that represent Alabama.

A portion of each sale will go to Huntsville-based Still Serving Veterans. The nonprofit organization seeks to secure employment for veterans, their families, members of the Guard and reserve. The group has found work for more than 67,000 veterans since 2006, the release said.

“Just as history gets passed on to the next generation, so will these firearms,” said Jean van Oppen, project leader. “This anniversary is a milestone for the state of Alabama and we want the residents to have a tangible piece of it.”

When asked why Still Serving Veterans was chose as a partner organization, van Oppen said he had a personal tie to a veteran struggling to find work. 

“This man was a Purple Heart recipient and could not find a meaningful job. I referred him to my boss at the time and urged them to hire him,” van Oppen said. “He now manages the entire production for that company.”

For more information about Still Serving Veterans, visit www.ssv.org. For more information on the limited edition Alabama rifle, visit www.wellingtonltd.com.