Linda Walker to receive NRA's 2009 Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award
Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award,
shown here with Gov. Ted Strickland shortly
after he signed SB184 into law.
The National Rifle Association has selected Buckeye Firearms Association Central Ohio Chair Linda Walker to receive the 2009 Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award.
According to the NRA, "the Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award recognizes exceptional accomplishments of modern heroines through their legislative activism as well as advocacy, volunteerism, and education of others to the goals of the Second Amendment and the NRA on a national level. Its name comes from a heroine of the American Revolution."
An NRA press release announced that "Linda Walker of Alexandria, Ohio received the Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award for her outstanding history of achievements."
From the press release:
"A positive presence in the Ohio Statehouse, Linda Walker contributes greatly to legislative work and was instrumental in the passage of SB184, Ohio's Castle Doctrine, referred to as 'one of the most sweeping firearm reform bills in the United States.' Her work on the leadership team of Buckeye Firearms Association has helped make it one of the foremost grassroots organizations for the Second Amendment in America.
"The National Rifle Association relies on the dedication and determination of patriots like Linda Walker," NRA Executive Director Kayne Robinson said. "Whether Linda is acting within her role as an NRA Certified Instructor or as Election Volunteer Coordinator in the great state of Ohio, she is spreading her passion and expertise, and everyone who values the Second Amendment owes her their gratitude."
As an NRA Certified Instructor in multiple disciplines, Linda has instructed hundreds of students in Ohio concealed carry over the past three years. She holds a regular schedule of classes, meeting the education requirement to apply for an Ohio concealed handgun license.
Linda has a very strong presence in her community and state and helps organize events where she passes her wealth of knowledge of firearms to a wide range of groups including children, women and politicians. Linda has worked diligently assisting local Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops, recruiting parents, churches and businesses alike to help with the scouting programs. She's also a strong advocate in firearm legislation and a teacher of the next generation of safe firearm owners, she is an invaluable asset not only to her state, but the Second Amendment itself. Linda also serves as NRA's Election Volunteer Coordinator for the 12th Congressional District for the State of Ohio.
Commenting on her selection, Walker said, "I have spent several years working on Second Amendment rights, building relationships with the Legislature, working hand in hand with the NRA and educating both youth and adults in shooting sports and concealed carry. To be recognized for my efforts by the NRA is very humbling and feels wonderful. I look forward to continuing the message that our Second Amendment rights are sacred! Without the Second, we would not have our other Constitutional rights."
Walker added, "It is with great honor I accept the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award. I have large shoes to fill by the American Patriots who precede me in earning this award."
The Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award has been awarded since 1995. Past recipients have included such noteables as Marion P. Hammer, the NRA's first woman president, and Suzanna Gratia Hupp, who became a gun rights advocate and Texas legislator after her parents were murdered by a spree killer inside a "no guns" zone.
Linda is the second Buckeye Firearms Association leader to be recognized at a national level for their individual work in support of the Second Amendment. Last year, the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) awarded Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair Ken Hanson, Esq. with its Defender of Justice Award.
The leaders and supporters of Buckeye Firearms Association congratulate Linda on this most-deserved recognition.
A personal note from Linda:
It is a great honor and privilege to be recognized and awarded the NRA's Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award. Being the highest award the NRA presents to women for their Second Amendment activism, it is very humbling to be amongst the ladies who precede me, as their accomplishments are great!
My name will be attached to this award, but it is not only myself who has earned this honor. My fellow Buckeye Firearms leadership team and my co-instructor Clint Lake have ALL earned this award equally with me. All of these fine, upstanding gentlemen entered my life in 2005. They have all taught me a great deal about legislation, politics, gun rights and education. I am a very privileged lady to have these gentlemen in my life. I will forever be indebted, inspired and in awe of my Buckeye Firearms brothers.
Last and certainly not least, I would like to thank my husband Jim, my sons Dakota and Zak, my son and daughter-in-law James and Kelly, and my granddaughters MaKenzie and Elise, who have allowed me to take time away from our family life to afford me the opportunity to "make a difference". It is because of them and their future that I do all of this.
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