2008 Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award Winner

NRA honors Cathy Lynch of Renton, Washington

The National Rifle Association has selected Cathy Lynch of Renton, Washington, to receive the 2008 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

Lynch, a school bus driver for the Kent School District, first became involved in the shooting world when she volunteered to be her son's Cub Scout BB gun coach. A few years -- and a few NRA courses -- later, Lynch is in her fourth year of instructing Rifle and Shotgun courses at the Boy Scouts of America's Camp Pigott. NRA Certified as a Rifle, Shotgun and Muzzleloading instructor, Lynch also serves as a Range Safety Officer. She has used her position in the Boy Scouts of America to promote the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program and has assisted countless young people in firearm safety.

"This year's applicants were up against a prestigious group of women," Hammer said. "The winners' dedication to the cause of Freedom sets an example for all to follow. Their grassroots involvement and the progress they have made in their communities should make us all proud of their leadership and gives us all hope for the future of Freedom and the Second Amendment."

Lynch has served for three years as the Shooting Sports Director for the Boy Scouts of America's National Camping School and two years as a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Certified Instructor for Hunter Education.

"She is a positive role model and a tireless volunteer," Jerry Harrott said in his letter nominating Lynch for this prestigious award. "Cathy has been a positive role model not only for women but for everyone she has worked with in the shooting sports."