2013 Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award Winner

NRA honors Phyllis Herrington of Montpelier, Ohio.

Founded in 2004, the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award is named after the first woman president of the National Rifle Association. Hammer's lobbying efforts have significantly impacted her community, state and the nation. The award is presented to women who, like Hammer, exemplify activism and influence many in their fight to preserve Second Amendment freedoms.

Phyllis, a Patron member of the NRA, has worked at the NRA National Rifle & Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio as a line block officer for over ten years and is a certified pistol, rifle, shotgun and Personal Protection in the Home instructor. She has also passed the course as a Range Safety Officer.

In 2003, Phyllis went with a group of NRA ladies to Crossville, TN and shot her first boar – posted on Browning's community trophies website.

On the state level, Phyllis teaches women right to carry a handgun. For many years, she has taught hunter education for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In 2006, Phyllis received the Hunter Education Trophy Award from the League of Ohio Sportsmen and the Ohio Wildlife Federation for outstanding contributions to the wise use and management of the nation’s natural resources. Phyllis was the first woman to ever receive this award. In 2008, Phyllis received an award from the Division of Wildlife for distinguished service in conservation of Ohio wildlife resources signed by then-Governor of Ohio Ted Strickland.

Phyllis is 75 years old and still sets up hunts for women and talks to groups about the NRA and her hunting trips. Phyllis is also a member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association.