2005 Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award Winner

NRA honors Oklahoman Suzi Rouse for Leadership In Shooting Sports

Ms. Suzi Rouse is one of four recipients of the National Rifle Association's prestigious 2005 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award.

Rouse formed the Oklahoma City Gun Club's women's division in 1999. Prior to that time, the club did not have any programs to encourage women's increased participation in the shooting sports. She was also the first woman to have a seat on the club's board of trustees. She was the first woman to be elected as a club officer, and currently serves as the first vice president.

Her passion for introducing women to the shooting sports led Rouse to host one of the first Women On Target® instructional shooting clinics in the nation in 2000. Since that time, she has coordinated the Oklahoma City Gun Club's annual Women On Target®instructional shooting clinics (always one of the largest nationwide), and organized clinics at other clubs throughout Oklahoma. As a result, hundreds of women received an introduction to recreational shooting and basic marksmanship principles in a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere.

In addition to introducing women to recreational shooting through Women On Target®, Rouse works with hunters and shooters of all experience levels. She is an NRA Certified Firearm Instructor in four disciplines (pistol, range safety officer, rifle and shotgun); and a hunter safety education instructor. She is active in the Oklahoma Youth Hunter Education Challenge, and speaks to women's groups on topics related to the Second Amendment.

Sue King, NRA Director and Chairman of NRA's Women's Policies Committee said, "Whether she is coordinating a Women On Target®instructional shooting clinic, conducting a hunter safety education course, or giving a presentation about the Second Amendment, Suzi does it with style and impact."

Named for the first woman president of the National Rifle Association, the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award was created in 2004 to recognize the contributions of women who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, have made outstanding achievements in educational contributions while advancing the purposes and goals of the NRA and, through legislative and legal contributions, have significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports at the local, state and regional national levels.