Member Portal
Why did you decide to join AWA?
Being an avid cyclist, I often ride long distance alone. One hot day, after stopping into a rural restaurant to refill a water bottle, I walked through a bar to get to the dining area thinking nothing of it. After getting back on the road and up a mile or so, I felt hot heat on the back of my left leg as a vehicle came up beside. immediately I sensed it was far too close when suddenly an arm snaked out from the passenger window and grabbed me around the waist in an apparent effort to pull me off the bike and into the car. Fortunately, a car came up behind them and the passenger had to release me before I was nearly pulled under the car.
After that I made a promise to myself to apply for a concealed carry license and never again find myself so vulnerable. I am a proud concealed carry armed woman who enjoys our local chapter of Armed Women of America, our chapter’s instructor, the women with whom I shoot and our outstanding range masters.
How has being a member changed your life?
Our instructors and chapter leaders often remind our classes that women are notoriously oblivious and lack situational awareness. The aforementioned episode is a great example of not putting two plus two together. I did not notice who was in the bar when I walked through, why a car would follow me so closely and that the men in the car were wanting to have a little fun with a woman traveling alone.
Until recently I often rode alone, and for long distances, but now I stay close to home when not riding with a group. It’s much too dangerous to do otherwise. My sense of freedom certainly has been curtailed but when I’m out and about now my bellyband has a small personal protection revolver tucked in a discreet pocket.
I’ve been a strong advocate for firearms training and use with all my women friends, sharing my story and cautioning them to use good situational awareness when in social situations.
When you look at yourself and your AWA sisters, how would you define “Armed Women of America” not the organization, but the women who so boldly stand with you on the mission to be your own self-protector?
I describe them as the best group of friends a woman could ask for and superb markswomen. We may compete at the range, but we are sisters when sitting around cleaning firearms.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for AWA! I went from being a victim and afraid, to a confident trained AWA member. I plan to build my skills further. Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.
~Kristin G., Gig Harbor, WA
