Members from several chapters of Armed Women of America in and around Ohio were among the participants at a recent “Ladies Fun Day” which included a four-stage pistol competitive shoot. The event was held at E.A.S.T Group which has held the event locally for more than five years before opening it up statewide last year. In a safe, fun, and controlled environment, participants were put on the timer to complete courses of fire which required skill, speed, technique, and a plan on how to best run each stage. A combination of multiple paper and steel targets mixed with other obstacles challenged the competitors physically and mentally and put their skills to the test. Winners of each stage were determined by calculating, “hit factor”, which involves a combination of their time, shot placement on the targets, and any penalties assessed.

All skill levels were welcome and encouraged to attend the event. There were some who had never tried a competition before and those that were skilled and compete on a much higher level. It didn’t matter amongst the group, there was cheering for each other, laughter, applause, high fives, fist bumps, and great camaraderie for all. The setting provided a place for participants to network and create new friendships with others that have similar interests.

Thanks to a significant grant from the Mid-Ohio Friends of the NRA obtained by the Mount Vernon, OH Chapter of AWA, several prizes and other key pieces of the event were able to occur. Some costs of the event this year were offset by the grant to help provide an affordable way for women to gain more interest in the shooting sports. Through this event, participants were provided skill development in a safe and fun manner.

Through the grant, all attendees were given 50-rounds of ammunition which was a portion of what it took to compete. The “Top-Gun” who had the highest score overall won 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition and two other random attendees won 250-rounds of 9mm each. First place, and Top Gun award winner was Deb Brooks from Fredericktown, second place was Veronica Miller from Cincinnati, third place was Susan Workman from Fredericktown, fourth place was Kara Slonecker from Delaware, and fifth place was Brenda Rego from Parma. Congratulations to all who participated!

E.A.S.T. Group Training is located just west of Fredericktown and provides training for civilians, law enforcement, private security, school & school safety teams, and military. E.A.S.T., stands for Environment, Assessment, and Solutions Training. Approved by the Ohio School Safety Center, E.A.S.T. Group is approved to instruct Armed School Staff Essential Training alternate curricula. It opened for operation in 2012 with the sole focus of providing realistic training for those going into harms way. The facility is a veteran owned and operated business that is host range for the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Armed Women of America.