060125 Hr1

In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, host Amanda Suffecool, broadcasting from Chicago, is joined by Lori Blackwell of Armed Women of America (AWA) to discuss women’s empowerment through firearms training.

This episode highlights AWA’s mission to educate and empower women in self-defense, focusing on its Illinois chapter and the recent state shooting at the Illinois State Rifle Association range in Bonfield.  AWA, originally founded as The Well Armed Woman in 2012, offers monthly meetings with classroom education and range practice, tailored to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned shooters.  Topics range from trigger control to red dot pistols, fostering a supportive, social environment with minimal drama.

The Illinois State shoot, an annual event, provided diverse training sessions, including holster drawing and outdoor shooting, with 13 class options for attendees.  Blackwell emphasizes the inclusive, non-political nature of AWA, welcoming women from teens to their 80s, and the importance of self-defense as a human right.

Blackwell underscores the camaraderie and empowerment women gain, sharing stories of how personal experiences or invitations from friends draw them to the range.  Despite Illinois’ restrictive gun laws, AWA thrives, particularly in the Chicago area, with supportive host ranges like Five Star Firearms in Zion.