Kerrie Ann Auclair

I was honored to be invited by Chris Shanks to represent the Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL) as an instructor for this special event. As a member of MFG myself, I was proud to help bring this opportunity to life by working with the club to secure the space.

The day began with some nervousness and curiosity from these fantastic young ladies, but by the end of the event, their excitement and sense of pride were unmistakable. Under Chris’s fantastic guidance—alongside my support and the help of Sue Dias—the girls learned the basics of firearm safety and handling. From .22 rifles to pistols, every participant was paired 1:1 with an instructor to ensure they felt safe and confident.

We didn’t just focus on marksmanship, though. We spent time discussing the myths and truths surrounding firearms, especially how the media often misrepresents them. I also had the chance to talk with the troop about what I do beyond teaching: visiting the State House and traveling to D.C. to advocate for our civil rights. These young ladies must understand that their rights are worth protecting and that they have a role to play in shaping the future.

A big shout-out to the troop leaders, who also jumped in and shot both rifles and pistols themselves. What an excellent example for the girls! I can’t thank Chris and the Girl Scout leaders Alison and Amanda enough for calling on me to help make such a special event possible. The future of our rights depends on educating the next generation. Seeing these girls go from hesitant to confident in just a few hours was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

We’re already talking about hosting another event in the future, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!