George Harris, International Firearms Consultants founder, SIGARMS Academy co-founder, and former Army Reserve Marksmanship Team member, announced the official launch of the Linda Harris Memorial Scholarship administered by the United States Concealed Carry Association.
“This fund will provide a means to create and further perpetuate the concept of female firearms instructors who in turn will bring more women into the shooting sports and personal defense arenas in the United States and around the world,” George Harris said. “The program will start by selecting a well deserving applicant to an all expenses paid class appropriate for their level of expertise. Initially this will be self-funded by USCCA but will expand with industry support in the interest of bringing more women into the world of safe and successful use of firearms.”
Linda Harris, who passed away at age 68 on September 1, 2018, was well known in the firearms community as an outstanding instructor who dedicated herself and her career to training people to defend themselves and to encouraging women to get involved in the shooting sports. After George Harris co-founded the SIGARMS Academy, Linda joined on as the first female firearms instructor in the history of the company, teaching a variety of firearms-related subjects to men and women alike. After officially retiring in 2011, she continued teaching women in the proper use and safe handling of firearms for sporting and defensive use.
Applicants can begin by visiting the USCCA website (try.usconcealedcarry.net/linda-harris-scholarship) for additional information.
“No greater tribute could Linda have but to be able to have the work she was so passionate about carried on in her name with the same passion and effort that she exhibited,” George Harris said. “Pass this along and become a part of this movement to bring more women into our efforts to keep firearms as part of our heritage.”
“Through the Linda Harris Memorial Scholarship, the USCCA will be able to encourage many new generations of female instructors inspired by Linda’s work,” said Destry Jeter, USCCA’s director of training. “We are truly looking forward to seeing the efforts and determination of these women recognized and rewarded.”
ifcllc
Feb 12, 2019 @ 19:51:42
John,
Thank You for honoring Linda in this manner. Her passion and vision was to bring more women into the world of shooting no matter what the level or the venue of presentation. As a woman who was a successful hunter, competitive shooter as well as one who had had the occasion to defend her honor twice, all with handguns, she could speak on a one to one level with most anybody she encountered. The road she traveled from 1976 when she first learned to use a handgun to a year ago this month when she taught her last class set the example that many aspire to but few attain. Her ability to inspire and instill knowledge and skill in others was like no other and a true inspiration to be a part of. The Linda Harris Scholarship Program will continue her work and passion in perpetuity. I encourage all who read this to bring more women into the world of shooting, no matter what the venue, promoting safety and successful shooting in the memory of Linda, a true great whose legacy deserves to be carried well on into the future. She will be sorely missed!
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John M. Buol Jr.
Feb 13, 2019 @ 13:03:41
I think the best anyone can do is to inspire others and help them. Linda certainly did that!
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