NRA Women congratulates Sharon Callan for winning the 2023 Marion P. Hammer Woman of the Distinction Award. Callan was introduced to the NRA in 1995 by her soon-to-be husband, when he mentioned there was a gun show he wanted her to attend with him. That “gun show” turned out to be the NRA Annual Meetings that came to Phoenix, Arizona, that year. Sharon immediately became an NRA member and was hooked!
At the time, Sharon was a member of the Tucson Police Department. Within just a few years, she applied to attend the Arizona Peace Officer and Standards Training Firearm’s Instructor Course (AZPOST). She was accepted into the program and there earned both her NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer (RSO) certifications—becoming the city’s first female firearms instructor.
After 28 years with the Tucson Police Department, Sharon retired at the rank of lieutenant. She maintained her NRA instructor credentials and continues to teach to this day. She is an instructor at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp, and teaches firearm safety and marksmanship at a local dude ranch resort to individuals from all parts of the world.
Sharon is an NRA Benefactor supporter, a member of the Charlton Heston Heritage Society, and currently serves on the NRA Law Enforcement Committee. She is also a member of the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum, serving on its Executive Committee. She is a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association and has been so for more than two decades.
“I believe that without the members of the NRA there would be no Second Amendment,” said Sharon. “Without the Second Amendment, there would be no Bill of Rights. Without the Bill of Rights there would be no Constitution. And without the Constitution we would not be living in the freest country that this world has ever known. I am both thrilled and humbled to receive the prestigious Marion P. Hammer award and am grateful to my friends and peers of the NRA.”
About the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award
Marion P. Hammer has influenced many in her fight to preserve Second Amendment freedoms. From her role as lobbyist in the passage of Florida’s Right-to-Carry legislation, to her grassroots efforts in educating youth about firearm safety, Ms. Hammer exemplifies activism and leadership. To honor her pioneering spirit, the National Rifle Association bestows the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award in her name.
To qualify for the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award, the nominee must have demonstrated two or more of the following qualifications on a State, Regional or Local level.:
- Recognition for performance in competitive shooting; dedication to hunting ethics and conservation or promotion of recreational shooting activities on a state or local level;
- Educational contributions to advance the purposes and goals of the National Rifle Association including appearance and/or writings of significance on a state or local level;
- Meritorious performance under perilous conditions through the lawful use of a firearm in defense of self or others;
- Protection of the Second Amendment through extensive legislative and/or legal contributions at the state or local level;
- Promotions of NRA programs, goals and issues in a volunteer capacity at the state or local level, that have a recognized positive impact on the organization.
To nominate someone for this award, go here.
