After being robbed in 2011, 52-year-old Konnie Couch and 57-year-old Robin Willoughby from Aurora, Ohio, decided the weren’t going to be victims any longer.
The two grandmas decided to gun-up, by obtaining their concealed carry permits and, thereafter, started a new pro-women’s self-defense group called WAR, Women Armed and Ready.
“The thing of it is, bad things happen to good people all the time, and, if something bad is going to happen, it’s gonna happen without warning,” Couch told Cincinnati.com. “It’s gonna be very quick, and you’ve gotta be prepared for it.”
WAR focuses on three main objectives: education, training and competence.
“(Our main objective is) to get women trained and where, if they have to … they would be able to react and save themselves. Or at least make a very valiant attempt to save themselves,” explained Couch.
The ladies’ group has the full support of local law enforcement.
“I think it’s a good thing,” said Aurora Police Dept. Chief Josh Daugherty. “They’re meeting and actively discussing safety issues.”
“Any community, no matter how safe, is going to have crime,” added Daugherty. “Being aware of your surroundings and discussing that isn’t a bad idea.”
One of WAR’s firearms instructors is Dale Reatherford, a Springdale police officer who has taught concealed carry classes for the past five years.
“We want to make sure (the members) know all the laws. … Knowledge and skill (are) what’s going to keep you out of trouble. So we’re going to make sure they understand all the laws and then the basic safe handling of a handgun,” Reatherford said.
So far the group as amassed 35 registered members, but Willoughby said that at the bi-monthly gatherings, “we’ve never had less than 40 at a meeting.” Ages range from around 50 to 81 and all of the members have valid CCW permits.
For more information on WAR, check out its website.
This is AWESOME!! People should be prepared to defend themselves, because the cops are never there when the crime takes place, only afterwards. Therefore, Ladies…. Gear up, and protect yourselves! I’m with ya, and have had a CCW for years, and never plan to be caught without my protection!
Maybe they should start a group called, “Grandmas against Moms.” That might shut Shannon up.