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Sybil Ludington Women’s Award

The nra 2012 Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award was presented to Nicole “Nikki” Goeser. This award was named for Sybil Ludington, a heroine of the American Revolution who made a night ride to alert colonial forces in the same way as Paul Revere. Her courageous efforts saved countless American lives. Since 1995, this celebrated award has recognized many modern-day heroines and their legislative work to protect the Second Amendment. Goeser has demonstrated that heroism by sharing her story and actively pursuing legislative action that protects our right to self-defense.

On April 2,2009, Goeser was working with her husband, Ben, in a Tennessee restaurant. Goeser is a concealed-carry permit holder, but at that time Tennessee law forbade her from carrying her firearm into the restaurant. As a responsible, law-abiding gun owner, she made sure to securely store her handgun in the console of her locked vehicle.

While working that night, Goeser recognized a man who regularly visited a karaoke bar she would sometimes work for as a country music disc jockey. Though she had little contact with the man, he had recently sent inappropriate messages to her online. Feeling uncomfortable, Goeser discreetly asked the manager to remove the man.

Little did she know that the man was stalking her and had most likely followed her to the restaurant. The man had no history of violence and had not threatened Nikki or Ben. Nonetheless, the man illegally carried a .45-cal. semi-automatic pistol into the restaurant that night and pulled the trigger. Goeser’s husband, Ben, was fatally shot right before her eyes. Having abided by Tennessee law, she was left with no means to protect her husband. She had been rendered utterly defenseless.

Ben’s killer was taken into custody that very night, but a widowed Goeser was not satisfied. While waiting for the murderer’s trial, Goeser became an advocate for repealing the restrictions on Right-to-Carry, restrictions that may have prevented her from saving her husband’s life. Goeser has since shared her testimony on behalf of “restaurant carry” bills in Tennessee and Ohio, and was present for the signing of Ohio’s restaurant carry bill.

Today she continues her work to help protect the Second Amendment. As a legislative aide in the Tennessee state house, she has been able to keep up the fight. Goeser has appeared on international television and has made appearances on radio, national television and nra News in an effort to educate people on the importance of our Second Amendment rights.

Like Sybil Ludington herself, Nicole Goeser has demonstrated incalculable valor in spite of poignant hardship. Supporters with her unwavering dedication to the protection of the Second Amendment are exactly what keep our rights intact. She says, “The Founders of our great country saw that people who wish to do us harm would not be so successful if we as a citizenry were armed. It is a right to self-defense, not a privilege.” ©