SFWA's EAGLE AWARD

          It is not easy to surprise Doug Painter as he has an astute ability not to miss much that happens around him [in the bird hunting fields or in the business arena] yet as the 4-minute video presentation played to illustrate the many ways Doug was the “Wind Beneath the Wings” of Shooting for Women Alliance and the ripple effect it has had for tens-of-thousands of women and children across the country, it was apparent that Doug was humbled and deeply moved by the unexpected recognition and presentation of SFWA’s Eagle Award on his behalf. Doug was honored as only the third person in 20 years who has exhibited the qualities required to receive SFWA’s Eagle Award. His walk to the podium was met with unanimous clapping and celebration from the audience. “My eyes were filled with tears of appreciation and respect for Doug Painter as he stepped on stage,” explained Susan Romanov, Founder of SFWA. The words he spoke with the Eagle Award placed carefully on the podium in front of him were meaningful and took the onlookers on a short historic journey from a time when women were rarely seen in the shooting sports to the world in which we live today. “Susan and a few others were pioneers that led the way for many of the women who today are doing wonderful things to promote the shooting sports for women. I remember when we hit a few million participants nationally and today we are in the double digits and continuing to grow strong. It is amazing and exciting and a testimony to our shooting sports heritage,” expressed Doug Painter, who was the longest running employee of the National Shooting Sports Foundation for 37 years of its first 50 years and past President and CEO of NSSF as well as the face of the organization in videos and on television for many years. Doug Painter intently enjoyed the presentation to other industry recipients of SFWA Awards that followed and stayed around afterward to speak with a few of them providing congratulatory and encouraging words. He continues today to keep the gentle breeze blowing for all who have a passion for the shooting sports he so dearly loves.