At its 135th Annual Meetings, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 19–21, the National Rifle Association honored Kelly Connolly of Reno, NV, for her outstanding contributions to defending the Second Amendment, leading shooting education programs, and advancing the goals of NRA. For her accomplishments, Connolly was selected to receive a Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award.

During the presentation of the award, NRA Board member Susan Howard said, "Kelly is one of the most active female firearm instructors in the United States today. She is NRA-certified in multiple disciplines and qualified to train both civilian and law enforcement students. She annually trains nearly 1,000 Right-To-Carry applicants as well."

Kelly Connolly and her husband, Neil, are partners in the Armed & Safe Firearms Training Company. Her firearm training and teaching credentials include:

• NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection, and Home Firearm Safety
• NRA Training Counselor
• NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
• NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
• NRA Certified Law Enforcement Instructor in Pistol and Shotgun

Connolly and her husband have also opened a shooting range in Nevada where they allow law enforcement officers to train for free. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Nevada State Rifle and Pistol Association.