Ohio grandmothers start gun group after being robbed

AURORA , Ohio, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- A pair of Ohio grandmothers recently decided to start a group for women -- and it wasn't a bridge club.

Konnie Couch and 57-year-old Robin Willoughby founded the "Women Armed and Ready" gun group after they were both robbed in 2011.

The women were tired of feeling like victims and wanted to help empower others in similar positions. They both got their concealed carry licenses and the first WAR meeting was held in May.

"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, 52, told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It's gonna be very quick, and you've gotta be prepared for it."

The group stresses 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," Couch said.

Police officer Dale Reatherford helps out at meetings and sometimes offers instruction during WAR range time.

"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.