2012 Volunteer of the Year BY PETE CARSON, DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS
THE ABOVE DEFINITION doesn’t begin to describe Gail Shetler, USA Shooting’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year. If you were to accurately place a defi nition, it would include phrases such as: goes above and beyond; makes you feel welcome; knowledgeable about the sport; greets everyone with an open- heart; big smile and unforgettable personality. Gail became involved with the
Olympic shooting sports in early 1991 when her husband, Larry, began coaching at their local high school in Delta Junction, Alaska. Originally, Larry intended to serve as coach for one year while the school found a full-time replacement . . . 10 years later Larry was still coaching while Gail assisted. Throughout the ‘90s, both Gail and husband Larry were involved in the University of Alaska–Fairbanks shooting program, during the time former National Rifl e Coach Dave Johnson was in residence. Johnson remembers his fi rst
interaction with Gail, “I had only been at U of A for a full day, when in walked Gail, along with Larry and Mike and Cheryl Plowman, and told me they were there to help. ‘We help run the matches, put on dinners and raise money for these kids. You let us know what
we can do.’” While assisting with the
rifl e program, Gail would host and coordinate the annual Alaska State Junior Olympic Championship, qualifying shooters for the National Championships in Colorado. Larry and Gail weren’t the only
Shetler family members involved in the shooting sports. Son Mike was heavily involved in the sport—posting scores in the high 500’s. All three Shelters would make an annual trek from Alaska down to Colorado to attend the Rifl e and Pistol National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships (NJOSC). In August of 2004, Gail
moved to Colorado and began volunteering at USA Shooting’s headquarters where she entered scores and assisted the Competitions department. Shortly after her arrival, the Competitions Assistant departed and Gail was
14 USA Shooting News | Spring 2013
asked to substitute in the interim. At this point, Gail felt she could do more for the organization and became a certifi ed Range Offi cer (RO), joining the lines with our top notch group of offi cials. From there, Gail received her
certifi cation at the elite level, gaining her Level B International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) License, allowing her to work at the multiple World Cups as an offi cial. Since 2005, Gail has served as the Match Director for the Rifl e and Pistol NJOSC in Colorado, dedicating hundreds of hours to our nation’s top junior shooters.
Additionally, Gail is famous for
her “welcome” speech delivered at the Rifl e and Pistol NJOSC (pictured above). Her booming voice has inspired many junior athletes to be on their best behavior and reminds them that representing Team USA is an honor. Gail’s passion and commitment
to the sport stems from her personal love of shooting and those involved in the sport. One of Gail’s most memorable experiences was in 2011 at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup while interacting with the world’s fi nest Paralympic shooters. When asked why she enjoys working with the Paralympic shooters, Gail stated, “I appreciate the fact that they don’t take anything for granted as a Paralympic athlete. They refuse to let their physical challenges get in their way.” Gail is sincerely grateful to
USA Shooting and those involved for their outpouring of support during these past diffi cult years of life’s ups and downs. As the Competitions Director for USAS, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Gail for over a year now. I am truly honored to work with such an amazing individual. Gail constantly brings a smile to not only my face, but all others she interacts with. She is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She consistently brings a fresh outlook on tasks and is one of our most dedicated and hardworking volunteers. USA Shooting is lucky to have Gail and we look forward to having her on our team for many years to come!