Honorees

Linda Shultz, Charity Shoot Honoree  

The inspiration for the American Cancer Society Charity Shoot came from a woman who is passionate about shooting sports, as well as finding a cure for cancer.

Linda Shultz of Brentwood, Tenn., first proposed the idea to American Cancer Society Greater Nashville Board of Directors Former President Rose Grindstaff at a political event in early 2007.

The two women began talking about fundraising opportunities for the Society, and Linda, an avid shooter, suggested taking on an event that had been very successful in the past a charity shoot. Several successful charity shoots have been held in Middle Tennessee over the years, and Linda recognized the potential a shoot had to raise funds in support of the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Many people have a stake in the fight against cancer, but for Linda that stake is very personal. In January 2005, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. A thorough and aggressive treatment regimen eradicated the cancer from her body, but earlier this year her cancer returned. Linda is currently undergoing treatment for a mass on her pelvic bone, but her spirit and commitment to the cause is unwavering.

Linda’s husband, Ed, is a former CEO of Smith & Wesson, and his knowledge of firearms and shoots helped spur Linda’s desire to bring this event to fruition. Both Linda and Ed have family members who have been touched by cancer.

For Linda Shultz and the other 10.5 million Americans alive today who have a history of cancer, the work of the American Cancer Society, supported by events like the Charity Shoot, continues to have a positive impact on their lives.

Ronnie Barrett - Baron's Ball Honoree  

Ronnie Barrett began his professional career in 1973 as a photographer in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and during the next 12 years earned many honors and recognition from the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. A lifetime gun enthusiast with shooting awards to his credit, he started Barrett Firearms Manufacturing in 1982 inside his garage.   Ronnie is a self-taught engineer who has seen his remarkable rifle become known around the world by civilian sport shooters, military and law enforcement agencies.

The United States Army recognized the Barrett .50-Caliber Rifle in 2004 as one of the Top Ten Greatest Inventions.  In the last 100 years, only four individuals have invented guns adopted by the United States military.  Three had their designs turned over to another industry or the government for development and production. Ronnie Barrett is the only one to create, manufacture, market, and mass-produce his firearm for the U.S. government.

Ronnie Barrett’s journey from being a gun enthusiast and professional photographer to a world-class manufacturer, entrepreneur and businessman is a unique story. As a  visionary, he created a market for a powerful .50-caliber rifle than can shoulder-fired before there was a market for it. The name Barrett became a proven brand that is recognized around the globe.

Ronnie’s two children joined the Barrett Firearms team after they graduated from high school. Son, Chris Barrett, is following in his father’s footsteps by designing guns, by being involved with research, development and engineering. Daughter, Angela Barrett, also has her father’s creative eye and mind developing her own expertise in graphics and marketing.