Private Appleseed, Crescent City, FL Nov. 8-9, 2012

[9mm4545]

I just completed one of the most enjoyable Appleseed events that I have ever done. On a private farm just outside of Crescent City, FL a group of 11 liberty loving Americans gathered to learn marksmanship and to reconnect with their unique history and heritage. On Thursday, eleven of the twelve shooters were women, who hailed from various parts of the country and who were all active in the conservative liberty movement. The event was organized as a private Appleseed and every one of these lovely people was specifically invited to join a several day long Liberty Retreat, featuring among other things, an Appleseed event. With as perfect weather as Florida can dish up, we were underway with an introduction and  safety briefing, a review of the line commands, and then on to the initial Redcoat target. The experience levels of this group ranged from "never shot a gun before" to fairly experienced but the Redcoat target showed that much improvement was possible. With the capable help of DrJohn, Smoakingun, Alkeford, Rifleman Rick, and Rambo Granny, we quickly got down to the three essential elements of accurate rifle shooting: solid position, six steps, and natural point of aim. With each course of fire the groups began shrinking and before long we were teaching about letting the targets talk to tell us of our errors and explaining how Inches-Minutes-Clicks can be used to bring the group's point of impact to the point of aim. Sights were adjusted, rifles were tweaked with adjustments, positions were nudged into a more proper form, and the firehouse of information was never turned off. The use of Rifleman's Cadence was taught and the "time monkey" was introduced to our happy group of shooters. By lunchtime we were ready for a break and the story of April 19th, 1775 was told. After a delicious catered lunch (!), the marksmanship teaching was recommenced. Standing, sitting, transitions, and reloads were taught and practiced and the concept of "Rifleman Calisthenics" became understood by all as the command "Safeties On! Stand!" echoed down the line. Another break allowed us to tell the Second Strike of the Match as the events in Concord unfolded. Finally, we were ready for the challenge of the AQT. While there were no new Riflemen revealed we did have a couple who met the basic qualification, a real accomplishment after a shaky start. We ended day one with the Third Strike as the War for Independence finally sparked into full flame. Our shooters were encouraged to keep the flame of Liberty alive by spreading the word of Appleseed as we ended the day.

On Friday the morning air had just a bit of a chill as the instructors began getting set up for the day. Before the students arrived we were treated to a private air show by Jim, who had been a shooter on the previous day. In a Chinese military training airplane he performed a series of aerobatic maneuvers and we were thrilled to see his consummate skill at the controls and to hear the throaty roar of a big radial aircraft engine. I have to say this is the first, and possibly only, Appleseed which featured an air show! Once our students arrived, a quick review showed everyone was still familiar with the information presented the day before and we got down to business. More practice with the squares target started to solidify the concepts and the floggings continued as the marksmanship improved. After a full morning of marksmanship refinement, including a "ball and dummy drill", we were ready for lunch and men like Hezakiah Wyman and Samuel Whittemore were introduced. Rifleman Rick, dressed as an 18th Century rifleman, talked about the muskets and rifles in use during the Revolutionary War and concluded with a mighty blast and cloud of black powder smoke as these firearms were demonstrated. In the afternoon the first AQT of the day was shot and we continued through the afternoon trying to make hits on the elusive tiny targets. With a rifleman team challenge, Team Bravo showed Team Alpha (you know who you are) which team had "the right stuff" and secured bragging rights in a very close competition. The final Redcoat target was shot in a Volley for Liberty and 13 early Patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice were saluted with our rifle fire. Unlike the first day, this time we had a lady who knew very well what she was about who cleaned the target. Huzzah, Debbie G.! By the end of the day everyone was far more skilled with a rifle than when they started and the cause of Lady Liberty was greatly strengthened. To everyone, students and instructors alike, thank you. You are the kind of people we need more of. In Liberty, 9mm4545

[oladcock]

Sounds like a great bunch and bet it was fun! We've had retreats like this in this area but so far have been unwilling to give up 2 days for a seed. Great opportunity to tell the story! My hats off to everyone.  ...O.L.

[smoakingun]

I can honestly say i have never had this good of a time at an Appleseed. The students were some of the most outstanding I have seen. They all took instruction very well, and worked hard, but what pushed it over the edge was three meals a day (including a steak supper Friday night) and the giant stack of cake boxes filled with chocolate chip, chocolate chunk, and pumpkin spice cookies.  I know we don't volunteer do this for money, but I will work for food.

[alkeford]

 These Ladies showed me that there is Hope in the world knowing that we have Patriots such as this, Makes this Instructor sleep a little easier at Night. This AS go's right up there to the Top. I consider myself Blessed to have worked this event. staying on the Yacht with Dr John Breakfast,lunch and Dinner an Air show, Bathroom with running water. you guys really know how to spoil us.

   thanks to Debbie R for setting this up. Wtg Debbie G for clearing the Red Coat target. The Determination shown by Ms. Pam and all the Ladies Of liberty Thank you for an Awesome two Days

[alkeford]

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