Pelham, TN Patriot's Day Shoot

[Regulator]

Great day at Elk River Training Center with a great group of patriot instructors and shooters! Since April 19th fell on a Tuesday, I expected a low turn-out, but we wanted to do it on the actual date. We ended up with 9 shooters and 9 instructors, including CokeGuy who counts as the 9th shooter and the 9th instructor, since he came with the intent to shoot as much as possible. With that kind of instructor/shooter ratio, we were able to give lots of personal attention to the shooters.  Our wonderful AppleCore volunteer, TejasLady was there to run the admin table like a pro, pull some RSO duty, and act as resident photographer.

The day got off to a good start, with Johnny Reb giving the First Strike of the Match. We moved on with the first Red Coat, and into instruction. All of our shooters were prior Appleseeders, which made instruction much  smoother. Leadslinger66 told the 2nd Strike as the shooters scarfed down their sandwiches, then we went back to the line ahead of schedule. We packed a lot more instruction into the next couple of hours, then posted our first AQT by 3:00. We took a break, got some hydration and a light snack, and listened to GlockMike tell the 3rd Strike.
As a credit to the instructors and the level of experience of the shooters, we were able to get in an unprecedented, at least for a one-day event, four AQTs! Jester03 got his best ever scores, but is still looking for a 210. Greg was happy with his improvement on the 2nd stage, and Brett was knocking on the door. A few of the instructors got in a little trigger time, and GlockMike, Overmountain Man, and CokeGuy all requalified. CokeGuy wants the record to show that he out shot Overmountain Man today!  After the 4th AQT, CokeGuy called the line for the Memorial Volley, and we sent some lead downrange in honor of the fallen men of April 19. We had the final Red Coat and the Benediction and finished the day by 5:00.

I believe this is the first Appleseed I've ever been a part of where we beat the Time Monkey! We stayed ahead of that critter all day! After removing rifles from the line, we handed out patches and took a few more pictures, before the shooters headed for home. Well, all of them but Brett. With most of the instructors still there and the line still in place, we ran Brett through one more AQT. That was the one! Brett pulled through with a 220! After receiving his much coveted Rifleman's Patch, Brett said, "now, I want one of those hats!" Huzzah! Another patriot comes aboard to help bail! What a great day! Can't wait to do it again!

If you have pics, feel free to post them.

[CokeGuy]

Regulator made this a really fun day...great cadre of instructors and students!  I really got lucky that Overmountain Man was not on his usual game and only shot 229. So, my 230 looked pretty good. Thanks for letting me LB for the Memorial Volley....it was an emotional moment calling out the names of 13 brave men and boys who gave all on that day 241 years ago.

[Leadslinger66]

I had a good time at my first shoot as an IIT. Enjoyed a special day with a great group of instructors and shooters!

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