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Jackson, TN AAR June 12 & 13, 2021

Started by BluegrassColonel, June 14, 2021, 04:20:51 AM

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BluegrassColonel

A total of 11 shooters gathered at the Tennessee Sports Foundation in Jackson, TN.  Temperatures in the area had been warming all week with rain.  Temperatures reached into the mid-90's both days with high humidity.  Despite the oppressiveness, the shooters came to learn and maintained teachable attitudes throughout the weekend.

Unfortunately, illness kept one IIT from participating, as well as his 3 children.

ArmyVet kicked things off with an inspiring First Strike.

After the first installment of history, the Instructor cadre utilized the air conditioned clubhouse to advantage, bringing as much instruction as possible before having the shooters bring their gear to the line.  As things got down to business, it became apparent very quickly that as a whole the shooters had much promise of turning in Rifleman scores.  The groupings were small and consistent over the first Hits Count and squares targets.

The shooters were responsive to instruction throughout the morning.

Nashville Stage presented the Second Strike of the Match, keeping the shooters engaged and inspired.

Unfortunately, after lunch the time monkey gained a foothold with the heat and humidity.  While both the shooters and instructors stayed engaged and displayed good attitudes, the process of moving from one block of instruction to the next slowed down with breaks and the need for hydration.  Shooters were regularly encouraged to take individual breaks, drink plenty of water, and to avoid over-taxing themselves.

Taking a much-needed break to cool off, we headed to the clubhouse to hear OldNavyDoc present a stirring Third Strike.

We rounded out the day with one AQT with two shooters, Michael & John, shooting Rifleman scores, both with solid scores of 235.

We also presented the Luther Blanchard patch to a young man, Austin, who was diligent about applying what he had learned.

As the day drew to a close the shooters were hot, but appreciative of the experience, and with some "knocking on the door" of earning their Rifleman patch.

Sunday was hot once again, but not quite as humid.  7 stalwart shooters came back determined to improve their marksmanship skills.

The Instructors did a wonderful job of covering the reviews and Palousie presented some history of David Lamson & Mother Batherick.

When the first set of squares targets were posted, the shooters were encouraged to work on their steady hold factors, finding their NPOA, and 6 steps of firing the shot in systematic approaches.  Trigger control received some close attention and groups noticeably improved in just a couple of stings of fire.

AQT's were posted, and John and Michael continued their streaks of Rifleman scores.

Lunch was a welcome time in the air conditioning.  Known Distance was presented and the shooters were encouraged to come to a KD.  Sgt-at-Arms presented some of the finer points of use of the sling.  DOM was next and the shooters were attentive to the stories of Hezekiah Wyman, Jason Russel, Samuel Whittemore, & James Hayward.

After lunch the shooters were divided into 2 groups, each of which shot at their own full-sized targets at 100 yards.  Both groups did well at 28/40 and 32/40.

AQTs continued, and Steve earned his Rifleman patch for the weekend along with Michael & John who continued their consistency earning the Rifleman scores.

After a break, John ("OP78") stepped forward to take an orange hat!  He called the line for the last AQT of the day and the Hits Count target.

Things wrapped up with the Instructors expressing that they were impressed with the persistence of the shooters despite the oppressive weather and their thanks.  The shooters returned the favor and complimented the instructors for individual attention.

It was very good event with outstanding shooters and instructors.  I, for one, am honored to have been there.

"Bluegrass Colonel"
My father didn't serve in WWII.  It wasn't for lack of trying.  He attempted to enlist 3 separate times.  The last time the doctor said he was too short.  He responded that he signed up again because he said he saw a poster that was recruiting short men to be pilots.  The doctor said, "Short, yes.  But this is ridiculous."  In my book, he's still a hero.

Corvette

Looks like another great Appleseed.  Huzzah on your event.  Corvette
Be bold, brave and forthright and the bold, the brave and the forthright will gather around you!

BluegrassColonel

My father didn't serve in WWII.  It wasn't for lack of trying.  He attempted to enlist 3 separate times.  The last time the doctor said he was too short.  He responded that he signed up again because he said he saw a poster that was recruiting short men to be pilots.  The doctor said, "Short, yes.  But this is ridiculous."  In my book, he's still a hero.

Old Navy Doc

This is a wonderful range to have an Appleseed event at. The students were alert, responsive, and rapidly allowed their targets to correct their shots. Robert, Austin, and Pam made huge strides in their marksmanship skills. In spite of the heat and humidity, the shooter persevered. Personally, the instructors I was honored to work with were amazing.
First AS: Ramseur 2/09
Rifleman: Charlotte 11/14
Orange Hat: Calera 1/15
KD Rifleman: Puryear 5/15
Red Hat: Sevierville  11/16
Rimfire KD: Huntsville 12/20
Pistoleer™: Huntsville 2/21

"The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men."  Plato