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ATHENS, OH - April 18-19

Started by MeanStreaker, April 20, 2009, 11:29:04 AM

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MeanStreaker

April 20, 2009, 11:29:04 AM Last Edit: April 20, 2009, 11:36:44 AM by MeanStreaker
What a remarkable weekend!  I have to tell you, this Appleseed thing can be even more addictive than I thought.  After a short night's sleep, I still can't stop thinking about it.

During Saturday morning's welcome and safety briefing, I counted 13 women and 9 children.  By my math, that makes up close to 50% of the total attendees!  Incredible!  It was a pleasure to work with each and every participant... but especially these fine Americans.  There was one very mature young lady (Leah) that did not stop grinning the entire weekend, worked her single-shot bolt action with a consistent and efficient flurry, and made great hits!  Her smile was contagious.

The Guy ran a flawless shoot, as always.  All instructors present did an excellent job and we discovered Four Riflemen!  (I like to think that instructors don't make Riflemen, we discover them.)

The participants seemed to really take to heart all history presentations.  No one can do "Dangerous Old Men" like The Guy.  Leah and Seth's mother (who should be extremely proud of both) approached me at the end of the weekend and asked if I would present history to their Home Schooling Association near Athens.  Angie, an elementary school teacher near Cincinnati, asked later if I would speak in a Fourth Grade Social Studies class.  It would be an honor for any of us to discuss history wherever and whenever we can.  I can't wait to follow up on these requests.

My wife took a lot of pictures throughout the weekend that I will post later tonight.  I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as we did...  ESPECIALLY pics of another young lady (Christy) that had absolutely perfect form in every single position, including the dreaded "Seated" that most Appleseeders struggle with at first.  Christy couldn't see The Guy and me periodically stopping behind her, shaking our heads and smiling, and saying that she needs to be on some future Appleseed training aid that shows perfect field shooting positions.   O0

Last, but certainly not least, a hearty Congratulations to our newest Orange Hat!  Gimp showed up to his first Appleseed this past weekend and scored Rifleman on his very first AQT.  I want veterans of the program to tell me how often that happens.  :)   

The Guy: "Gimp, how many Appleseeds have you been to?"
Gimp: "This is my first."
The Guy: "Whaaaaaaat?"
Gimp: "I've been reading a lot on the forum and dry-firing at home for awhile."
The Guy: "THAT ladies and gentlemen is the key!  Gimp, you're changing your forum screenname to 'DryFire'."

It's great to have you on board and I look forward to working with you!

Thank you to everyone, instructor and student, that made this Appleseed successful.... and one that I will remember for a very long time.  It was an honor and a privilege being there with you.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

The Guy

#1
April 20, 2009, 04:26:28 PM
Good weekend.

I had a blast.

Met good folks, got to shoot a couple rounds at night after we were done, and got to be on hand to see Meanstreaker earn his Red Hat.

Meanstreaker, George T, Fireman Bill and Slim were my IIT's for the weekend, although Meanstreaker wasn't an IIT for long.

Made 4 Riflemen and 1 new IIT, DryFire (the man formerly known as Gimp).  Also, much to my chargrin, George had worked a shoot or 3 with out the official Orange Hat, so I gave him one.

Had 48-50 total shooters, and had a bunch of family groups.  I love it when families show up.  Never gets any better than that.

The range was great, and the hospitality was wonderful as well.

I don't know if I will ever get there to Athens again, but it will always stick out in my mind as a great time.

Hope to hear of success in the future for the participants.

See you at the next one.

Guy

LayloPro

#2
April 20, 2009, 04:50:11 PM
Well, hey!!

4 Riflemen, & Meanstreaker made Red Hat!!  O0 O0 O0
I'd say that is a really good weekend, even without being the 4/19 weekend!! <:)

Great shoot, guys.....you are doing great!!

LLP
"The truth only hurts if you're guilty." 

"Fast / cheap / good....you only get 2....Your choice."

"Amateurs talk hardware. Professionals talk software. It doesn't matter what's in your hand or between your legs. It matters what's in your heart and in your mind." Lt Col. Dave Grossman.

MeanStreaker

#3
April 20, 2009, 04:51:26 PM
It meant something special getting my Red Hat from Guy.  If I can wear it half as well, I'll be proud.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

Trisha

#4
April 20, 2009, 05:31:15 PM
Congrats to all the new Rifleman and congrats MeanStreaker on that brand new Red Hat!!!

MeanStreaker

#5
April 20, 2009, 05:45:53 PM
Oh!  I forgot something totally important!

Special thanks (on top of everything else) to The Guy, who drove hours and hours from home to the eastern part of Ohio to hold the first day of an Appleseed...

ON HIS BIRTHDAY!!!

One step closer to being a Dangerous Old Man.   :D ;D
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

DryFire

#6
April 20, 2009, 06:02:15 PM
Wow  :o what an awesome weekend.

So I show up with the intent of learning all that I can and instead, walk away with a new name, a rifleman patch, and an orange hat. Congrats to all the guys who made rifleman this weekend it truly is an acomplishment. I can't say enough good things about the people, the instruction, or the history presented at Appleseed. The Guy is one heck of a shoot boss, as is Meanstreaker (congrats on the red hat). No one can downplay the role of Slim, George T, or FiremanBill either, all are dedicated well trained and dangerous men.  O0 It was good to get to meet Pebbles and her husband, as well as Mrs. Meanstreaker, thanks for hanging out with my wife, and all the others we got to meet. When we left for the shoot, I wasn't so sure about getting my wife to shoot rifle, you see, at heart she loves the pistol. Now however I know she isn't afraid to pick up a rifle and stand side by side with me. This is yet another testament to the great guys and their instruction present in this program.  O0 All I can say now is bring on the next one.  :~ Let us all get out there and bail with our buckets, it isn't too late yet, the ship is still above water.

Thanks again to all,
DryFire

As a side note, is it an issue if after cleaning the rifles, I took the time to drop into prone and dry fire a few times with each before putting them away?
"I believe there is great need for such a book, a book which will help to make us again what we were a century ago before commercialism and life in cities robbed our young men of most of their primitive virtues -- a Nation of Rifleman.
Maj. Townsend Whelen
The American Rifle

MeanStreaker

#7
April 20, 2009, 06:06:36 PM
Quote from: DryFire on April 20, 2009, 06:02:15 PMAs a side note, is it an issue if after cleaning the rifles, I took the time to drop into prone and dry fire a few times with each before putting them away?

That's right there in all the manuals, isn't it?  8)
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

Proud Marine Dad

#8
April 20, 2009, 08:58:28 PM
I attended my first Appleseed, but certainly not my last. I was only able to attend Saturday due to my work schedule, but I learned a wealth of information. One instructor "Slim" was in my area of the firing line and offered encouragment all day, even as my groups begain to get worse, he told me to hang in there. He was right by the end of the day they were starting to tighten up again. I plan to make modifications to my Ruger 10/22 and attend another Appleseed by the end of the summer. After plenty of practice with the rim fire I plan to pull out my M1 Garand for the AQT. I am also going to approach my local Hunting Club and see about hosting an Appleseed in Shelby County Ohio. It is about 1 hour north of Dayton Ohio for reference. Thanks to all the instructors and my fellow participants for a great day of fun and safe shooting. Take Care. :~
Pro gun, Pro Life, Christian, Anti-Big Government - I guess that makes me a Right Wing Extremist

LayloPro

#9
April 20, 2009, 09:19:13 PM
Oh, let's see.....where to begin!?!?!? >:D

One step closer to being a Dangerous Old Man.

Meanstreaker.....I think he's getting right up there with ya, eh? **) **) **)

I love it when families show up.  Never gets any better than that.

You betcha, bro'.......a whole family that can stand & shoot together?? That is the best in the world, in our book...... O0 :~ ;)

you see, at heart she loves the pistol.

Then you can give her a pleasant surprise, next time you both go out pistol shooting, when she sees that all the stuff she just learned with the "long sight radius", works just as good with the short sight radius......true story....and the 6 steps -never- change....regardless.... <:)

Slim, George T, or FiremanBill either, all are dedicated well trained and dangerous men.

I haven't had a chance to talk with George yet, but he is certainly in the right company here......Slim & FB can sure make up the other sides of this team here......

This sounds like a great group of instructors having a wonderful time interacting with a responsive group of shooters.......and detailing the history, on the anniversary....yeah...that just makes it better, doesn't it?  @) O0

Bob210 is famous for asking us out here: "Can you believe we get to do this?"
Sounds like you all were able to put that to good use as well.....

Outstanding job, all!!! O0 O0 O0

LLP
"The truth only hurts if you're guilty." 

"Fast / cheap / good....you only get 2....Your choice."

"Amateurs talk hardware. Professionals talk software. It doesn't matter what's in your hand or between your legs. It matters what's in your heart and in your mind." Lt Col. Dave Grossman.

MeanStreaker

#10
April 20, 2009, 10:04:37 PM
As promised, here are just a few pics from the 150 or so my wife took. :)

Remember in my original post talking about Christy and her natural mastering of the field positions?




How about Leah and her contagious smile?




Leah's Dad is one of our new Riflemen!




Leah's Mom was very proud and will get a patch of her own one day soon!




Is Gimp/DryFire born to be an IIT or what?!




Who's a Rock Star?!












The Guy is welcome to join this Ohio team of Riflemen any time.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

MeanStreaker

#11
April 20, 2009, 10:21:14 PM
And some of us had to have a little fun late on Sunday before a long drive home.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

Old Glory!

#12
April 21, 2009, 01:37:58 AM Last Edit: April 21, 2009, 03:17:07 AM by Old Glory!
CONGRATS TO ALL!  Especially Meanstreaker, the Red Hat.  You earned it!  Slim, you Rock Star you!  Guy, I hope you will find your way to WI sometime this year.  How about Lodi, Oct 10-11?  Do we have to call you "THE OLD GUY" now?  $$-0

Congratulations Ohio!
"My primary objective is to change hearts and minds, for that is where the gaping hole in the hull of the USS America lies. I am looking to make a spark and praying that it will ignite, by their own will, into a bonfire in their hearts and souls."  PHenry

"Folks, this Appleseed thing doesn't work if we get a patch and go home. It doesn't work if we shoot a Rifleman score and remember the good times we had out on the range. It only works if we take that 7th Step and spread the 'seed. HUZZAH!!!"  Slim 


April 18-19, 2009  "The seeds of rifle marksmanship were sown in good ground.  In the end, then, every attendee walked away as an instructor for their friends, family, coworkers.  May you tend your patch in Liberty's garden well and through a long life."  Francis Marion

AFTERMATH

#13
April 21, 2009, 01:57:34 AM
Why can't I be in more than one place at a time??? :'(
I've got to work on that! Is that the 8th or 9th step.
Happy Belated Birthday Guy!

And congrats on the Red Hat Meanstreaker!
I hope to see you on the 'Trail' someday!
(With luck I'll have one of them cool Red Hats)
"We intend to produce men who are able to light a fire for Liberty in men's minds, and make them the finest rifle marksmanship Instructors on the planet." - Son of Martha

"Tyrants rise and fall, but tyranny lasts forever." -Me

[What kind of megalomaniac quotes himself?]

The Guy

#14
April 21, 2009, 10:17:55 AM
Wow.

With that flag growing out of my back, I'm not to sure I will survive the first engagement.  Then again, them knowing where I am at will certainly even out the odds for the other team...!!  LOL!!

HEY, WHO SAID I'M OLD?!?!?

O0

LayloPro

#15
April 21, 2009, 12:39:46 PM
Do we have to call you "THE OLD GUY" now?

Naw.....he ain't near gray enough yet......after his girls have gone thru their teen years, then talk to him about it......... **) >:D %)


HEY, WHO SAID I'M OLD?!?!?

Nobody..........yet.............they're just teasing ya, dude.......of course, hearing is one of the 1st things to go, ya know........... What??!!?? ;D ++) **) @)

As the others have said, Happy Belated Birthday, bro'........ 8)

Brotha' Kool sends well wishes also..... ::)

LLP
"The truth only hurts if you're guilty." 

"Fast / cheap / good....you only get 2....Your choice."

"Amateurs talk hardware. Professionals talk software. It doesn't matter what's in your hand or between your legs. It matters what's in your heart and in your mind." Lt Col. Dave Grossman.

ahhshoot

#16
April 21, 2009, 01:21:21 PM
Meanstreaker, congrats on the red hat. Gotta say saw that coming. Those kids getting the history lesson from you are some lucky folks.
The past is only the future with the lights on.

Stratoghost

#17
April 21, 2009, 03:43:29 PM
I am uploading some vids I took to the Appleseed ftp. Hopefully they will soon be on Appleseed TV.

The Guy

#18
April 21, 2009, 03:58:18 PM
Send a link.

Guy

MeanStreaker

#19
April 21, 2009, 03:59:13 PM
Better yet, please post the link here.  (Or CC me.) :)

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

Stratoghost

#20
April 21, 2009, 04:37:16 PM
I am sending the vids to the Appleseed video project. The forum link is here: http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=6492.0

I am assuming that Dan has something to do with the video project as he said,"Get those videos up, so we can put them on Appleseed Television!"
The link he has for Appleseed Television is:  http://www.youtube.com/user/AppleseedTelevision

pebbles

#21
April 21, 2009, 06:32:36 PM Last Edit: April 21, 2009, 10:43:04 PM by pebbles
Hey all!
We (Paladin & I) had a blast this past weekend. We learned a lot.
Guy, you're a great instructor-especially when it comes to your passion with history. Never heard it put any better or more passionately.
We met a lot of great folks- truly unique and hope to see them all again soon.
We enjoyed all the pics so far and we took a ton ourselves on Sunday. Guy..I need a current email for ya, to send yours to ya, since I haven't figured out quite how to get them on here, with the correct file size.
Slim..what's that dance you were doin anyhow? Was that the 'sprinkler'? And if you know what we mean; we're all too old!
Happy b-day to ya Guy, btw..had no idea it was your b-day Saturday or we would've made sure there was some sort of cake there for ya...cupcake..somethin. Maybe next year.
Well, anyhow, Paladin & I are hooked for sure and lookin to our next AS and gettin our rifles as soon as we can. We are bound and determined to make Rifleman...and Riflewoman ;)
We wanted to thank all the other instructors who worked so hard in helpin us all out- Slim, Meanstreaker, Bill & George. You all were great too. Not enough can be said about how well it went this weekend and how you guys made that possible. Congrats on that red hat Meanstreaker-you obviously earned it.
Congrats to Dry-Fire for making Rifleman and IIT!
And to all the campers that sat up with us till the weeeeeeee hours of the morning talkin, thanks for makin it that much more fun.
One last thanks to Paladin's shootin bud on the line- Lee....I learned a lot from ya bud. Thanks for the encouragement.
See ya'll at an upcoming shoot! Lookin forward to another great time!

Pebbles & Paladin

RedNekEngr

#22
April 21, 2009, 07:50:24 PM
Guy, Slim, GeorgeT, Meanstreaker,
Leah and Seth's dad here.  I can't say enough about how great this weekend was and what inspiration it has been to my family.  I was a little skeptical when I first heard about the Appleseed project because many times "organized" events can be boring.  Man was I ever proved wrong. I haven't seen my wife this excited about an outdoor event ever!!  She is totally hooked on shooting now.

We've got my amputee daugther talked into going to the next Athens shoot along with Leah, Seth, Becky, and also newbie Lydia.  We are in the process of purchasing more appropriate equipment for all.  We've been spreading the word amongst our ranks about our awesome time we had.  So, I expect Athens' next shoot will be successful too. 

Again, thanks for making this such a great event.  You guys are truly first class.
God Bless.
"If we did all the things that we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." - Thomas Edison
"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."- Ronald Reagan

MeanStreaker

#23
April 21, 2009, 09:10:27 PM Last Edit: April 21, 2009, 09:33:27 PM by MeanStreaker
rednekengr, Congrats on that Rifleman patch!  Looking forward to seeing you and your family on the forum and out on the Appleseed trail.

(I wish my wife had taken pictures of Seth shooting.  He did a great job as well!  I'm sure you're very proud of your children.  You should be.)
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

The Guy

#24
April 22, 2009, 02:21:44 AM
Pebbbles,

If you click on my name, you will see my profile.  In there should be my email addy.

If not, PM me and I will send it to you.  Good to have met you and Palidin.

Rednekenger, man buddy, do you have any idea how lucky a man is who family shoots with him and is as squared away as they are!?!?  Sheesh.  All the familes that show together, or just one parent and kids, man, that just never fails to give me warm fuzzies.

So, with all the families running around last weekend, with all those well behaved interested and focused offspring, I was warm and fuzzy like a fleece blanket fresh out of the dryer!!

LOL!

Looking forward to hear how the next one goes!!

Guy

The Machine

#25
April 22, 2009, 04:00:12 AM
I just knew there was a ruckus goin' on next door!  :~ And what a fine looking group of instructors and shooters.

Slim wasn't dancing, he was airing-out those "pits".  ;D

George, nice to see that bright flo-orange hat, 'bout time they dug one up.  <:)

Sounds like you all had a wonderful experience, congratulations!  O0
"I proudly support limited government and unlimited common sense"

"One of the great advantages of the American Revolution has been, that it led to a discovery of the principles, and laid open the imposition, of governments." - Thomas Paine 1792

"It does not take many words to speak the truth"

slim

#26
April 22, 2009, 06:43:31 AM
Once again, I rode home with that feeling of satisfaction that's so hard to come by in modern America. The feeling that this weekend I did something that truly mattered. Something special. Something that actually meant something and something that's going to make a difference in the future of our country.

The more I get involved with Appleseed, the more I feel that feeling. And the more I'm encouraged that there is hope for our nation. When I see what I saw this weekend - several family groups shooting together, and then becoming one big group - I'm convinced that there's reason to hold on. Reason to keep in the fight. Don't throw in the towel just yet..... there's "hope" for the future!

The Guy said pretty early on, "We're all friends now." What makes it even more special is we're all family too. A community. Buckeyes. Americans. (Thanks for the Illini help, Guy!) I had the pleasure of reuniting with several folks I'd met before and met many new ones who I'm sure I'll see again.

For those who were out at their first Appleseed, you did a great job. Every single participant stuck with it and I didn't hear a single complaint. I heard quite a few times "I wish my body could keep up with my enthusiasm" but never once, even during the rain, did I hear "I don't like this and I'm going home." That says something in and of itself. I tried to tell everyone, but just in case you missed it - Practice at home and it will get easier. (Right, DryFire?)

Those at their second (or more) Appleseed, it certainly showed. There were quite a few pockets of people who I would not want to be downrange from. The Patriarch (Wy_Not's dad) and Matriarch (Phyllis) should certainly be proud Americans for having raised such a fine family of shooters. Heck, they trained 'em so good, even their offspring chose good shooters!

What was really encouraging was to see spouses getting involved. Then came the children. When was the last time the whole family did something together?

Special thanks to George T (and his wife) for setting us up at this location. Athens F&G went out of their way to host us. From Ralph coming out in full period attire to Bill snapping so many photos to the countless other club members who did set up and clean up, THANK YOU. Hats off for a job well done.

..... and speaking of hats!

MeanStreaker - It's an honor and a privilege. (And that's not an inside joke text message thing either!) Your actions reach far beyond Appleseed and the Ohio you've helped shape is going to be a better place for posterity. I'm truly blessed that you're "local" and that I can call you more than just a member of my "antique phone tree." PING PING, brother!

DryFire - We, as an Instructor Corps, go into each event wishing there's at least one to come out with an Orange Hat. Your selfless dedication to the cause sets the bar high for others to emulate.


For everyone else - keep in mind what Paul Revere did on that day. He was unarmed. He didn't go fight, he spread the information and rallied for the cause. You can do the same. Go back to your home ranges or hunting clubs, find a land owner, set up an event in your back yard! Find a fellow Buckeye and bring them along for the next one. Set one up! Create an informational handout, show pictures, blog your story. SPREAD THE 'SEED!

I hope to see you all again on May 23rd. And don't forget to bring your sunblock, rain gear, blankets, coats, shorts..... and everything else you need for May in Ohio. 

colycat

#27
April 22, 2009, 10:29:04 PM
MeanStreaker,

I am so proud of you.  In Kentucky, I said you were Red Hat material.  I never got a chance to PM Guy about you, but the Guy is the best.  No need, as He IS A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE IS ABOUT.  And he will pick out the talent.  Congrats.

Coly
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value."   T Paine

100

MeanStreaker

#28
April 22, 2009, 10:49:27 PM
Thanks Coly.  It wouldn't have happened without your IBC teachings and your example. 

I'm in your debt. 
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
--Thomas Paine

Used to ride a Kawasaki Mean Streak motorcycle.  I'm not an angry, naked runner.  :)

pebbles

#29
April 23, 2009, 01:42:40 AM
Guy,
I got your email addy from your profile but my email didn't go through-came back 'failed'. Not sure why exactly but I'll give it a go, once again.
Btw...I know I thanked ya the first day, but wanted to give you another big thank you for loanin me your rifle for Athens. Wouldn't have been able to go had you not been so kind.
Peb
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