I arrived in Evansville as the sun was setting on Red Brush Range. Directions were spot on. Sur+rifle came and unlocked the gates so I could start getting my tent set up. I found Brokensling, Hooters Billy and .5 already there setting up their mansion. Nice to see old friends again.
We had 20 shooters registered, 17 were either juniors or women. Sorry Fred, don't think you covered wages on this shoot! Wait, on second thought, you did. I know Fred doesn't mind and neither did the Instructors as it is truly refreshing to see our future comming out to Appleseed events.
After the intro, safety rules and line commands we got started right away with a Red Coat and moved quickly to prone position, 6 steps of firing a shot, and shooting squares.
Even though the weatherman said it was to be a bright sunny day, the clouds moved in and we got a slight rain about mid morning. Timing is everything, so Hooters Billy gave the first strike. At the lunch break, Brokensling gave us the second strike. The 4-H graciously came out and provided a nice warm meal at a minimal cost. It hit the spot on a cool overcast day!
Back to shooting! We completed all the postion demonstrations and the groups started to get smaller. So much so, that it was time for Brokensling to go over IMC. Armed with this information, sights were adjusted. We ended with an AQT and the third strike.
Sunday morning the 4-H was there early and had bisquits & gravy and French Toast ready for the shooters when they arrived. We got them fed and put 'em on the line. More squares and more AQTs. At the lunch break, we again had a nice lunch courtesy of the 4-H and were given the story of Dangerous Old Men Then back to the line. That Hawk is a slave driver!!
At the mid afternoon hydration break, we heard how the acts of courage and Patriotism displayed on April 19, 1775 have been repeated by Americans ever since. Our obligation is to continue that Heritage.
Our many junior shooters were repeat Appleseeders. Very responsible young Americans that gave it their all...for the entire weekend! We told them they would be treated as adults, that this was not play time, and there was to be no horseplay. They listened, they responded, and they persisted. The look on a youngsters face as he / she moves down range and sees what they have accomplished cannot be bought anywhere at any price.
We made a few Riflemen and picked up an IIT or two. Hopefully Hawk or Sur+ rifle will chime in here with the specifics. Hawkhavn closed out the Appleseed on Sunday, and in true Appleseed fashion, we left the range cleaner than when we found it.
I feel blessed to have been at this shoot. Evansville was my 1st Appleseed back in '06. If you ever get tired of the long drives, longer hours, and begin to wonder if it's all worth it.....I suggest you come to E'ville when these kids are on the line...........Any doubts will be erased.
My thanks to all "my guys" on the left end of the firing line. You remind me that there is hope for our Nation.
Respectfully,
EEL.
Pictures Pictures Pictures...
More pictures...
How many Rifleman did we have?
We had 3, Ethan was first and steped up to become an IIT, then Jesse he is in JROTC, followed by Greg. Chris also shot Rifleman as he did last year. The other 2 that were close will be back again in April. Seems like a good ratio when compared to the number of jr. shooters we had.
Good job guys & gals!
That has to be the largest number of kids at an event that I have seen. It truly is inspirational.
Good job on shifting with the weather & demographics. Glad to see the new Riflemen and especially the new IIT.
Broken Sling,
Can I upload a couple of your pictures to mine or my wife's blog? She got a couple of comments about Appleseed and "Dangerous Militia types" on her blog www.grannymillerblog.blogspot.com. The pictures tell the real story.
WAY TO GO .5! I see you demonstrating the seated position and walking the line. I am sure you made a big impression on the other youths in attendance.
Good work all.
Thank you to all the shooters and the instructors for making this such a great event! All told we had 22 shooters on the line with three shooting to rifleman standards and three more knocking on the door with 185+ scores.
In addition to what was already mentioned above, I wanted to share another positive outcome. One of the shooters (who was sooooo close to earning his rifleman patch) is very active in youth groups and is arranging for us to do some mini-Appleseeds. He has already identified a range which is willing to host these. We are targeting summer break time. O0
Old Glory,
Let me second that! .5 did a great job, I cannot think of a better inspiration to our other junior shooters than seeing her on the line. Just like I told the junior shooters at the safety briefing SAT morning, they would be treated as adults on the line. .5 was held to no other standard than that of the other IITs. She taught as one and participated as one, even during the SAT night debrief.
Hawkhavn