California Style...
33 shooters on Saturday, 4 instructors (two red hats, two IITs), 2 lines
25 shooters on Sunday, 5 insturctors (three red hats, two IITs), 2 lines
At the end of the day today I had time to get an AAR from the shooters, each one in turn had a couple minutes to tell us what they thought of the weekend. The general concisions was the they enjoyed not being rushed, feeling like they had time to gather their thoughts before the next Course of Fire.
The round count was 190 on Saturday and 400+ for each line on Sunday.
New Riflemen... 8
We weren't actually looking for a high round count, it happened by accident... I accidently left my Course of Fire at home!
So taking the advice of The Guy, Desert Dog and I ran our lines by the seat of our pants. We hit a few bumps early on Saturday but by lunch everybody was "in the groove" and we let the overall results direct us to the next course of instruction, returning to earlier lessons when necessary. The results were very impressive. It seemed we were able to move very quickly and turn 25% of the lines into Riflemen without worrying about the Time Monkey, almost running ourselves out of AQTs and running more than one group out of ammo.
Of course, without willing and able students our efforts would be pointless and once again Fresno surpasses our expectations.
Brian was the first shooters to earn the patch on Saturday with a healthy 216
Then came Paul who just crested the hill with a 210 early on Sunday, Jules was there, water in hand but not for long, when he pick up his patch Sunday afternoon
At the same time Mike shot a awesome 220 that should have been a 230 but for a couple misplaced rounds.
My second favorite part of the day was getting a target to score from Eric who had been here with his wife Naomi in April. His target cleared the bar by an extra 6 points easy for a solid 216. I did expect what was coming next so I stole Naomi's target from her and when done adding it up saw another 210 AQT, She was so relieved that she hit the next AQT with a laid back approach to opening can of whoop a@# and confidently handed me a 218 to back up the 210, saving here from Jules sprinkles. Back to Back Husband and wife earnings patches, that was so COOL!
John with a very cool goat-tee quietly turned in a 217. Then hung out with the instructors, eyeing the orange hats I think (maybe soon)
Then came the BEST part on my day.. My little hunny, Jules, not only made Rifleman, not only beat my score, but had the high score of the day with a 222. She has faced so much physical pain and persevered to achieve this goal since Savage Shooter set her on the path in January it's been just unreal at times. Now she cam move on to her dream of doing for other women what Cindy has done for her.
Then came Neil, one of those guys that demands very little time, an instructors dream. I was watching as he scored his target and I knew he was scoring way low. I pulled it from him and rescored it to find yet another 210, once again he met destiny at the hands of Jules.
It's late so I'll add more tomorrow.
Way cool!!!
Great numbers, guys!!
I also have to extend a hearty "CONGRATULATIONS" to Jules......We've heard about some of the pains involved in her personal journey to the Rifleman's' patch.......Pure showcase example of "A Rifleman Persists".....
Never back down, never surrender, never give up!!
Awesome job, lady!!
And to all the other folks who came to listen, learn, apply, & consider what was put in front of you this weekend, great job as well!!
Even if you did not get a patch this weekend, AS will be in Fresno again soon, and you will have another chance at that goal.....and it -is- a worthy goal!!
Congratulations all!!
LLP
And just a few mile south, in Lemoor, Garand56 and CamlJr will be doing another Appleseed in a few weeks.
Strike while the iron is hot folks. Get in another Appleseed ASAP and you are that much closer to a Rifleman's patch.
Hi guys,
Glad you had such a sucsesful time in fresno. Ca. is truely growing by leaps and bounds.
A large and loud CONGRADULATIONS to Jules on her rifleman patch, she has had the rifleman spirit for a long time. She'll make a great addition to the line.........bottle in hand.
pg and Mrs.pg
Once again, great times with great people. I showed up around 3 PM Fri ready to pound t-posts and set the range up. They already did it for us!! Big, hearfelt thanks to the range staff, they treat us great in all ways. All I had to do was post targets and get my tent set up.
Ryantsg and I were fortunate to have several return shooters. After 3 squares, we had 10 or 11 of our 16 shooting 6 MOA or better. So we put the pedal to the metal and got in 3 AQT's on Sat. Sunday was the usual refresher and on to the grind.
I had the honor of scoring Jules's 222. Actually her worst AQT of the weekend was 193 with 4 saved rounds. She shot a 207 on Sat.
Ryan suggested that we run an AQT in reverse. It was something he heard from Junior Birdman. I also wanted to do a "trigger reset drill" I saw that most shooters were not holding the trigger and doing their resets properly. What we did was put them in prep for Stage 4 and Ryan and I went down the line having the shooter hold the trigger and us running the action. This worked great as the shooters got to feel the difference and it showed on the AQT's.
Mark shot a 202 with his M1A and will be back with his son Tyler.
BD, you forgot to mention that Ryantsg got his Red Hat O0
DD
Quote from: BaldDragn on November 02, 2009, 02:57:15 AM
I accidently left my Course of Fire at home!
Sounds like that's a good place for it! ;D
The Whoop Whoop that was heard 'round the Fresno Rifle Range. NO LONGER A COOK! Friday evening had us pulling in with our dedicated Appleseed trailer ( affectionate now known as the DAT ) We were met by Desert Dog, who had a welcoming camp fire roaring. We erected our tent, and then Bald Dragon assembled his awesome shower he designed. Not only was it hot enough ( as large plumes of steam wafted out of the top as one showered) it was so welcome at the end of the day of numerous COF's. Sat. morning, we were able to begin with hot coffee. The Fresno Rifle Range not only supplied us with a place to camp, but water, and electricity for our coffee pot. They are the most gracious of hosts, not only having the backers up for us Friday night, but their board coming out and making lunch for the masses during History, both days. We had a good representation of women, children, and active military at this shoot. The end of Saturday had me with a 207, and wanting to tip over the nearest Port o Potty. My patient instructors Desert Dog and Ryantsg ( affectionately known as Titanium Spork Guy) told me to shake it off, and I would "make it "on Sunday. The sun rose on the Range, indicating warmer weather on Sunday. Regardless, I donned my shooting jacket, determined to keep the loop sling up on my wimpy bicep. Double D came to our line and presented us with Starbucks and scones. You rock Dex! Our line had some great people on it, including a husband and wife team ( Ken and Janet) from Mariposa, who extended an open invitation to any instructors to come stay at their home when an Appleseed came to their neighborhood. To my right on the line, I had a boomer ( AR15) To my left, I was showered by hot brass, breaking my concentration. Come Sundays lunch break, found me thinking "well, there's Sac Valley in December"....... Back on the line after a great history and lunch, I got moved down the line, and was armed with orange squishy ear plugs, a hat, and Mickey Mouse ears. The only thing I could hear was my own breathing, and cussing, as I called the shots. And then...Desert Dog and Ryantsg did something completely different. They had us post the AQT, and run it from the bottom up. I was stoked. Stage one, with my Jell-O hold, was the problem I was having with my score, not stages 2,3, or 4. Everyone around was coaching me. Desert Dog consistently beat me to my target and had scored it by the time I got downrange. On the second AQT, discouraged, I cleared my rifle, and slowly walked down range. Ryan said " you will be pleasantly surprised". I had no idea the two of them as they ran the line, were also armed with binoculars, peering at my target. I never made it to my target on the backer. Desert Dog met me with my AQT, with a smile I shall never forget. "You nailed it Jules, you did it". There are no words for that moment in time. Angels singing, birds chirping, 21 gun salutes............... My euphoria was short lived. After having my fellow shooters autograph my target, I was then sent to introduce the next AQT, and subsequent Redcoat. There aren't enough people to thank. I will begin at the beginning in January. Camljr and V, you will always hold a place in my heart no one can replace. Savage Shootr, the first female instructor who showed me women CAN do IT. To my fellow instructors who have stayed here at the Dragon's Lair, your encouragement meant everything to me. To my awesomely patient instructors Desert Dog and Ryan tsg, you made the difference this weekend in my results. And if not for my beloved Bald Dragon, none of this would be happening at all. I proudly wear the Orange hat, and look forward to the journey to come. Can it get any better than this? Love, Jules, Fresno Eleven 0 Nine.
Quote from: DesertDog on November 02, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
Once again, great times with great people. I showed up around 3 PM Fri ready to pound t-posts and set the range up. They already did it for us!! Big, hearfelt thanks to the range staff, they treat us great in all ways. All I had to do was post targets and get my tent set up.
I second that! The Fresno range staff has been so good to us every time I've been there it feels like a second home.
Quote from: DesertDog on November 02, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
I had the honor of scoring Jules's 222. Actually her worst AQT of the weekend was 193 with 4 saved rounds. She shot a 207 on Sat.
I first came to Appleseed to have someone teach Jules how to shoot. Little did I know how much time, encouragement, and persistence everybody, including Jules herself, would put into it. I'm the lucky guy that got to hand her the Rifleman's patch and I realy got choked up knowing how many people have pitched in to encourage her. Thanks to Ryan and Dessert Dog, and the rest of the Appleseed instructors for all the help. I'm pretty sure she can out shoot me right now, and I think that's very cool!
Quote from: DesertDog on November 02, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
BD, you forgot to mention that Ryantsg got his Red Hat O0
Wow... I was really tired last night.
Great job Ryan! For those that don't know Ryan, he has walked the Appleseed trail while rebuilding his home and often working overseas. He has a very full plate and still manages to take the time to study hard, becoming a rock solid Instructor and an excellent resource for history.
Quote from: crak on November 02, 2009, 01:12:39 PM
Quote from: BaldDragn on November 02, 2009, 02:57:15 AM
I accidently left my Course of Fire at home!
Sounds like that's a good place for it! ;D
**) I think you're right.
It's not exactly a move I would suggest for someone like me who has only run a couple of shoots, it kind of felt like walking a high wire without a safety net, but the results!!! High Speed - Low Drag
Jules, big time congrats!!!!!!! Way to go. Next it's thing you know, you will be a fine RED HAT.
And Ryan, I admire your dedication. Welcome!!!!
More to come later. I'm in TX right now, using a borrowed laptop. And 7th stepping while I'm here. They need it.
James E
Guys,
you all did great!! I am so impressed with the Cen & Nor Cal bunch for their continual persistence, overcoming, and adapting to whatever challenge lays in their path.....
Can't say enough good things about you folks..... O0 <:) O0
Ryan, you and your bride have been working hard & steadily at this program, and I am not surprised at the news of your promotion! Simply a matter of time.....you've earned it, and if you'll allow me this small homage: "Welcome to the family, brother! Congratulations!!" O0 O0 O0
Jules, you already know this....you're in the water now, you already know how to paddle, and I'd like to thank you personally for being the "spark plug" that keeps the fire lit under BD's butt........ **) **) **) @)
Wives seem to understand far better than "us guys" do, all the "at home stuff" that we don't get done whilst 'Seeding; and understanding it, taking up the slack, and being by their husbands sides is one of the most awesome things I see with the wives of Appleseed.....I personally think Fred should have a complete wall dedicated to these women at the Appleseed museum..... :) O0 <:)
Guys, you did great!
BD, don't sweat the COF too much, you already know what the protocol is.....how, when & where....and sometimes with the right group, just stepping into the "big picture" can be pretty liberating...
And Liberty is a beautiful thing.....isn't it? O0
LLP
Jules WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D I knew you could do it. I am soooooooooooooooo Proud of you. O0 ;)
Bad news is we didn't get to dump water on you!!!!! oh well. I know you will make a great instructor....you've been there, and know it can be done.
BaldDragn congrats on a great shoot. Wish we could have been there. :(
Ryantsg, nice work!!!! Hope to see you around more.
Laylo, a wall for women would be wonderful...riflewomen and those who keep the light burning at home.
8 riflemen one weekend....great job.
NorCal22Gal
CONGRATS JULES!!
And a 222 score to boot... :~ You wanted to make sure you didn't get doused, huh???
I am proud of you, even before you shot rifleman.... O0
You are a model of perseverance I wish I could emulate, and I am sure you will inspire many more behind you... @)
You too, will always be an inspiration to me... Whenever I get internally whiney about some preconcieved problem I think I have, I will think about your drive, determination, and your spirit and I will realize that all things are possible with an attitude adjustment and perserverance!!!
Congrats also go out to BaldDragn... you, sir, are a strong willed, capable individual, and I am happy to call you a friend and brother. If I am worthy of it... you have taken the Appleseed bull by the horns and I have seen the crowd when you speak to them at an Appleseed... Magic... Almost as good as Bob210! ::)
And lets not forget V... For if it were not for his dedication in setting up and running the early Sacto and Fresno shoots, none of us would be this far along in such a short time... This man should get frequent driver miles credits!!!
Also I want to recognize the dedication of all the Norcal and Cencal instructors and IIT's for stepping up and helping run these shoots... SavageShootr, Desert Dog, James E, DoubleD, Romeo's Hero, P51, RyanTsg, Aleeta, Garand56, Eaglescouter, Norcal22Gal, and all the others I am sure I missed....
I look forward to working with you on your new Orange hat adventures... %)
To all of the Fresno shooters that want another crack at that rifleman patch, there is another Appleseed just down the road in LeMoore on November 21-22, 2009.
Link to pre-registration information. http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=6055.0
See you there....
Personally, I think we need to douse her just because......after all she's soooo handy with the water bottle for everyone else **)
Seriously, jules did an awesome job. Those that know her realize what a truimph this is.
And Cam if you get tired of SoCal.......there's always room for you up our way....
NorCal22Gal
Better late than never... I wanted to throw in some thoughts. Congratulations Jules! I don't know that I've ever seen someone more excited about a piece of paper with a bunch of holes in it (I know it has more meaning than that). I don't know the trials and tribulations you went though to get there, but I'm glad I was there to see it happen. Thanks to Ryantsg and Desert Dog, you guys ran a great shooting line. Mixing it up with the bottom to top AQT made for some variety. I definitely learned a lot over the weekend. The trigger reset was enlightening, I hadn't thought about that before. The live/dummy firing exercise was good too, I'd read about it, but never had someone to watch me while doing it. And just plain learning to shoot in position with a sling made a huge difference. BaldDragn, thanks for running an excellent Appleseed. I can tell your heart is in it. The AARs from the shooters seemed like a good idea. The biggest thing for me was the atmosphere and attitudes of the instructors. No one had a superiority complex, or talked down to any of the shooters. I especially liked the history at lunch. Having been through the CA public indoctrination, I mean skool, system, I don't think I've heard any of those stories. That in itself was worth the admission ticket. I need to order that book...
Anyway, I will be back, and hopefully beat my 217. Or at least score above 210 more consistently. Although I suppose 2 riflemans on the first weekend ain't bad. And yes, I may be eying the orange hat. If you guys are going to be handing out flyers at the gunshow in Fresno on December 5th (I think), let me know and I'll head out there to help out.
-John with the cool goatee
I'm very glad our instructors keep their feet on the ground. Our shooters are the reason we are there and we respect them for getting off the couch and coming out when it would be easier to just to set and watch the tube.
Many of us, including me, were on that line just a few months ago and we all try to remember what it was like, even though it takes hundreds of hours of study and work to earn the Red Hat.
I'm looking forward to seeing you again and if you want the Orange Hat just let me know... It's Free ^-^