As is always the case, my trip home from this past weekends' Appleseed in St. Augustine was a somber one, knowing that it would be several weeks before another opportunity to mold my fellow Americans into Riflemen.
As I drew ever nearer my destination, the memories of all the struggles, tribulations, successes and accomplishments began to filter through my meloncholy, and have left me with a grin likely to stay with me for quite a while.
Memories such as the drizzling rain on Saturday, which turned our target line into a muddy mess; of how the rain seemed to soak into every crevasse, leaving none dry, and leaving tempers short; of how, despite the weather, 23 patriots showed up; of how, despite this being his first Appleseed, and never before having seen an AQT, Jordan was able to make Rifleman; of how so many were *SO* close they could taste it... Or, how Terry and Stephanie, repeat (5th times the charm!) Appleseeders finally made their scores, were awarded their patches, and nearly ripped the Orange hats out of my hand.. Of that 242 score- yikes! Or how Rob, an 11yr old with nerves of steel, made a best score of 201 on Sunday- so close he could taste it!
I could write for hours on the events that transpired this past weekend; but I find that the whole thing can be summed up in one paragraph:
This past weekend, Americans learned about their history and their Heritage.
This past weekend, many found out for the first time, what it means to be an American- the Debt, the Duty, the Honor.
This past weekend, our Founders were Remembered, and were Honored.
This past weekend, Riflemen were molded from man, woman, and child.
This past weekend, Sleeping Patriots were awakened.
This past weekend, we held an Appleseed!
-ItsanSKS
A special thanks to ColyCat, Gopher Boy, Jollymeister and Jollynator for answering the call- this event wouldn't have been the same without you!
That wasn't rain ItsanSKS...
It was tears of joy running off the cheeks of our Founding Fathers in Heaven :cool2:
Terry, Stephanie-
I am deeply moved by your elevation to Rifleman status. I am also very happy to welcome you into the instructor ranks. the program can only get better with you guys on board.
I just got home after touring historic Saint Augustine, the oldest city in the country. I will post pictures and a comment or two about this great Appleseed tomorrow, after I get a little sleep. O0
ColyCat
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Saturday started out overcast, but we were dry when we set the line up. As Colycat gave the six steps, overcast turned to rain. While we call it "liquid sunshine" herein the Sunshine State, it's still WET. Target backers became card board mush and had to be replaced throughout the day. Despite this and the resulting disruption to the schedule, ItsanSKS adopted, preservered and overcame in true Rifleman spirit. He brought off in great form what could have been a real disaster. I think our team worked fantastic together to bring this event off and if tempers got short it never showed. I saw no signs of ego showing and we all supported one another.
Terry and Marie are friends of Clinnon and she invited them to attend our event. Marie did not want to shoot, telling me she did not know how to use a rifle, having only shoot handguns. I told her that she was what we were are all about; teaching people to shoot who had never done so before. She did great on the line and soon became comfortable with her rifle and shot very well.
Terry wrote me this email:
"Thanks so much for introducing us to Appleseed. I've signed us up for Starke, so you'll see us again on the 13-14th. I hope Clinnon is coming. In the meantime, I'll be working on my back so I can get into that prone position. Thanks again, and we look forward to seeing you in February. Have a great Christmas!"
I can't think of a better return for our time and efforts.
Steph and Terry, what can I say? When Steph scored her AQT and exclaimed ''I GOT IT", there was a grin on her face that that just would not stop. She just absolutely glowed with pride. She said that now she understood why she had seen that same grin on the faces of others as they got their RIFLEMEN patch. I told Terry that he would have to COOK if he did not get his 210 that day; no pressure here. He push on, dug deeper and got it. You know, he got that same grin on his face too. Both put on their orange hats without a moments hesitation, wearing that same grin.
The moment that made to entire, fantastic weekend worth every hardship we endured was the look of true pride and adoration on the face of 11 year old Rob when his father Chris relieved his Rifleman Patch with a 242 score. That moment was truly priceless.
To my fellow Instructors, I am proud to have worked with all of you to make this event happen and look forward to the next.
I cannot thank Gopher Boy enough for his aid in getting Sean and I to the shoot. Without his extra efforts we would not have been able to attend. Thank you Sir, I am in your debt.
Keep your powder dry.
Douglas
I would have liked to see Stephanie's dimples light up when she earned her badge. I am very proud of her and her husband, Terry.
Congratulations one and all--but especially Terry and Steph. I listened to my voice mails late Sunday night and there were two from Steph--bubbling over at having both made rifleman and gotten their orange hats! You guys are great!
RickB
What a great shoot. The weather was even like Illinois in the summer. ;)
4 rifleman, and a ton a new friends made in summer like weather in the middle of December. What a great way to spend a weekend. Hopefully I can make it back soon.
Congrats to our newest Rifleman!
Terry and Steph, The new definition of persistence. Congrats on the Orange Hats.
I really want to thank everyone for the warm hospitality of Florida. I had a great time.
G.B.
GB,
U come back anytime sir - ya hear. Thanks for the help.
PH
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Rifleman on Saturday
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The line
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The instruction never stops
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talking targets hand out
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Gopher Boy
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The other side of the line
You see what happens when I miss and event! I have yet too see an "Aug" at any event! Dang! I do see that he was "slingless" though - musta been first thing Sat AM. :cool2:
Pictures from Sunday
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Morning briefing
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Review of Safety
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Carding with B and D
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ItsanSKS at lunch
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Jr Rifleman patches
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3 more Rifleman and 2 new IIT's
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Hot Florida sun
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3 rd strike
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The whole crew with the new IIT's