Well since Luna hasn't started this off yet, I guess I will. ;) I don't know what Luna did with these people on Saturday, but when I arrived on Sun. morning to take over SB duties we had almost everyone from the day before back on our line, and a couple of new faces were added. Plus they were all there and ready to go at 8:30 or earlier. ^:)^ I explained to everyone that Luna hadn't gotten shorter and fatter but instead that I was gonna be their slave driver shoot boss for the day. From there we took off into a quick review of the safety rules and a safe rifle, and to the line we went. That lovely morning redcoat was first on our plate, and the shoot boss wasn't quite awake yet since I forgot to get the numbers. Oh well we were putting rounds down range and that is always fun. :--- I came out and stated that Luna had passed on to me some of the things he thought we needed to work on today and I pulled out a drill Dinky Dao had taught me to work on their NPOA shifts, trigger follow through, and rifleman's cadence. From there it was on to carding the sights and getting great one on one with the students. From there we started the AQT grind.
I had been told we had a great group of shooters and that was the truth indeed. All day we had so many people shooting in the 180-190 range that just couldn't get over that hump. The heat teamed up with the Ohio humidity to add an extra challenge for all on the line. A couple of AQTs and then we switched it up with ball and dummy before lunch, giving the students a chance to teach each other for a change, oh and giving the instructors a bit of a chance to sit down. @)
Over lunch Trekker told us about the struggles of the men and women of the Massachuses in Concord and along battle road on that faitful day of April 19, 1775. Next thing we knew we were back on the line in the sun and heat continuing to hammer out rifleman on the anvil of the AQT. It wasn't long before Doug stepped up to that anvil and took all the AQT could throw at him resulting in a score of 222. O0 A little fun thrown in there with one enjoyable mad min. drill where a team of three shooters completely obliterated there star target. However all teams were sucessful in their goal, you never know what you can acomplish with a little team work. :o
Back to that pesky anvil laying, sitting, and standing in the Ohio heat and humidity. A break to discuss some come ups and long range work and the next thing we knew we were back at it again. Another break and I stood to tell the stories of some very determined and dangrous old men. We then learned that we indeed had a dangerous old man amongst us. Jim (who is only 56 and he says that may be old to me but really isn't all that old ;) ) earned for himself a patch and a bath with a score of 210. 8)
A few more AQTs under our belt and it was time for that final red coat. The shooters put those thirteen rounds down range with the sun and the sweat in their eyes doing there best to outshoot the founders. It was revealed with the final count that it was a lady who bested all of the men as our only shooter to hit the elusive 250 yard target. :bow: As a new shooter she had persisted all day on the line enduring all the instructors could throw at her.
To all there I am sad I didn't get to spend Saturday with you all but it was pleasure to work with you all on Sunday. I hope to see you all again on the Appleseed trail.
DryFire
What a great weekend! My first Appleseed without rain or mud. And it sure wasn't cold.
First off, we had the pleasure of working with and learning from 2 (yes, 2) fabulous Shoot Bosses because Luna ran Saturday and Dry Fire ran Sunday. After learning from a total of 3 now (MeanStreaker was the first) I see that each is unique yet each is excellent. They know very well what they are about.
Fellow IITs Minerva, Trekker and Too Tall were flawless. Trekker has an encyclopedic knowledge of the events of 1775. The students received a lot of personal attention and I hope they all feel as great about the weekend as I do.
We had several very new shooters. It was great watching their groups shrink and their scores grow. Everyone was tough as nails and drove through heat and humidity without hesitation.
Quite a few equipment issues were dealt with. Tools were available, loaner slings, rifles, mags, etc. were provided and we didn't miss a shot. Great teamwork.
My best laugh was when a shooter (who shall remain nameless) shot his buddy's target for the second time. Too Tall went downrange and stapled up about 10 target numbers all around the offender's target plus a big handwritten sign with arrow that said "This One." I didn't see any cross-firing after that. :)
To our new Riflemen Doug and Jim congratulations! ..:.. Please pass along the skills and knowledge that you have. BTW, Jim is another Ham Radio Operator Rifleman - we're taking over!
The juniors on the line were impressive as always. Great attitudes and enthusiasm. (OK 2 of them were my sons)
Every student showed the spirit of a Rifleman and it's just a matter of time before all are wearing the patch. I hope to see every one of them at a future Appleseed!
I apologize for the late reply, I have been traveling far to much.
I want to thank all the shooters who mustered this past weekend at Miamisburg. After Saturday introductions it was obvious that we had a large number of very new rifle shooters who were eager to learn. I was very impressed by the persistence of the shooters. Although we did not have any Rifleman Saturday, shooting just 1 AQT, the traits of the Rifleman were very much on display. All the students absorbed the lessons quickly working hard to improve their skills throughout the day.
Thank you to Trekker, Minerva, HPT and TooTall for all their hard work. We had a number of equipment issues that were dealt with quickly and safely.
It was my honor to spend a Saturday with these American Patriots. I was especially excited to see the Young Patriots that attended. As we discussed during the day, we have a duty to honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers. Our heritage is under attack " Act worthy of yourselves".
I hope to see you all again soon at another Appleseed event.
Just thought I'd take a moment to thank all the volunteers for their efforts -much appreciated by Evan and myself. BTW, since this is my first post, I'll say that this is Jim, your latest dangerous old man. Evan's parents told me that when he got back home, he wouldn't stop talking about the weekend. The plan is to get him back to AS for his patch after he has had some time to practice what he's learned.
Since HPT mentioned that I'm a Ham, I'll mention that my call is W9EMT, with a renewed interest in qrp ops.
Andrea
Welcome to the forums Andrea!
Welcome Andrea/Jim!
You can find it elsewhere on the forum but my call is KB8MVP and I do some CW QRP on 40M and 20M
It was great that Evan got to shoot a family heirloom at the event. I have no doubt he will make Rifleman with a bit of perseverance.
Tony (HPT)