I just wanted to update everyone and let them know that I am going to be deploying to Afghanistan in mid March. I will be gone until early June.
I know I have been (sort of) absent - I've been putting off shoot bossing because I knew this was coming about a month ago. I have also been having some family issues that have kept me down, and my finances have not been great.
But things are getting much better. This deployment is going to help in a great many ways - I am going to get some very good skill training, and be able to right a capsized financial sail boat. I am a little bummed that I am going to miss April 19th, a couple of RBCs, and tryouts for All Guard as well as an inter-service match and All States and All Army - but there is always next year!
I am also proud to tell you all that I received my Distinguished Pistol Shot Gold Badge from the USAF #392. I received my Silver Rifle, and I am hoping that after the last match I participated I will receive my Gold Rifleman Badge. I also had to qualify on the M16/M9 on Wednesday, and that was an experience that I wanted to tell you all about.
At about 730 am I was notified that I had to go to refresher training for the M16 Rifle and M9 pistol. I am lucky enough to have Marksmanship weapons assigned to me and I grabbed those and headed to class. Having participated in the Marksmanship Program and Appleseed for (4 and 1 years) a while now, I have quite a great deal of hands on time shooting at 25m and Known Distance.
I was appalled by the level of skill that the guys I was in the class with had. They were combat arms and military police, and some of them did not know how to break down or function their weapon, and they had no idea how to adjust their sights properly and were simply guessing at it. In fact, the head instructor failed to take the screw covers off the adjustment knobs for the scopes, and was simply turning these caps to make adjustments... until I *had* to point out what he was doing. Unfortunately, the shooter never got a good zero for his weapon.
I am not telling you this for any other reason than that if you know anyone that is in the military, do EVERYTHING YOU CAN to encourage them to get to an appleseed, not once, but at LEAST twice. It helped me so much that I was literally able to make a 100% sight correction after my first 3-round shot group.
Now, you guys getting after me about the AFQT... you're right, I should have done better. Each target has to be engaged with 1 round each five separate times with 3 mag changes per stage - prone supported, prone unsupported, kneeling/sitting, standing, and another prone unsupported. There is no time limit, so I could have taken a lot more time, but the point was to hit the silhouette anywhere, and that top right guy... I just overcompensated my NPOA shift and tried to muscle it back. Not a good training tool, but I shot 49/50 rifle and 45/45 pistol, so I qualified expert both ( :P)
I should have internet access in Afghanistan. I will try to keep in touch. I might even ask some of the Indiana guys to email me some Appleseed stuff so I can plaster it all over the base, and maybe even host an April 19th event!
In any case I want to thank you all for your support, and to get after those troops. Effective marksmanship is one of the most lacking skills that the military has today, and I think that Appleseed is helping make it better!
See you on the trail,
West :))
Good luck on the deployment, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Nice shooting on your quals O0 - and there's still room for improvment. >:D
AZO
TSK TSK TSK... that nasty NPOA thing nailed ya on the 300M target!!!
Great shootin' and keep us updated on your travels my friend!
Get me your email addy... I know a little waitress who would write to you ^-^
Mac
West,
I want you on my team! I was kind of hoping that you might head down to the Ramseur RBC in Feb. No one is signed up yet. But it should be a good time. There is a Field Shoot the weekend before (Iceman).
Good luck and let us know where we can contact you or if you need anything.
Mike
West ,
Thank You for your service Sir.
Semper Fidelis ,
JA
Well, what can I say beyond good-luck and God Bless your best? O0 For sure you can shoot. ;)
Good Luck, Stay Safe and Thanks for you Service O0
49? :o &)
So disappointed West. Sooooo dissapointed.... and you call yourself a Rifleman. ::) sheez!
Seriously though. Stay safe my brother. You'll be in my prayers.
Boba >:D
God bless, West, and thank you for your service. You'll be in my prayers as well.
I wanted to add in here that this post is titled also "The Rifleman Lifestyle." A great deal of this inspiration comes from a very close friend of mine, DrJohn from GA.
I've thought about this a lot and maybe some of you will agree, but being a Rifleman is more than having a "piece of cloth" (quote DrJohn). It is a way of thinking about life, how one carries themselves, and behaves, even amongst "normal folk." I was standing behind the firing line yesterday, watching how the line was being run, the safety measures, the behavior of some of the shooters and instructors and how much different it is from how things are done and taught at Appleseed.
I realized that most of those guys had no idea what they were getting into. Deploying in a foreign country, possibly engaging real living people. It's a scary prospect.
I also realized that I joined Appleseed to do exactly the opposite - to actively participate in my choice that our forefathers gave us; to make the choice to ensure that I never have to make the choice that they did.
After meeting so many of you, working with, living with, sharing with - I realized that Appleseed really does make people grow, and look at the world differently, and carry yourself differently. I look at things with a much more realistic aspect now, I don't fret the small stuff, and I try not to stress too much when the time monkey gets on my back. I tend to look at how a process is run and realized that if I ran it the way a shoot boss has to run an appleseed.... there really is plenty of daylight to get it all in, even if you are drinking from the firehose.
But, having taking a large splash from the firehose has allowed me to keep my cool under stress and in circumstances that other people would normally balk at - away from civilization for more than 3 months, the possibility that I may be living in less than comfortable conditions...
Well.. I will persist. I want to thank you all for teaching me this. I'm not sure how else to put it, there may be fewer words to put it to, but for now, this is the way I see it. I am different person than I was a year ago; I've grown more and I think I am much more mature. I am looking forward to shoot bossing next year when I get home, and being able to say "It's going to be alright."
Thanks John, you've been a real inspiration. And thank all of you again that I have worked with. And thank all of you out there that I haven't, that are trailblazing all across the country. One day, I will meet you all!
'Cuz truly, at the end of the day - the piece of cloth means something, but more importantly it's who is standing beside you.
Thank you all for your support, and again, I'll see you on the trail.
West :))
Good luck, stay safe, and God bless. Thanks for all you do. You'll be in my prayers as well.
O0 O0 O0 O0 --- in fact, :bow: :bow:
God-speed, brother
West,
It is you who inspired me, my friend. At out first meeting, when I was struggling and knew I could do much better, you took me aside, reminded me of the words from the movie "The Last Samurai", "No self, no self", and helped me settle down and build a little confidence. You also gave generously of your time at night, and saw to it that I learned the proper way to field-strip an AR and get it back together properly, and shared your experience with being an Air Force marksmanship team captain. We built a friendship that I value highly, and we shall miss your participation in Appleseed for a while. Godspeed, my friend.
DrJohn
West,
Thank you for letting your Appleseed family know of your deployment. If you do find you have internet access, please keep us all updated.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have met you in Waterman. Western Rose, Evenstar, and I will be able to put a face to the man we will faithfully be praying for.
Don't forget to post an April 19th AAR!
God's blessings upon you.
Shawn, TruT
God Bless and Stay Safe.
West,
Thank you for your service in AS and the service coming. If you need anything Pre-Deploy just let the Indiana crew know.
Now, in the true AS tradition, I am gonna ask you a few favors while you are gone:
1. APO. Get it to us as fast as possible so we can get geared up. Don't decline as the stuff we send will be for you but also for those around you.
2. PM when you can.
3. Take your book with you. You know which one.
4. Don't fret about IN, we have it, however you are required to come back and do an event intact.
5. Let us know whatever you need.
Thanks again, I expect to do many more shoots with you here with your fellow hoosiers and elsewhere on more border raids. Stay safe, and get us an APO.
Techres
West, my brother,
I'll take you on my fire team any day....or better yet, I'd be proud to be on yours.
Stay safe. Keep your head down. Come back and we'll do some 'seeds together.
EEL
Your account of the instructor not even knowing to remove scope covers is dismaying. I was afraid that might be the direction CATM was taking when it ceased to be a discrete AFSC...
We used to be better than that.
God Speed my brother.
See you soon.
D-fly Keeping the Faith
Be safe, help who you can. We'll miss you in Indiana. You're a good man,West and I look forward to showing you how much I have improved when you get back.
West,
We can't thank you enough for everything you do - for what you do for Appleseed, yes - but, more importantly, for all you do protecting this great Nation. Be safe out there. Our prayers are with you.
And no worries - we'll keep working while you're gone, but there will be lots left for you to do when you get back. ;)
~AB
West,
I'm a better riflewoman for having had the opportunity to work with you. Looking forward to more of that in the future. Stay safe!
Miki
Great shooting my friend! Not perfect but great. ;D
Be sure to pass along an addy for us and if you need anything be sure to just ask.
God speed and God Bless!
We will be awaiting your return to the line.
Mudcat
West,
Good luck to ya. If the (ch)Airforce feels a little heat marinading on the base, call the Army! We'll bail ya out. **)
Seriously, we're only a little better when it comes to riflery.
I reckon we can photograph just about every inch of every Bedford shoot we do and get those to you. We can also send every ounce of love and support your way. Remember your education, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Help your buddies get better and send out a list of what you need as soon as you can. Do the job quick, Souther Indiana wants its Instructor back.
West,
1.) Congratulations---you rocked those scores! I have seen you in action , you are amazing for sure!
2.) Who is taking care of your cat while you are away?? Let me know if you need a sitter.
Thank you for all that you stand for and your service to this country. Any needs you may have are just a PM away, let us know.
Most importantly, may God's blessings be upon you, you will be in prayers continuously.
Look forward to working with you on the trail when you get back...and you know you are always welcome in Athens anytime!!
Ratchett
Looks like you have a new challenge to make AS history - AS in Afghanistan :~
Keeping you in my prayers!
If we cross paths before you go, I hope to have some chocolates handy. ;)
Andre
Fellow "Zoomie",
You will be a great and positive influence on all your fellow Airmen. This is your time and opportunity to serve. Make us proud!
I've added you to my "deployed" prayer list.
Lawrence
You best come and have dinner at our house before you leave out
Enroute to Decon's. Patriot Gal will cook you the best chicken dinner
You willl rember.
Love ya brother!
CM
West, maintain situational awareness and come back safe.
The Scarecrow
Platoon 2 - Waterman 300.
Hello Group; Brother West, we will be with you if only in spirit, IF you need any item of gear let us know ASAP, We will see to it that you have what you need.
Please Post your address when you get over there So we can send STUFF and other goodies that we think you need... O0
West you are welcome here any time, Stay safe, You are in our prayers and thoughts. Pappy
Be safe, look forward to seeing you upon your return.
And to quote your post:
Quote
I've thought about this a lot and maybe some of you will agree, but being a Rifleman is more than having a "piece of cloth" (quote DrJohn). It is a way of thinking about life, how one carries themselves, and behaves, even amongst "normal folk."
O0
God speed.
Keep your head down, and your spirits high!
We are truly blessed to have you on our side.
Do what you've been sent to do, then come back home.
Thanks, and let the Grace of God shield you!
Aftermath
West,
First of all, THANK YOU for your service and willingness to fight for our freedoms by going half-a-planet away.
I'm truly a better a man for having known and worked with you, Mr. Westling; AS is blessed to have you in the ranks, as is the USAF. I'm fortunate to be able to call you my friend, and thanks for signing my hat. ;)
Your safety and well-being will be in my continued prayers.
May you rest in the palm of His hand...
Stay the Course,
---GoldFish
I appreciate all the kind words and strong support I have seen here - I never thought that it would garner quite the response it has.
I am truly awed by it all. I simply was trying to relate something that I had experienced in my pre-deployment posture, and to let you know that I would be out of rotation for a while.
I am glad to have met you all, and I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not yet.
This past year has been rough, but 2011 is going to be much better for me and the Appleseed family.
I will be in touch!
See you on the trail,
West :))
what do you mean? don't you remember - only last year was easy... any way: if you would have time before you go and a spot I would swing over to IN for a range day, been busy loading - could use some help emptying brass, would bring the larue obr everyone loves to fondle
Great shootin' and good luck Wes. And as per our prior conversation at ISRA, let me know what you need. O0
Well, it's finally here.
The days are getting longer, and my time at home grows short. But, I shall return.
I am going to be leaving the country the first week in March. I will be in place shortly after. I can't get into specifics because of Operational Security.
In any case, I will stay in touch as best I can via the internet.
Here is my APR:
Brady Westling
455 EAMXS/C-130 AMU
APO AE, 09352
Feel free to write to me, or send me good tidings of the Appleseed Trail. If you are going to send letters and the like, don't send them out until after 10 March.
More to follow!
West :))
God Speed - come back whole, happy, and intact....
If i send you some glass bottle Cokes are you going to have a way to chill them?
Be safe over there, West, and we'll see you soon. Thanks for what you do.
You'll be in my prayers, West. Thank you for your service.
West,
We are so proud of you and what you're doing.
May God bless your walk and guide your way while you are in Afghanistan.
See you when you return!!
Patriot Gal
Parcel incoming!!! Hope you're still home on 3/1.
Sent you something for the trip. O0
Stay healthy!!
Patriot Gal
Hooah!
From an Air Force brat, and Army Mom, Thanks for your service and keep in touch with your family.
Our prayers will go out for you and yours as you serve; let us know about any special things your Appleseed family can provide.
Coop
Hooah!
Stay the Course that has been laid out before you. You're in my continued prayers, West.
Thanks for your service... It's been a bigger encouragement and example to me than you know.
I talked to West today, 5 min before he got on the plane!.....I think he misses home already. :(
He will get me an email address as soon as he can and I will get it posted here.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I know it means
everything to him to have such a great Appleseed Family! That's what we are...a family! Sometimes "siblings" have disagreements !@#), but at the end of the day....we are still FAMILY!
I will post more information as I get it.
Deacon
Quote from: West on February 25, 2011, 03:43:38 PM
Well, it's finally here.
The days are getting longer, and my time at home grows short. But, I shall return.
I am going to be leaving the country the first week in March. I will be in place shortly after. I can't get into specifics because of Operational Security.
In any case, I will stay in touch as best I can via the internet.
Here is my APR:
Brady Westling
455 EXMXS/C-130 AMU
APO AE, 09352
Feel free to write to me, or send me good tidings of the Appleseed Trail. If you are going to send letters and the like, don't send them out until after 10 March.
More to follow!
West :))
Quote from: SPQR on February 25, 2011, 09:45:46 PMIf i send you some glass bottle Cokes are you going to have a way to chill them?
Of course he will. He's in the Air Force. We never deployed without refrigerators, soft comfy beds, TVs, hot showers and REAL chow.
Deployment? More like summer camp!
I seem to remember Air Control guys that were eating dust with us poor paratroopers as we rolled into Iraq - I think they miss the experience many Airmen and women do by hanging out with bad folks. **) How ever they serve and where ever, you have to love them for being there.
Quote from: Deacon on March 09, 2011, 08:53:14 PM
I talked to West today, 5 min before he got on the plane!.....I think he misses home already. :(
He will get me an email address as soon as he can and I will get it posted here.
Deacon
thank you Deacon...
Please keep us informed.
Janelle
Quote from: Earl on March 09, 2011, 09:23:55 PM
How ever they serve and where ever, you have to love them for being there.
Absolutely. The men and women who serve our country, where ever and however, make this country what it is....the greatest country in the world, without a question. These men and women are
true heroes, not Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus, and whoever else thinks that they're worth being put on the front of a magazine in the check-out aisle. When any of these, or any of
us for that matter, step up to truly serve and lead in some substancial capacity that will make a difference, then and only then will we make a difference as a Nation. It's because men and women HAVE done this by stepping up to serve and protect America that we can call ourselves a great nation.
Thank you West, for being one of those few.
OK, sorry 'bout that, just had to get that out.
Quote from: GoldFish on March 10, 2011, 12:17:08 AM
Quote from: Earl on March 09, 2011, 09:23:55 PM
How ever they serve and where ever, you have to love them for being there.
Absolutely. The men and women who serve our country, where ever and however, make this country what it is....the greatest country in the world, without a question. These men and women are true heroes, not Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus, and whoever else thinks that they're worth being put on the front of a magazine in the check-out aisle. When any of these, or any of us for that matter, step up to truly serve and lead in some substancial capacity that will make a difference, then and only then will we make a difference as a Nation. It's because men and women HAVE done this by stepping up to serve and protect America that we can call ourselves a great nation.
Thank you West, for being one of those few.
OK, sorry 'bout that, just had to get that out.
Goldfish:
HOOAH!
Glad you expressed that, and I know that it is NOT "out" of you. It is PART of you. It is part of EACH of us, which is one of the many things that makes our Nation GREAT.
Thank you again West.
Thank you SGT Nicholas Cooper, combat medic (CMB) and flesh of my flesh.
Thanks to each and every American that has stepped forward and volunteered their lives for the betterment of mankind.
Coop
I appreciate all the continued support and positive words from everyone.
I finally made it, and am able to get on a computer. I landed and 0100 hrs on Monday, which is 330 PM at home, and only stopped to sleep. It's very high tempo right now, since we are changing out units, and I don't expect it to slow down for a while.
As of right now I think I have everything I need, though little pieces of home will come to mind sooner or later.
If anyone wants to write, or send love notes (Deacon... :D) you can do so here:
Brady Westling
455 EAMXS / C130 AMU
APO AE 09352
The mail is slow, so if you don't get an email or a mail-bound response, please be patient.
Blazing a trail from across the pond,
West :))
P.S. If anyone wants to send me stickers, please do. Or, if you want me to pay for them I will pay you back when I get home. I am especially looking for RWVA and NO REDCOATS! stickers. I will put them up everywhere!
Glad you arrived safely, brother.
Quote from: West on March 16, 2011, 12:28:15 PM
P.S. If anyone wants to send me stickers, please do. Or, if you want me to pay for them I will pay you back when I get home. I am especially looking for RWVA and NO REDCOATS! stickers. I will put them up everywhere!
A couple of Chillidog's are in your box already.... (It was gonna be a surprise. :-X) ^:)^
I knew it, you and Deacon, not that their is anything wrong with that ;) , and I was thinking you would like to meet my 25 year old niece :cool2: .
Take care brother, I'll keep a spot on the silhouette range for when you get back.
D-fly Keeping the Faith
Quote from: West on March 16, 2011, 12:28:15 PM
If anyone wants to write, or send love notes (Deacon... :D) you can do so here:
Brady Westling
455 EAMXS / C130 AMU
APO AE 09352
West :))
Alright, I am going to ask, and I hate to do it.
I need some help over here.
Our unit came into the new buildings and we are picking up the pieces. As such there are no real guides on what happened before we arrived, and no way to leave a guide for the people that are coming behind us. We call them Continuity Folders. It is a way to help the next unit out as much as possible.
So, I need the following, if anyone can help.
3-ring binders, 1 1/2 inches up to 3 inches.
Page protectors
3-ring dividers (with tabs if you can!)
Of course, the guys and gals over here always love candy, snacks, good coffee, and drink mixes!
Make sure you toss in Appleseed Flyers so that when I open the boxes they get inundated with AS goodness and love!
Thanks all,
West :))
Quote from: West on March 17, 2011, 12:15:06 PM
Alright, I am going to ask, and I hate to do it.
I need some help over here.
Our unit came into the new buildings and we are picking up the pieces. As such there are no real guides on what happened before we arrived, and no way to leave a guide for the people that are coming behind us. We call them Continuity Folders. It is a way to help the next unit out as much as possible.
So, I need the following, if anyone can help.
3-ring binders, 1 1/2 inches up to 3 inches.
Page protectors
3-ring dividers (with tabs if you can!)
Of course, the guys and gals over here always love candy, snacks, good coffee, and drink mixes!
Make sure you toss in Appleseed Flyers so that when I open the boxes they get inundated with AS goodness and love!
Thanks all,
West :))
ROGER!
PM's running now. THose might be too large for the standard box (the binders, not the protectors), but we will figure it out. Do need paper, zip lock bags, unscented babywipes, etc as well?
Procurement beginning,
Techres
EDIT TO ADD: Supply coordination thread up in Indiana board:
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=21507.0