Weather was bad Friday night and early Saturday morning but started clearing up around 6am. We had some tree damage to the firing line but the local rangemasters were out in force to get things cleaned up and ready to go. Thanks to Jim, Jim, Dudley, Steve and everyone that was there to get the range up and running. These guys were great hosts and had worked hard to make sure that everything was great for us when we got there.
A special thanks to Dr. Sam and his wife Billie. The greated us when we arrived on Friday, drove us around to familiarize us with the area, took us to the range and then took us out for a nice dinner. Dr. Sam had worked hard to help publicize this shoot. You two are very special people and I enjoyed our time together (I am sorry that I didn't stop bye to say good bye but I got lost trying to find your house :().
All of the shooters were great. Everyone was very eager to help out, learn and work hard at developing their skills. Special congratulations to Charlie for earning his way out of the kitchen. Charlie shot rifleman with a score of 215 on the first AQT on Sunday with his LTR. He came very close to shooting rifleman with an M1 Garand that he was trying on the last AQT of the day.
Charlie also had two of his boys there this weekend. Carl (11 y/o) who shot both days and Joseph (9 y/o)who shot on Sunday. Both boys were very attentive, polite and eager to learn. I look for both to become rifleman in the future.
We had one Appleseed returnee that was only able to shoot on Sunday due to schedule problems. He is a true Appleseeder in that he was personally responsible for half of the shooters that were there this week-end. He came very close (204) to becoming a Rifleman Sunday. You just need to believe in your IMC and you will be shooting rifleman every time. :). Doc's daughter Ginny was there and was being very supportive of dad in his goals to shoot Rifleman. Next time Ginny, don't be so nice. Just outshoot him once or twice and I am sure he will rise to the challange ;D.
This was an Appleseed that as an instructor was a great event. The hosts were outstanding, the shooters were wonderful and the weather was great for the shoot days. I hope to get a chance to return to Jackson and see all of the shooters that were there this time get their Rifleman patches at their next shoot. Thank you all for a wonderful week-end.
An Appleseed in Mississippi........ (sigh)
If only we could get those South Carolinians awake!
Thanks for the AAR and pics, and thanks for getting MS on the map! Sounds like a good group of folks to light the fire! JB
This was my first Appleseed but certainly not my last.
Dond and Chris were great instructors and very patient
to all of us especially in light of all the equipment
problems. Sarah, Dond's wife was great and very
helpful with all the ancillary services required.
I learned a great deal and came away realizing that
Appleseed is a process and not a one time "shooting
event". I only got to 188 but know I can make Rifleman
next time.
We all really enjoyed the history lessons and I have
ordered "Paul Revere's Ride". Certainly, Dond's
and Chris's heart are really in to the history and
teaching.
We are talking up the program here and hope to have
another program soon with a lot more shooters.
Thanks for your time, patience and desire to inspire.
Mickey
Hi Chris,
I am so glad you made it to Jackson Mis. You did a great job in Piru, CA for me and I look forward to seeing you and maybe your son again. Ball and Dummy, that how to get riflemen.
Coly