Mostly sunny skies, gourmet cooking, a covered line, pretty ladies, patriots a plenty, and free luxury accommodations for out of town instructors - what can I say? Another great event in Ft. Myers!
While it was held on private property and to date is by invitation / referral only, which impacted the turn out, it is a most unusual venue. The landowner, a self described "Rough and Tumble Redneck", has done much for this Program and has vowed to do even more if he can - my hat is off to you Glen.
With a crew of IITs fresh out of an IBC with Fred himself, we were ready to honor the Founders with a fine event. Saturday brought 11 Americans out to drink from the fire hose of knowledge that is Appleseeds. We began with a rousing welcome to Appleseeds, then safety rules and line commands. After that all attendees listened in a hush to the First Strike of the Match story. Next it was off to place their safe rifles on a trailer provided by Glen to take all of their gear to the line. Of course we had to see how well they could shoot, so a Redcoat target was the first order of "business". A few good shooters, but clearly there was room for improvement. And so the "hammering" began upon the anvil of marksmanship for all comers. It was hot, but thanks to Glen and the local IITs, the line was covered which made it bearable for these fine Patriots. Not a discouraging word to be heard on the line, as they listened to the instructors bellowing out the six steps!
By lunchtime, there were already signs of improvement, such as George who was barely on paper at first, but was grouping nicely owing to his cleverly bringing a "teachable attitude" in his gear bag - way to go George! Then there was Roy, who has been before and it shows, as he is a Rifleman at least twice over. And Jake, the State Trooper's son who one would NOT wish to be down-range of - man that kid can shoot! A lot of young men could take a lesson from this fellow - he listened and he learned (heck, I could take a lesson from him!). He was sharp as a tack and most respectful - a pleasure to have around. And Robert and Neil who had attended the last Myakka event - always nice to see familiar faces. Robert had upgraded to a longer version of what he brought out to Myakka and between his persistence and the longer sight radius, his shooting has improved by leaps and bounds - nicely done sir. Neil shot a couple different Rugers and did well with both. And who can forget young Master Soul who keeps at it! There was Bryan, who inquired about becoming an instructor and would be most welcome - come on in Bryan, the water's fine! And Luke is definitely going to make Rifleman soon. Just before lunch, we got in a solid Ball & Dummy Drill to shake out any B,F, or Js. Many were amazed at the results.
After a mouth-watering lunch, all were regaled with the Second Strike of the Match and anyone could see the pride in the attendee's eyes as they listened intently to the heroic story of the choices made for Liberty and the resulting sacrifices of their ancestors. Then, back to the firing line for more punishment in the Florida heat. We drilled them in preparation for the storied AQT - transitions, mag changes, the works. Sure it was hot and muggy, but these were Americans - real Americans and they just adapted, improvised and overcame! I could see that they were ready so we posted AQTs and circled up for a short break to hear Atticus' fine rendition of the famous Third Strike of the Match, followed by the course of fire for the AQT. After which, Roy nailed another Rifleman score with his "big gun"! By late afternoon, the sky was getting dark. We were literally being surrounded on three sides by ominous purple / slate clouds - would we make it? Anyone that has lived in the "sunshine state" knows that is nothing more than Chamber of Commerce propaganda this time of year. We put up Recoats and went forth, secure in our faith of Lady Liberty and sure enough, the weather held just long enough for us to finish! All circled up back at the ranch for debriefing and I passed out a few "Bloody Butchery Posters" for thems that wanted same. All enjoyed a safe and productive day.
Sunday began a little later to give the weary Patriots a little more shut eye, but with all already "Knowing the drill", the pace was much faster. After a review of the basics, it was on to another Redcoat - looking better! Then some "one minute squares", and on to the AQTs. A second Rifleman was born, as it was now Glen's turn to send the Redcoats running like little girls -way to go Glen! We did NPOA Star target drills, we carded sights, we did a rapid fire AQT, we did JB's Minute Man Challenge, we persisted. Just as the day before, the weather started getting rough. Should we proceed? I kept looking at the sky in an attempt to judge the direction and speed of the encroaching storm, to the point where one of the spectators was questioning my sanity. He obviously ain't from around here. I made the call - to Lady Liberty that is. Please Maam, could we have just another hour? In light of the attendee's obvious dedication to the traditions of the Founders, Lady Liberty evidently worked out a deal with Mother Nature and the purple sky was held at bay just long enough for eleven Americans to complete their training. After clearing the line one last time, Atticus gave the Benediction as the weary attendees listened to the hopes of the Founders, and of the debt owed to them that can only be paid forward to our posterity. We circled up once again back at the ranch and handed out the coveted Rifleman patches. There was much hand shaking and many smiles. A finer bunch of Americans you could not ask for. I know that I speak for all of the instructors present when I say that it was an honor to meet and work with each and every one of you. My Lady Liberty smile upon each of you, every day of your lives. You have my thanks and my respect.
Instructing at Appleseeds has given me something that money simply cannot buy. It has given me hope for America and a chance to give something back to the greatest country the world has ever known. I would encourage anyone that thinks that it is "too late", to put down your burden and join us at Project Appleseeds so that you too can find out the truth - that there is nothing beyond the reach of a real Americans like yourselves - nothing at all! I'll grant you - saving an entire country is a lofty and some might even say unrealistic goal, but we descend from a long line of people that have historically made a habit of doing exactly that which they are told cannot be done. So become part of the tradition and join us. Liberty is not someone else's duty - it is the duty of each and every American!
Thank you all,
PHenry
Good report, PHenry.
Glad to see things are still happening in Florida.
Hope Atticus got a little tan while he was there. ;D
Looking forward to more happening on the Florida front. Say, why don't you boys take on the state of Texas, and try to show them up? Shouldn't be too hard... ;D ;D ;D
[OK, everyone knows how much Fred loves Texans, no insult meant - only a good honest challenge to see which state has more Americans who can be woke up to the tradition.]
No insult when the challenge is aimed at saving our country! ;) Considering the source, I will take same most seriously and I know several others here that will relish the opportunity as well. The Gauntlet has been thrown! Calling all Patriotic Floridians to step up and show Texas and the rest of the nation what us "Crackers" are made of! Let's make a warm and sunny spot for Lady Liberty that can stand the test of time. What better way to honor the Founders could there be?
And on that note:
I have just received positive word this AM from a range on the west coast of Florida - it is official! Their BOD has agreed to host an event at their most excellent facility in October of this year! Many details to be hammered out by thems of a higher "pay grade" than myself, but if all goes as it has in the past here, we can look forward to many a successful event at that location. They have generously acquiesced to my request for the use of their 200 yard line, that boasts 175' of covered line, with an additional 50'+ uncovered - berms on all three sides. Plenty of excellent camping just up the road, along with hotels and groceries, etc. This is the product of something I learned at Appleseeds - persistence. It isn't just for marksmanship! Now if I could just find a way to get out of this annoying day job and go out on the Appleseeds trail full time! 8)
PHenry
SA-WEET! Way to go PH! Looks like CA and FL are set to rule the Appleseed schedule next year! Great shoot and recruit you got going there. I hope the other states look at you for inspiration. (Hear that SC? Inspiration. It's what you USED to have. Look it up) JB
LOL! ;D
Competition improves the breed. Bring it on!
I was born in California, live in Texas, and have been to Florida several times. All three have their good points. All have lots of good folks, and even more sheeple Sleeping Americans.
If, pretty soon, each state has eight or ten or fifteen venues holding 50 or 100 or even more shoots a year, we all win. And the country wins!
Hey, everybody! Luke here. Another great appleseed in Ft. Myers! Hope to see everyone at the next one!
Welcome aboard LP! I know I will see you soon - maybe even get to hear you play your other "power tool".
PH
Florida 8)
Need 2 IITs ???? ;)
JA
JA,
You betcha! Next event willst be in Hernando County on October, 4th and 5th! More in the works - come on down!