This is just a short AAR to get it started so others can join in. I'm still on the road home tonight. It was a fantastic first AS at a fantastic new range for us - Ft. Villere in Slidell. And it was also a sold out event. The officers in charge of the facility were very helpful and accommodating. They even opened up a barracks for our instructors to stay in. They also seem to have been impressed by our event and anxious for us to set another date. LawDog was so helpful in setting up this venue and is to be commended for it. But that isn't all he did. He and his lovely wife supplied lunch for all the shooters on Saturday and watermelon both days, as well as additional food for the instructors. :bow:
All of the instructors were such a delight to work with. They were extremely competent and helpful to the shooters. And the shooters were also a delight to work with, and anxious to learn. There were also several young shooters who were serious and well behaved. They really earned their Youth Patches. We had four Riflemen and a new Blue Hat. ^:)^
It was hot, but that was expected in LA. However, the shooters were well supplied with shade, thanks to 10 pop-ups Duhon brought. O0
Everyone seems anxious for the next event here. The success we had, the appreciation expressed by the shooters, and the interaction with the instructors, surely made the long trip I took to event seem much shorter.
I just received this email and thought it appropriate to share.
All,
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the volunteers of Appleseed! I attended my first Appleseed and am extremely impressed and proud to know there are individuals such as the instructors I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with. Their dedication to making Appleseed the best experience possible was greatly appreciated.
Although I did not shoot rifleman on my first event the instructors were consistently encouraging and dedicated to providing assistance to improve on my shooting.
The rifles silenced, targets taken from the range, the tents folded, and the participants returned to their daily lives I hear a ringing in my ears....it is not from the rounds expended from the many rifles, but from the oration by the instructors of the events of April 19th, 1775 and the stories of the individuals whom committed all to the advancement of Freedom.
Regards,
Kenny
Aspiring Rifleman
What a weekend! Where to start with my thoughts? I know, thanking the SOLD OUT Line of shooters who turned out in stifling heat with teachable attitudes and a can-do spirit. And the instructor corps! dond and Sarah made the long trip down to help us launch what looks like a great relationship with the Louisiana National Guard. DUHON provided his usual excellent insruction and calm manner - along with 8! pop-up lifesavers, I mean tents. :bow: Steve and Allen and George - you are the backbone of AS and I will work with you anytime.
We had several shooters step up and agree to distribute flyers and help with other admin tasks. I am grateful for their assistance. I see some Orange Hats in the making.
Congratulations to our new Riflemen. Your achievements gave everyone renewed energy. And every shooter showed progress (though not always on their own target ;) ).
And I can't hit "post" without mentioning our new Blue Hat - TDog. I am proud of you! O0
It was a pleasure to travel down to Slidell to help the cause of liberty. A great shoot hosted by the Louisiana crew. Dan did an outstanding job on everything. Thanks to Don and Ms. Sarah for making the trip.
To all the shooters, keep at it. Spread the word!
In Liberty,
Duhon
Let me also add my words of thanks to all for a great Appleseed. Lawdog, Duhon, and dond could not have expressed the sentiment of the weekend better, and Kenny, thanks for the kind words. I also want to salute the fine men and women of Camp Villere for their hospitality, we'll see yu again soon and hopefully some of you will join us on the firing line. As always, Don and Sarah, it was a priviledge working with you. Lawdog, you're on the move to being a great shoot boss as well as State Coordinator, Duhon and Allen are also going to be great Shoot Bosses, and George and I will march along until out time comes. Congrats to TDog on his Blue Hat, you were a great help during the event and as always, you are welcome at any Appleseed, heck, at this rate, you'll be a shoot boss before me. To all of the shooters, you guys braved a brutally hot weekend without complaint and did yourselves proud. As a retiired member of the USAF, I'd proudly serve with you guys anywhere. Y'all made a hot weekend worthwhile with your great attitudes and desire to become riflemen and women, thanks. I hope to see you again at another Appleseed and hope those that make rifleman will consider joining our ranks.
I forgot to mention my gratitude to all the shooters who helped me retire that Orange Hat. And thanks, Greg and Tad, for letting me take it off my head first!
Congrats to T-Dog. That boy has potential.