This weekend promised to be hot as fire and wet as water. Thankfully the weather cooperated and neither was the case. Saturday found us getting underway promptly at 9:00. A solid and exemplary group of shooters gave all the Instructors their undivided attention. Morpheus got our blood pumping in the morning with a great rendition of the First Strike. Shortly after the 4 Safety Rules, Safe Rifle, and Ammo Malfunctions we were ready to roll into the Redcoat course of fire. Saturdays AM Redcoat showed us that there was room for improvement.
Isaac must be commended for being a 400 yard shooter right out of the gate.
The morning proceeded smoothly as the Tripod of Rifle marksmanship was taught. We had many good questions from shooters during the Steady Hold Factors, Six Steps, and Natural Point of aim modules. The shooters engaged and challenged us as Instructors. Every shooter made remarkable improvement as the day progressed. Shot group sizes shrunk dramatically as the open minded shooters allowed the Instructors to pour forth their knowledge and advice.
A lunch break in the shade gave us a much needed reprieve and allowed Jambo to regale us with the Second Strike. The students were all ears as they listened to the events of April 19th 1775. With lunch over, it was on to seated/kneeling and then standing. A break in the afternoon for the Third Strike after which we barely squeezed in an AQT. After the shooting had ceased, the students were left to ponder the immortal words of Patrick Henry.
Sunday promised to be terrible wet, but fortune shined down on us and the rain stayed away. A sore but eager group returned for another day of learning. The Redcoat on Sunday morning showed that our efforts of the previous day had not been in vain. Half the group were now effective shooters at 400 yards, and the shingles were positively riddled. A handful of AQTs followed and once the maximum effectiveness had been achieved, we moved the target line back to 100 yards. Once there, the students were able to prove to themselves that what works as 25 yards works at 100. The highlight of the day was allowing each student to take a turn ringing steel at 100 yards.
My hat goes off to Shannon, Chris and Jen for accepting the challenge of using the web sling for the first time.
I would be remis for not applauding Jason. He persevered and persisted through a baffling equipment experience. Finally salvaging the weekend by switching to a backup bolt action rifle. It became apparent that working a bolt was not going to be a hindrance as he showed great proficiency.
It made this Shoot Boss proud to have Natalie, Hunter, and Taylor show up and shoot. These youngsters chose to spend their weekends down in the dirt learning the sacred craft of marksmanship.
Shon's attitude must be highly praised. On multiple occasions when frustration could have been a set back, he chose to turn it into a learning experience and improve himself. He was very attentive to all instruction. Should he choose to return, I believe a Rifleman's patch has his name on it.
Congratulations must be given to Alex. He shot a qualifying score of 212. Earning his Rifleman's patch at his first Appleseed event.
My many thanks to Students and Instructors alike for making this an easy and enjoyable event. I hope to see each of you on the trail someday soon.
Good Day Gen. Stuart,
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have experienced an Appleseed with you and your passionate gifted Instructors. Patience is an understatement- two females with their very first .22 shots less than 24 hours prior... you and your men are saints ;)
Natalie (11yr old) had a wonderful time, and at bedtime said she cannot wait to attend another Appleseed.
Most Memorable Moment: During Jambo's second session, Natalie wrote & handed me a note. Being a mom of many, I just knew it would say, "I am Hot!", "Is it lunchtime?" which we did hear later but, instead my heart overflowed with pride.
"These men were scared, but they were brave"
If she took away nothing more than the understanding that men and women were brave for HER country and they fought & died for HER freedoms she has today; this is more precious than all the monies in the world.
Blessings & Until Next Time
This certainly was a great Appleseed weekend! One of the finest ways that I know to spend my time and rub elbows with some of the best people that this country has to offer!
It was a treat to see the young shooters on the line Saturday morning. The more we see parents who take such an interest in their child's future the more hope that I have for our posterity.
My congratulations to Alex for his persistence in earning that Rifleman patch. I know that Jen, Shannon, Shon, Chris, and Jason all have that potential to make that score as well, with some dry fire practice!!
Thank you to all who chose to be with us this weekend at the Red Hill Range. You really make it worth while for us instructors. I do hope to see all of you again soon at another Appleseed!
And thank you, Gen. Stuart for leading up this event and allowing this tired SB a little time to rest. It was an honor to be there for you.
In liberty,
Steve
Let's not also forget that Alex shot Rifleman at his FIRST Appleseed, with iron sights, with a centerfire! I was impressed.
I was impressed by all the shooters, who all showed a willingness to learn and persevere. As always I am honored to be in the company of such great Americans.
Mom4Liberty: I won't lie, I choked up when I read your posting. I am so fortunate that God put us together at this time and place so I could be part of Natalie getting the message. THAT is why we do it!
Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of her education.
I expect to see both of you ladies at another Appleseed soon - proudly holding a Rifleman patch!