HOT! That was the word for Saturday, August 27. But that might be expected. After all, it is August in Arkansas and heat and humidity are the norm this time of year. But Saturday seemed especially so. Even with the heat, an exceptional group of shooters came out to S7 in Menifee, AR for Appleseed. All seemed excited and ready for the weekend! Paul, Elizabeth and Benjamin were second time attendees at an event, though this was Paul's first time as a shooter. Might I add that Elizabeth and Benjamin are 11 and 8 years old? Both did great, absorbing the instruction and following all the safety rules. Paul (Dad) has obviously done a very good job teaching safe gun handling lessons to them both, as well as setting them down the path to being liberty minded citizens. And Paul paid attention, too, earning his Rifleman patch on Sunday morning (the cold water from under the Old North Bridge felt good on a hot day, didn't it?)! Great job! Andy & Bo were a father and son who made the long trip up from the southern border of the state to attend this event. Both were wonderful students - I learned that while Andy came primarily for the shooting, Bo (11) is a history buff who was looking forward to hearing the story of April 19, 1775. Both had to leave early on Sunday, but I hope to see them again at another event. Robby & Christina made a drive down from the northern part of the state to attend their first Appleseed. Talk about perseverance! Christina left Saturday afternoon with blisters on both elbows. But even so, she and Robby spent another 2 hours that evening dry firing, practicing what they learned. And that extra effort paid off as Robby earned his Rifleman patch on Sunday afternoon! I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing them both at more Appleseed events! Andre was a young man who handled a centerfire rifle all weekend long. Never missed an opportunity to shoot. And got better as the weekend progressed. I certainly hope to see him at another event (and maybe an IDPA match?)! Ed came up to shoot with us and did well with a couple of nice bolt action rifles. Unfortunately, the heat was causing some issues and he decided that it was best for him to leave early. I hope to see him back at an event in the spring or fall when conditions will be a bit more pleasant. James also came up from south Arkansas with a bolt action and iron sights. Nice shooting! Didn't quite earn a patch this time, but I don't think there will be any problem doing so. A pleasure to have you on the line, sir! David, great to have you as well! Nice improvements over the weekend. I believe that you are most definitely in reach of that patch. I hope to see you again at another event!
All in all - a really nice event in spite of the heat (which was slightly better on Sunday!) Seeing 8 & 11 year old's on the line, listening to the stories, paying attention to the instructors, and sticking with it all weekend is inspiring and gives me hope for this country! Two new Riflemen and two requalifications topped it off.
Many thanks to Swiftongal, Buddy Love, Papasi & Captain! All of you are excellent instructors who made this Appleseed event a success. Thank you also to S7! Having that air conditioned training building at our bay was a REAL lifesaver this weekend - special thanks to Barry for extending the club's hospitality and supporting Appleseed in a big way!
Looking forward to our Appleseed Pistol Clinic & KD in Hot Springs in October!!!
bright1
More pics.
I was so impressed with the persistence of our shooters in the intense heat. I will admit, now, that I began suffering some mild heat exhaustion by the end of Sunday...a little quesy and dizzy. Liquid IV from Buddy Love revived me, but 2 days later, and I'm still feeling a little weak....AND I wasn't in the hot sun for the extended time our shooters were....so a major HUZZAH to them. Here are a few photos I took.
Hey Swiftongal,
This shows your dedication to Appleseed attendees. It was very hot and I was hoping for the inferno rifleman badge to show for the heat we all endured (close but no such luck). You never slowed down and had the Swiftongal spunk me, Elizabeth and Benjamin have come to expect and love. I am glad Buddy Love was there to top off your crankcase. Glad you are recovering and Elizabeth, Benjamin, and I pray for your speedy recovery.
HUZZAH,
William "Paul " Cummings
Thx Paul!! It definitely felt like an inferno out there!