It was a glorious weekend with perfect weather. We had seven enthusiastic patriots on the firing line, and all were eager to learn. We started the day with safety and safe rifle and rolled into an awesome first strike presented by JustKim. With the rifles on the firing line and the course of fire briefed, we shot the hits count target. Yep, we had a little work to do. With some instruction and demonstrations all the shooters were quickly shooting groups.
Waky began his training for his red hat with his first presentation of strike two with some great questions from the shooters, yes, they were listening.
After lunch we continued with instruction, demonstrations and equipment adjustments. Everyone was quickly dialing in those groups and were now ready for green coat target and a stopwatch. This was a great bunch and their green targets proved that most were ready for an AQT. After a short break and Patriot1775's rendition of strike three we got down to business and shot our one and only AQT of the day. At days end we did not reveal any new rifleman but did reconfirm a couple. It was a great day one!
We wasted no time on Sunday morning after the introduction and safety refresher we posted the hits count target. JustKim, Patriot1775 and Waky got all the shooters involved in the refresher of the six steps sling use NPOA and all the positions. After a few drills and refining zeros, we were ready for the AQT.
At lunch we introduced some dangerous old men, the KD presentation, and we took some time to discuss the 3PM volley as everyone in attendance was to participate.
At 2:30 we took a pause and told the Captain Parker's story and readied for the memorial Volley. At 3PM sharp we fired the volley in remembrance of the first to give their lives for our freedom. I have had some proud moments in Appleseed, but this volley really moved me. With four M1's on the line joined by a few AR's it was truly a wonderful thing. This group performed as though they had practiced for weeks with their shots reporting as one.
After the volley, we enjoyed a tour of flags presented by the shooters. Each was encouraged to choose their favorite flag and read the history of their chosen flag.
It was an honor and privilege working with such fine Americans. Although the weekend did not produce any new rifleman, we did gain one new orange hat, Bandon Hall, and reintroduce an old orange hat, Daniel Wild, to the instructor core. Brandon finished the weekend with the high score of 235 and Daniel proved he still had it with a 214. Hermann was knocking on the door with a 200 and he was shooting a bolt rifle. Tiffany and Brandon Samson came oh so close and they were tag teaming the whole weekend to care for two small children. They are a wonderful family, and we wish them the best as they move on in their Air Force Career. Hopefully they will continue the Appleseed journey in their new home. Grey, a seven-year old, Paul and Seth made a great deal of progress and with one more weekend I think they too will become rifleman. All the Instructors requalified, and I want to thank them for their time. Without them none of this would happen. We did have a few no shows that will hopefully transfer.
Grey was awarded a William Diamond patch - a proud moment for all in attendance.
Great weekend! Thanks for the Leadership!!
Congratulations on a fine Patriots Day event!
great weekend, Chuck and Kim Always do an outstanding job. The shooters and I definitely enjoyed the Memorial volley at the end of the day. RESPECT our FREEDOM. :F
Amazing event by a totally professional team. Some notes from the event:
1) Extremely well organized. There was no wasted time. Every minute had a purpose including our breaks when we received a relevant history lesson.
2) Instructors were MOTIVATED and knowledgeable.
3) The extra .22 rifles and ammo helped me hone in my skills before I went back to my AR.
4) The facilities were perfect…very nice range.
5) Pretty much everyone dramatically improved including myself.
6) The standard was held. Safety, instruction, scores, etc were held to the utmost highest standards. I'm glad those patches were earned!
7) It was a lot of fun. It's nice to challenge myself while seeing what myself and my rifke can do.
Another great weekend at Hurlburt (0223). Weather was perfect, instructors professional and shooters were motivated and SAFE! Congrats to our new Orange hats, welcome to the team. God speed to Brandon and Tiffany Samson as you head to San Antonio. Thank you for your service. I wish we had just one more weekend to work with you. I'm sure, in a few short years, your little ones will be ready to shoot.(start saving for a couple more rifles) Special thanks to Chuck (Shoot boss) and Kim for all you do to make these possible. Kim presented the gun club with a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring our shoots. The club recognized our Appleseed events as a gateway to the shooting sports. Hope to see you all 21-22 Oct. Be safe and have fun. Dragon out.
Gunjunkie brought out the Brown Bess:
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Each shooter chose their favorite flag and shared the history of the flag:
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The VOLLEY:
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Patriots' Day Patches:
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Grey accepting his William Diamond patch:
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