I spent Patriots' Day surrounded by, well, surrounded by Patriots!
Perfect weather, a truly great venue, and some very fine Americans. What more could any shoot boss ask for? What more could any red-blooded American need?
Familiar faces and new friends gathered under sunny skies, with a light, cool breeze to revel in the traditions of of thems that came before.
For "repeat offenders", we had John and Julie, John's folks - John and Sandy. Larry and Chuck brought their uncommon enthusiasm. Gene brought his lovely wife Melinda. Mailman was bleeding profusely from his support elbow, but a little first aid and on he went - what a trooper! ItsanSKS' dad, Chuck - a welcome addition to any event. Brett, Carol, & son - Chance, and several others that my tired and aging noodle is failing to recall - please forgive me.
Lots of new faces - Terry and Stephanie - Arnold, David, & Kristen - Daniel & Michael - Brian, Brenna, and Breanne - Clinnon, who had very little experience, but flat refused to quit and as such, did well for her first try. A petite young woman named Amy showed great persistence and was rewarded with great improvement - keep it up and you will surely make Rifleman soon.
Julie's best bud of many years, Dawn proved not only to be a fine shot, but is clearly a woman not easily rattled - not unlike the women from whence she descends. Many more that I can see in my mind's eye, but escape me by name. It was an honor to meet and spend time with each of you - thanks for coming out and please don't be strangers.
Souls renewed and bonds formed between "ordinary" Americans as they practiced some of the fine traditions of the Founders - Liberty and Marksmanship!
This event began like any other with a fine homemade breakfast from Tammy - HSC's "one woman restaurant". Oh wait, most ranges don't have a Tammy! O0
Well, anyway, despite an "ordinary" start, the day soon became extraordinary, with a full compliment of Rev War flags, courtesy of the RWVA fluttering in the light breeze as well as a real cotton Betsy Ross flag and Bennington flag - both donated by attendees past and present respectively - many thanks! The later two were flown directly beneath Old Glory on the HSC's flg pole right out in front of the firing line.
Our club sponsor, Mark Rials purchased yet another copy of PR's Ride, by D Hackett Fischer to hand out as a prize - many thanks Mark. These events would not happen without you and for that - you have my respect and my gratitude sir.
During the morning introductions of the instructor staff, I couldn't help but notice two "wardrobe malfunctions" that I felt compelled to correct on the spot - right in front of the attendees - RickB and ItsanSKS were not wearing the proper head gear of an instructor, so I handed them each brand new red hats! Congrats on the promotions guys - your "pay" will of course be doubled now. ;)
We had a new IIT on the line for this event and she did very well - way to go Madamyotnottin!
All listened to the safety briefing intently and chorused the four safety rules as if they had known them all of their lives. They also afforded yours truly the honor of delivering the First Strike - a rare opportunity to indulge my dreaded "curse of gab" in a positive manner - many thanks!
Recoats and demonstrations, squares and more demos - determined Americans honoring the memories of men like Isaac Davis and Capt. John Parker. ItsankSKS ran the line in the morning with aplomb and a sharp eye.
At lunch on Saturday, RickB did about the best darn Second Strike I have heard to date - a tough act to follow for sure with much detail and accuracy, afterward taking over as line boss and doing a fine job.
As the day progressed, all of us were showing the signs of fatigue - saving a country is hard work! But, then came the April 19th Volley Fire and with each name our strength returned as if Lady Liberty herself was lifting us up and driving us forward. Patriotism was in the air mixed with the smell of powder and smiles were to be seen from one end of the line to the other.
We only got a single AQT in on Saturday and no Riflemen were revealed - the lowly shoot boss felt ashamed. :-[ These fine Americans deserved better. I knew I would have to work harder on Sunday if I were to keep my job and avoid a good clown batting from Fred.
Sunday morning came and the weather was a carbon copy of Saturday - the stage was set for another excellent day. The attendees were sore, but they pushed forth with Liberty burning in their veins. The harder the instructors pushed - the harder they worked. After a brief revue of all of the points of instruction, and with only one new shooter we made our way to the storied AQT. The groups tightened and the scores were coming up.
A text message from the sb in Myakka - they had already handed out four Rifleman patches - the pressure was on! Ball and Dummy revealed some blinking and flinching - the shooters were learning fast. We did an impromptu NPOA drill and the scores continued to climb. So close, but that only counts in horseshoes, so on we pressed, with sore elbows, backs, knees and feet.
And then it began. First was Gary, who won the copy of Pr's Ride and then Chuck, and Tony. Then Gene and a fifth - who's names escape me which is utterly unacceptable and I will do my level best to avoid that most egregious error in the future.
A final Recoat and when the course of instruction was done, thirteen shooters, although tired, still wanted more. So after the line was cleared and those who had to go removed their gear, up went more AQTs. John and Julie were so close, but Julie had worn a pink shirt and it turned out to by like "Kryptonite", keeping them both just under the minimum score - dang it! That dirty AQT!
When it came time to pull down the target line, many hands were offered and gratefully accepted. A line near 300' came down in short order and once all was packed up and every hand was shaken - we all stumbled into our respective vehicles for the long ride home, confident that we had done our best to serve Liberty and looking forward to our next chance.
I know that I speak for all of the instructors when I say that this was one of the best groups we have ever had the pleasure to work with. I am filled with a sense of hope for the future that only Appleseeds can bring and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing all of you again.
Please tell your family, friends, and co-workers to help get the word out - the ship is taking on water at an alarming rate now and we need to continue to awaken the sleeping Americans within our fellow citizens to assist with the arduous task of bailing.
Thank you for the chance to do something positive for my country - our country - the greatest nation planet earth will ever know!
For Liberty,
PHenry
QuoteI know that I speak for all of the instructors when I say that this was one of the best groups we have ever had the pleasure to work with. I am filled with a sense of hope for the future that only Appleseeds can bring and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing all of you again.
I could not have said it better myself!
The volley fire worked wonderfully, and went without a hitch. I would love to see this incorporated into our regular POI. It really brings a reverential feel to shooting the Redcoat, and would make for an excellent last-target-of-the-day.
I cannot but feel that Appleseed is both a magnet, and a crucible. The magnet seems only to attract those with Iron persistence, then the crucible refines our attendees- brings out the Rifleman mentality. Those men, women and children who were kind enough to grace us with their presence this Patriots Day truly were the cream of the crop.
Many folks on our line Sunday were experiencing severe fatigue, yet forced themselves to 'carry on'- even when an instructor recommended a break; one even remarked to his grandson, "you think you're tired?! Imagine how those men under General Gage were feeling at this hour.." These are the kinds of people that make this program what it is- that 'never-say-die' mentality, which, so prevalent in years past, has slowly been disappearing, but can be found with great regularity at any Appleseed event.
I was just emailed a host of photos from Saturday morning, and will soon be going over the photos my father took throughout the weekend. Will post them all ASAP.
-ItsanSKS
PHenry,
The Bennington flag is my donation to Appleseed, and the great Florida crew. Fly is proudly.
I learned a lot, especially about equipment and body failures. I will be in better shape, I hope, for next Appleseed. If I do not find one sooner, that will be in October.
It will probably be much easier to get my equipment in shape, then me. ;D
Mailman
This being my first Appleseed as an orange hat I have to say I was very impressed by both my fellow instructors and the attendees at Hernando.
I had no idea of the amount of organization and coordination it takes to put all of this together. I had no idea of the skill, dedication and professionalism each instructor brings to an Appleseed. I had no idea how hard so many people work to be able to make an event like this happen. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with all of you and feel if I can be half as good as any one of you I'll still be twice the person I am now.
The group of people who came from far and wide to participate in this event showed so much determination and persistence I can't help but feel a renewed faith in our future. From the youngest to the oldest and the newest to the most experienced shooter, as each person stepped up to the firing line I couldn't help but notice an increasing enthusiasm and willingness to learn as the weekend progressed. Rather than buckling under the pace of the program and the pressure of integrating all they were learning, they continued asking questions and wanting to learn more. They stuck to it, they identified their problems and conquered them, one by one they overcame their particular and unique issues, and one by one they seemed to gain a confidence and pride that wasn't there when they started. If all Americans were like this small group of people I would go to bed every night with a smile on my face and a feeling that all is well in the world.
I thank all of you, instructors and participants alike, for this experience and look forward to seeing all of you at future events.
And speaking of future events, I just emailed Itsansks to see if we can get some events happening in Florida before the next one scheduled in October. That's a long time to wait and I'm not sure I can wait that long. I already feel the withdrawal symptoms setting in: clicking my pen *slowly*, measuring distances in minutes, focusing my eyes on one thing while my mind is focused somewhere else. Aargg... Come on guys... I need a fix!
If other Floridians feel the same let us know. Lets see if we can make another Appleseed happen on Florida before October.
Mademoiselle Yotnottin
Hello:
I just want to drop a note and tell your team that their Instructors did a great job. I learned a lot over the weekend and so did my buddies. My brother got so fired up he went out and ordered sights for his Ruger .22. It also was great to get a new prospective on the history of the date. Once I get done reading the book I won I have a couple of guys already lined up to read it.
Guys....and gals....you did good.....really good..... O0
What an awesome report of a great shoot!! <:)
And, you got Rifle-folks out, and working!!
PHenry, hats off to you & crew for what sounds like a stellar event......you guys rocked!!
And Red hats for both ItsanSKS AND RickB?!?!?! Most excellent!! <:) O0 <:) Congratulations, guys!! You've worked hard for those, I know!!
Now, for whatever reason it is that there's no other shows scheduled until what, October, I noticed you have a lady waiting....anxiously......for the next one......
Please, as Southern gentlemen, I implore you all, do not keep the lady waiting.......that would be construed as torture, and not proper..... ^-^
Great job, guys!! Hats off for the Fla team, gettin' 'er dun!!
LLP
Laylo,
Would you believe that I were counseled, last year, by range personnel as well as RWVA staff to avoid scheduling events in heat of summer?
We have already decided to fix that with a couple new venues that are coming on line shortly.
We will put out calls to search for interest among the hardy "Crackers" to see who's up for it.
I do not tolerate the heat as well as I used to, but I'll muster up my courage if at least 10 Americans want to sweat it out on the Liberty line! I ain't skeered! O0
Who's with me?
Many thanks for kind words of inspiration.
PH
I'm in!
See my new post in Florida.
RickB
My brother Gary and myself are in, if the scedules permit, had a blast last weekend at my first Appleseed, and I will keep using the little M4 till I get higher then the 209 I shot Sunday morning.
[/quote]
First, a big, big thanks to all of the instructors. We had a great time. Sean knows that he is part of something bigger then himself.
Find a spot and time and we will be there. Will try to bring more people with us.
Doug
Well, all righty then, PHenry....
there you go......
half your line right there......and you haven't even started advertising yet....... <:)
Just like we finally got all those "snow states" to stop complaining they "couldn't do AS in the snow", we have to show that we can still do AS when the sun shines.....
Ain't nothin' but a thing.....you betcha!! ^-^
Seriously, E-Z-ups, sand bags, lots of hydration, & you will be -amazed- at who shows up, & stays on the line.......
Bear in mind, SoCal is a semi-arid desert.......we have gotten used to sunshine.....and yeah, it gets pretty hot here, too.... $$-0
And in the last 12 months, Cali has lead the way for attendence @ AS's........
There's your "tough love" for the day, bro'...... O0 &) @&) ;D
LLP
More kudos to PHenry and the rest of the AS crew; it was a very enjoyable event. The marksmanship instruction and history lesson are first rate.
This was my second AS, and I must add that the venue at Hernando is outstanding. Thanks to our club sponsor Mark Rials, for making that possible. I will most certainly be at the next one held there.
Ray
Phenry, I want to add my congratulations for the 2 new Red hats, RickB and ItsanSKS. I have worked with both, and I am proud to know them and have them manning the buckets! O0
If my memory serves me right, Julie shot a riflewoman score in Oct of '08. She should have been on that line with an orange hat, it's amazing how much your shooting will improve by teaching others. :)
RayS,
Thanks for kind words - we can only work harder to deserve them! Look forward to seeing you again soon. I gots to warn you - Fred says three events is max as an attendee - then you simply must don the orange hat! Come on in - the water's great!
Laylo,
I am presuming that you haven't spent a lot of time in the "Sunshine State".
Easy-ups last until the first good breeze (we invented the hurricane you know) we have to use 10x20 tarp canopies and secure them with eight 3' x 5/8" rebar stakes, or simply lather on a substance called "Bullfrog" and tough it out as has been done so many times before.
"Arid" - I have heard about it - sounds nice. ;D When it hits 100 degrees and 90%+ humidity - we say things like "Yeah, but it's a dry heat" just to keep our spirits up. :D
Cali is king - no way around that - you are the best in the nation, an inspiration to us all for sure.
As to tough love - I'll take it, as it beats no love at all. 8)
Atticus,
Buddy - you are the man. The best of what I know - I learnt from you and just try my best to pass on to others. Even "watered" down, your instructor "Fu" is strong!
Yes on Julie and her man John as well - both have shot Rifleman before - they are a welcome addition to any event, but would be even MORE welcome as orange hats - might give the "JRussell team" a run for their "money". ;)
Thanks,
PH
All you Riflemen step up and put on your orange hats. The honor bestowed on you by your instructors must now be payed in turn to new Appleseed attendees. Pass on your skills to other Americans. Those patriots that took up arms against the Crown 234 years ago valued freedom above all else. Their blood flows in our veins. We must not betray their sacrifice.
Atticus,
Thanks for the kind words. I remember the AS I attended with you as shoot boss--you must have been wondering if I would ever "get it."
PHenry,
Fine job as usual. What else can I say?
Attendees,
Many thanks to all of you for getting off the couch and onto the firing line. On Saturday night we held our usual critique ("what did we do right, what could we have done better?"). My contribution to the "what did we do right" question was, "We excelled at picking the finest group of attendees we could possibly have!" Ain't we good?
Last weekend was my first shoot as a red hat. It's a different feeling! And guess what? I'm still discovering lots of areas for improvement. Imagine that.
RickB
Willorith,
I could not have said it better.
On behalf of the Hernando Sportsman's Club, let me say it was a pleasure to have you folks back for another great Appleseed. It's been one success after another for phenry and his teams. Congrats to the new riflemen and here's hoping the next Appleseed promotes more cooks. :)
Ponger,
Couldn't have happened without you sir - from the beginning, it was you who took a chance on us with only one short, exuberant, overly talkative little man to judge the program by.
A leap of faith that resulted in events that are good for America, the HSC, and Appleseeds - a win, win, win scenario!
I will look forward to our next event at the HSC in October.
Many thanks,
PHenry