Even in mid-September the temperatures in North Texas are still quite warm, and this past weekend proved no exception. But, if one is to spend the weekend out of doors, what better a reason than to learn about the history of our great nation, and to become more proficient with a rifle? 11 dedicated individuals came forth to take part in this event. Many thanks to the Trail Life dads and chaperones for bringing 7 youth out to this event, and for everyone in attendance this was their first Appleseed event.
Appleseed's own Locke Enload, the father of two Trailmen in his own right, provided large portions of the instruction on Saturday. A critical lesson on Eye Dominance was taught by MRakestraw, and one of our young attendees discovered that he was indeed cross dominant. Great diligence was displayed by this young man the rest of the weekend, learning to use his left hand for trigger actuation as a right hander is no small challenge. By the end of the weekend, he had shown that he had learned to do this quite well, as his scores increased through the course of the weekend.
Lunch on day one arrived quickly, everyone retired to the office and the air conditioning. Here the students heard stories of the 1st and 2nd strikes of the match presented by yours truly and AF5US, while enjoying the cool temperature and their lunches.
After lunch, the instruction resumed, and more drills and exercises ensued. Mid Afternoon a break to the classroom was taken, and the students heard a rousing 3rd strike from MRakestraw.
Returning to the firing line, some more exercises took place along with some great individual instruction provided to the students. Day 1 drew to a close, and everyone retired for the day.
Day 2 began with a refresher of the points of instruction, and all the participants were ready for their first AQT of the day. Several of the students fired good scores, and improvement was demonstrated by all. A challenge was issued to youth by the shoot boss, knowing that the range owner has an award for the high score of the day, a bit of friendly competition ensued. On the second AQT of the day, we had our first new rifleman, who scored an impressive 228. A second shooter came within 2 points of earning his own Rifleman patch.
After lunch a brief awards ceremony was held, with MRakestraw receiving his 25 event pin (Huzzah!). Showing his great dedication and persistence, Locke Enload, having fulfilled all of the requirements, received his red hat (Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah!). As he was no longer in need of his old orange hat, with great delight all the participants helped him retire it in Appleseed fashion.
During an afternoon water break, AF5US presented the history of the Black Brigade which held the audience enrapt.
As the weekend drew to a close, it was time for more recognition. 5 of the 7 youth had met the challenge issued by the shoot boss and were recognized for doing so. All the youth received the William Diamond patch after hearing this history of this young patriot from AF5US. The range owner, Paul Goin had awards for the youngest shooters, as well as an award for the highest scorer of the weekend.
Many thanks to everyone who came out in the heat and fought through some equipment issues. I also have to recognize the enthusiasm the young shooters displayed. I appreciate the great crew of instructors, AF5US (aka Shoot Master), MRakestraw, and Locke Enload who made this event a success.
NOW HOLD ON JUST A COTTON PICKIN' MINUTE!!!!
I don't see a mention of a certain ScottInTX earning a spiffy new green hat!
You didn't think you were going to get away without mentioning that, did you???
Speaking of Green Hats, here is a picture of that promotion. Congrats ScottInTX
Couple of pics of our Rifleman :)
Pics of our new Red hat :)
WHOOP WHOOP!! CONGRATS ScottInTX on your Green Hat and Locke Enload on earning your Red hat!!!