Project Appleseed

After Action Reports! => After Action Reports => Topic started by: Maximum Ordinate on October 29, 2025, 01:57:35 PM

Title: South Huntsville, AL AAR - Oct 18-19, 2025
Post by: Maximum Ordinate on October 29, 2025, 01:57:35 PM
It was perfect fall weather at the Hobbs Island Shooting Range.  Nineteen Americans came out to hear some Liberty and learn Rifleman skills.

We're so grateful for the accommodating staff at Hobbs Island Shooting Range.  They are a huge supporter of Project Appleseed and it's a pleasure to work with the HISR team.

Our line was filled predominantly Trail Life families.  We also hosted Dan and Susan, who joined us with their almost new AR15s!

We gathered early Saturday morning.  After introductions, we discussed safety and shot the Hits Count target.  Then, we got the treat of AnthonyB telling the First Strike of the Match. 

We invested time to adjust equipment and practice skills without the distraction of noise and recoil.  Just before lunch, we shot our first square and the groups were coming together!  Then, we got to listen to HardHolder share the Second Strike.

After lunch, we shot some more sighter squares and enjoyed more drills as shooters got into a groove.  Mid-afternoon, UpACreek told the Third Strike. 

Sunday, we gathered as the stormclouds loomed.  Though heavy rain was projected, we missed most of it.  We began the day with inspiring stories of people like Hezekiah Wyman, David Lamson, and Betty Zane.  Then, jumped back into safely & marksmanship.

At lunch, UpACreek taught about employing the Three Challenges of a Rifleman out to 500 yards.  We wrapped up the day after 3 AQTs and a final engagement with those pesky redcoats!  I imagine Captain John Parker was smiling down at our shooters!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture pictures during our weekend together.  But if you have some, please share them!

My thanks to:
1.  The instructor team, especially those who traveled from out of state to make this event successful.  Google, AnthonyB, Hardholder, UpACreek, and Booney Stomper.  It's always a pleasure working with you!
2.  The Hobbs Island Shooting Range management.  You guys are first class.
3.  The Safety Dads, who helped watch for muzzle sweeps throughout the weekend.  Great job!


On behalf of my fellow instructors, thank you for the opportunity to serve you at the Hobbs Island range.  I hope you persist in your Rifleman journey.  Please know, the ultimate compliment you can extend to us is to come back to another Project Appleseed weekend and bring a friend!

in Liberty,
MO
Title: Re: South Huntsville, AL AAR - Oct 18-19, 2025
Post by: UpACreek on November 03, 2025, 04:19:06 PM
It was nice to get back to HISR and the Alabama crew (plus Booney).  The Trail Life families, Dan, and Susan were great to work with.  It's always rewarding to see the improvement by the end of the weekend and see the impact of everyone hearing the history for first time.

Thanks for keeping most of the bad weather away.

Oooohhhh - and HISR got the cutest employee ever - I forgot the pup's name though.


(https://i.imgur.com/Nfinf6n.jpeg)
Maximum Ordinate sets up the range in style.  I got the hat at the GOALS show in August.  We need to lean on him to share the picture when the hat gets to the intended owner.

(https://i.imgur.com/WTHvgKK.jpg)
Change coffee to Mountain Dew and I can get on board with this.

(https://i.imgur.com/jNOVf2F.jpg)
Maximum Ordinate welcomes the shooters to an awesome weekend at HISR

(https://i.imgur.com/L9OtINp.jpg)
AnthonyB shares the First Strike

(https://i.imgur.com/CO33grc.jpg)
Learning prone on Saturday

(https://i.imgur.com/XA78ATX.jpg)
Fine tuning prone (and adaptive) shooting on Sunday

(https://i.imgur.com/PgEKwfU.jpg)
We had a few adaptive shooters this weekend.  She shot so well!

(https://i.imgur.com/WR9OgMQ.jpg)
Wind didn't stand a chance thanks to Booney Stomper's love of heavy tools

(https://i.imgur.com/SNHSH3v.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/k90lxAd.jpg)
Tack Attack - He listened so well on how to shoot.  The where to shoot was a little shakier by the end - always safe, except for the push pins.  Sorry the pin is so fuzzy.