15 shooters joined us at our first 25m event at the Sanctum in Orlando, KY. Many thanks to Reclaimer for being such a welcoming host! We all took advantage of the covered shelter for instruction and appreciated the Subway sandwiches for lunch both days. We are looking forward to more events there.
After check-in, the shooters were welcomed and introductions to what we are and who we are were done. A stirring 1st Strike set the tone for the weekend and with the images from Lexington Green on our minds, the first Hits Count target was engaged. The scores were not bad, but we had some work to do.
Instruction began with attentive students and solid blocks taught by a fabulous cadre. Good questions were asked and answered and the exercises were done well. This allowed us to enjoy good groups on the first square.
We took a break for lunch and the 2nd Strike then applied some refinement to positions and techniques. After 3 squares our shooters were ready for IMC. This block was well received and when allowed to make their adjustments, our shooters were ready to move on.
The advanced marksmanship blocks were taught well and practiced enthusiastically bringing us the posting the first AQT. Along the way, we took a break for the 3rd Strike completing our story.
After the AQT, we had 2 shooters requalify - Bert (212) and Rick T (219). Our Hits Count target that evening showed improvement even though the shooters were fatigued (they worked hard that day!) Additionally, we were rained on quite a lot in the afternoon but that did not seem to bother most.
Everyone returned Sunday and we had a great review session. TPI was embraced and our shooter remembered just about everything from Saturday.
After the morning Hits Count target, we verified zeroes and let them warm up with a couple of squares. Some even independently applied IMC to refine their zero.
Ball & Dummy proved to be as valuable as advertised for both shooters and coaches.
Another AQT was posted and we had Bert up his score to 226!
Some of our shooters had to leave early so we told the story of Prince Estabrook at lunch to ensure all participants heard this important story.
This also gave us a change to examine targets (they never stop talking!) and a magazine change drill was in order (3 actually). After another AQT, scores were improving. Bert did it again with 220 and other were creeping up.
We did an NPOA drill to drive that concept home and it paid off. Our last AQT had Rick S score 224 and Rick T scored 212 with a bolt rifle.
Our memorial volley was solemn and well received. our host, Reclaimer, brought out his M1 Garand to participate in the volley. After the last Hits Count target, he let anyone who desired shoot a few rounds through it.
We wrapped up our Patriots Day weekend with handshakes and thanks.
There were a lot of shutterbugs in action so please post pictures if you have them.
Thanks to the Cadre! KY needs people willing to travel to grow the program. We had instructors from Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio present. Thanks for taking the time to make this event successful.
Many thanks to Reclaimer for hosting this event! I am encouraged and enthused to have another location in Kentucky, my home state, for events!
Thanks also to ArmyVet for his steady hand as Shoot Boss. It was great to see long-time friends in the cadre (Eagle Keeper, JHB, & Geek) and to meet new friends Virch, Topper, & Reclaimer in the cadre!
I was very impressed with this group of shooters. They all had teachable attitudes and were ready to get down to business. They responded to instruction and took in the history presentations with great interest.
Congratulations to Kelly and Bert on taking a Blue Hat and Orange Hat, respectively! Welcome to the cadre and HUZZAH!!!
I was especially happy to hear a couple other folks express an interest in pursuing qualification so they could walk the Appleseed path as Instructors.
I took many photos and have uploaded them on to Imgur. The link is below.
https://imgur.com/a/2026-patriot-day-project-appleseed-orlando-ky-5p3gdIU (https://imgur.com/a/2026-patriot-day-project-appleseed-orlando-ky-5p3gdIU)
In Liberty,
Greg Seneff
"Bluegrass Colonel"
appleseedtn@gmail.com
More photos (1).
More photos (2).
More photos (3).
Great shoot, thanks for all the photos!! I look forward to more events with great anticipation.
As always, let me know if there's anything I can do to improve the range or your experience. I won't take it personally, I promise. ;)
Nice to see the "other Orlando" active. Congratulations to y'all on a fine shoot.
Indeed, what a great event. Somehow the fact we had rain on Saturday and a breeze did not dampen their spirits. <pun intended> It was a real testament to that when everyone came back a bit early on Sunday. Seeing folks in period clothes was inspirational. Getting additions to the cadre was the perfect way to end the weekend. I always get energized at these events. I look forward to seeing you folks again in the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was happy to introduce another friend to the wonderful program that is Project Appleseed.
Quite a nice Appleseed weekend in Kentucky.
Sold out event
First time attendees
Nobody quit during the half day of rain
Everyone returned for day 2
2 new volunteers from this shoot
Good things are happening in Kentucky
Hope to see you all on the trail again