Three instructors and three students gathered at the Hernando County Sportsman's club to take yet another step in their personal development, learning how to teach what they know. Willorith, Paulrbrown and Panhead were challenged and responded well with this learning opportunity. Round robin presentations of the six steps, sequential presentations of the SHFs for all positions, discussions on how to present the history, admin outline and functional position details for an Appleseed were all covered. We had familiarization on M1, AR, and SKS platforms and even got a little trigger time in during the mock Appleseed segment.
This was a two day IBC, so the firehose approach was even more intense. These men responded quite well to it, and took plenty of notes as well as asking questions that demonstrated both the depth of Appleseed experience they already had as well as their attention to the interaction of that experience with what I was presenting. That is proof positive that they are paying attention.
A pleasure to spend a weekend with Americans who care enough to DO something to preserve their country, rather than THINK about it...
And I believe that their contribution to the Cause in Florida is going to be felt sooner, rather than later. With the leadership cadre and IIT corps in FL right now, I expect we will be seeing a fire of Liberty from the South, and soon.
SoM
howdy
My thanks to Son of Martha, PHenry and ItsanSKS for their valuable time and considerable expertise. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was it and more! Attend one and see for yourself, it's a big time!
I thought it was going to be: study the manual, fill out the PC's, little bitta line calling, some history, here's your orange hat, don't forget to read your book now, see you next week. I don't know what I was smoking, cause I don't smoke.
I went home Saturday with a humbling realization of the massive responsibility that comes with being a member of the Appleseed Project. This is by no means a social club, and the safety and rifleman instruction of our students is indeed paramount. PHenry and ItsanSKS both make it look easy, a credit to the program and a testament to hard work and great attitude. I don't think either one of them ever really sat down and relaxed.
The history aspect was something you have to experience. It is probably different for every one. They made me THINK on a weekend, something I try to avoid. It's a peculiar American trait...not entirely peculiar to Americans, though.
SoM had a great, polished patter and method of delivery when he was demonstrating his rifle instruction techniques and history pointers. "He made it look so easy...", I know you've heard that before, but you had to be there. Definitely a level of professionalism to strive for. Master Instructors don't get there by painting by the numbers and just working shoot after shoot.
Gennimins, thanks for all your input and insight. I will learn to project and beat up the stage fright monkey, I know inside this is a biggie for me. Once I can give history from the heart, I know I will settle down, because it lights a fire in me. That is why I am here, to light the fire in others the way Atticus did at my first shoot.
Son Of Martha-
A special thanks for coming to Florida to ensure that our IITs are the best they can be- the level of instruction was top-shelf, and I am not ashamed to say that I endeavor to present the POI with the confidence and ability you posses. You are truly a credit to our instructor corps, and I hope to be able to work with you at an event, to see how it is done in your neck of the woods. If ever you find yourself short-staffed at an event, just give me a call, and I'll do what I can to assist.
PaulRBrown, Willorith, and Panhead-
You all deserve a hearty handshake and congratulations; stepping up to be an instructor is an easy thing to do; following through with that commitment seems to be the hard part. We all know that life gets in the way sometimes, so it becomes a matter of prioritization. I appreciate the tenacity in which you all threw yourselves into the instruction; that alone shows the level of dedication to our common cause.
Willorith- Excellent job! That you studied your Instructor Manual and practiced prior to attending the IBC became self-evident almost immediately. Given a few more events under your belt, I see a red hat coming your way soon.
PaulRBrown- As with Willorith, it was apparent that you had previously studied the manual and practiced- I get the feeling that you and Willorith are using valuable time at work to practice your presentations, as you both seemed to have a pretty good command of what you were supposed to be doing. We'll have to work on getting your presentations more precise, but overall you did a very good job.
Panhead- Overcoming a self-imposed shyness is never an easy task, and learning to project your voice is just as hard. Once we get you used to speaking in front of people, you will do excellent. Once you earn that patch, we're going to throw you to the wolves @&) You know better than that- we'll work closely with you to broaden your comfort zone; you will find that once you gain confidence in your own knowledge, it becomes easier to pass it along to others.
QuoteThat is why I am here, to light the fire in others the way Atticus did at my first shoot.
That is why we are *all* here- this program wouldn't get very far at all if all we did was shoot AQT's and discuss how to be better shots. The love of Liberty, a desire to pass along the heritage, and the unwavering desire to bring our country back on track is the hallmark of an American Rifleman.