Project Appleseed

After Action Reports! => After Action Reports => Topic started by: MOGromit on May 09, 2010, 10:12:33 PM

Title: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: MOGromit on May 09, 2010, 10:12:33 PM
Howdy Appleseeders,

Had a great weekend in Farragut, IA, just finishing up today. 

I'd like to propose this one as the first (of many) "Backwoods Home Event", since the land-owners Don and Karen read about the program in the magazine's article, looked into it online, contacted the program and volunteered their land for this event without having attended a previous Appleseed.  Two of the other attendees were there based on BWH as well, Julie and her dad Randy, who she dragged along after reading about it herself.  John and his daughter Kate filled out the rest of the line.

5 shooters gathered on Don & Karen's property just north of Farragut on Saturday morning for a first time exposure to all involved.  With Rebel Yell, Squirrel7 and his son Hatchet Jack, we introduced the shooters to the program, and started off with the RedCoat target.  First one showed only 1 of the 5 shooters qualifying at 100 yards, but this would definitely be improving soon.

Prone + sling, 6 steps, NPOA and IMC all in before lunch along with B&D and carding the sights.  Some great looking groups showing up, improving along the way.

Over lunch Rebel Yell and I gave the 1st and 2nd strikes and then got the shooters back on the line to start into the other positions and the AQTs.  2 finished up before the final redcoat showed that now we had 2 at 100, 1 at 300 and 1 at 400.  Ended for the day with the 3rd strike, 7th step and benediction.

Sunday morning saw everyone out again, ready for more.  AQTs and various drills filled the day with the dangerous old men and women making a showing at lunch.  Lunch time also brought us the rest of Squirrel's and HJ's family, SwampFox7 showed up in her revolutionary period outfit and M4man in the Appleseed uniform.  The family that IITs together, and all  :)

The end of Sunday showed great improvement in everyone's scores, with the highest reported in at 203.  Many others were in the 150 and above range, a great showing for new Appleseed shooters.

Don and Karen remarked that they are interested in having more Appleseeds here, so the biggest thanks to them I can afford for supporting the program.


This was my first AS in Iowa (first of many, I hope) and once again my thoughts are proven true.  I meet the best folks ever at Appleseed events, both on the line and working the line.


Persist!

MOGromit
Title: Re: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: JohnMXL on May 10, 2010, 07:40:52 PM
I'm the aforementioned John, who brought his daughter Kate.

Major thanks to Don & Karen for hosting and providing an excellent range.  Thanks also to MOGromit, Rebel Yell, Squirrel7 and Hatchet Jack for a great weekend of rifle instruction and history.  Kate had never shot before but had expressed interest in learning to shoot. Squirrel took a lot of extra time with her and had her doing pretty well by the end of the first day.  She came back with me for the Sunday program but lost focus...guess she'd had enough to drink from the firehose.  I'm not giving up on her - I hope to bring her to a future AS.  Thanks also to SwampFox7
and M4man (and Mom - didn't get her name, sorry) for joining us Sunday!

Except for a couple of magazines that tended to empty themselves spontaneously my old Remington 581 bolt rifle worked well, although I'm likely to bring a 10/22 to future AS.  With Gromit's help we did 'make the rifle mine' with a bit of pink duct tape - the mod made a difference in my on-target performance.  I went from 100 yards on the initial Red Coat to 400 yards on the final, but missed Capt. Morgan's square.  I have a bit of practice in front of me to get that Rifleman patch, but I have a goal!  I may not be fit enough to be a Minuteman, but with a bit of work I think I'll make a pretty good Dangerous Old Man!

We had a great, safe weekend and I can't wait to do it again!
Title: Re: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: MOGromit on May 11, 2010, 09:24:41 AM
Hey John,

It was great having you and Kate on the line this weekend.  Her motivation in running to check her targets and excitement with her shooting was definitely an inspiration.

Looking forward to seeing both of you on the Appleseed trail soon.

MOGromit
Title: Re: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: Squirrel7 on May 12, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
Hello Appleseeders,
Hatchet Jack and I (Squirrel7) enjoyed IITing in Farragut.  As always we increased our knowledge.  Many thanks to Don and Karen for providing the land, and a warm cozy place to have lunch and listen to the 3 strikes.  Mogromit was inspiring with his strikes.  (There were many wet eyes in our crowd). Rebelyell told a great Dangerous Old Man story.  I am so thankful for our heritage. 

Randy and Julie made steady improvement and I hope to see them again at another Appleseed.  It was so fun to watch their progress. They are on their way.

John and Kate were great to work with and very fast learners.  When Kate grows into her rifle, watch out, she's come far and will go far.  I hope to see them again with friends.

Backwoods Home magazine definitely played a significant role in getting our small group together.  Our family is getting a subscription as a means of thanks.  (Also it's a great magazine with many articles on self-sufficient living.) I really appreciate them.

Hatchet and I are studying every day trying to improve our training skills.  We will persist.

Thanks everyone. 

Squirrel7 and Hatchet Jack

Title: Re: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: mac3647 on May 12, 2010, 10:14:08 PM
To ALL our new friends!  What a great weekend(even though I was wore out), sorry about the weather I'll put in my request sooner the next time. I'm going to try and attach the photos Karen Took.  Thanks to all of you for the positive support of our effort to host our first Appleseed, you all are welcome back anytime, a special thanks to Kate for putting the electric fence back up and for playing with Annie.  Also our appreciation for the great shape you left the range. Don &Karen
Title: Re: AAR Farragut, IA - May 8,9
Post by: mac3647 on May 14, 2010, 08:23:47 AM
Farragut Appleseed pictures