This historic event is just about to get started. Attached below are a few pictures of the setup that happened today. Stay tuned for more pics throughout the weekend!
A little bit of rain early this morning, but that won't slow anyone down.
..
Redcoats are up!
Dang, I miss all the fun. >:( Well, I guess somebody has to hold the fort down while the rest of you are off playing... :P
The First Strike of the Match.
Back to the firing line.
Working in groups and having a blast!
How many people showed up?
Quote from: B-Line on September 11, 2010, 07:23:23 PM
How many people showed up?
I don't know what the final number ended up being, but the line looks pretty full.
Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkrHfjOqJjU
Looks like an awesome turnout! O0
IT WAS A GREAT TIME!!!! I WAS PRETTY COOL TO LOOK DOWN THE LINE AND SEE ALL US SHOOTERS TAKING FIRE AT RED COATS, I JUST WISH I HAD SHOT A LITTLE BETTER TODAY BUT I HAD A GREAT TIME AND SINCE I CAN'T BE THERE TOMORROW, CUZ OF WORK, I CANT WAIT TIL THE NEXT APPLESEED AT WATERMAN, IT WILL BE #4 FOR ME.
Yes, it was a good day but a long one. Loooooong. We finished the instructor meeting at 9:15 PM, I think. Whew. Tired.
Things went quite well, though! We had two guys clear the Redcoats on the final one of the day in the section where I was standing at the time. The sun was down before we finished the first and final (optional) AQT, but we got three new riflemen on the their first AQT of the weekend! And six or seven new orange hats, as well. EEL or Guy will be along with the names, soon.
BTW, it's a really nice range. If you're living in the area, you might consider joining it.
More tomorrow,
Mogs
To those who sent them my direction, thanks for the pics throughout the day.
Posterboy sent in a ton of great stuff this evening. Here are a few highlights.
New video for day 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUBSnjagT6Q
Ah, yeah, that video is great. Posterboy was one hard-working man yesterday!
Mogs
Orange hats from yesterday evening followed by new images from this morning.
Thanks for all the pics!!!
2 of my family were there and my daughter said it was a great time and that a new Red Hat was also "made."
Congrats Ishy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-RPD
Ishy is utterly awesome!! ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:..
You are the seed of the Patriotic growth that will rescue our faltering Republic!!\
Do not lose your heart-felt fire, or succumb to the idiotic self-obsession of the last two generations; they have bowed us down before the fatal folly of their love of television and Hollywood idolatry. The Rescue of America begins with the rescue of American life and the resistance to unnecessary taxation and regulation.
Janelle (Cooper)
AKA Mom4rmHell
Wow ;D How fantastic ! Great pics,new Rifleman and the largest AS ever.
The founders are smiling from above :)
Excelent job everyone and a big welcome aboard to those who got the message and will work to preserve our republic via AS O0
Wish I could have been there :(
JA
A few more pics from Sunday. I'm sure the after action report will be packed.
what a great weekend!
Great job Illinois and all the great Americans that attended to shoot and instruct. O0 O0 O0 O0
I especially like the color guard....what a moving event this must have been. I can imagine the histories were the usual.....AWESOME !
I had a lot of fun, met a lot of great Americans, and had the privilege to run an amazing group. What a weekend of success in Appleseed and for a nation. ^:)^
O0 :) Thanks to all that attended and made this a huge success :bow: :~
dragonfly
This one did not disappoint. :bow: I have truly been blessed to be able to participate. Great job to everyone. O0
this was my 3rd AS and all i can say is AWESOME, from the size of the range to the fife & drum corp it was truly a special weekend, thanks to all
All I can say is....
Wow
Wow is the operative word!
I don't think that I have ever been to an event and been more moved, and felt as much joy as what we did this weekend.
Terrific. Sad to see it end, but like I told Deacon:
There's always next weekend.
West :))
I have a load of pics to post, but while you wait, here is a video of the opening Red Coat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBoWKdP8s0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBoWKdP8s0)
Quote from: West on September 13, 2010, 07:02:21 PM
Wow is the operative word!
I don't think that I have ever been to an event and been more moved, and felt as much joy as what we did this weekend.
Terrific. Sad to see it end, but like I told Deacon:
There's always next weekend.
West :))
Every weekend is a good weekend for an Appleseed! :D
I'll echo the "Wow!" Amazing on so many levels. I'm honored to have been a part of such a historic weekend.
WOW looks like a great time! My hat is off to the ones that planned and made this happen. Then another tip of the hat to the ones that worked it. O0
One can only say Huzzah! What an incredible experience being part of the largest Appleseed event in history. It was so well organized I never heard of or saw one glitch. Considering the size of this event that is no small feat. One can only congratulate (and thank) EEL and all the others too numerous to name (including all those behind the scenes) that pulled this off.
To all of you who missed this, DON'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN!!!! Mark your calendars NOW for next year.
The very best part was being in company with all those great American's who came out to breathe the air of hope one can only get being around so many kindred spirits.
GREAT videos! Posterboy, your pictures are wonderful. Thanks for letting me shadow you a bit! O0
Just PM'ed EEL to ask that he get the AAR up and running, then we will have a place for the bajillion pictures we all took!
I am feeling very honored (and a bit sore) to have been able to shoot at the historic Waterman 300 Appleseed this weekend. What a fine group of people and what an unbelievable time.
Highlights for me were the first volley at the redcoats, the colonial period reenactor corps and the photographic flyover. By far the most memorable part for me were the presentations though. Listening to Fred and Eel was extremely inspiring. The Guy brought tears to my eyes. However, Ishy's second strike speech blew them all away! I've taught Public Speaking at colleges and universities for decades and all I can say is she set the bar really high for you all! Let's strive to match her energy and flair for the dramatic in every presentation at every Appleseed. ^:)^
I had so much fun! I also learned a ton. I now know to focus on the front sight rather than the target (step 4a.) This was important for me in improving my ability to shoot by the numbers. I'm also squeeeezing the trigger more often (step 5), following through (step 6) and am not dragging (as much) wood--all important learning moments.
This time was a lot less like taking a sip from a fire-hose but it was still a strong garden hose with a tight nozzle! My scores went up and my consistency improved. I'm not a rifleman yet but I'm moving along the road.
Thank you all for everything you did. A special thanks to the instructors of Platoon 4-- Aftermath, Old Glory, Gumball Head, Rimshot and Isiaih (I hope I did not leave anyone out)
Well, I've gotta sign off now. I have dry firing practice so I can be ready for my next Appleseed in a couple weeks.
The Waterman 300 event was my fourth Appleseed. I have attended three Appleseed events at the Racine County Line Club over the past year. My two boys also came with me to Waterman, each of them attended a full weekend at Racine and a single day before this event.
Was a big rush to see all the cars and trucks, and trailers, of all the other Appleseeder's, but the representation of all the historic flags, the tents, the long line of target backers, and all the different license plates on those vehicles. Missouri, New Mexico, Iowa, Virginia...
We met instructors and shooters that we have gotten to know at various events, and we met new friends too. I invested in a copy of "Paul Revere's Ride" late last year, but I always enjoy hearing about the history behind the moral and ethical foundations of the United States. And how each individual tells the story in their own way.
Was very happy to start to feel more comfortable with NPOA to a point where I was feeling confident in my shooting. Finally shot my first Rifleman on the Saturday evening AQT. Bad part was that earlier in the day we had a rifle malfunction on my youngest son's rifle, but we were able to secure a loaner for the rest of the weekend. I used that loaner rifle to follow up with a Rifleman score Sunday. I so very much appreciate all the help of all the instructors in guiding me and my family in our sport of mutual enjoyment. I appreciate that others have went through this program and achieved Rifleman, something that I really wanted to achieve for myself. Additionally, the enjoyment of being around responsible, motivated, and increasingly civic minded individuals.
In addition to the other fantastic volunteers, it was great to meet Fred, and for him to remind me to bring friends.
We're so in for Waterman 600 2011. ^:)^
My attempts at photography. I should have stuck to my regular digital camera instead of relying on my cellphone. :(
Strong, honor to have you on the line. You have all the makings of a GREAT instructor....(insert the smiley with the orange hat here :cool2:)
Super Dave in 3D - Racine is coming in October again....http://www.appleseedinfo.org/search-states.html O0
Fat Mike! Congratulations! What a great day to earn your Rifleman patch. Pass it on!
Elroy, Welcome!
I only have 3 words to describe this past AS..............GREATEST APPLESEED EVER!!!!! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Dare I say Waterman 600 in 2011 ^-^
Count me in. O0
Karl
WOW !! That doesn't come close to really expressing my feelings ^:)^ ^:)^ So many instructors threw themselves head first into this project it is sometimes difficult to remember that they are all volunteers! That's right...ALL VOLUNTEERS! Over 70 instructors from 13 different states (hmmm, coincidence? ???) descended upon the Aurora Sportsmen's Club (ASC) in Waterman, Illinois to lend us a hand. California, Idaho, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and North Carolina. Every state in the midwest from Canada to Mexico was represented.
We spent the entire day Friday getting over 1/4 mile of target line set up along with getting the rest of the range squared away. When we finally hit the cots that night you could feel the electricity in the air. Tomorrow.....it's here!! You can imagine the mood Saturday morning when we awoke to a light drizzle :-\ I guess I should be ashamed. The last shoot here at ASC started the same way and STILL 42 persistent shooters turned out. Today was to be no different. We had approx 190 shooters that felt that if our forefathers could wear rags for boots and endure the brutally harsh winter at Valley Forge, they could endure a little rain. And endure they did!
The weekend opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, Fred addressed the group, Guy hammered home the safety rules, and we were off! View the three "youtube" videos posted above, they are truly spectacular!!! If you weren't there, I'm sorry, for it was a sight to behold! The rains finally gave way and we had a wonderful Saturday. A day made for shooting. (aren't they all?) The individual Shoot Bosses instructed their shooters on the finer points of marksmanship throughout the day. As the sun set on a glorious day, those that wanted, shot an AQT. We found 3 new Riflemen on our opening AQT!!!
Sunday arrived promising better weather. And it came through. We had some new shooters arrive which will bring our total to 202 ish, I believe, for the shoot. The biggest Appleseed to date! I say that because we aim to break that record next year!!! Mark your calendars now for the Annual Waterman 300. Hopefully, we will have to rename it ;D
The shoot is scheduled for September 10-11, 2011. This will help mark the 10 year anniversary of that fateful day.
Sunday the pace quickened. Shooters began to hone those new found skills until mag changes became second nature, finding NPOA became easier, and shooting in Rifleman's cadence (1 shot every 3 seconds) felt natural. They were on the road to becoming Riflemen!! I'll have to check the records, but I believe 6 more shooters mastered the AQT and picked up that coveted Rifleman's patch.
Sadly, the sun began to set. The realization began to sink in that it was almost over. That which we have so looked forward to was about to be history. Where had the weekend gone? Seems like we just got started. Guy left us with this quote by John Adams. Words written after he had ridden from Boston to Lexington on what is now called Battle Road. After he witnessed the pain, the suffering, the carnage.
"Posterity, you will never know the price the current generation has paid to secure your Liberty, I hope you make good use of it; For if you do not, I shall repent in heaven for taking half the pains to preserve it."
I left the range with the setting sun to my back. I stood at the end of the range, my shadow cast a long shape onto the grass. The far berm had a reddish glow. I looked east down the 600 yard line where moments earlier over 200 rifles had sounded off in the name of Liberty......my eyes got misty, a lump rose in my throat, pride swelled in my heart.....and I couldn't help but think...maybe, just maybe.....they smiled a little.
I thank each and every one of you for being there! YOU are the future of our Country. YOU can make a difference. YOU can make "that choice".
Respectfully,
EEL
Edit added: Special thanks to Aurora Sportsmen's Club for allowing us to use their range, provide the sound system, and assist in promoting this event. For those that were there, you know what ASC offers. We also had several shooters step up and take an Orange hat. Thanks and congratulations to these fine Americans that have decided not to sit back and watch, but have chosen to do what they can to help alter the course our country is on!!
Thanks for all those who took time to take the pictures. One IIT I met this weekend says, "Pictures...or it didn't happen. &)" You proved that this did happen and so much more. O0
---GoldFish
More comin' soon...
I will just touch on this weekend. On Sunday, Ishy got up to speak and tell us the story. At first, all I heard was a little girl telling the story of the sacrifice of our founders. It sounded like a children's story for bed time. How can this young girl convey the story and the message?
And then I looked up. She has only one leg. Wow, (pause, and think) I guess she knows a few things about life.
We were treated to the most passionate and moving strike of the match, most will ever hear.
Well done Ishy, well done. you are the woman!
My high point for the weekend.
Colycat
Quote from: RifleWoman on September 11, 2010, 12:47:56 PM
Dang, I miss all the fun. >:( Well, I guess somebody has to hold the fort down while the rest of you are off playing... :P
And we thank you greatly for that!
After all, we wouldn't be able to do any of this without you, RW!
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Quote from: colycat on September 13, 2010, 11:57:29 PM
I will just touch on this weekend. On Sunday, Ishy got up to speak and tell us the story. At first, all I heard was a little girl telling the story of the sacrifice of our founders. It sounded like a children's story for bed time. How can this young girl convey the story and the message?
And then I looked up. She has only one leg. Wow, (pause, and think) I guess she knows a few things about life.
We were treated to the most passionate and moving strike of the match, most will ever hear.
Well done Ishy, well done. you are the woman!
My high point for the weekend.
Colycat
Mere mortals, such as myself, will likely never reach the bar which she has set before us. And she's just beginning!
Ishy, how does it feel to have the admiration of masses of Americans?
That reception, I can only imagine.
Ishy for President!
Nope, there is no way to describe the glory of this event! AWESOME!!! (?)
Thank you so much, Guy and EEL. Can't thank you enough....
It was truly an honorable experience to be within feet of ~50 of this country's greatest instructors. Like Guy, I was amazed to see so many red and orange hats in the same location! I know there were so many more wonderful instructors that couldn't make it and I'm sorry not to have met them.
Riflemen...congratulations. New orange hats...congratulations. (Huzzah, Litl Bit! That's my little sis! :cool2:)
Quote from: colycat on September 13, 2010, 11:57:29 PM
I will just touch on this weekend. On Sunday, Ishy got up to speak and tell us the story. At first, all I heard was a little girl telling the story of the sacrifice of our founders. It sounded like a children's story for bed time. How can this young girl convey the story and the message?
And then I looked up. She has only one leg. Wow, (pause, and think) I guess she knows a few things about life.
We were treated to the most passionate and moving strike of the match, most will ever hear.
Well done Ishy, well done. you are the woman!
My high point for the weekend.
Colycat
Why, thank you so much! It was an honor to share such an incredible story at such an incredible event. Very humbling.
Quote from: AFTERMATH on September 14, 2010, 12:30:30 AM
Mere mortals, such as myself, will likely never reach the bar which she has set before us. And she's just beginning!
Ishy, how does it feel to have the admiration of masses of Americans?
That reception, I can only imagine.
Ishy for President!
Thank you so much! I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet all you wonderful instructors I probably wouldn't have met if it weren't for this event.
It was such an honor to be a part of this shoot. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for making the trip. O0
HUZZAH!!!
Holy Mackerel, the Waterman 300 was beyond words!!! The planning was flawless!!! 200 plus shooters and every one of them must have had the time of their life. I am so very impressed with the great talent that set this event into history. The Guy, EEL and all the rest of the volunteers that made this happen are obviously true Americans with hearts of gold. I am so proud to be a part of Appleseed I could bust. O0
I guess I was not the only one to get something in my eyes several times over the weekend. With every strike of the match something got in my eyes. Dang! ::)
Ishy has left me with a wonderful memory. A more beautiful presentation could not have been made. :bow: Thank you.
It was great to see all of the Appleseed folks that I have come to love. And I finally got to meet in person many of the Appleseeders that I have been reading about for months. Very cool!!!
Did it rain Saturday morning? #)
P.S. I tried to post some pictures but my file size seems to be too large. Pictures coming soon.
The Waterman 300 was my first Appleseed event, but it won't be my last.
What a great way to spend a weekend.
I earned my Rifleman on Saturday, scored by West.
The Instructors of Platoon #2 were great at helping me remember what they had taught.
I was quite impressed with the level of safety on the firing line.
You men and women are to be commended for your efforts and vigilance.
-Chris Engstrom
Rifleman
Here I am Saturday evening getting my patch from Dragonfly.
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd93/bulz123/IMG00364-20100911-1922.jpg)
A truly awe inspiring event to see this many people willing to go out and lay in the rain. It is even more more amazing when you stop to think there is no money, prizes(doorprizes don't count) or awards besides a simple patch to get people to come out. This means to me that all these shooters a making the drive and taking the time e to make the history and significance of the events of April 19 and what they mean to our country today.
BTW I got my rifleman on Saturday with a 229 scored by ahhshoot
More pictures of the Waterman 300. Hope y'all like em.
as if you all have not heard this enough already...WOW!! what a great event. Fife and Drum Corps, revolutionary Rifle squad, ISHY's "second strike" story, actually brought a tear to my eye as Guy handed the H-red hat over!
Met way toooo many fine folks to mention all by name, but one in particular stood out, Dawn and the girls from idaho made this AS a great experiance for me, as well as all the other folks in "6th Platoon" "Meanstreaker"(I only smoke at appleseeds) did an Awesome job as 6th's Instructor! did I mention that? as well as Fred's constant drilling on the "6 steps to firing the shot" I doubt I shall ever forget them!
Waterman was my 2nd AS, not my last! broke into "Sharpshooter" but the elusive RIFLEMAN PATCH ESCAPED AGAIN.
I shall return for another try, as they say...Third times a charm!
Thanks again to all of the IIT's and Instructors who VOLUNTEERED to help us all shoot better! HUZZAH!!
snakeman67....out. ;)
To use awesome would be redundant in this thread but Waterman was awesome!! ^:)^
Big thanks to all the Red and Orange hats who volunteered their time to teach those of use on the line how to do it by the numbers...SSQQEEEEEEZZZE !!
I was my honor to meet Fred and have him instruct us on looking for flinching and bucking before the card drill on Saturday.
Guy was great to hear on the line and the man has a big heart!
EEL was the man - many thanks for all the work you did to make this happen.
Ishy was an inspiration, you where over in group 1 with us and helped greatly with instruction. I was watching you on Sunday evening shooting an M1 like you where born to it. For such a lovely young lady you have a belly full of grit!! Hope I get to see you at another AS someday O0
Old Glory - Thanks for the kind words - I'm already recruiting for the next Appleseed and the Waterman 600 in 2011 !!
KR from MO - You were a fantastic instructor and really took good care of us. Who are you on the forum?
OddBall - I met you while parking the car and we got along like old friends the whole weekend - you were group 1's favorite orange hat.
Really loved the Dangerous Old Men stories - I don't feel very dangerous but I got the old man part competed - Praying my liver heals after all the Advil I took over the weekend.
I heard the same comment on the line "Pictures...or it didn't happen" so here goes:
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x211/blacksmithtech/waterman%20300/waterman300.jpg)
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x211/blacksmithtech/waterman%20300/Rifleman_300patch.jpg)
The best parts of the weekend...
Friday morning when I arrived at the range, the first thing I did was climb up the berm to take a picture. I tried to imagine the firing line stretching from one end of the range to the other. I couldn't.
I helped set up the backers on Friday. When the group stopped for a lunch break, one instructor remarked, "We're only halfway done!" We all just smiled as we looked down the long row of backers that was only half of the line.
As the 'fire' command was given for the first time on Saturday morning, all I could do was grin. Hundreds of rifles going off all at once... amazing...
Sunday afternoon, I was offered the chance to shoot a Garand for the first time. THAT was FUN! Thanks Bill 3! :D
This shoot offered the best history I've ever heard. Guy, EEL, Ishy, Hooters Billy... Outstanding! O0 O0 O0
The warm welcome I got from instructors and shooters alike was simply wonderful. Thank you. Meeting all the instructors I had only talked to on the forum was great. After the weekend, I felt like I'd known them my whole life: EEL (even though you kept dropping the zip-ties !@#) ;)), Guy (no more AAR Fairy for you, just Evenstar ;)), West (your name's on my shirt, not the list :D), GoldFish (who'd have guessed a week before that we'd meet in Waterman? :) ), Ishy (your history is awesome!), Lyberty (I forgot to have you do some signing for me!), Hooters Billy (thanks for making me eat lunch, even though by Sunday night I was sick as a dog), Fred (wait, I've met you before - shouldn't you be on your own list? **) Oh, and you didn't have to convince me that I should come to this shoot. ;)), oldgrunt (oh boy... YOU again), Deacon, AFTERMATH, POP, Cristina (ok you're not an instructor, but you rock anyway!), RedNekEng, Green Light (yes, my name IS Evenstar, as a matter of fact ;D), Boba Fett, Mogget, Bill3, techres, MeanStreaker (<3's Idaho! :D), Gopher Boy (AARs.... ;D), Old Glory! (fabulous decals!), and SO MANY MORE! I miss you ALL! Remember, Idaho is only a leap plane-flight away. And it has hills, mountains, and pine trees! ..:.. :cool2:
Hawkhavn, it's always great to see you! SavageShootr, you don't look like my aunt... :D
The worst part of the weekend...
How could the shoot be over so soon?!??! The goodbyes were the hardest part. Never before have I cried when I left an Appleseed... until Waterman 300. You guys are awesome.
A big thank you to those who made this shoot happen - EEL, Guy, WL3, and all those that I don't know about. :bow: And, of course, the shooters. Thanks for coming out to the record-breaking event. It was great working with you all! Come to another shoot, and bring a friend (or two or three).
Thank you for letting me go, Fred!
~Evenstar
P.S. Yep, I've got a few pictures myself.
Quote from: Fat Mike on September 14, 2010, 11:09:05 AM
KR from MO - You were a fantastic instructor and really took good care of us. Who are you on the forum?
KR from MO would be Longshot... and yes, he is a fantastic instructor, and a good guy all 'round.
Wish I could have made it out... it appears you folks had as good a time as I expected you would!
Greybeard
I know it's been said by many already, but it's just the perfect way to describe this weekend...WOW!!!
First of all, THANK YOU Guy and EEL for making this shoot happen; as Guy said, without you EEL, this shoot would have been a lot different...and not for the better. Guy, I agree with that about EEL's help, but I also think the same about you and what you did to make it a success. Great job.
Thank you to the whole Dangerous Old Family that so graciously provided me with the opportunity to make it to the Waterman 300. With out you guys, I could not say anything that I'm about to. Thanks!
Getting to meet and put faces with so many Instructors and IIT's that I've talked to and worked with was something that I'll never forget: EEL, AFTERMATH, Evenstar, Western Rose, TruTenacity, Mogget, Pappy, techres, hawkhavn, Gumballhead, SavageShootr, Garand69, Old Glory, Dragonfly, Deacon, POP, and so many more...
At this event I finally had the chance to listen to the sound of Freedom...over 200 rifles going boom boom boom at the same time! :D :--- Breathtaking.
AFTERMATH, thanks for all you did in Platoon #4. I greatly enjoyed and appreciated getting to work and learn from you. Fantastic job.
Pappy, thank you for manning the repair tent for the weekend; it definitely saved me a lot of time and aggravation.
Ishy, your history was inspiring, and you getting your RH was just...well...read what I think of that on the Congrats Thread. (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=16777.msg137160;topicseen#msg137160)
I believe this was the best Jr. Instructor group we've ever had in one spot in AS history. Ishy, Western Rose, Evenstar, Green Light, Lyberty, Litlbit, .5, and myself. Eventhough I'm one of the older Jr.'s, I learned from all of you, yes ALL OF YOU!!! Western Rose and Evenstar, meeting you both was absolutely Amazing. I hope we meet up again, and soon.
EEL, your benediction on Saturday night was the best I'd ever heard, ever. The the exhortations you gave, stories you told, and the PASSION you delivered everything with hit me like a .50 cal bullet right in the chest and made me tear up. Never before had I done that with history. If for no other reason, I am glad I came simply to meet, talk, and learn from you. Thank you.
West, MeanStreaker, and EEL. You guys are IT. I-T. IT. The way you run the program, with passion, belief, and conviction, makes me aspire to be a better person and a better instructor. It's because of you that I'm in this program. Thank you for signing my hat. West, what you told me makes me wanna be a SB even more.
This is the top 2 Appleseeds of my life, up there with the one when I got the Rifleman patch.
Pics coming soon...
---GoldFish
Well, I can see that my feelings just don't count around here. I mean ya'll knew it would kill me to hear about this event. Least ya coulda done was lie and say it was all bad, or jist kep it to yerselves! !@#)
Seriously, after reading this (especially Eel's post - gulp), I am kicking myself for not finding a way to have been there. Will not make same error next year - Lord willin', I'll be there. Maybe I can learn something about priorities while I'm there. :wb:
I already know better - life is short. Carpe Diem!
Quote from: AFTERMATH on September 14, 2010, 12:30:30 AMIshy for President!
She's not old enough...
yet. I'll vote for her!
I rolled in Friday to find that EEL and the Illinois crew had already done a huge amount of work to get the line up and running.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4986851243_ce265ae491_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4986851045_f713705a24_z.jpg)
Soon it was time to have all the assembled instructors and staff run through the course of fire, re-cover the plan for the next day, and have all sorts of final meetings:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4987452292_2912ebb379_z.jpg)
Finally we ended with a dinner in the dark and headed off to the camping site to chat and sleep.
Saturday morning rolled in and with it some grey clouds and slight rain. Despite the weather, some 250 patriots gathered to learn, instruct, and re-dedicate themselves to their nation. We began in rain gear and good cheer, listening to the safety brief and instructions:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4987453316_dba16ab064_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4986852809_0e37ca0fd4_z.jpg)
Even international media had arrived to see Americans at work and listen to some words from Fred:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4986853021_0a5b433584_z.jpg)
Then it was time to listen to 200+ rifles fire off 2600+ rounds into the red coat targets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBoWKdP8s0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBoWKdP8s0)
The camera was unable to capture the rolling thunder sounds I heard. Off at the opposite side of the line were some big guns and the distinct sound of at least one Mosin.
Soon the instruction began with 10 platoons leaders each running their own part of the line as sub teams. The system worked well and the weather also let up on us. Soon it was a sunny day with winds and a lot of fun:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4987454046_9112d5c0d0_z.jpg)
Here is Meanstreaker's section of the line where I spent some time watching one of our 10 best do his thing:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4987454336_f96d7fc74a_z.jpg)
Soon it was time to gather up at the center, get some grub and listen to some history:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4987341336_2bf0fd6754_z.jpg)
Then it was back to the line. When I was not helping out our visiting reporter, I visited different teams up and down the line. Here is Wurstmacher and his team teaching positions:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4986730847_ac5173d6d7_z.jpg)
On his line there was a great father/son team who were having a ball and were great students. I love watching a kid teach dad during ball & dummy as it is the only time kids are openly asked to lie, cheat and deceive their parents! I see smiles all around here:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4986720659_4fb298202e_z.jpg)
Up the line with Meanstreaker there was more fun with yet more students of all kinds. This student was doing great and was very good at patiently working through all the instruction and information she was getting. And she was quite the trooper, doing it all with a smile:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4987316498_8c254ff411_b.jpg)
Youth shooters particularly draw my attention as they are the future of our nation and are also up against more challenges than young adults. Meanstreaker had a young man on his line that was struggling hard, but got the best of our instructors to work with him:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4987320468_f212cf675c_z.jpg)
He had to bow out and take a seat under his family's tent come afternoon but on the end of the weekend, he left with a smile on his face and a handfull of prized spent brass in varying calibers!
And he was not the only one, there were kids of all ages up and down the line.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4987327732_fbc665be3a_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4986727687_04a5075fdf_z.jpg)
The day drew to an end with us racing the sun to get in an AQT after finishing the day's history.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4987336198_9b01cf43da_z.jpg)
Results?! Riflemen! That and a whole lot of Americans having learned and exercised their freedoms together all on the same day...
Sunday started with amazing weather and quickly we got into the AQT's and everyone got their chance to join the line, orange, red and blue hats took their turn to join the fun and polish skills:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4986737853_472807b7ab_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4986711099_6d858de75a_z.jpg)
And after another great day it was time to complete our histories (including an amazing one by Ishy), score up our AQT's and say good bye to new friends.
I want to send out thanks to all those who came as shooters as well as those who came to instruct as well as to support the shoot. You all are what makes the magic happen together. Thank you.
An additional thanks goes out to the media team who took all the pictures between Posterboy, myself and others! Please remember to post your stuff here as well as send me a PM so we can link up together for future work!
Lastly, thanks to the AppleCore blue hats who came out to help work outside of Indiana where they were started. You guys did great, especially after I got out of your way. Thanks again!
EEL, Garand69, Guy, everyone - Thanks to you all. You dreamed it, you did it, I was proud to be there and part of it.
Hope to see you all on the line again soon,
Techres
P.S. In my allergy medicine haze, I forgot the name of one of our photographers on the line. She was doing a great job and I want to be sure to contact her. Please let me know:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4987343642_13280857a9_z.jpg)
Quote from: techres on September 14, 2010, 04:36:10 PM
P.S. In my allergy medicine haze, I forgot the name of one of our photographers on the line. She was doing a great job and I want to be sure to contact her. Please let me know:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4987343642_13280857a9_z.jpg)
GoldFish's sister, Cristina.
Thanks WR!
PlainsBilly :
QuoteBTW I got my rifleman on Saturday with a 229 scored by ahhshoot
Very nice score PB! Congrats !!!
Thanks to EEL and all the instructors for a job well done.
A special thanks to our Armours for keeping us on the line.
2clickslow
Hello Group; The week end, Waterman 300 in Waterman Illinois,200 Rifles to support. Thanks to Klipperfurt, Nemohunter for the Service and Rifle Maintenance support to each and every rifle that they took the time and talent to repair. The weekend was more than any one of us could of hoped for or handled on our own.
Things went well with little backups Saturday, Sunday without Klipperfurt to lend his talents the repairs slowed but there were fewer of them so it worked out.. O0
There seemed like a endless supply of folks who needed a little bit of (TLC) and happy that there was a place to find it...
There were 26 sets of sling swivels installed, 14 sets of Tec Sights installed, some were supplied by the shooters...
Many cleaning and adjustment issues were handled deftly.
I do hope that all who were serviced are happy with the service. 8) :) ;)
It is a Joy to me to be able to meet all of you, I only wish that I could of had more time to spend with every one.
EEL, You sir have spent more time than any one will ever know making this shoot what it is, Very well done!!!!!!! :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
To all who were the shoot bosses and the support staff, Thank You for your efforts.
Ishy; WOW, I was moved by your history, I have heard many and let me say you have a gift. Well done!
It was a pleasure to work with each and every one of you, I hope we can spend more time in the future. Till then Keep them in the black :) Pappy
There are no words to describe this event...
Flying over the clouds for the first time... Watching the ground turn from mountains and pine trees to flat, deciduous trees and fields (I was like Bilbo after the first day or two, "I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains!", well, hills and pine trees at least)
The highlights of the weekend:
Meeting and putting faces to a lot of the people that I talk to quite a bit.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs350.ash2/63046_1616733617501_1211183011_31739127_6617157_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs710.snc4/63046_1616733657502_1211183011_31739128_2282400_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs700.snc4/62010_1502559196432_1007778714_31414221_5284199_n.jpg)
Seeing the Blue Hats in action.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs672.snc4/61241_1616734737529_1211183011_31739129_7197979_n.jpg)
Hearing all about the "short corn".
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs349.ash2/62924_1616728777380_1211183011_31739091_507426_n.jpg)
Working on setting up the line Friday.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs323.ash2/60341_1616729257392_1211183011_31739097_387044_n.jpg)
Moving all of the outhouses.....
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs663.snc4/60341_1616729297393_1211183011_31739098_4663530_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs614.snc4/59431_1616729817406_1211183011_31739099_8271379_n.jpg)
Seeing so many shooters at one spot.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs607.snc4/58724_1616732497473_1211183011_31739119_4872880_n.jpg)
Meeting so many other "junior" instructors.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs672.snc4/61241_1616734857532_1211183011_31739132_7264531_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs672.snc4/61241_1616734937534_1211183011_31739134_5705251_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs663.snc4/60335_1616744097763_1211183011_31739170_4512391_n.jpg)
Watching Ishy get her Red Hat.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs639.snc4/59951_1616736577575_1211183011_31739144_1994401_n.jpg)
The flyover.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs639.snc4/59951_1616736857582_1211183011_31739150_7644811_n.jpg)
Seeing all of the "junior" shooters.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs645.snc4/60570_1616738377620_1211183011_31739154_4393997_n.jpg)
Watching Leah scold the "big, bad guys"
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs645.snc4/60570_1616738337619_1211183011_31739153_6805170_n.jpg)
Listening to Ishy, Guy, EEL and Hooters Billy.
Watching Deacon and his son and the Richardsons work with each other was like a piece of home in a far away place.
Boba Fett's Sunday Field Sermon was also a piece of home. Thanks.
Shooting Bill3's M1.
Congratulations to the new Rifleman and Orange hats!!! O0
Talking to some instructors who couldn't be there. It was great be able to talk to you, Johnny and JohnnyAppleseed. Thanks POP and Savageshootr for letting me borrow your phones.
Having a young lady run up to me after the first day and handing me a little paper airplane that she made and running up and giving me a hug, or sticking her little hand in mine when we walked together to find something or to listen to history. Thanks, Olivia. You made my weekend.
Reading the comments on my t-shirt and in my book when I got home. Thanks to all of the instructors!! And Hooters Billy for taking the book around! 8) O0
Guy, it was great to see you again after, what, 5 years? Fred, your right, neither of us ever imagined in that long ago moment at a range in CdA that we'd run into each other in Illinois. SS, great seeing you again. HH, one year exactly... time flew by. Just think, it was you that gave me that push into talking in front of people for the first time, one year ago. Ishy, you are such an inspiration. Boba Fett, thanks again for doing the field sermon. Ben 1775, it was great to watch how you do things for those "15 minutes". ;) MeanStreaker, it was great to be able to work under you for the short time that I did. Bill3, great to meet you, thanks for letting me shoot your rifle. .5, hehe...... I think that says it all... Green Light, I'm not ER (yet anyway) even if all you easterners do start to call me that... Goldfish, RedNeckEng and family, Deacon, Gopher Boy (trouble maker you), Hooters Billy, EEL and everyone else, it was great to put faces to the computer screen. ;) Nah, to the names that I heard so many stories about. You guys rock. You are all welcome in Idaho anytime.
Shooters, you all were great to work with. I really enjoyed being there with you. We couldn't have had this shoot without you. 8) O0 ^:)^ ..:.. :---
And I've got a picture just for UNCLE EEL (because he OBVIOUSLY wanted in the picture)... ^-^ >:D
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60570_1616738457622_1211183011_31739156_3047924_n.jpg)
here's a few I'll add more as I filter them lol...great time
Here's the barn shot that WR took. Warning. It's FULL resolution, about 1.4MB
(http://www.erikandersondesigns.com/images/Appleseed/Full-6860.jpg)
I just wanted to stop in and once again say thanks to everyone that helped out at the shoot. This was my first Appleseed and even though at times I felt overwhelmed by everything going on, it was still a wonderful event. I may not have mad rifleman but I feel like I made some wonderful friends and got to meet some great people. I special thanks to my fellow Aggie Pop for all the words of wisdom, and to Old Grunt for helping me get my AK zeroed and stay motivated. I can't wait for my next event in October!
Thanks again for everything!
One more picture that I was requested to post... too bad it was the only one I got and had a smudge on the lens... :wb:
Hey oldgrunt, thanks for the pics of Teddy. I haven't seen him in a long time.
What a great event. And seeing all the young people gives me hope for this country all over again. What a great crew!
Quote from: Evenstar on September 14, 2010, 11:28:55 PM
One more picture that I was requested to post... too bad it was the only one I got and had a smudge on the lens... :wb:
Mamabear got some similar. We'll post them tomorrow.
Fife & Drum video by Mamabear:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TXXO6qstes
During the "Parting Glass".
The Riflemen removed their hats/put their heads down...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs695.snc4/63489_1617107906858_1211183011_31740235_3234822_n.jpg)
Instructors did the same...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs352.ash2/63220_1617108106863_1211183011_31740236_3156944_n.jpg)
Quote from: Karl on September 13, 2010, 11:08:19 PM
I only have 3 words to describe this past AS..............GREATEST APPLESEED EVER!!!!! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Dare I say Waterman 600 in 2011 ^-^
Count me in. O0
Karl
600? ??? 600? ::) WATERMAN 1000 Baby! :cool2:
Let's fill the horseshoe.
Boba
So has this thread become the AAR? ??? Should it be moved so others can find it?
Quote from: Boba Fett on September 14, 2010, 11:45:56 PM
So has this thread become the AAR? ??? Should it be moved so others can find it?
EEL said so. See: http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=16791.0
Alright, I'll play. I had posted a link to a dedicated Waterman album in my photobucket for the Indiana gun forum (http://www.ingunowners.com) and I was uploading pictures every time I got the chance. The full album is here (http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/bobbyone64/Waterman%20300/). Some of my favorites:
(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/bobbyone64/Waterman%20300/IMG_20100912_081850.jpg)
Pappy practicing his art.
(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/bobbyone64/Waterman%20300/IMG_20100911_112606.jpg)
West instructs while D-fly looks on.
(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/bobbyone64/Waterman%20300/IMG_20100910_183347.jpg)
Seeing this for the first time, it was hard to believe this was only the right side of the line.
And a video of the fifers with musket accompaniment. (http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/bobbyone64/Waterman%20300/?action=view¤t=VID_20100912_094215.mp4)
The Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps (http://www.tfdc.org/Home.html) blessed us with a 45 (ish!) minute performance. I was in tears as they sang "The Parting Glass"
Howdy Y'all,
Did anyone get a video of Ishy's Second Strike Speech?
Quote from: PHenry on September 14, 2010, 02:27:41 PM
Well, I can see that my feelings just don't count around here. I mean ya'll knew it would kill me to hear about this event. Least ya coulda done was lie and say it was all bad, or jist kep it to yerselves! !@#)
Focus those feelings PH; FL has a large range, right?
Say, February - March.. :cool2:..Git with EEL on the logistics, details, and Voila! Supershoot, Florida-style.
Now that's the kind of winterseed we're talkin bout! Let's not deny the Sun-shine state residents and visitors the mega-Appleseed experience. ..:..
Close your eyes now PH, I'm gonna rub it in. >:D
(http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5445/dscn7739.jpg) (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7739.jpg)
Evenstar and Fred
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/2968/dscn7742.jpg) (http://img826.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7742.jpg)
10 Appleseeds in 1
(http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9470/dscn7748.jpg) (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7748.jpg)
EEL and Posterboy
(http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6561/dscn7751.jpg) (http://img688.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7751.jpg)
(http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4748/dscn7762.jpg) (http://img838.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7762.jpg)
(http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/7040/dscn7766.jpg) (http://img825.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7766.jpg)
M.E. we're gonna see that orange hat turning red sooooon, you betcha!
(http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6605/dscn7768.jpg) (http://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7768.jpg)
Amanda of the Java Guy
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2401/dscn7770n.jpg) (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7770n.jpg)
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4914/dscn7781p.jpg) (http://img715.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7781p.jpg)
(http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6986/dscn7791a.jpg) (http://img825.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7791a.jpg)our range hosts! We had it made. Shower, conference tables. Thanks for opening up your facilities to us.
(http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/9022/dscn7804k.jpg) (http://img837.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7804k.jpg)
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/345/dscn7775.jpg) (http://img826.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7775.jpg)
(http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8770/dscn7811.jpg) (http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7811.jpg)
Old Grunt! and Abby
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8428/dscn7838.jpg) (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7838.jpg)
(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3101/dscn7845n.jpg) (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7845n.jpg)
Great pictures, everyone! Keep 'em coming!
Earlier silly unproductive comment placed here is withdrawn. $$-0
Back to SOM SOM
By far and away my favorite Appleseed event to date. It has been well said in this forum so I'll second (and third) all the kind and thoughtful words.
A heart-felt thank you to everyone involved; you are truly American Heroes.
Here are a few more pictures.
I'm having some trouble uploading pictures, so here's the link to the site with all the pictures my sis took.
Link: http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff463/_CristinaD_/Waterman%20300%20Sep11%20and%2012%202010/
I'll try again later to post some on the forum.
---GF
Great AAR so far. Lets hear more from the Shooters. Come on Guys, you numbered over 200 and you all have internet, so lets hear from you! Just pick a name (could be your own ^-^) and sign up.
Some pics.
D-fly
More pics.
More pics.
Section 2 O0
D-fly
OG,QuoteFocus those feelings PH; FL has a large range, right?
Say, February - March.. cool2..Git with EEL on the logistics, details, and Voila! Supershoot, Florida-style.
Always the voice of reason and light you are - excellent idea! I will pm my SC, ItsanSKS today and we'll see what we can come up with. Hmmmm, all we need is a berm 1/4 mile long........
Alright, the French Media Report is up and video is here:
Project Appleseed - guns, more guns, and a bit of US history (http://www.youtube.com/afp#p/u/7/pCU8lei7s2g)
Frankly, it ain't bad at all.
I will post this in it's own thread so discussion of it does not threadjack this one...
(Thread is here: http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=16849.0 )
QuoteWe spent the entire day Friday getting over 1/4 mile of target line set up along with getting the rest of the range squared away.
Uuuhhhh........... yeah! That's all anyone really needs to read in this AAR to get an ideal of just how sweet this was. For those that don't drag race, that's 1,320 feet long! That is taking the firing line to the target line and multiplying it by 16.5ish times. :o An entire day, not an hour on Sat. morning or Fri. night! Cool!!! :cool2:
It went smoother then I ever could have imagined for a shoot this size for the first time. Very well planned out! Godsends: PA system, radios, the rifle fix-em-up station, and of course all the instructors from all over to lend a hand.
It was great to see the student turnout and all the instructors that have become my friends over the last few years. Especially the OH crew. It was also great to meet some new faces that I will consider my friend now, like: Western Rose and Evenstar. You girls where awesome and a lot of fun!
And we can't forget the congrats to Ishy and Lil Bit for going from orange to red and pink to orange respectively. I'm so proud of Ishy. Watching her go from first time as a student to a red hat, glorious!
HB
¿cuántos tiradores?
I was very impressed with how smoothly the event ran. You all did an amazing job!
The sound of drums and fifes off in the distance was really cool. A flyover. Plenty of port-o-lets... It seems like you thought of everything. Thank you.
:bow: :bow:
A special thanks to the instructors of Platoon 2. Also, a big thanks to Pappy who fixed my rifle. Thanks and hugs to Dave an Joanne for kicking me in the butt to get me out there.
It was a great event. Full of nice folks, quality instruction, great facility, inspiring history. Thank you to all who helped make it happen.
Myself and my 6 friends were not sorry we came. We'll be back, and will bring others.
Do we have a final count on shooters?
How many instructors were there? How many admins?
Want to be able to thank them all.
2 clicks low
Quote from: spitstickler on September 12, 2010, 07:01:46 AM
New video for day 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUBSnjagT6Q
Outstanding photography and production on the Day 1 video!
John
Eel,
I used your summary on around page 3 here for my GunNews Article.
With credit as Eel unless you want to send me a real name.
John
So when's the next one? :D
Some aerial pics courtesy of Chicago Skydiving Center.
Thanks Guys !!!
Quote from: EEL on September 19, 2010, 08:48:32 PM
Some aerial pics courtesy of Chicago Skydiving Center.
Thanks Guys !!!
O0
More......Sorry, I can't seem to size these critters right :wall:
Wow, those are awesome! ^:)^ O0 Thanks for posting, EEL.
Quote from: EEL on September 19, 2010, 08:48:32 PM
Some aerial pics courtesy of Chicago Skydiving Center.
Thanks Guys !!!
:o O0 8)
That is AWESOME!!!
LOL We look so tiny... :D
Few more. I'll send the rest to Spitstickler to see if he can work some of his magic ;D
HUZZAH!!!
BEAT THAT, GOOGLE!!!
Quote from: templar223 on September 18, 2010, 05:34:36 PM
Eel,
I used your summary on around page 3 here for my GunNews Article.
With credit as Eel unless you want to send me a real name.
John
It's the headline story.
J
(http://www.gsldefensetraining.com/photos/GunNewscover.jpg)
Finally I have made it to the thread!!! ^:)^
A gigantic THANK YOU to all that made it happen and all who attended. I can't wait for next year!!!!
I have two rolls of film to drop off tomorrow, Hopefully they will be good shots as well.
Temp 223,
Thanks for pushing Appleseed in the GSL paper!! Save us "yanks" a couple two-three copies. :D
Quote from: Garand69 on September 20, 2010, 12:57:20 AM
Finally I have made it to the thread!!! ^:)^
A gigantic THANK YOU to all that made it happen and all who attended. I can't wait for next year!!!!
I have two rolls of film to drop off tomorrow, Hopefully they will be good shots as well.
"Rolls of film"....what is THAT? ;D Just kiddin', buddy, you know I love ya! ;)
MB
Mama Bear,
Don't laugh, he just got rid of the one you crank the handle on the side, a picture comes out, you wait 60 seconds and peel off the developing part. **) **)
Polaroid? ? I think
I see me! I see me! Right there, with the red hat on! That is one sweet looking hat from the air.
Cool aerial pics.
HB
:bow: :bow: :bow: Hooters Billy - Now showing at an Appleseed near you! ++) :sos:
Greetings,
After approximately 2 years of persistent coaxing from Pappy he finally had to exert some tough love and "threaten" me into coming to the Waterman 300. The Thursday before the event he told me that he would never mention another word about Appleseed if I did not attend. This was the firm slap in the face it took to wake me up. I new all along I wanted to come to a shoot but there were always more pressing issues, work, two small children, household chores, etc. I spent the next two days fretting, worrying about whether I should go. What if I sucked, what if I hated it, what if "insert excuse here", etc. I finally decided to ask my 19 year old nephew if he wanted to go. He replied without hesitation "hell yeah". I realized than the only thing I had to lose by going was my inablilty to shoot a rifle well. The lame excuses and worries disappeared. I had to work on Saturday but I made plans to attend on Sunday. From the moment I arrived everyone treated me like I belonged there. I heard nothing but words of encouragement. Nobody judged me for my imperfections, EVERYBODYS, goal was to make me a better shooter and more conscience of the people that gave me my freedom!!!! It inspired me to see people who truly love this country and respect the unbelievable sacrifice it took to create it. It encouraged me that my daughters can not only stand on a level playing field in what is normally considered a "guy thing" but they can excel. This organization is blessed with the women that have been promoted to levels of leadership. I hope I can raise my daughters to become fine women like Izzie and the young lady from Idaho that was a bird in my ear at the firing line. I would like to thank everyone that was involved in making this wonderful event a reality. I would like to thank Pappy for being a pain in the butt. It was truly an honor to be in the company of modern day patriots and I look forward to attending another appleseed and someday becoming a Rifleman.
Welcome aboard downtogether O0
And thanks for posting that.... it made my day.... and we will up Pappy's rations by a 1/2 cup for the week ;)
downtogether, that little bird was more than happy to work with you on Sunday! You did very well. Welcome aboard, and I hope you make it to another shoot. O0
dt,
That's gotta be one of the best testimonials I have read to date sir. May I quote you? O0
Garand 69, I delivered the 1/2 cup ration for Pappy. :D
Evenstar, hoping to go to Ottawa this weekend or back up to Waterman next weekend. :~
Phenry, I would be honored if you decided to quote me. O0
Awesome Pics EEL. Now that's what I'm talking about. I'm the big guy on the ground. :D
RNE
My heartfelt thanks to Downtogether for his kind words towards Appleseed. You have no idea how much they are appreciated and how much that kind of testimonial recharges us and fuels us to keep doing what we do.
Thanks again,
Boba Fett
PS. Nice job Pappy! O0 Don't let up on him. He still needs to shoot that 210 or better. :~
very nice description there "downtogether". All of those fears , proven unneccessary after all! I just tell myself that every single one of the fine folks who you meet at an APPLESEED, had to attend their first event at one time, and most of 'em probably didnt qualify as RIFLEMAN out of the gate either!
so, besides the fact that the people are salt of the Earth, down home, nicest folks that you'd ever want to meet, you get to shoot your rifle all day long! You simply can not beat an APPLESEED!
I am hoping to sneak in one more shot at the RIFLEMAN patch before the snow flies, and maybe even after it does! doing my "dry fire" practice a few times a week, going thru the "six steps to firing the shot" which Fred drilled into my thick skull at Waterman! and hopefully, I can go home with the patch.
take care everyone,
snakeman67....out O0
I know I'm a little late in posting. But I first want to thank everyone from Appleseed that came out and made this event a happen. I'd especially like to thank Eel, OldGrunt, Wurstmacher, Evenstar, and Pop. My son really enjoyed himself and can't wait to come again and get his Rifleman patch.
I've received several phone calls both here at the ASC office and the my cell phone from people who attended and the overwhelming positive response. They all gave Appleseed their highest praise and are energized and motivated to come back and shoot again.
Like these callers, I learned a great deal more about that fateful day and the speeched stirred the hearts and souls of those listening. One caller related that it was hard to listen to Eel as his voice broke up while telling the stories of American Patriots and true heros.
I'm proud that so that I participated in this historic event and look forward to our continued partnership in producing American Riflemen.
Dave Liddy
President
Aurora Sportsmen's Club
Quote from: EEL on September 19, 2010, 08:48:32 PM
Some aerial pics courtesy of Chicago Skydiving Center.....
Awesome EEL! Thanks for working to arrange that and making it happen. ..:..
Scout26 SIR!
Aurora Sportsman's Club is top notch. Thanks for all your hospitality. Both range AND indoor facilities. :bow:
As instructors we truly appreciated being able to camp, along with the use of your large garage and indoor rooms as well. Indoor plumbing, shower, kitchen, ginormous coffeemaker; you spoiled us. O0
When plans began for this historic Appleseed, I knew there would be no other place I would rather be on September 11, than listening to EEL's story on the spirit of the American Revolution living on in ALL of the personal sacrifices that have been made throughout America's short history.
The American Revolution was never meant to be contained in history books, but to continue on in the hearts and minds of true Americans.
Therein lies Hope for America.
Thanks again for hosting, and to the future!
Amen, and thank you, Sir!!
Awesome event and an inspiration to all.
I would like to say that the 300 shoot was impresive. I can not imagine the efforts put forth by our local and out of state voluenteers, everyone of you deserves an hata-boy. I had the privilage to bring with me one other rifleman and two people who had never been to an appleseed. Having attended more than a couple appleseeds I was confident new and old shooters could enjoy the experiance togather. I am sad to say this shoot did not have the atmosphere the two new shooters needed.
In conclusion i would like to say that the average size shoot of about 30 shooters seems to work great and i envy the person who drempt the idea of having a 300 person line, but the personal instrution time seemed to suffer. I hope these thoughts on my experiance can be put to good use.
Quote from: Franke on September 27, 2010, 01:20:41 PM
I am sad to say this shoot did not have the atmosphere the two new shooters needed.
Frankie - thanks for bringing the new shooters as that is very commendable and not always as easy to do as one would think? Can you comment what about the atmosphere was lacking? Do the typical smaller shoots seem to be what these shooters were looking for? If so do you have plans to try and bring them to another? There are many more opportunities still coming up in Oct that might be just what they are looking for.
As the 300 was my first Appleseed, I can't speak to how it was different. I can say that the "firehose" seemed like it was powered by a pressure washer. While I did enjoy the history lessons and the expertise of the instructors, I felt like I was rushed past my ability to learn. I spent the second half of the day playing catch up it seemed. I have to say in my case much of it was due to the loop sling. Having to put it on and adjust it properly in the limited time before each string of fire often resulted in me missing the command to fire. I remember one string of fire that was supposed to be two magazines of 5 in a limited time. I got off four shots before the cease fire.
Much of this was me fighting my gear and lack of practice at getting it all set up quickly. I just would have appreciated a bit more time. I did like learning new skills piece by piece though - I think it was later in the day that I got overwhelmed.
I WILL be back at the next Waterman 300, but I will also make it a point to attend at least one additional event beforehand to get me up to speed.
Chiburbian,
It's easy to get overwhelmed! There was alot thrown at you, all at once! :o Not to worry. The usual is for someone to attend 2-3 Appleseeds before it all starts coming together. We have another shoot at Waterman Nov 6-7. There are other shoots in Illinois as well. Ottawa, Illinois State Rifle Assn range in Bonfield, Clinton, and Alton.
Get back to one of these so what you have already learned isn't forgotten before you can refresh it and put it to muscle memory. It really is a perishable skill. If you don't keep it sharp, it fades.....quickly.
Glad you came out. Glad you enjoyed the history and instruction. Glad you chose to be a part of the solution! Look forward to having you on the line again.
EEL