Project Appleseed

Our Welcome Center => Appleseed for Women => Topic started by: funfaler on November 22, 2008, 01:22:57 PM

Title: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: funfaler on November 22, 2008, 01:22:57 PM
   Women are special in the Appleseed Program.  Women who shoot are treasured.  Here in this section are strories from the Women of Appleseed.  Both those who shoot and those who support the Program in other ways.

   
   Let us know your stories, you Treasures of ours.  Let us know your experiences, how you first came to Appleseed, what you learned, and by all means, help us to put together a better program to give you help getting your other women friends to come with you next time.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: MemaJean on November 22, 2008, 06:35:37 PM
Hi!
  My story is pretty lame, coming after the above!  However; I recently attended an Appleseed BootCamp with my son and daughter at Osage Beach and I'm hooked.  My son told me and my daughter about the camp; he had already planned to attend and invited us to go along.  My son's and daughter know guns and I was a good shot when I was younger and we went target shooting on the desert but that was twenty years ago!  I'm 73 and thought the men there might not want to be bothered with an "older woman" but... I couldn't have been more wrong.  They were great!  Everyone made sure I had what I needed, was comfortable, not getting tired (!!!), etc.  On a personal level, I think Appleseed is one of the finest things going on in our country and I feel privileged to be a part of it!  My son and daughter both are becoming active in the organization and I'm getting in there too! 
  I'll have to let Susan speak for herself but she's ordering a new rifle. 8)
  Thanks to AS I think there is hope for the good old USA!  And, by the way, we all got our Rifleman Patch too.  Have to brag just a little. ;D  MemaJean

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: SavageShootr on November 22, 2008, 10:32:49 PM
The following is from a post on the AAR from a lady who recently attended an AS in Piru, CA:

"I had wanted to acquire my long-gun stance and skills for years (though my friend Rick taught me to shoot a rifle, I usually found it a rather fatiguing and disappointing undertaking) and I admit to being skeptical when Rick told me he'd heard of something called the Appleseed Project, where someone could teach me exactly what I wished to learn.

What I experienced at Appleseed was an order of magnitude better than the best-case scenario of my imagination. Yes, it was that good. At the start of the first day, everyone shot "redcoat" targets using their own techniques (the instructors called it "shoot what you brung") to establish their baseline. Then we received top-flight instruction in how to shoot "by the numbers" (the mental ticklist of how to position, sight, and fire each shot). We acquired the fundamentals of safe, accurate marksmanship with ordinary rifles. No "race guns", expensive, specialized equipment, or experience necessary (bring whatever you have--but you don't need to have more than the basics). Regular rifles, inexpensive GI slings, and the simple, effective techniques that our forebears used to give birth to this nation, had us putting our shots where we wanted them when, at the end of the day, we again shot the "redcoats" to gauge our progress. The Appleseed system of clear, simple instruction and supportive coaching created a comfortable, no-fail environment for men, women, and children alike. Oh, and the event was ripping fun, too!

If that had been all, I would have been more than satisfied. But Appleseed is a brilliant case of "don't answer yet--just look what else you get!" At luncheon, we received instruction in the revolutionary history of our country. We heard about the daring youths, valiant women, and dangerous old men, who made possible the freedoms we enjoy today. Listening to our instructors, I heard the echo--perhaps for the first time--of the "shot heard 'round the world". The sacrifices and determination that purchased our liberty (long taken for granted and rapidly eroding) became real for me and, I believe, for my fellow students. I am an American revitalized and shall do my best to share with others what was shared with me."


As one of the women in the fast growing RWVA Female Instructor Corps, it is gratifying to see these types of comments posted on the forum. It makes me feel good to know that we are establishing a base for the future of the program.

~SS
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on November 22, 2008, 11:56:17 PM
I went reluctantly to my first Appleseed with my husband at the encouragement of my mother-in-law, who said "go, be with your husband".  She has been happily married for over 65 years and is my role model for a good marriage.  So when she talks, I listen. 

Fantastic experience!  Met great people.  All respectful and polite.  Learned ALOT about how to shoot a rifle, and the happy surprise were the American heritage talks. 

I used to have a lot of fear about handling a rifle.  Didn't know how to hold it, handle it, operate and shoot it.  Thought guns were just plain unsafe because I didn't know anything about them.  There is confidence and security in good training and knowing how to handle a rifle properly and safely.   

Since that first shoot, I have been to four more and have met some remarkable women.   I am so honored to have met you all and hope to make a lot more new friends on the Appleseed trail. 

MemaJean, fantastic story!  Thank you for sharing that.  Let's hear some more from everyone else. 

Old Glory

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on November 23, 2008, 12:06:07 AM
Tell Your story.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on November 23, 2008, 12:13:03 AM
Post pictures, tell stories
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Dug'in on November 23, 2008, 11:26:38 PM
The Family That Shoots
As the only girl in the family I was never really "taught" to shoot. I got handed a rifle and told to point and pull the trigger. Even after marrying a true hunter and becomming a hunter myself, my skills lacked. I'm sure that my husband never thought much about it because he grew up with a rifle in his hand. I'm just learning things he takes for granted.
I had no idea I was going to an intructor trainning boot camp. My brother said "come on, your a girl they want women so much you get to go free it will be fun". So with mom and myself in tow he got us there.
Now being a rather standoffish person I was not prepared for how upclose and personal shooting instruction is. :-\ There were times when I thought if this guy gets any closer to my eyeball I'm going to punch his face. But he was so nice and patient and they all talked about perserverence, so I did my best to be a good girl and do as told. Much to my amazement it all fell into place and then got even better. My instructor (I shall call him Zen Bubble Master) let me use his personal weapon "SWEET" :o and now I must have one.
These people help me discover a talent for something I didn't even know I have, how cool is that? In fact I think they enjoyed it as much as my family and I. I'm debating on what I can do that will be most useful to AS, as I have to do my part to help. I'm not sure IIT is for me as I don't want some one eles thinking they'd like to punch me in the face. ;D
                       
Yes Mema Jean is my mom, and thanks Bob for talking me into going.

Best of all this deer season I got to see the diffrence. First of all I went home and had hubby cut three inches off my deer rifle. As The Guy said, "what ever it takes, make your weapon work for you!" How did I know everything I'd been trying to shoot was too long for me? Anyway, usually at the sight of a deer my heart pounds out of control, my breathing becomes panting and my hands shake from excitement. Not this year! I was able to keep my cool by hearing Zen Bubble Master's words in my head. With my rifle in sling nice and tight I was able to stand there steady, watching and ready. Unfortunately the deer was not a shooter. I still came out estatic because I didn't spook it even though it came within 10 yards of me looking right at me to see if I was a threat..aha!!! Fooled you.

I finally get it....the beauty of it..."it's not the thing you shoot, but the shot itself." ;)
                                    Susan
 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Kendra on November 24, 2008, 02:27:52 PM
My story isn't near as interesting, but here goes....

My boyfriend is the one who actually brought Appleseed to my attention. He is a great rifleman and I am very lucky to have instruction from him... on a daily basis! Some of you may know him as "Voortrekker" but here at home he responds to "bambino"  ;D.

Vooretrekker invited me to go to an Appleseed shoot with him a few years ago. It was held in Mengis, Texas. I didn't expect there to be a spa for the ladies or anything like that, but it was a little rougher than I had imagined it would be. My poor body was so sore after that weekend shoot. I couldn't believe he had done it for a week straight!

I didn't make rifleman at the Mengis shoot... matter of fact, you would've thought I had my back facing the target and was just shooting over my shoulder! The proof was on the target, and it was NOT pretty.

I kept practicing and I couldn't forget about practicing because voortrekker holds his own dry fire practice at home EVERYDAY  :D

I went to another Appleseed this year in Davilla, and I made rifleman this time. It was the greatest feeling!

Everyone at Appleseed is so approachable and willing to give you advice on what might make your shooting better. That speaks volumes!! So many times in life people feel like they are in competition with each other, and Appleseed is not like that. Everyone wants to help each other.

My experience at Appleseed has been wonderful and I plan on attending many more.

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: MamaBear on November 24, 2008, 07:07:47 PM
At the behest of my beloved husband, we attended our very first Appleseed Project.  I wasn't going in with any grand expectations.  I figured I would go, shoot, learn some history, shoot some more and go home.  Boy, was I ever wrong.  I got WAY more than I ever anticipated from an event such as this.

Going in, I felt like I would be the only woman there (wrong), but I wasn't.  I was very pleasantly surprised that I was one of several there that day.  Also, I felt like I would be one of the only people there who was a novice when it came to shooting a rifle, (again, wrong!), then I went so far as to think that the day might be a tad, shall we say, boring?  Let's just say that I had a record number of "wrongs" that weekend!
 
I had one of the best times of my life at the Appleseed.  I met some great Americans that weekend.  I met people who, rather than spending time at home with their families, chose to come out and help teach a girl like me how to shoot, and how to shoot well.  I cannot say enough great things about the instructors of that weekend.  I was personally taught by Big Papa, who was gracious enough to loan me his trusty cotton sling (that didn't slip!)  He also spent countless hours on the ground with me teaching me how not to "drag wood", and to stop "bouncing" my trigger finger...he was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see him next Appleseed.  I was also fortunate enough to lay beside "The Guy" (The man, the myth, the legend), his instruction is amazing and just knowing he was next to me automatically made me shoot better.  He also taught me the ever-so-important trigger reset!  By the end of that lesson, my shooting had improved SO much, that I finally got to show my "O" face!! :o  I'm thinking that should be my new nickname for the next Appleseed..."O"face Anderson"

Bottom line, I recommend the Appleseed to novice shooters, expert riflemen, and people young and old.  Not only do you learn how to shoot (and be accurate), but you get lessons in the history of our America, our country...all that she has lost and sacrificed only to be regained by our brave men and women who fight everyday for the freedoms that many of us take for granted.  I left the Appleseed with a renewed respect and love for my country.  I also left feeling a new closeness to my husband (who, BTW, made RIFLEMAN!!) We did this together...and it was fun!  You will definitely see us at the next Appleseed...but this time, I'M leaving with my patch, too! ;)

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Big Mama on November 28, 2008, 09:22:43 PM
Where do I begin?  My husband, Big Papa, found the Appleseed Project in Shotgun News and began talking about it, alot; Matter of fact it got to be an every day event. ::)  We went to our first Appleseed Shoot in Evansville, IN in 2007 and to be honest, I was petrified.  I have been around guns and hunting all of my life, but I had never had instruction
from anyone on how to shoot, except friendly input from Papa, must less instruction from strangers who you know are absolute experts.  I had no idea as to what to expect from the instructors. Let me assure you, ladies, they want us there. I was apprehensive, to say the least, and I was afraid that I would be the only lady at the event.  I was pleasantly surprised that there was one other lady at the first shoot I attended.  The instructors were so very helpful and patient.  Fred was present as well as The Guy.  What a vast knowledge they possess of marksmanship and history.  I understand exactly what Kori Anderson posted about the "O" experience.  The Guy helped with my trigger reset, which took about half of the first day and my response was the same "OOOOOO!" Fred helped me greatly with my prone positioning after a few "gentle nudges"  :) to the foot, I finally got it!  I did not make rifleman that weekend, but what I learned helped me greatly in preparation for the shoot we attended in Puryear, TN.  I was much further along in my training and came away from that event scoring in the 190's.  The excitement of the instructors when progress was made was quite encouraging and my intentions are to walk away with my patch at the next shoot.  An Appleseed Project is a
lifechanging experience.  We invited all of our children and their spouses to an Appleseed Shoot and one of our daughter-in-laws who had very little experience with a rifle at all, made Rifleman.  She had no bad habits to break and she is proof that the instruction given really works.  What's the saying, "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." well I am still working on those bad habits.  Dond was at the first shoot as well as his wonderful wife and later at Puryear, his instruction in inches, minutes and clicks began to fall into place for me.  Dragonwood, who was shoot boss at the Puryear Shoot was a true inspiration.  All of those associated with Appleseed are of outstanding  character and bonds of friendship are formed that will continue for a lifetime.  Appleseed has become a part of our family and the positive effects from it are easy to see.   
Big Mama
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: The Guy on November 28, 2008, 10:19:11 PM
Thats IT!!

I remeber now!!

He (Big Pappa!!) cut his hair, and YOU were missing!!  THE CHEERLEADER!!  The one jumping up and down and everything!!!

Sheesh, I hope that's right anyway, but I'm most certain.

I knew I remembered him from that shoot, and you, but together!  Dang it.  Anyway, I hope you make it with him to help out in Osage again next year, along with the Clan (he showed me all the pics!)to get our RBC numbers into the high 30s.

You too Kori, but this time you and Eric have to make the whole week.  Keep growing like this and Longshot will have to put up cabins or something.....LOL!!

....er, you know........I wonder.....

;)

Anyway, Dugin, Mama, Mema, KoriA, and O.G., you gals are but a small group of ladies that have inspired me to continue to hold out hope that when my lil girls get older, I can get them to a 'Seed someday.  I might not teach them a dang thing.  Infact, I might just look for a RBC where maybe one of you, or DW or SavageS or DD or anyother of you fine examples, will be, and let you take over the job.

Wouldn't that be serindipity (friggin spelling!  Is that right?) to have one of you I have taught (or helped anyway!) teach two of my own?  To make Riflemen out of my girls?  Hand them the patches?  Let me for once be but a spectator and just enjoy the moment?

As fun said,
QuoteWomen who shoot are treasured
.  Even more precious are those who will step up and be there teach mine to shoot.

When the time comes, I will trust you can do it as well as any man, and better than most.  Certainly any woman who has been to Appleseed and hit Rifleman knows more about it than 99.9999% of the men who haven't.  And Rifleman, contrary to the actual "gender" infered by the title, knows no diference between boxers or briefs or panties or bloomers or pinks and blues.

Since I really just realised that I have potentially trained someone or worked with someone who I trust to train my girls, boy, is that a weight off my shoulders.  And Lady Instructors, ya'all get first dibs.

Thanks.

I promise to continue to help you all have a good experience so that someday you can possibly return the favor.  Might not be me personally, but you know that with each child, woman or man you teach or bring along you will be paying Appleseed back.

Thank you, and keep up the good work.

Guy

ps, Dugin, I'm sure Papa would ahve taken it like a man.  I would have cried.  Thanks for not embarasing me.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Big Mama on November 28, 2008, 10:35:00 PM
Guy,
If you think I was excited when I was at my first shoot in Evansville, you should have seen the back flip when I scored 192 at Puryear.  Hang on to your hats cause I'm after one . . . and a patch too!  Guy, I told you those six steps would work. :)
Big Mama 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: MemaJean on November 29, 2008, 03:04:58 PM
Hey Guy, you helped me get my patch.  I'll never forget that and if I'm still around (and getting around) I'll for sure be going to Appleseeds and I'd be proud to help with "your girls."  Bet Susan will be there and by then, maybe she won't be so shy - she can sure shoot!   
  I ordered My Own Rifle yesterday!!!!!  See ya someday hopefully soon  MemaJean
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: DragonWood on November 29, 2008, 03:36:40 PM
Hi Ladies! (and to the gents reading this thread as well! ;) )

First let me say that YOU ladies (and the ones to come) are one of the main reasons that I became an instructor! Thanks for being part of the program and directly or indirectly being a part of my life!

I wrote the following over a year ago. It started off simply as my journey to Rifleman. It was edited to then include my journey to Rifleman and Red Hat...then Green Hat....and now Master Instructor!

Here is my story:

My journey began at the Ramseur Appleseed in September of 2006. You see, this was the first time that I had ever fired a rifle. I received a twenty minute lesson the day before on how to operate the AR15 and how to make it safe.
   I had done my homework before going to the Appleseed. A friend of mine had given me a copy of Fred's guide. I studied the guide and learned the six steps to firing a shot. I committed them to memory. I learned the safety rules. I studied and practiced the different shooting position. I have to admit that my body didn't like me too much after trying the prone position for the first few times! I got a basic understanding of IMC's. I tried to learn the different slings but I decided that could wait until the Appleseed.

   There I am at the Appleseed, staring at the red coat target we are about to shoot. I clearly remember laying on a borrowed shooting matt, using a borrowed AR15 and feeling my heart beat so fast I thought my chest would explode! Then the command "FIRE" was given. I was nervous and excited at the same time. The concussion of all the rifles (about 30 that day) going off at once was heart stopping. In just a few minutes it was over.
   I won't bore you with the details of the weekend just know that I made it through the Appleseed without shooting my eye out! I will share with you that I left in tears of frustration thinking I had failed miserably. I believe that I shot a whole 50 points on one of the AQT's Well, at least I got some on paper! My friend tried to cheer me up by reminding me of all the things that I knew and did correctly and never once violated a safety rule. 

My first post on the forum following the Appleseed went something like this: "Imagine being thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool, never having swam before. Oh yeah, don't forget, you did get a 20 minute lesson the night before!"

So my journey continues. The next time I got to shoot was at the Orlando Appleseed in January 2007. I was so excited because I got to use my birthday present, a new Ruger 1022. I loved the rifle and got through another Appleseed, again without shooting my eye out. I learned some more things about the six steps, got a better understanding of NPOA, gained a little more confidence, and most importantly learned not to lie next to someone shooting a Garand! I managed to eek out a 128 on an AQT. I was still a cook, but a far cry from the potato peeler that I was with my previous score of 50. I left this Appleseed with a big smile! I had fun!

I set a personal goal of not only shooting a Rifleman score, but also getting my Red Hat before the end of the August Ramseur Boot Camp.

I took my 1022 to the range as much as possible and practiced and practiced and practiced on one inch squares.  I was lucky enough to have a great coach who helped out many times over the course of the next several months! The first thing he noticed was me canting the rifle. After correcting that problem my groups finally started to shrink and go in the right place.
   I worked on the AQT by stages as well. One day we did an NPOA exercise. I was amazed. It finally clicked. I finally understood NPOA. I just needed to learn to TRUST it which eventually I did.

I didn't take it easy though, as I had to prepare myself for boot camp. So I continued to practice my drills of mag changes, of acquiring my NPOA, of going from standing to sitting or prone, and of course more AQT's. I also worked on my cadence. I worked hard and sweat a lot in the heat of those summer days.

Then came RBC4. The last time that I got to shoot before BC was over a week before and I wasn't very pleased with my performance. I thought I had forgotten everything I learned!

   I didn't shoot rifleman at boot camp on day one or even day two! My scores ranged from the 190's to 209! YIKES! I was knocking on the door! Then finally on day three I shot a 218!

Folks, if I can go from never having fired a rifle to a Rifleman and Red Hat in a year, so can you! It takes determination (as my friend refers to mine as my bull dog determination). It also takes a personal commitment. Practice and more practice. Just set your goal and PERSERVERE!

After reaching my goal of getting my red hat, my sights were then set upon the Green Hat. This past October I was honored when I received an invitation to become a Master Instructor!

So my journey took 2 years! But my journey still continues. I have met some wonderful people along the road and know that I will meet many a more!

Ladies,  Good luck with your journey! Hope to meet you on the trail!

DW  (aka Kim)

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: M.E. on December 09, 2008, 09:11:52 PM
Been so busy lately haven't had time to watch the forums.  Just noticed this one and thought I would post my story.  I've been shooting trap & Skeet for about the last 5 or so years but it's been years since I had even picked up a rifle. (can't remember how long) When my Husband and boys said they were going to this "Appleseed" event my first instinct was to feel a little left out.  Well, after my husband signed up myself and my daughter I had second thoughts.  What was I thinking?  I am going to be WAY out of my league I know nothing about this and quite frankly my daughter and I were thinking it was going to be "weird".  I mean come on Revolutionary War?? 

I get there and was so thrilled to see "Old Glory" but was almost afraid to talk to her, me being a novice and all.  Come to find out her husband was an instructor!  Well, she must then know what she is doing and I am really going to feel stupid...."The Guy" quickly without warning has us go to the line.....Wait!  I'm freaking out!  I don't even know what kind of gun my husband packed for me more less how to load it!!  You are going to tell us how to load it right???  Sweat is starting to show...well, it was the 4th of July in Ottawa, IL.  About 85 degrees out after all.  I whisper to my hubby...hurry show me how to load the darn thing...it's a tube fed 22. 

So he shows me I do my best...well to make a long story short my daughter was the second one to make Rifleman out of the 25 in attendance or so and by Sunday I also made Rifleman!  How exciting!  Old Glory had to leave a day early but she would have made it that day too...come to find out we were two old gals in the same boat spending time with our families and ended up having a lot of fun!  Been to a couple mini appleseeds since and hope to make a few next summer again.  Let me add out of the 8 riflemen that weekend 4 of them were from my family!  My husband first, then my 18 yr old Daughter "NOFOMOHO"  My 21 year old son "oddball" who is now an Instructor in Training along with myself. 

A couple will be at Ottawa this weekend for the IBC. 

Well, that's my story and I'm stickin with it!  **)

M.E.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on December 10, 2008, 11:51:28 AM
Quote from: M.E. a Rifleman? on December 09, 2008, 09:11:52 PM
come to find out we were two old gals in the same boat spending time with our families and ended up having a lot of fun! 
M.E.

ME, 

That first morning of our first Appleseed together was quite an experience!  You, NOFONOHO, and I all had some "issues" to sweat through.  It was a bit comforting to know that we were "in it" together.  Pretty cool since we just met a few minutes earlier, and I admired the fact that your whole family (minus the youngest) was there together.   I was always interested to look at your targets and see what difficulties you were working through, and how you were progressing, especially in the standing position!  Now we're talkin trap shooting experience!

Being married to an instructor might have a few advantages, but in our lessons at home it was easy for me to say "you want me to do WHAT?!?!  Pull that sling TIGHTER?!??!  Move my elbow WHERE?!?!  I can't do THAT!".  So I had very little preparation before that first day of AS we had together.   

I was also impressed by the politeness of the other attendees of all ages; gun nuts really aren't a bunch of crazy people after all.  And I was REALLY happy to see you and Hannah, who I think was wearing a softball jacket.  I remember thinking, she's gonna do well; she's athletic and probably competitive.

Then the instruction began, and there was really no time to worry about things, only listen and follow the instructions, which came like they said, like trying to drink from a fire hose.  Your going to get a little drink, but most of the water is going to go by you.   By the time lunch came around, I was really happy to sit down and listen to the Rev War History.   

I think it was day two when I crossed out "cook" on my name tag as I had earned "marksman".  The instruction was helpful, patient and persistent.  I was beginning to believe what the instructors told us; women generally do well because they listen and apply what they hear.     

As we talked throughout the day during breaks and prep periods, bonds formed with all of us.  It is hard to describe, but I think it has something to do with learning something important, growing together through challenges, and realizing what sacrifices were made by the men and women at the founding of our Country,  and the hope and task of us working together to preserve it. 

I hope this topic is an encouragement to all women who might have doubts about attending an AS. Becoming a Rifleman is not only significant for individuals, but is so important for us all.

Old Glory!




Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on December 11, 2008, 10:29:03 AM
Hi all,
I had the opportunity to attend an AS fall, 2008 with a woman red hat instructing.  Winona, MN - Savage Shooter.  Her instruction was simple and precise; she made a difference for at least 3, first-time women shooters that weekend, with focused one on one instruction when time and circumstances allowed.  She could see the frustration of one female attendee who just wanted to walk away from the range, and gave her the correction and encouragement she needed to continue the rest of the day, and the next!  Inspirational!

Another positive activity that I witnessed involving women on the line was in Manchester, TN.  This time it was a male orange-hat-at-the-time (Taz) who really went the extra mile with personal instruction of a female senior attendee.  He persisted and did whatever it took to help her have a fruitful Appleseed experience. 

Kayse from Iowa, please post on this topic.  You've got an awesome story!  If you are reading this and know her, give her a nudge, would ya. ;D  How about you, S'more Chick?  There are a lot of women who have been to Appleseeds who have not posted yet.  I'm interested in your story.....and I think Fred is too.  You know, the guy with the blow-torch!  He uses it like a refiner's fire - when he's done, all that's left is gold!

OG

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: ItsanSKS on January 23, 2009, 05:13:28 PM
Updated the 'Testimonials' .pdf to include the State of MO for Susan.

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Garand Dame on January 23, 2009, 05:56:47 PM
Hey Ladies and Gentlemen of Appleseed,

I just spoke with FunFaler. He encouraged me to post my story here and after reading some of your stories it makes me even more proud to be a RWVA Woman. I was saying to FF today my New Years resolution in 2008 was to become more e-mail proficient etc. Well it was October and I had sent a few e-mails but, I had never been on a forum or posted anything. After I got home from my AS weekend I was inspired to get involved, to "get off the couch and start saving our country." as Fred says. My first step was to join. My second step is I have become the "Promotions Boss" for the Kentucky Knob Creek 2009 Appleseeds. So any way here is my story as originally posted.:

Sincerely,
Garand Dame


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A few months ago my husband picked up a Gun News and read that there would be an AS in Kentucky. He got really excited and signed me up. He then proceeded to invite everyone he talked to pretty much. He said here read these 6 steps from Fred, and your gonna need to practice dry firing. Every time I turned around he was on the computer working on more stuff about how to get me ready for AS, ordering sites etc. Over the past few months I would kinda read all the stuff he had printed out for me. Then the weekend of the shoot was fast approaching and I hadn't prepared at all. He loaded the... well everything. I barely got us lunch together. We're on our way I'm less than enthusiastic. We got there and we were greeted warmly. I laid out my tarp etc. My instructor found out pretty darn quick that I had never fired a rifle much less loaded one. He didn't flinch. He loaned me his shooting jacket right away. It's amazing to me really how fast it all began to come together. The beauty of the wooded area, the revolutionary war stories of lives lost and lived, and the gunfire in the background. Thinking about it and talking about it all Saturday night I was sort of in a whirlwind. Sunday morning it all began to come together. Every Instructor seemed to have a special bit of knowledge that sealed the deal. By the end of the weekend I didn't get a patch but, in my heart I became a rifleman. I got my t-shirt, signed up,but the real kicker was when I got to shoot The M1Garand and at about 75 yards I was able to take out a gas can 3 or 4 out of 8 times. That was a blast!!! Now I'm ready for step 7. I'm off the couch and ready to be a leader.
BTW my instructors were pretty excited at my evolution from not knowing... well anything to successfully firing the M1Garand, that they gave me my forum name. Thanks again guys you're the best!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: SavageShootr on February 03, 2009, 07:16:50 PM
Hey Garand Dame.

Woman to Woman. I am glad to have you aboard.

In my opinion a person with a patch, who goes back to the couch, (they are out there) is less a Rifleman than someone without a patch with the Heart that you have. Welcome. BTW, that is a great name those Instructors gave you.  <:)

~SS
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: M.E. on February 16, 2009, 03:13:54 PM
Just wanted to send an update to let you all know I got off the couch! (well, not sure I was ever really on it but...) Although I didn't make the Dec. IBC with my husband and son I got to attend one this weekend up in WI at Old Glories and Coly Cats place.  Wow what a great weekend with a great group of folks.  I can honestly say I was with a GREAT group of people.  Every one of them. 

Made the 5 hour trip with my husband (Wurstmacher) and son(Oddball) from IL and got to experience 3 Wonderful Deserving men make Red Hats (EEL, VMT, and JRTURBO) by the end of the weekend.  Heard History shared like never before and saw IMC taught in a very understandable manner.  Thank you for all your support and encouragement.  Looking forward to getting on the line and sharing with others myself.  This is a new experience for me and I am interested to see where the trail takes me.

I will speak to the women now since this is a women of appleseed thread.  If you are a regular to the forum you need to take the 7th step, even if you are unsure just do it.  I guarantee lots of laughs and encouragement.  It's worth the time away from home.  You are guaranteed to make some great friends.

M.E.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on February 17, 2009, 12:47:17 AM
The Women of Appleseed, and Stories from Appleseed Weekends.   

I just came off a different kind of Appleseed weekend.  No shooting.  All classroom.  An Instructor Boot Camp.  Of the 20 attendees, there were 3 women who attended.  DinkyDao, a red hat, M.E. and myself. 

To learn how to teach is yet another challenge in Project Appleseed.  Riflemen know about the safety rules, line commands, 6 steps of firing the shot, positions, sling usage, Rifleman's cadence, talking targets, inches/minutes/clicks and history, but now you are going to learn how to ARTICULATE all of this knowledge to OTHER Appleseeders.     

I used to be so afraid to stand up and say ANYTHING in front of people.  Even the shortest sentence.  Anticipation of any simple, short speech would send me into a nervous frenzie, worrying that my voice would shake and I would turn flush, and almost certainly break down and cry.  Embarrassing; so most times I would just not even attempt such a mortifying task. 

So WHY would I EVER think about ATTEMPTING to become an instructor?!  On reflection it seems to me that sometime shortly after my first Appleseed, the stories told and the skills taught began to sink into my mind, and make their  way into my heart.  I think it was the mind first; then the heart, but that's kind of like the chicken or the egg.  I'm not sure, which came first. 

At my second Appleseed I earned the Rifleman's patch, and my third Appleseed I only had a desire to shoot and confirm my newly acquired skills.  My fourth Appleseed was one that I helped set up, and the shoot boss needed some help, so I helped clear the line and helped one new shooter on the line.   Which led to the thought that I MUST get to an IBC to find out how a Rifleman learns to teach.  Oh boy! 

At the IBC I was really uncomfortable attempting to repeat the materials that were presented so smoothly and effectively by the Instructor teaching the IBC.  But I muddled through the first 6 hours and felt sorry for those who had to listen to my attempts.  Upon arising the next morning, I PRAYED for help to make it through the day.  The third day was a clincher.  We were going to shoot full distance.  Which meant I would have to shoot a center fire rifle.  Something ELSE I had never done in my life.   MORE apprehension.  But I realized all the same Appleseed instruction that I had learned as a shooter on the line at an Appleseed with my .22 applied to this new challenge.  Success.  Now I had been able to hit a 20 inch target at 500 yards, just like the advertisements for Appleseed say.  How this instills confidence, I do not know, but IT DOES.  If you can do THAT, you can CERTAINLY stand  up in front of your family and friends and say a few words, especially when they come from your heart. 

Instructing may not be where you are going in Appleseed.  There certainly are as many tasks at hand that need to be done in Appleseed that are just as important, and some things that are even MORE important than instructing.  Like Dinky Dao and other State Coordinators who set up shoots, without which there is no need for instructors.  Or Savageshootr who manages the working schedule and compiles and checks all the shoot information before Riflewoman manages the Eventbrite scheduling (along with 100 other task!).  These women DO AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF IMPORTANT WORK, and are RED HATS to boot!  Then there is Dond's wife, Sarah, who is a shoot admin guru.

I've heard legendary stories of other Appleseed women across the country whom I have not yet had a chance to meet like Dragonwood, Bluefeather and more.  I've met a LOT of women on the line who have done courageous things just attending an Appleseed.  There are women of Appleseed that we may never see, but hope to some day; women whose husbands go off and Appleseed on the weekends while they stay home and take care of the children.  You, too, are Appleseed heroes.  It is such an honor to be amongst ALL of you. 

Appleseed is in need of Promotion Bosses especially for April 18-19, 2009.  This important task will help fill our firing lines to capacity.  Each firing line that is not full to capacity is a missed opportunity.   Can you help Appleseed fulfill its potential on this historic date?  Ladies?



Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: DragonWood on February 17, 2009, 01:27:10 PM
M.E. and Old Glory and to all the ladies of AS.

Isn't this a wonderful place to be a part of?!! Glad to hear that you both had a great IBC experience and got in some KD shooting as well! Personally, I love the KD shooting, I think it is easier! ;)

I would love to get more women involved in instructing. One of the reasons I became an instructor was to help other women. I was just one of a few female instructors initially. You have to admit that we look at things differently then men do and they don't always understand what it is we are going thru especially if it involves a tear or two.

I would love to be able to instruct an all female IBC. If you know of some ladies out there that want to instruct or maybe they just don't know it yet, try to get them together and I will try to schedule one in!

BTW, to all of you in CA, I plan on instructing at the RBC in CA in June.  Would love to have some female company and meet the ladies out west!

Thank you ladies for all you do for the program!

DW
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Trisha on March 15, 2009, 10:24:52 PM
While I grew up in my dad's house, I never once saw a firearm in the house. I didn't really know what to think of them, to be truthful I don't think I ever really thought about them. When I was sixteen I started dating Ahhshoot and that was the first time I ever was around them. Before the age of twenty-two I probably held a gun twice in my life because Ahhshoot said I needed to. The first Appleseed I went to was in Winona, MN in September 2008 and I think the only reason I went to it was because Old Glory bought everyone glasses, earplugs, and ammunition on her birthday in July and she said she would pay for the hotel room if we all signed up to go. I thought this was a very generous offer so I took her up on it.

When I went to Winona I didn't know how to load a magazine, how to load it into the rifle, let alone how to hold it. Thanks to Iowa Mark, Savage Shooter, Colycat and Johnny Appleseed I improve immensely in just that weekend. I remember on Sunday I even started to get so frustrated during the sitting position I was ready to walk away and if it weren't for Colycat and Savage Shooter I probably would have. Once they were able to help me get back on the right track I continued to improve and I couldn't wait to go to another one.

I went to another Appleseed in Lodi, WI and I still was improving but I didn't score over 200. Over the winter I went to Colycat's and Old Glory's backyard and shot in the snow and it was a great experience.

I went to my third Appleseed in Kentucky. On the first day I was shooting in mud and rain and it didn't seem like becoming a rifleman was going to be possible that weekend. I was wrong! I scored rifleman at the end of  Sunday! I scored a 215 and I was so excited. It made me think that if I can do it anyone can.



Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Molon-Labe on March 16, 2009, 04:14:49 PM
Howdy! I attended my first Appleseed event this past weekend in Boulder City, Nevada, and it won't be my last! I had set a goal for myself to improve my marksmanship this year, so when I approached some shooting friends of mine who are more experienced looking for some pointers, they turned me on to the AP, although they haven't yet had a chance to attend themselves.

I checked out the website, registered and had a great time! Here is my AAR (which I posted on another gun forum to which I belong):

Wow, what a great weekend! If you haven't been to an Appleseed event, you owe it to yourself to get to one soon! There are 3 more events scheduled for 2009: in May, September and November. The exact dates and registration info can be found here: www.appleseedinfo.org

This weekend's event was a lot of fun. The weather was just about perfect (except for the breeze that kicked up Sunday afternoon) and the Appleseed people were just great. Very helpful, and taught us all a lot. There were approximately 40-45 people there on Saturday, and about 30 some on Sunday. The goal of the Appleseed project is to double attendance every year, and their goal this year is to put 8,000 people through the program.

For those not familiar with Appleseed, it teaches marksmanship and also the history that inspired the event--namely, the militiamen that took on the British Regular Army in the beginning salvos of the Revolutionary War.

Lunch breaks and end of the day we were taught the history of some of the key players of what Appleseed calls the three strikes of the match that lit the Revolutionary War, as well as some history and anecdotes of individuals, both well-known and not so well-known.

As for the marksmanship portion of the project, we were split into two adjacent bays, with .22s in one bay and centerfire rifles in the other. There were definitely more .22s there, but AR-15s, AKs and SKSs were also represented, along with other military pattern rifles (I chose to train with my 10/22 because of the cost of ammo). We started out by shooting was they call the "Redcoats" silhouette: It features a 100, 200, 300, and 400 yard scaled target, and a square 250 yard "head" shot. The exercise was to put 3 shots into each silhouette; the farthest target where you could place all 3 rounds is considered your effective range. This was to gauge our starting skill level, and gave us a benchmark to improve over the course of the event.

We then were instructed in the 6 steps of firing a round, with detailed explanations and demonstrations by the instructors (all of whom are volunteers and do this for the love of it, and the desire to preserve our heritage). We were also shown 3 different sling positions and how to utilize them in various shooting positions. We were given handouts that showed examples of shot group placements and the cause of various groupings, as well as how to correct them on future attempts. Safety was rigorously observed; with the exception of two individuals firing a first shot (downrange) prior to being given the fire command, there were no issues with safety as a result of the diligence of the instructors and safety officers.

After working with the Redcoat targets, and one inch square targets to help sight in rifles that needed it (in which we were taught what MOA was and how to calculate the size difference in inches, minutes and clicks for different distances), we mostly worked with a modified version of the Army Qualification Test (AQT). Any shooters that score at least 210 on the target receive a Rifleman patch from the Appleseed Project. One Las Vegas local got his patch Sunday morning, and has volunteered to be an instructor for the program.

We worked on the AQT both Saturday and Sunday, shooting standing, sitting/kneeling, and prone, and learned to shoot while transitioning between the positions. We were also timed on the course. I ended Saturday by shooting Marksman (145) and ended Sunday by shooting Sharpshooter (188). I even met an two Arfcom lurkers!

I will definitely be attending future events (I WILL have a patch soon!) and encourage you to do the same. I met some great people and learned a lot. I even got a T-shirt out of the deal. Hope to see more of you at one of these in the future!

Molon-Labe/Laurie
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: blueskys on March 25, 2009, 08:53:27 PM
How I got started.

Well the first Appleseed I went to was with Nickle at Hartford, CT in 2007, which is where I first met Fred and Mrs. Fred.
I was a bit nervous at first. Nickle introduced me to Fred.  I was nervous, but Fred had a friendly hand shake that made me feel a bit easier. Then Nickle told him I was cross eye dominant. Fred then said jokingly "we can fix that we have enough guys here to hold her and take two plastic spoons and switch her eyes". I replied "I don't think so", after that I was no longer nervous around Fred. I got over it that day thanks to Fred and Nickle; they both are good at making a person feel comfortable.  Both Fred &Mrs. Fred are very nice. I have  always been interested  into guns and shooting after I went to an Appleseed, it was so clear that this program has so much to offer, so I tell everyone, I even told the guy that came to fix my furnace and told him how much fun he can have, and to look at the web site. In the three years I have been with Nickle, he has broadened my interests much more. So much more that some may think I'm a bit different, but when we get married, I want my wedding at an Appleseed and my Honeymoon at a Rifleman Boot Camp. I think that would be so cool, but that's me, and how much I like Appleseed. 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Trisha on April 06, 2009, 12:30:34 PM
Being a woman in the program, it makes it easier for me to reach out to other women, those women who are harder to reach, like the soccer moms. We, as women are given the opportunity to reach other women, women who men have a hard time to reach. So, this should be every woman's goal in the in program, to bring more women to the program. I know that everyone hears about the 7th step and how we are to spread the word, but I feel it is very important for women in the program to realize that we have the power to relate to women. For instance, if a soccer mom could see you willing and able to go to an AS, they may think that they can do it too.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: freedomkat on April 07, 2009, 01:55:35 PM
I grudgingly attended my first Appleseed this past weekend in Manchester, TN. I wasn't sure what to expect, though I expected to be utterly lost as I had never shot a rifle before. My husband attended his first Appleseed a few weeks ago in Kentucky, and I decided to attend one myself at his suggestion, mainly because we have firearms in the house, and I wanted to be able to load them or unload them if ever necessary.

When I got to Appleseed, I didn't know where the safety was on my gun, how to insert the magazine, or even how to prepare a magazine. The first time we were asked to get into prone position and shoot the redcoat target, I tried to imitate what my husband had been doing since he came home from Appleseed. I wasn't able to get all my shots off on that exercise because of magazine issues, :( and to my utter shock, every shot I got off was in the red (3 in the 100 yrd target, 3 in the 200 yard, 3 in the 300 yard and one in the 400 yard). I still had no idea what I was doing, and my heart was racing with every shot.

Under the guidance of our wonderful instructors, we all learned the six steps, how to find NPOA, how to use a sling (I always thought they were just to carry a gun on your back!) and how to squeeze the trigger (this was the hardest thing for me, I was bouncing the trigger a lot). Big Papa was especially helpful, and would correct my form and tell me when I was dragging wood or bouncing the trigger. He even let me borrow his gun, since mine was a bolt and I was having trouble getting enough shots off.

When I signed up for Appleseed, I decided I would go and see how it was on Saturday, but didn't really plan on going back Sunday. We shot one AQT Saturday, and I was hooked. I shot a 188 on my first AQT, and I couldn't stand the thought of not coming back the next day and at least trying to get Rifleman. I went home that night, took some tylenol, put an ice pack on my elbow, and went to sleep earlier than I had in years (who knew that laying on the ground could make you so sore!).

I made the mistake of drinking coffee the next morning, which I don't usually do, and was so jittery before lunch that I was all over the place, and my AQT score was stuck at 188 for the first several that we did. After lunch my nerves had calmed a little, and we shot several more AQTs. We shot one, and Big Papa carried it back for me, while I put up the next AQT target. I didn't have time to score it or ask him my score before shooting the next AQT and he took that one back too to score it while I was shooting the third one after lunch. After that, we finally had a break, and Big Papa came up to show me my targets. On the first target, we had to re-shoot the standing portion, so there were 20 holes, 10 of which had been marked, and they couldn't find one of my shots. I think it was finally decided that there was one double hole, which made my score 209!! I was so disappointed to be that close and not get it, and totally forgot about the other target, until Big Papa pulled it out from under the other one and said "but on this one, you shot 215!" I was so excited, and couldn't believe how much I had learned in just two days. We had an amazing team of instructors who were very patient, yet they expected a lot of us and pushed us to reach our goals.

Now that I am Rifleman, I am working on Step 7, and trying to plan an Appleseed in the next couple of months in Nashville (please let me know if you would like to come, we are working on finding a range and getting a date now). I am so grateful that my husband pushed me to go to Appleseed, and am much more comfortable around guns now. We are hoping to go as a family to another Appleseed in two weeks, and then hopefully I will be able to volunteer as an IIT.

I never thought I would enjoy Appleseed as much as I did.
I went as a cook, I left as a Riflewoman.
I went as a housewife, I left as a mom who can teach her kids safety with and respect for firearms.
I went knowing nothing, I left knowing some, now I begin the trail to learn the rest.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Trisha on April 20, 2009, 08:14:28 PM
This past weekend I instructed for the first time. I loved it! I wished it was a 3 day event. We had about 26 shooters and 8 instructors. That is an awesome student to instructor ratio! I must say that almost everyone there that I helped were willing to listen to me and wanted to learn. To my surprise, the ones who took my advice the best were men who were 15 to 20 years older than me. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect since I am a young female only in my early 20's. Yes, I was able to work with a few women, and for the most part they were willing to let me help them come closer to achieving their Rifleman's score.

I know I have a lot to work on, especially going up and talking in front of adults. I am not scared of talking in front of adults I just forget what I wanted to say. I can talk to children anytime without stumbling as bad as I did on sunday when I was talking a little bit about the women's history.

My favorite part of AS is being able to lay down next to someone, watch them, and see what I can help them improve on. Working with someone one-on-one and seeing them improve is the best feeling in the world!

I have to say that I can't wait til I get to instruct at the next AS I'm going to in OH in May!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: AK Panda on April 20, 2009, 10:32:17 PM
Howdy All!

My story is fairly lame but it's mine just the same!

My uncle, who i am very close to, has his FFL and has always been a "gun nut", (emphasis on the nut :D). He "talked me into" buying my first pistol about 3 years ago. I was scared to shoot it for 2.5 years! One day a friend of mine wanted someone to show her how to shoot a hand gun, so I said " hey, c'mon over and we'll figure it out together." I had so much fun doing that that I asked my uncle about a good rifle....he talked me into a Beretta Storm - because of the "matching" handgun. I was hooked! I just loved the sport and was quite impressed that I could actually hit a target, although not very well. I had so much fun i bought 5 (yes, i do tend to buy lots of toys!!) rifles of various caliber and make, within the next year. Still firing away, still loving the smell of Hoppes #9 in the living room, still hitting the target but not so well.

A woman friend of mine from work was telling me about this thing called Appleseed last summer. Being the thrifty New Englander I am, I thought "where else am I gonna be able to get ANY kind of instruction for the low cost of an Appleseed?" So i signed up and attended the event at the local range. WOW!! I had so much fun and learned so much about firing the shot, I went from "hey cool, i hit the target" to  "HEY! what's story? What am i not doing correctly?" I was creeping up on Rifleman.  All of a sudden I was at my NEXT Appleseed,  a fair distance from home, and having a ball! I am so close to Rifelman I can taste it, which of course, means I am trying too hard to get it and losing 2 - 5 points a target. I am confident I'll get there, a Rifleman persists.

Somehow I got "roped into" attending an IBC, then recruited to "work an event". That scared the poo right from me! I stuck it out and met with my FABULOUS Shoot Boss a few times to get ready. We got the range ready for the shooters, figured out how to improve the target stands and the like, and i reviewed the material almost every night. I didn't want to  screw it up on "THE BIG DAY!" I'm not sure what I was worried about -  All I had to do was tell the shooters what I learned from Appleseed!! My Shoot Boss told me I would become a better shooter by helping others - I  believe it's true. I am CONFIDENT a rifleman patch will be on my sleeve before the end of the Appleseed "season" here in the Northeast!

I am totally hooked on this! I am actively trying to get other women I know to get to a 'seed to see what the fun's all about!
As always, I am ever grateful to the women who have come before me who paved the way. Maybe this my chance to break trail for those who come after!

See ya on the Trail!

AK Panda
IIT
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Mogget on April 21, 2009, 03:02:04 PM
Hi All,

I first found Appleseed last November through a link from Instapundit, I think, and I have followed this thread with interest.  And since I got my patch this weekend, I thought that now I might add to it, as well.

I have been around guns all my life.  My father's rifles and shotguns stood in a corner of the pantry or hung on a rack in the basement, and his pistol was on the top shelf, next to the iron in the laundry room.  And the one piece of Army regalia that he kept in plain view was his marksmanship badge -- he'd shot at the expert level way back in the late 50s as a draftee.   Anyway, I swept around his rifles and shotguns or dusted them from the time I was old enough to help around the house.  (To those of you who have fallen off your chairs in dismay, this was twenty or thirty years ago, the laws were much different, and more importantly children were clear on the distinction between themselves and adults.)  And when I was twelve my father taught me to shoot using a .22 and sent me off to the local hunter safety course.  

I didn't much care for hunting, though, so the next time I did more than plink was in my first years at West Point as a cadet.  I fired everything from M-14s and M-16s through mortars, artillery, armor, and selected air defense systems under the supervision that most potent weapon of all, the American non-commissioned officer (NCO).  Although most of that experience was simply familiarization, the rifle training was most thorough and conducted by some of the NCOs of the 82nd Airborne Division.  Consummate professionals in every regard, as many of you know!

But with time and experience comes rank, and with rank a shift from rifles to pistols.  Thus, the last time I seriously fired a rifle before this Spring must have been in the 1990s.  Time does fly!  To bring this story back 'round to where it began, I ended up on this site last Fall, registered for the Patriot's Day shoot in late November or early December, and began to take stock of my lack of recent practice and equipment.  I had a 10/22 from my youth, so I ordered the suggested accessories and identified myself in the MN forum.  To my surprise and pleasure, VMT our state coordinator and resident Red Hat, offered an informal range session in March.  Based on ninety minutes of his excellent coaching I was able to practice effectively and to clear the red coats without a sling several times before I attended an Appleseed.

And so now here I sit.  It's stuffy in my office and I've got work to do but my mind keeps returning to Saturday and that first set of AQTs that we fired.  (See, you can focus your eyes on one thing while your mind does something else!)  I mentioned it when Thor presented my patch, though I doubt anyone remembers it, so I'll say it again:  I am grateful for my father who taught me to shoot, grateful for those NCOs who refined my skills into something remotely useful, and finally grateful to VMT who took the time to give me that last assist.  Marksmanship is just one of those skills that enriches one's life.

Now...how to get myself to that RBC at Ramseur in May...hmmmm...hmmmm.

Mogs    
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: azwildcat2001 on April 23, 2009, 02:53:23 PM
Hi all,

My journey with Appleseed begins with my husband. The first time that I shot a firearm at all, he had invited me to a New Years Day shoot in the desert with some of his friends. This was days before we got engaged and all I was thinking was, "If we're going to have guns in the house I'd better not be so afraid of them that they intimidate me." I had so much fun at the shoot that I began to shoot pistol a bit. Fastforward about four years, my husband became aware of the appleseed program from Shotgun News. I expressed interest in wanting to go to an appleseed, so we bought an LTR for me and last Memorial Day we both went to Appleseed for the first time. It was a disaster! Not because appleseed isn't wonderful, but I didn't have a sling, I was shooting the wrong brand of ammo for my rifle, and I'm a lanky 5'9", my standard Ruger is too small for my long arms. However, I was hooked and determined. Last summer, we decided to go to bootcamp. I thought to myself that I was sure that I was going to be the only girl. And I was, the only girl student. ;) Dragonwood was our shootboss. Everyone, especially Dragonwood was so encouraging and patient. JB even bought me a recoil pad to extend my rifle for me. I started with scores at about 100 and ended at 180 ish. I've been IITing ever since. I love it. Matt (my husband) and I wish we could do it more often. We just got done IITing last weekend, and I took my instructor test. If I passed it all that stands between me and a Red Hat is my rifleman's patch, and I'm so close I can taste it. Last weekend was also my husband's first weekend as a red hat. I've been so impressed with all the wonderful people that I've met and all the friends that I've made. I'm looking forward to many more years as a part of this organization. It's something that my husband and I enjoy doing together and will continue to do so.

Jennifer Maynard
azwildcat2001
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: KittyGlocker on April 23, 2009, 04:14:28 PM
Hi Appleseeders,

I have always had a love and appreciation for guns since I was 5.  When my father handed me a bb gun (rifle and pistol).  We would shoot cans in the backyard.  I learned to keep my muzzle away from where anyone could be and to only fire when I was sure I wanted it to be hit with a bb.  My father trusted me so much that by the time I was 10 he would leave me alone unsupervised and it gave me the feeling that I was trusted and that I had a responsibility.  I received a 22 not too long after.  We moved from cans in the backyard to out in the woods and on fields in Kentucky.  After moving to NJ, my interest decreased and I became more into makeup, cooking, and boys.  ^-^

That's when I met Coop, my now fiancé.  He had been playing paintball and airsoft for a couple of years.  He got me into paintball at first and I enjoyed the rush, but I wanted something more challenging, so to airsoft we went.  More realistic guns, patience, and skill.  From there we got our FIDs (Firearms ID Cards, needed in New Jersey to buy firearms (ugh!  >:()) when we moved in together.  I was excited to have protection and the responsibility again.  With the help from Coop and his friends, we would go down to the range my father runs and practice.

I knew I was a decent shooter, having the ability to be able to shoot a LaRue Tactical brand 1/3rd Silhouette 1/2 Inch Steel Plate, Electronic Pop-up Target at 200 yards, standing.  We both knew that no one is perfect and that any chance of improving our self in any way would be something that we should invest in.  So we drove 5 hours to Appleseed in PA.  #)

As for being close to tears... I have to admit I was there that Saturday afternoon.  My allergies were going crazy, I was sun burned beyond belief, had little sleep due to the cold  $$-0, and I was being told not to use hasty sling (what I've used for a long time).

I started the day with hasty sling, because at first they allow you to shoot and show what you bring to Appleseed.  I shot pretty decent.  I had spinal fusion surgery on my entire back and am limited on how I sit, slouch, and lay down.  Then, they told us how to properly sling the rifle with a loop sling.  I was willing to learn, so I changed my current hasty sling to a loop.  I started shooting and was horribly off.  I became frustrated !@#) very easily due to a lot of things and my fiancé beside me was too busy learning and practicing himself (which he should have been).  So There I was alone, unable to do what I felt everyone else was accomplishing.  One thing I'm not suppose to do when I sleep is lay on my stomach (the bow in the back when you are on your stomach adds pressure/tension to the back).  So you can imagine how I felt every time we went prone.  The long prep times were wearing me down and making my back hurt. I began to give up...sad to say and hard to admit. :-\  I was having a horrible time then.  I was there with all the aliments mentioned above and it only seemed to be getting worse.

When I do something, I am a perfectionist and have to have it done right and I try really hard to get it there.  I felt I was going backwards.  So the day ended with a foul mood.  I went straight to the sleeping bag after we returned from grabbing hot dogs and fuel from the town 10+ miles away. :o

Sunday was a different tune, instead of being frustrated and upset at my fiancé.  I was angry at myself.  I was angry that I was depending on someone else to help me, when everyone else was listening and trying their hardest. I was disappointed that I expected someone to hold my hand and take time away from their experience.  So tired from another night of lack of sleep, I marched up to the classroom and truly gave it my all.  I listened and told myself I'm not leaving till I get this. :~

Well with determination and adapting and overcoming my old habits and lack of flexibility. I learned to use the loop sling properly and focused on my rhythm of breathing.  With the help of Robby and an explanation of the best way for me to properly sit without bending my back.  I shot rifleman!

I am no where were I want to be.  I have a lot of practicing to do and a lot more Appleseeds to attend, before I can truly be happy with my performance.  Good thing my father runs a range.

10 things I learned that weekend:
1. Forget (almost) everything you know about shooting (except safety).
2. Go in with a clear and open mind (you are there to learn, so do so).
2. This will take time and not come instantly in one day.
3. Practice makes perfect.
4. Ask instructors for assistance, that's why they are there, and they are instructors for a reason (they know what they are doing).
5. Have fun and not let it get to you, not everyone will not shoot the way they envision.  Even though I got my patch, I am still far from where I want to be.
6. Wear sunscreen and bring clothes for all weather.  (It was burning hot in the day, it was freezing at night, and it was windy)
7. Remember to take your time. If you have to start over, do so. Yes, we are all in a hurry and want it done and to come easily, but sometimes it doesn't.  I had to take my sling off a couple of times and start over.  Prep time is golden, use it.
8. Help those around you and make sure they are enjoying themselves.  Sometimes it helps to be reminded that your there to better yourself and that you are surrounded by patriots.  We all need to relax and focus on improving and not on what's not going right.  (Brandon did that for me and it helped me a lot)
9. Bring meds for all occasions.  Advil for soreness, allergy medicine for allergies, and antacids for the non real food you might eat... (MREs and Mountain Houses did a number on my stomach)
10. There might not be a restroom in 10 miles of where you are, be prepared to pee outdoors.  I didn't know there were port-a-potties at the entrance and end of the range, but it helped being prepared with Charmin travel toilet paper and a man to stand guard.

When registering they ask why you want to attend.  I said, because I want to prove you can be a good cook and a rifleman.  I think there is nothing wrong with doing your nails and breaking a few (which I broke 3-4 that weekend).  They grow back!  Please whatever your reason not to go, think it over.  As horrible as I felt Saturday, I would do it all over again...

What you will miss out if you don't go, is the chance to see a group of strangers, band together and become one.  A group of patriots gathered around, learn to shoot, and leave enlightened and bonded.  The experience is life changing.  No matter how patriotic you are, this event will make your heart sing stronger with pride.  It will remind you of your love for your country, your rights, and your family.  It will also teach you how to protect those as well.

Thank you for reading this SUPER Long post, I hope it convinces you to join us.  Please contact me if you have any questions or need some reassurance on your decision.  Don't sit on the fence of going or not.  (Plus ladies, we get in free  O0)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: BlueFeather on April 23, 2009, 05:29:35 PM
I've put this off long enough, so I'd better chime in. Its been an interesting path, perhaps it will be enlightening to some who are wondering what this is all about...

I grew up, a British subject, as Fred likes to remind me. We moved to the US in 1967 and I grew up in beautiful anti-gun Hawaii, with academic parents.  I moved to the mainland about 25 years ago, once I realized I couldn't making a living windsurfing and designing swimsuits, yes it was a blast, but times change...  The man I married was a mountain man from Colorado, he grew up with guns, hunted all his life, we could not have been more different, except we were from the same era and had the same social and political views, which have changed synchronously over time.  Early on, he bought me my own 357 "because he loved me and wanted me to be able to protect myself!" 

We were lucky to live where there is a lot of public land, and TaosGlock (my hubbie) made his own walk-about range to shoot at distance.  He still pretty much had to drag me out there to shoot, but it was a pleasant hike! Fast forward to a few years ago, when we heard about Appleseed from Fred's ad:  we were in Wyoming at about the same time as a really cheap shoot, but we couldn't make it.  The seed was planted.

Last fall, we found an AS in Raton, and that smart hubbie that he is, just mentioned it a few times and let me decide.  I thought it would be a nice distraction.  TG read up, got prepped, did everything right, and we showed up with 10/22s with all those friendly after-market parts and some ARs as well. 

TG made rifleman the first day. No surprise to those who knew him, though he insists it was humbling.  I was not prepared.  I went through the short but stressful period of "honey, help, how do I...?"  until I got the hang of the gun, which of course I was only vaguely familiar with. 

Sunday we moved on to our ARs, which was better, but still a struggle for me.  My elbows were burned from rubbing on our nylon carpets which we brought as shooting mats (I still have scars today!)  My fingers wouldn't work by the end of the day.  But I got an incredible amount of individual attention, mostly from ashrn03 and lots of support from both PHenry and atticus, who have to be some of the best story tellers out there.  PHenry complimented me on sticking it out.  That was nice, but it made me wonder why many women just wimped out.  PHenry did not realize he had just issued me a challenge!

That made me determined.  I went to the range about three times a week for three weeks until I was consistently shooting rifleman scores with the 20-inch Bull Barrel AR that I stole from my husband (its ok, he built another.) Then we went to El Paso.  It was a long hot weekend in October and we weren't getting to those AQTs. I had to shoot!  My squares were great, but I was getting nervous!  Finally we got to AQTs on sunday.  The first I almost blew, just squeaking in 211. I did better after that, and got my patch with a clean score with no questions... somewhere in the 220s. 

There was something there... I still could not put my finger on it, so I volunteered us.  Very uncharacteristic.

Since then, we have been immersed in a torrent of Appleseed training:  we've done something AS every month since September. We had a boot camp at our house in November, had a 5 hour inquisition from Fred that turned out to be our Red Hat test, though I didn't know it. Now I am a shoot boss!

I've SB'd twice before, but under the watchful eyes of SamD with greater experience. TG and I ran our own event back at beautiful Raton this past weekend, so it had our personality, which was strange to me.  I truly felt honored to work with all our students and IITs and they all thanked us and gave us a round of applause!  We made 3 riflemen, about 6 others close behind and 7 who want to volunteer!  Somewhere between that nationwide volley and talking about Jonathan Harrington, my eyes teared up, as they always do, and as I looked around, there were many other teary eyes;  I had these guys.  More new best friends.  More people to carry on the 7th step.

There are a few drawbacks... I find less time for my liberal acquaintances, though they are curious about what we are doing;  I have less time in general, and somehow a little less money. I get stress headaches... so I must vigilantly work to prevent them.  Oh, and of course, we don't get to shoot much any more, though we still have the standing rule that we MUST shoot rifleman every time... now its actually a contest to see who gets a perfect score...

Being a Shoot Boss is as much about dealing with management issues as anything, and that I did not expect... so not only must I do my best for our students, but I must juggle IIT personalities as well... and let me tell you, not every good shooter is a good teacher! Its a wonderful opportunity to be in service.

I have found the community I was looking for most of my adult life.  That is NOT an overstatement!  I don't know how it happened, but it is a gift that I now cherish regardless of where the path leads.  And Fred knew it all. He saw this coming in us anyway.  Its brilliant. 

So, take a look at my picture:  its out in the desert with a Swedish Mauser, c. 1909, 100 years old!  I was shooting a steel target about 3x5 MOA at 500 yards and nailing it. I also got my first blood ever, a Javelina at about 70 yards with a 30-30, 1959, the year I was born, off-hand.  Not only could I not have done those things a year ago, I would not have even thought to attempt them!

My Dad died on April 19th, 2008.  His passing freed us up to live our own lives again as we had focussed most of our attention and time on his needs.  There is some great irony in there that I have yet to understand, but Appleseed came along at a very opportune time.

Quite a change for a former subject! And somehow I think this is only just the beginning.

/Gillian




Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: ItsMichelleNotMichael on April 26, 2009, 09:14:22 PM
It was POURING when I drove to the April 18-19 Appleseed Shoot in College Station/Navasota TX. I followed the directions and ended up at a fork in the road. On the right was more gravel road. On the left was a brick entrance with an iron gate that was propped open. I sat in front of the gate for a few minutes, afraid to proceed any further because of the big "Trespassers will be shot" sign. But I took my chances, held my breath and drove on through. I was glad to see that I wasn't the only female in attendance (there were 4 of us).

The rain continued to pour most of Saturday. So hard that we could barely hear our instructors. But I like a challenge. By 2pm or so, it had stopped. The central Texas humidity and gnats fired up. Sunday was a breezy and sunny day. No bugs. Very little humidity. A perfect day.

The teachers -- Scout, Top, and Matt -- were really good. I can't think of a thing they could've done better, except for one little thing: when it finally stopped raining and we were able to head out to the firing range, it was getting dangerously close to the 3pm nationwide shoot so things were rushed. And since I was a total newbie, I knew nothing about how to shoot so I was in a panic. But I made the 3:00pm shot and I learned soooooo much the next day.

MiChal in East Texas
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Western Rose on May 12, 2009, 11:18:48 PM
Hey all,

Update: Here is an interview of my story (http://roundsandroses.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/generation-hc-member-leslie-cernik-aka-western-rose/)

   I come from a family that shoots a lot. I hardly remember a time when I didn't know how to shoot. My Dad wisely decided that all of us kids could learn how to shoot as soon as we could recite (from memory) his four safety rules. 
   In 2006, Dad announced that there was going to be an Appleseed Shoot near by that he wanted to attend, and take along one of my older brothers and me. I had absolutely no idea what an Appleseed Shoot was but we were game. I was nervous at first, especially when I saw that no other girls had shown up, a possibility that I had never thought of. On Sunday I was relieve to see another woman show up. We all shot alright on Saturday, and better on Sunday. We also got the chance to shoot at the "gong". 8) Some people say that the gong is 375 yards away others say even farther. The instructors, Fred, Believer, and two others were awesome.
   In 2007, Dad, Matt, and I went to our second Appleseed Shoot. This time there were less people, fewer instructors, and more girls/women. On Sunday Dad preached a sermon and we also tried to "sing", although I don't think that worked too well. My .22 tube-feed rifle gave out, so I shot the "extra" that we had brought. Near the end of the day most of the shooters went down to the lower range with Guy. Seven of us stayed up top with Fred. Dad, Matt and I were now shooting the same ammo and it became obvious that we were going to run out, so I stopped shooting and let the guys shoot. Something you should never do if Fred is around... :) I don't remember what all he had me do, but one of them was calling the line. That was one of the strangest things I have ever done. I mean, there I was, the only girl on the line, trying to yell loud enough to be heard by the guys who had plugs in and muffs on.
   In 2008, we went to our third shoot. This time we were only able to go for one day. There were even more women this time and we got to meet two instructors, Savage Shooter and (if I remember correctly) Johnny Appleseed, and see one of our first instructors, Believer, again. Once again, the instruction was great.
   Just this month, Dad, Mom and I went to another Appleseed Shoot. This shoot was the fourth that my Dad and I had shot in, and the first Appleseed that my Mom attended. The first day was a little bit slow, which was nice for the new shooters. JF showed me a different way to position my right hand on my rifle. O0 After that, and taking JF's advice that "slow is smooth and smooth is fast", I shot a lot better. Early Sunday morning Dad preached a sermon. We shot the first AQT for the weekend. Those of us with tube-feeds got to learn a new way to do transitions, the best way I've come across since we can't do transitions with the rifle loaded, and a new way to do a "magazine change", which also worked great. We ended up shooting six AQTs, two redcoats, and two 1" square targets. Things finally clicked into place for me. Not that I hadn't understood some of it before, but I was actually able to coordinate what I knew with my actions. For the first AQT the instructors decided to give us more time and just shouted "time" when the time would have been up. I shot a 211 but went over "time" on the second stage, so it didn't count. After that I shoot a 225, 212, 215, 212 and finally a 229. I got The Upsetter, JF, and Silence to sign the target. ;D We got the range cleaned up, and so ended another wonderful weekend.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: kentuckyjam on May 22, 2009, 10:00:48 PM
My story:

I first wanted to pick up a gun to protect our livestock from predators.  I went to a women's pistol class at my dad's club and was thrilled that I hit bullseye.  It was hard not to after spending most of the day in class learning the basics - something I love.  A couple of years later, I decided I wanted to learn rifle shooting because a pistol wouldn't do it across the farm and Brad just got his AR-15.  To learn right, I wanted another class that started with the fundamentals and stressed them. 

Dad asked a guy and he turned us on to Appleseed, had been with his daughter.  Brad and I signed up with my dad.  A month or so before, I decided not to go.  As I read more about it, I thought any female would have to be crazy to go.  2 days, all day, standing, sitting, laying, standing, laying?  Could I hack it with the boys? Ughh!  Could I even hold the rifle up?

But Brad really wanted me to go and I knew it would be a missed opportunity with both him and Dad there.  I got packed up and then the day before I wanted to stay home.  I figured Louisville wasn't that far away from the shoot so I could leave and go sight seeing.  I messed up my sling on the first red coats and got 0 shots off.  I was so nervous and dreading the rest of the weekend - I was the worst shooter there.  But things started turning around...I shot a respectable group on my squares - Brad and Dad were amazed.  By lunch, I was having a ball.  Brad admitted he thought I'd quit by then ( as did I), but I was revving up.  Saturday night I couldn't sleep because I was adding up what I had to get to reach Sharpshooter.  Rifleman eluded me due to..well, jams.  But I was okay with it.    My best score of the day was 202.  Phenomenal!  Learning the fundamentals and hitting the target - what a rush!

Brad wanted to go to another one and the knot came back in my stomach - everyone would be expecting me to get Rifleman this go round.  We got new Marlins and signed up for Carrollton.  Brad asked me to practice inbetween, but I was too nervous.  What if I developed a bad habit without the instructors watching over me?  I'd do even worse next time.

(Three weeks later) Going down 55 about a mile out from the range, that knot came back.  Inadequacy and doubt flooded over me.  Walking up, we met Funfaler.  He was just as nice in person as on email.  Seeing Mudcat and Big John started relaxing me.  The other shooters were kind, not intimidating.  After helping setup and getting on the line, the anxiety gave way to excitement!   

Throughout the day I thought, can shooting really be this fun?  And check out this line - 7 to 72 yrs old, kids with dads.  This is what America is about - passing on our heritage to the next generation.

The 1st AQT and ...jam.  Why am I destined to jam?  Almost lunch time on Sunday and I tell Brad I'm not a Rifleman, I'm sorry.  He encouraged me to stick with it.  Then Funfaler called for one more course before lunch and we did it quick.  I had no time to think or psych myself out.  I missed getting one shot off and thought oh, well, I'll rest during lunch and try again.  I started adding my score, my mouth dropped and my eyes got huge.  Brad told me to calm down and let him and an instructor score it - don't get excited.  I paced as they went over it - it just had to be 214.  Then Mudcat turned and smiled.  I squealed, hugged Brad and then hugged my Dad.  Man!  What an incredible feeling!  With everyone's help, I got there.

The next day I took my target and my patch to work.  I know they thought if she can do it, I can do it.  One manager wants to take both her kids, and others that were never interested in guns can't wait to get their gear so they can attend.  I was now ready to practice at home!  But, had to start getting ready for Harlan, the next weekend.  yep, we signed up for our 3rd Appleseed in 4 weeks.  Brad is now an IIT and will be working the line.  I need to better my score.

This has brought Brad and I even closer together as a team.  We never get away from the farm and these shoots are just what we need.  More women need to be encouraged to join their husbands on the line and shown how remarkable the experience can be.

I called my grandmother today to tell her about Appleseed and told her I felt my grandfather would be proud of me (he is passed).  She agreed and said Americans are no longer patriotic, not like during WWII (my grandfather served).  She encouraged us to stick with this Appleseed, it was a good thing.

I now feel more like an American, taking to heart the history.  They gave everything they had and more, not only for their families, but for ours.  They had true character.  Character is not built in an instant when a goal is reached.  It's honed during the struggle, in the middle when you don't know the outcome, but you have hope and you push through for what you believe in. 

Appleseed is a taste of that where kids and adults can learn discipline and a greater sense of being American, while honing perseverance.  Thank you for this program and for awakening me.  I applaud you.

Kyjam
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: vic303 on June 08, 2009, 04:38:01 PM
Davilla June 6-7 2009 AAR.

I attended my first Appleseed at Davilla this past weekend.  I accepted the offer and suggestion to camp and it was a smart decision despite the heat.  It was just better, being on site so there was no rush in the morning--just the lowing of cattle and the barking of the assorted greyhounds across the road.

I arrived Friday afternoon and got set up.  Scout was kind enough to bring ant killer to spray around the tent to keep the buggers out.  They're everywhere.  He also provided a quick lesson on why you do NOT want to touch Bull Nettle. 

Saturday was up early and we were shooting once we completed the safety briefing and got our gear ready to go.  Redcoat targets were shot first--This was my first time shooting the particular 10/22 I brought and also the first time it had been shot with Tech Sights installed so they were NOT sighted in...oh well, my groups were tolerable, and I was somewhat on paper though left a ways.

Next was squares and instruction on proper techniques.  My groups began to shrink, and I was getting comfortable with the positions.  I personally had done a little bit of position prep beforehand,  but honestly, all three positions are pretty comfy to me despite my age & largesse...

The weather was hot and the sun unrelenting.  I think a lot of folks did not keep as hydrated as they could have, as I don't recall seeing a lot of other folks visiting the Portables that day.  I have learned my hydration lesson years ago on bicycle tours such as RAGBRAI 95, and it is a hard lesson to learn, but one you don't soon forget!  I was practically sloshing with all the liquids I consumed!  The sun got to a lot of folks by afternoon but we persevered and shot the AQT.  We even produced a Rifleman that first day.  Congrats, Scott!  I was knocking on the door--shooting better than I had expected to--but not there yet.  I had a 205.

We finished up and then it was time for showers.  Amazingly, Scout has a set up that allows for shooters to get a decent shower with warm water (solar heating in summer, woodfired in winter), and there was plenty of water for all.  Been a few years since I relished a shower that much!  Next was a movie, offered up by a pair of campers on their laptop .  Imagine if you will, watching Defiance, whilst half-snoozing in a cow pasture, after a long day of shooting.  It was great!  Dinner, like breakfast was done on a Tommycooker (aka Esbit stove).  I was livin' cheap that weekend so I didn't splurge on foodstuffs.

Sunday dawned with the hint of cloud cover and a strong quartering crosswind.  We did some more squares with minor sight adjustments, and then moved on to an AQT.  Still stuck on 205. I had the occasional problem with timing my shots in the 2nd or 3rd stages, and the odd flyer now and then.  Just enough to keep me away from 210 and beyond.  After a lunch break and the 3rd Strike of the Match story we went right back to shooting.  Robert, a visitor & fellow Appleseeder (now IIT I believe) stopped by and encouraged me to reposition my loop sling to a higher position on my upper arm.  It proved to be the impetus to push me over the top and I scored my 217 on that next AQT!  Man, that felt good!   My final Redcoat was great too.  I was pretty pleased, so I kept that target and my 217 AQT target, just to remind myself of the fun I had this weekend, and that I should "Never shoot that badly again!" Hehehe...

I want to thank all our instructors, Metalbot, Aromatic, Big D, and Labrat for all their hard work with all of us this weekend.  Huge thanks to Scout for ALL he does for us--the range, the camping set up, the stories, the lunch treats, everything...!  He truly rates his Hero Member standing on the Appleseed forum.  My thanks to Robert, for his help in breaking through that plateau.  And last but not least, my thanks to all the shooters!  Dave, Scott, Jim, Larry & Andrew, David & Emma, young Thomas & his dad, the trio of ladies, the Moores...and all the rest whose names I do not recall.  You all made this a very memorable weekend!

A quick note on the stories--I didn't relate any of the info on the stories in my AAR as I do not want to spoil it for anyone who has not yet heard them.  It is fascinating history.  I knew some of it from some books I read to my homeschooled 1st grader, but not the more intimate details.  I will say my favorite tale was Dangerous Old Men.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: dixiedea on June 15, 2009, 12:03:05 PM
Hi Girls,
I am a total newbie. After going through a horrible divorce, and finding myself unexpectedly single, I am trying to take charge of my life. My ex-husband was an expert shot, but never wanted to teach me. In fact he was such a jerk about it, he crushed any self-confidence I might have mustered regarding ever shooting. I did not grow up with a rifle in my hand. I had only fired a gun about three times in my life before Appleseed. This past weekend was my first. I bought the gun the night before the the event. Brand new gun, never fired before. I had to ask someone there to put the sling on for me. I was not registered on the forum and had it not been for a friend's help would not have half of what I needed. I got really frustrated at first because I could not see through the scope, couldn't get into position, etc. I was emabarrassed and about to get up and leave. Then one of the instructors took me to the side and worked with me one on one for the rest of the day. No pressure, no put downs, he could not have been nicer or more patient. I did not leave, and I am so glad I did not. (I owe you big time Flathead!) I am hooked. I want to learn to shoot. I will be fifty next year. My goal is to get that rifleman patch no matter how many Appleseeds it takes. I am already registered to go again in November. Now, I have to go target practice!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: DragonWood on July 02, 2009, 11:57:11 PM
First let me say, Shame on me! :-[ I have not been reading this post like I should have! It is wonderful to read through the stories of other women and their experiences with the AS program.

On my next layover I have got to read thru all 5 pages! Just from the stories that I have read here on page 5 gives me more inspiration than you can imagine!

Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. I encourage all to continue to share their experiences. When I came on with AS there was one other female instructor, RifleWoman, and she was mainly doing admin. Now she is so buried in admin we barely get a chance to see her!! I am now among the ranks of many very good female instructors!

I mainly teach IBC's and RBC's so I don't have much of a chance to get to an AS.

Reading your stories brings back my memory of the first time I ever shot a rifle (at an AS 3 years ago). We were about to shoot the redcoats and I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest! I left in tears (mainly of frustration) but I vowed to do better and learn this shooting thing!

Keep up the great work ladies. Keep spreading the word. And yes, encourage other women to join in with their husbands, boyfriends and family and come to a shoot.

I encourage any of you to get involved in the instructor program  as well!!

DW
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Trisha on July 04, 2009, 12:43:22 PM
Last year on this very same weekend, my in laws, Old Glory and Colycat were at an Appleseed shoot in Ottawa, IL. At this point I have not been to one and my birthday and my husband's birthday is July 5th and we were planning on having a party to celebrate it with our family. Old Glory told me when she got back that she almost cancelled the party because she wanted to stay there for the last day of the AS. I was shocked, and kind of in disbelief that she would want to cancel a birthday party meant for not only me but her son!! Now it is one year later, there is another AS in Ottawa, IL and my birthday is on the same weekend as it again and I don't want to have a birthday party, I want to be there at that Appleseed!!! but I can't. Isn't it amazing what can happen to a person in just one year?! I went from not knowing or even caring about the program and wanting a birthday party, to wishing I could be at a shoot this very same weekend just 1 year later.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: MorganGirl on July 12, 2009, 02:19:01 AM
I went to my first Appleseed the weekend of June 27 and 28 in Albuquerque, NM.  I had never heard of Appleseed, but my boyfriend got all excited when they approached us at the gun show a month earlier.  Even more excited when he heard that women shoot for free.
I was excited as well, not really sure what to expect, but, what the hey, any excuse to go shooting, right?  Boy, was I surprised.  I've always considered myself a fairly good shooter  :~, but I learned sooooo much more from Appleseed.  I scoffed when my boyfriend said I would learn to shoot prone and offhand.  "Prone," I said.  "That's uncomfortable, and I don't shoot well offhand."
I got more training in 2 days than I have in the year I've been shooting.  I watched my groups shrink from 2 to 3 inches to 1/2 to 1/4 inches, even shooting offhand, and sitting or kneeling, which I still need work on.  That weekend was the first time I had ever shot kneeling, and while I need a lot more practice shooting that way, my groups got a lot better.  It's very gratifying to watch yourself get better as you get more instruction.
The best advice I got was to practice proper breathing and stop fussing my shot.  My shooting improved dramaticaly once I stopped fussing the shot.  My name is MorganGirl, and I'm a shot fusser, but I'm working on that.
Thanks sooooo much to Sam, Gill, Paul, Chris, Al, and all the others for all the encouragement O0.  They told me not to give up, even when I was so tired I just wanted to lay down on my mat and die.  Thanks to their instruction and encouragement, I shot better in those 2 days than I have the entire time I've been shooting.  I definately plan on going to the next Appleseed in Albuquerque.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: NorCal22Gal on July 12, 2009, 11:00:08 PM
Hi All,

I've been shooting for abt a year and a half.  My first experience with a rifle (ever!!!!) was a tube fed .22 that belonged to my husband's grandfather. Hubby talked me in to trying it...I was convinced it was going to knock me on my fanny...(had never held a rifle, shot gun, pistol or even a b.b. gun before). Well it didn't and I found I was enjoying it.  We joined the club near us and started shooting almost every weekend.  I even shot my husbands garand and the m1-carbine.

My husband found the Appleseed info on line and showed it to me. We talked abt it and I said why not go. It was in Sacramento, CA  April 18-19. Got us registered and found a hotel close (well 30 min drive). Then we started practicing the different positions.  Wanted to at least have a clue when we got there....

Saturday was nice and pleasant. There were sure a looooooooooooot of people showing up.  (total for the weekend was 106!!) We found spots and started absorbing the instruction.  My husband seemed to pick things up very quickly where as I felt like I was fighting things alot.  Lunch felt good to be out of the sun and listen to the history that I don't believe I learned in school.  After lunch it was back to shooting, and more frustration for me. My very first AQT was a 69.  Man was i disappointed and almost in tears.  Hubby made rifleman the end of the day. Took his patch and an orange hat.  We went back to the hotel and had dinner and talked.  We figured out that I was over thinking everything.

Sunday I started the day with the goal of doubling my score from Saturday.  I stopped thinking so much and just focused on my breathing...(something I've always had issues with). Amazingly enough   ;) my groups began to shrink. My highest score that day was 158!!!!! That was soooo encouraging.  It was very hot....found out later...high was 101...in APRIL!!!

Well, we had to go to another.....Fresno at the end of May.  Hot. Switched to my husbands match 10/22. 190....sooooooooooooo close....Kept having problems seeing the last two targets on the slow fire prone.  Ended the event very frustrated.  Practice, practice, practice.

Sacramento June 13-14.  Switched back to my 10/22 with a low power scope on it, finally could keep those last two in sight.  Saturday I ended up being the only woman on the line on our range.  Oh yeah....Cleared the red coat, TWICE. (by the way was the only one who did.....). Score was 199.  Sunday i was so nervous and sooo wanted to make the score.  Stared the day in a positive note. We combined into one range so i wasn't the only woman. Two of us cleared the redcoat. Everyone was so encouraging...Sunday right before lunch. 190.  First AQT after lunch  204.  sigh.  Second AQT I just shut everyone and everything out. Didn't even feel the brass from the shooter next to me. Talk abt the rifleman's bubble....I wasn't scoring my own targets I was too scared to so I was having our shoot boss Camljr do it for me.  Three shooters down the line from me made rifle man score on that AQT.  One was the guy who cleared the redcoat that morning with me.  I handed mine to Camljr and got ready for the third.  I finished the Seated round, cleared my rifle. I had no sooner turned around than one of the Red Hats told me the happy news....217!!!!! ;D. I was soooo happy, i was grinning from ear to ear and crying.....oh yeah....didn't get back to the bubble...blew the last two parts of the third AQT.  Oh well.....  Missed clearing the final red coat, missed the head shot... :-\ .

So far I can honestly say the Appleseed's that I have attended have been the best, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

So I am now a rifle(wo)man and beginning my journey down the road to becoming an instructor.....

So a BIG, HUGE THANKS, to my husband (eaglescouter) and all the instructors from my first appleseed all the way to this one and beyond.  I certainly hope I can teach others as well as I have been taught.

NorCal22Gal
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: pebbles on July 13, 2009, 04:45:20 AM
Wow...all these posts are heartwarming, each in their own way.
I, myself, got into AS via a radio program that featured it. I then came to the forum and checked out this very thread, to see how the ladies may like it, how they were received,etc.. I found the stories encouraging and thought "Hey..what the heck. If these ladies can do it, I can too.". So...I proceeded to get hubby on board (Paladin, here on the forum) and we both attended our first AS on Patriots Day weekend. It was awesome! I have to say; I was really nervous, regardless of all I read but the stories did help quite a bit. I hadn't picked up a rifle since i was a young kid and since then had only handled handguns. I didn't remember anything about loading the rifle...nothing. A few IITs at that AS were kind enough to show me the ropes and get my confidence up to try this thing. Yeah..I got frustrated many times but kept going. I have since attended two more AS (even the first ladies shoot) and had a blast. I've had some struggles, physically, but I'm determined not to let it stop me from making rifleman...no matter how long it takes. I'll be attending my fourth AS this weekend- prayin this is 'the one' but even if it's not, I'm in AS for the long haul. It's an awesome program, with an awesome mission...with amazing folks that I can call a family. Every single person I've met at AS has been great, true patriots and some of the kindest people you will ever some across. I would like to encourage every woman reading this, who's wondering if they should get involved...if they'll be welcomed...YOU SHOULD and YOU ARE WELCOME. Come have a blast with us!!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: SniperMama on August 05, 2009, 11:16:15 PM
 :)
Hello all! My name is Margot and after my FIRST APPLESEED SHOOT this past weekend in Enfield, NH, my hubby and friends are calling me "Sniper", hence my username. I am usually a homeschooling mom of four lovely, spunky girls, but for one weekend I turned into a shooting and learning happy lady! I couldn't wait since I too grew up in a hunting household that did not allow a GIRL to handle a gun. Heaven forbid!! I suppose the boys did not want the competition!

Over the next two days, I was astounded as how much I had learned, both with the skills of shooting and the history of our heritage.  The instructors were great! John, Alicia, Ross, Mark and Andy and "Smithy" Tony were all superb.

I would like to tell all women out there who have not yet attended an Appleseed Event that the instructors and others attending treat women specially well- but I can't. And I am happy to say that! They treat EVERYONE well! No one treated me like a 'little lady', but like any other competent learner. At the first shot of the day (the redcoat) I shot better than everyone there at that moment (Boy was I SHOCKED!), mostly men.  On this first red coat I was one shot shy of clearing the paper!! I couldn't believe it! I had never fired the rifle I had with me- a Marlin that I love despite ALL the problems I had that weekend- and had only been to one NRA pistol class.  They were all impressed, but still taught everyone the same. They didn't assume that I knew lots, or that it was beginner's luck. They kept to the program and made sure we all got the proper training. There was a gentleman there who had made Rifleman before, there were others there who had been to an Appleseed before. NONE of it mattered. Everyone was treated with the same respect and dignity. Oh sure there were some jokes and lots of fun, but respect all around.

I learned many things about shooting and handling the rifle, that scopes CAN fall off the rails, how to prep 40 rounds using multiple fingers as my trigger finger got sore after a while, how to run twenty yards, hurdle my stuff and shoot an AQT well in 4 minutes' time, how to shoot in rain, in blistering sun, with tons of mosquitos--- whatever necessary!!  We shot our own rifles, we shot others' rifles, we shot solo and we shot in teams with a common objective. I only wish we could have all camped together too and chatted over a campfire!  Even if you don't end up shooting well (and you WILL improve- everyone DID!) you will be very familiar with all the lingo, line commands, etc. and that makes a big difference- knowledge.

Though I did not make Rifleman my first time out- I got a score of 193 and kept getting those head shots! I learned so much, I learned new confidence, I had a great weekend away with my husband and made some quality friends! With four children, it will not be easy to attend often, but I will attend until I get my Rifleman badge and hope someday to have time to dedicate to being an instructor.

If anyone has doubts about attending, please give it a try. They really teach you EVERYTHING you need to know, and as long as you come prepared to learn and have fun, you will have a great time!  Hats off to all the volunteers who keep this program growing!
Enjoy and relive the heritage!!
Margot AKA SniperMama
:~

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: CarrieB on September 11, 2009, 01:59:55 PM
Hi ladies! Another woman here.
I just attended my first Appleseed ever, an RBC at Ramseur this past week and that flowed into the weekend Appleseed.

Before attending I'd never fired a rifle; I had put some rounds through various handguns here and there out in fields or backyards way back in my teens (I'm 38 now).
My first Redcoat target, I didn't even hit the paper. (In my defense, my rifle was stock off the shelf and hadn't been sighted in, lol.)
I'm sure I annoyed the heck out of our instructors (Crashkid2k and Stimey) with all of my questions.
I got my Rifleman patch on the final day of the weekend Appleseed and am heading down the Orange Hat path eagerly.

One thing that this thread really brought home to me is that I'm not a "girly" girl. I don't wear makeup, don't paint my nails, I'd rather be in jeans and can't remember the last time I wore a dress (not sure if I even own one, honestly). I was an only child and a consummate tomboy. If my nail breaks I don't even think about it, I just rip it off. If I get dirty, no big deal, that's what soap and water is for. 

My Mom and I were the only women at the RBC, and she left early due to the physical strain of it - so for a few days I was the only woman. Didn't bother me a bit, I've always been "one of the guys, with boobs".  :)  The only times that I encountered problems on the line due to being female was when I realized my bra strap was getting in the way of seating the stock and causing extra bruising (solution: slide the strap down onto my arm) and when in prone position, that extra "tilt" from my chest area caused extra pressure on my ribs and hurt until I got used to it.

I've got a real concern about how to relate to women who may come to the Appleseeds with the mentality of "I can't possibly do this because I'm a woman". That's so foreign to me that I'm worried I might offend a fellow female without meaning to. I'm really worried about being an actual detriment to the program or deterrent to the ladies who come when I'm helping out on the line.
I realize this thread is probably not the place for a discussion like this, so I'd be eternally grateful if any of you experienced female instructors could PM me with a few tips. I know I'm not the only tomboy here and surely some of you ladies have encountered situations like this before?
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: RifleWoman on September 11, 2009, 02:40:14 PM
CarrieB, I would not worry about how other women will relate to you.  I don't think you will have a problem.  Women are structurally different than men so to have a women who understands is a big deal.  Men forget that women's cheek bones are higher and the butt of the gun doesn't quite fit where it needs too, so having an instructor that understands those things is always good for other women. 

The biggest problem you will run into, and you've got to be tough through it, is men who's ego's won't allow them to learn from women.  When it happens just chuckle to yourself about the poor stupid guy, and get back to work.  ;)  Don't let it intimidate you just plow right on through.  When it does, contact me and I'll pat you on the back and welcome you to the club.  ;)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: vic303 on September 11, 2009, 02:57:37 PM
Carrie, hello & welcome!  Congrats on your Rifleman patch & your new Orange hat!  My mentality is much like yours as far as not being a girly-girl.  But I think you will relate to all the women on the line just fine.  I'm also very happy to see you join the ranks of Orange hats!  The more women instructors, the better!  It can only help the cause--not harm it.  Something about the hand that rocks the cradle ruling the world... ;)

Also, if your mom is interested, please ask her to post her experiences here.  Her insights may help other women cope with the physical strains of a long weekend or RBC.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: BeeFree on September 12, 2009, 08:59:53 PM
Welcome Carrie!

I don't think you have to worry about anyone at a shoot having the "can't do it 'cause I'm a girl" attitude.  I have yet to meet a woman at an AS who thought that way.  Some have come without ever having shot a rifle before - we just point out their advantage in not having to UNlearn any bad habits and get down to business.  Sometimes they are surprised at how well they shoot compared to the guys, but that's usually because they know they have less experience and expect to shoot worse for it, not out of any inherent gender issue.  At my last shoot, we were all pleased as punch when "French Manicure" made RifleWOman - all weekend the guys had been teasing her about having just had her nails done before the AS... it didn't stop her from outscoring 3/4 of them! 

BeeFree
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: RifleWoman on September 12, 2009, 09:42:12 PM
It would be interesting to know the number of women who get their rifleman patch at their first AS compared to men.  I'll bet it's a pretty high percentage.  I did!  O0
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: NorCal22Gal on September 17, 2009, 08:52:32 PM
Would be interesting....I know I didn't. Took me 3 tries.
NorCal22Gal
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Nickle on September 18, 2009, 03:43:31 PM
Quote from: RifleWoman on September 12, 2009, 09:42:12 PM
It would be interesting to know the number of women who get their rifleman patch at their first AS compared to men.  I'll bet it's a pretty high percentage.  I did!  O0

In my area it's a higher percentage than most folks would think, but not higher than the men. Largely due to the percentage of men we see that are already established shooters.

I have recently had a lady (and I do mean lady in the BEST of terms, she was great) newbie shooter get it done her first Appleseed, and she was using a bolt gun. Not jsut once, but several times during the weekend.

The bottom line is that this Instructor finds women easier to teach, as they know that they don't know. So, I don't have to deal with a closed mind, or bad habits. They came to learn, and learn they shall.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: GunslingerGirl on September 20, 2009, 01:47:46 AM
Well, my first AS was in Castle Rock, WA. It's actually a little more than 5 hours away from where I live, so the first day I was dead tired. You know how hot the ejected cases are? Well me, having a very hard time with NPOA on my first AS, did not want to move when one landed on my arm (It would have messed up my newly aquired NPOA). This resulted in 1 second of silence, the next second me shouting "Ow, ow, OW!" I guess it wasn't really the smartest idea to leave one on your arm... So, now I have this awesome scar on my arm in the perfect shape of a cartrige case. It's the best bragging material anyone could have. I show people and tell them about AS all the time. (Although a scar from one of the shoots isn't always a real incentive catcher...)

Now I'm a Newbie Instructor and I love this program! Yay Appleseed! Ask me sometime and I'll show you my scar (If you know me that is.)

Becky
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Patriot Gal on October 19, 2009, 11:04:08 AM
Hello Ladies (and lurking gents  8)).  I have read some of the posts with smiles and a few laughs.  I can relate to all.  Trisha mentioned what a difference a year makes.  Last year or so, I was not thinking firearms at all.  Then the political environment changed - A LOT!  Believing a change for the worse, I purchased a handgun and got trained.  I was adamant that if I had a firearm in the house (other than a few old shotguns) I wanted to be properly trained so I was not a threat to myself!! The next spring we decided to join a local range which is where we were introduced to AS at a gun show there.  Pappy and Garand69 were working it and gave us the Appleseed word..."You need to do this"

So off to Chillicothe we went.  Our SB was Ben1775 from Missouri. He drove 6-7 hrs. to be there for us.  Dedication and persistence of the Rifleman was shown right from the beginning.  It was the least I could do to provide him with chicken sandwiches with the works including cilantro on sprouted grain bread rather than watch him eat PB on white bread.  :P ME brought her famous and fabulous cookies so we were well taken care of in the snack department.   ;)

We used new rifles I had just purchased.  A Savage bolt .22 for me on day one, my son from Arizona using a brand new Ruger sporter .22.  We cleaned and greased them up real well with some moly lube which, I think, caused much jamming  throughout the weekend and much frustration on my part. The scope on the Ruger was loose which we didn't realize until my son was gone back home on day 2.  I felt bad we didn't realize it while he was shooting as he would've had better accuracy and a better experience.  :(   In any case, I learned a lot, my shooting improved, but no Rifleman that weekend.  I was unable to complete a single AQT without losing time and rounds to jams.

Next AS in Bonfield 6/09 started with the same problem. I was soooooo close to Rifleman twice, Pappy was asked to looked at my rifle, so he cleaned it out real good (no more moly lube) and I shot Rifleman on the next AQT. Didn't realize the emotional release that was until I couldn't shoot squat after that the rest of the day.   :D

I considered the Orange Hat, but had read that the Rifleman needs to shoot consistent Rifleman scores before becoming an instructor.  I was far from consistent, having just shot my first rifle in April of the same year and just having learned to shoot correctly in AS.  So I attended another AS back in Chillicothe over Labor Day.  All my AQTs were Rifleman except the first.  I cleared the Redcoat.  Confidence was building.  My husband made Rifleman, having solved most all his mechanical problems so he could concentrate on simply "shooting by the numbers".

I finally felt confident to consider stepping up.  I talked to Garand69 about the orange hat when planning my 4th AS in Bonfield 10/09.  At that AS, I cleared every Red coat, shot every AQT at Rifleman, was shooting 1/2" groups. I now felt the confidence to step up into instructor ranks to pass along what I had learned to the next new shooter.

This next weekend, I travel to my first AS a an orange hat.  I am looking forward to it as I think we will have a pretty good number of shooters.  Some will be friends and aquaintances my husband and I have encouraged to attend.  I hope they will enjoy themselves as much as I have.

Our mission is good and true.  Our country needs the Rifleman!  Thank you  Fred, Riflewoman, Ben 1775, The Guy, EEL, Pappy, Garand69, Sheepdog, M.E. and everyone else who volunteers their time and their life's energy to the mission of the Appleseed Trail! O0 O0

I hope to meet lots of you out on the trail. <:)
Patriot Gal  :~
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Garand69 on October 24, 2009, 07:39:38 AM
Who you calling a lurker?  **)

Glad you listened to the arm twisting of Pappy and I at the Chillicothe Gun Show O0

A big thanks to all of you Ladies for participating in Appleseed, we need you!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Starbuck on November 02, 2009, 11:55:04 PM
Athens, OH    Oct 31-Nov 1   After Action Report (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=10347.msg86209;topicseen#msg86209)

My hubby MeanStreaker had talked about the magic of Athens and I was fortunate enough to get a taste of some of that this weekend.  I don't always feel like I fit in with the Appleseed world and am not quite sure where I belong. I don't have that burning desire to be an instructor and my teensy tiny attention span sometimes makes two full days of shooting a challenge for me. Top that off with our two crazy dogs at home that need cared for (one of which sometimes eats things that aren't food when her man leaves for Appleseeds), and there is the tendency to feel a little left out of the Appleseed loop.  That really changed for me in Athens.  I never really paid much attention to the word "fellowship" before.  Never really used it in conversation, never really thought about it much, never really appreciated its significance before. That's really what Athens was for me.  The people there are just SO AWESOME! Everyone made me feel so at home and so a part of everything that was going on.  So a part of something. Of that fellowship. Call me crazy, but I could easily skip all the shooting just to spend time with the people (don't get me wrong though, I still want to get over my 191 hump and make Rifle"woman"). The instructors that I have met, some of which only a few times are trusted friends.  I have only met the Richardson family three times now, twice in Athens and once in Miamisburg, but the impact this one family can have on one's life is just astounding.  I would love to have six kids too if they all turned out like the Richardson kids! Each member of that family has their own special place in making Athens the shining star of Appleseed and giving hope for what our country can be. They epitomize the family value and spirit of giving that our country is sorely lacking.  So thanks for that.  This weekend meant a lot for me and even for my relationship with my husband.  I think it will be a little easier to let him leave for weekends now.  While it's never easy to be apart from someone you love, I am so thankful he will have that second family when he is gone on the Appleseed trail. 

Thanks to the DryFire family as well.  From my very first time at Athens him and his wife took me in and were just so darn nice to me.  MeanStreaker was instructing at my first Appleseed in Athens and so I thought I would be alone on that firing line.  I wasn't.  Not for one minute.  Interestingly enough I have only shot at two Appleseed's and both were in Athens.  I think maybe there is a reason for that. 

So, its getting late and while some of you really like to see all the pictures of the fun shooting, my contribution is the pictures of all the people I have met.  There are more, but hubby has only downloaded a handful so far and I still have some sleep to catch up on so they will have to wait for another day.

Oh, and Luna, I just love your dog.  Maybe if I can get a tranquilizer gun I can Appleseed with my pooches as well.  Until then, I will just enjoy petting yours. 

Okay, I am done.  Enjoy some pics.

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/BackRubs.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/IshyBaby.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/LybertyMS.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/LunaMS.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/TimKiss.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/AngieStarbuck.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/MeanStreaker592/AthensOctober312009/Billy.jpg)

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Trisha on November 03, 2009, 12:05:33 AM
Welcome Starbuck! I am happy to hear you had a great time in Athens. The fellowship with everyone involved in Appleseed is just amazing and that is why I love it so much. Ohio is doing a fantastic job with Appleseed, and it's great to have another woman in the program! It truly doesn't take much to get caught up in what Appleseed is about and become such close friends with people who are involved in it.

Like I said, I am excited that you are in the program and I do hope we can cross paths some time out on the trail! Maybe at the All Women's Appleseed in Indiana next year...  O0

Trisha
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Jules on November 03, 2009, 11:04:25 PM
Welcome Starbuck! ( I love and support your trademark lol)


I went to my first Appleseed this last January to actually get my husband to quit "bugging" me about rifle shooting. I had a .38 hand gun, what more did this man want? I am not a hunter or a fisher, why in the world would I want to learn how to shoot? But then............... I thought of my fantasy scene. Linda Hamilton, in Terminator, running with the sawed off shot gun, pumping it as she went. Oh, sweet. I would love to be that. So, I went to Sac Valley Rifle and Shooting Center, with my recently post op husband, and took a gander at what this "Appleseed" deal was all about.  We checked in, and gathered around this tall, soft spoken Brit, who gave us a basic introduction of the weekend. Counter that with a booming fellow with an red hat, and a variety of others running around in orange hats............ Safety Rules, we all chorused Safety Rules............ ok, fine, go get your rifles, find a spot on the range, and prepare for the ride of your life.

And, lo and behold, I had a female instructor on my line. I was sure I was going to be the only 'broad' there, and the rest would be Elmer Fudds, with goofy Cammo Ninja gear on. In all honesty, I didn't know the ass end of a rifle, or  even how to load the  thing. This would be a Rueger 10/22, about the easiest rifle in the planet to operate. Slings! They showed us slings. Slings really help! I was kind of liking this deal. Shoot the Redcoat? Sure! I pictured in my mind who the Redcoat could be. If you are my ex husband, read no further............... For a first time shooter, I actually put holes in the 100 yard Redcoat. I was starting to feel empowered. By the end of the day, I was having a blast, but my body ( that has really funky Fibromyalsia ) was letting me know it. I woke up for day two feeling like I had been hit by a truck. Determined, I did the best I could on day two, sitting out the last half of the COF.

My female instructor, Savage Shootr, came over to talk to me, and I shared, with tears in my eyes, that I really hurt, and why. She gently told me that her daughter had the same autoimmune disorder, not to worry, sit back and watch and learn. I let out a long breath, and did just that. By the end of the weekend, I was sure that I was going to practice, and be back in April for the HUGE shoot there. We came again, and brought our youngest son with us. Post op hubby, who had been shooting forever, did not get his Rifleman in January. He was back to make sure he got it this time. (which he did) Oh , and the history. We had Bob210 in his gear, and musket, and flags were flying, and stories were flowing, and I found myself crying listening to these tales I had never ever heard before. A fire burned in my belly at that point. I would like to say I shot Rifleman that day, but the weather was incredibly rude, and I got heat stroke, and was sent back to the covered area to sit and drink lots of water. Poo.

Fast forward my life. Our home range had one of the two modular homes available for rent. Our oldest daughter, who had been widowed a few years ago, had been living with us, and needed her space. I went in and told Rod that I wanted to move there. His mouth fell open. We applied for the home, and were accepted. We were out of our beautiful Lodi home in 4 days, leaving our daughter to make the modest mortgage payments. Everyone thought we had lost our minds. I hadn't. I had found a purpose to live. We now call our home, the Dragon's Lair , given by our dear friends and instructors EagleScouter and NorCal22Gal. ( My hubby's forum name is Bald Dragn), All  instructors who come to our range to instruct are welcome to grab a piece of floor, or couch, or if you're like Double D, claim the spot under our kitchen table. We have a barbeque on Saturday night for the Instructor's AAR, and the bonding that occurs is unlike any I have known.  We arranged to have an IBC at our home, and Dragon wood ( Master Instructor, and a possible Linda Hamilton double )  flew out from Florida to train, and encourage all of us. My husband went from an orange hat in April, to a Shoot Boss last month. I continued to persevere ( thanks to the encouragement of V and Camljr ) against physical pain, and that rotten voice in my head that kept telling me "you aren't gonna make it, you're NEVER gonna make it"  We bought a trailer to put ALL the Appleseed gear in. And we hauled it last weekend down to the Fresno Range for the 10/31-11/1 shoot. The time monkey was making me crazy. The guy on the line next to me with the AR15 was making me jump and flinch. The guy on the other side was throwing brass down my shirt, and plinking on my head. Come lunchtime I was discouraged. End of day one, I left the range with a 207. Sunday came, and was to be warmer than the day before. And I don't do heat. Determined, I put on the hot shooting jacket, to keep the loop sling high on my bicep. I put squishy orange plugs in my ears. I put the "Mickey Mouse" ears over that. I put on a hat. I was creating my own "Rifleman's Bubble"  By lunch, my score was going down with every AQT. Returning, I was encouraged that the guy with the Boomer had gone somewhere else, and there was room for me to move down the line. Ryantsg IIT4 and Desert Dog (the most awesome of instructors) made the decision to run the AQT bottom up. My stage 1 was what was killing me, and my discouragement of  my low score spilled over to stages 2,3, and 4. That was the golden moment. I made my score. I made a 222. Desert Dog continually got to my target before I could, and unknown to me ( remember I couldn't hear squat) both Desert Dog and Ryantsg were instructing and watching my target through binoculars.  I had the honor of taking my orange hat from my misty eyed husband. I felt so proud, so empowered. I was woman, hear me roar. And now I scour the posts on the forum to find the shoots that are within reasonable distance to me. We have a shoot here in December. Starting in 2010, we will have one every month here. California is taking off big time. And I get to be right smack in the middle of it. History in the making. My life couldn't be better right now. And this is only the beginning. I hope all the women who come to Appleseed find something that brings them back for more. There's no looking back for me........

Jules
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: vic303 on November 04, 2009, 11:45:24 AM
Outstanding work, Jules!  I know BD from the NDE forum, so am glad to see you not only on the AS trail, but as an IIT. 

Great suggestion btw, for folks who don't react well to muzzleblast, to 'double bag' the ear-pro!  We do that at the range all the time, and it does help.

--Vicky
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: samjt15 on November 05, 2009, 01:57:39 AM
Hey I saw this and thought that I would respond to this article,  Well here's my story. I've shot a gun since my first gun safety at 12 yrs old. I probably only actually shoot a gun once a year if that. Yes I guess its not the top thing on my list of stuff to do but despite the lack of practice i'm still a pretty good shot.  My brother who a lot of appleseeders know has Aftermath has been doing this for about a year or so now and finally this past year brought it to my families attention so I decided to tag along, well some days I guess i'm not a very good sport to say the least but I did attempt to try the shoot this past year in Winona MN.  I honestly did not have a great time, I know who ever reads this will disagree or frown on that part but keep reading.. So I had quit half way through, yes I did and I do regret it now.  Then I had moved to Missouri where I currently live and my brother had come down for the shoot in August at Osage Beach, And I had a blast. The people where great and welcomed me my fiance and my brother with open arms. Longshot, KR, let me even use his gun since my stock is too long for me and his was ajustable. The first day I did alright and was deteremind to get my riflemen, but did not succeed, however we camped out, went through the next day having again a blast and my fiance managed to get riflemen, the only one of that weekend too and I after correcting KR that his scope wasn't sited perfect went from shooting a 149 to a 173. It was great fun and now will be attending more when possible with my instructor in training fiance'. I'm not a history buff and I guess you can say i'm probably more girly then out doorsy but I did enjoy this and its a great learning experience for anybody. I'd say if you haven't tried it at least once, then you are missing out.
- Samantha
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on November 05, 2009, 08:41:25 AM
Sam,
Welcome to Appleseed and to the forum.  Thanks for your honest story.  Many women read this thread and it will be an encouragement for them.  Your brother is doing a great job in MN and the whole darn region.  He is a border raider with determination, and I see it runs in the family.  >:D :)

OG in WI

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Jules on November 05, 2009, 01:44:21 PM
Quote from: samjt15 on November 05, 2009, 01:57:39 AM
some days I guess i'm not a very good sport to say the least but I did attempt to try the shoot this past year in Winona MN.  I honestly did not have a great time, I know who ever reads this will disagree or frown on that part but keep reading.. So I had quit half way through, yes I did and I do regret it now.  Then I had moved to Missouri where I currently live and my brother had come down for the shoot in August at Osage Beach, And I had a blast. The people where great and welcomed me my fiance and my brother with open arms.


Sam,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this. Every AS has a personality of its own. Not to mention the weather. You were a good sport to try once again, and I am thrilled that you had a blast. I promised myself at the get go that if it stopped being "fun" I was out of there. It never stopped being fun for me. Yes, it was painful, but never NOT fun. I hope you share your story with other women. Welcome back!
Jules
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: charlie06 on November 10, 2009, 07:41:23 PM
Hi All, I am still learning my way around the site, and just came across this board, Appleseed has been in the family for awhile. I attended my first appleseed in July, and I had a great time, even though the first day was a steady rain, I manged to make it through the day! And then the next day was sunny and warm, I was pretty impressed that I ended up shooting a 177, after not shooting for about 2 years! After attending that shot I finally got what drove my husband to attend all these shots. Unfortantly due to having a 2 year old it is hard for me to always attend them. I did get to attend this past weekend, in Ottawa, with three boys in tow, lol! Unfortantly I did not get to shot the whole weekend as the last few weeks I have been trying to keep up on all the sick ppl in the house and now that everyone is well, it decided to hit me, But, M1 our nine year old shot a 190 on the aqt! That was amazing in it's self. I am hoping to be on the Appleseed trail more in 2010 and hopefully beat wetfoots record on getting rifleman, lol!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Strawberry Roan on February 22, 2010, 05:33:47 PM
Jules,
I can so relate to your story in the health issues department!  After gymnastics and horses in high school and 13 years in law enforcement, my bod has seen better days :cool2:
My story with Appleseed started about 2 years ago when I read about it and dreamed of being able to attend one.  As a military daughter, mom and wife, I grew up with a passionate love for my country and being able to serve her in whatever capacity I could.  Like many, I have always abhorred politics and hated being involved, so when the political situation hit the fan, I finally realized I must get involved and pay attention no matter how distasteful.  When the opportunity arose for my first Appleseed in Carlsbad, NM in Dec '09,(we live in Roswell) I was so excited and worked at convincing my husband that it would be worth attending.  He was okay with it because I was so excited about it(he loves to spoil me rotten O0), so when he finagled the finances so we could go, I was a happy camper!  Once we got there, it was like I came home and found a new mission in life to replace the heartbreak I had when I could no longer be a law enforcment officer because of my health issues.  My husband was so blown away with how much he learned and discovered how much he didn't know, even though he was a good shot.  Neither of us achieved rifleman status that time, so we signed up for the Alamogordo shoot in January and he got his patch, as well as stepping up to become an instructor.  For me, I was my own worst enemy because I wanted to achieve that patch so bad and was afraid that I couldn't because I was having a hard time with health issues and kept blaming myself for what turned out to be some equipment issues such as the sling being set in the rifle too long, the buttstock being too slippery and the cheekpiece needing to be higher.  Well, this weekend, we went back to Carlsbad.  I spent all week reminding myself that I had gotten the best training in the world and that even though I didn't have confidence in myself yet, I should trust the training, that I had done the work practicing posititions, mag changes and lots of dry firing.  Sam, Chris and Dave were very encouraging, supportive without being too soft.  This part is hard to explain, but they didn't "coddle" me too much, but they weren't too hard on me either.  They hit the right note at the right time and for that I am so thankful!  On Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, I left home as a cook, that evening, I came home a Rifleman fledgling.  I say fledgling, because I'm not done improving myself yet!  8) I scored a 217 on the first AQT we shot that day and although I didn't achieve it the rest of Saturday(I was SOOOO tired), on Sunday, I shot  2 more AQT's  at a riflemans score.  My goal is to someday score a 250 on the AQT and have set as a goal to overcome my shyness to become a good instructor too.  Getting out of your comfort zone is a hard thing, but what it gives back in self worth, a sense of accomplishment and helping others to bloom is simply priceless!
I have been very blessed!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: vic303 on February 22, 2010, 08:19:32 PM
Congrats on your Rifleman patch, Roan!  You have an excellent story to share, about perseverence and overcoming obstacles be they mental or physical!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on February 23, 2010, 09:41:24 AM
SR,
Welcome to Appleseed, and CONGRATULATIONS.  Your story brings tears to my eyes. 

You hit on some important points:

We must pay attention, no matter how distasteful (if we are to call ourselves Americans)

Equipment is sometimes the problem, it's not always us

Have confidence and trust the training/teaching  (persevere)

Encouraging and supportive instruction works.....without coddling

Quote from: Strawberry Roan on February 22, 2010, 05:33:47 PM
My goal is to someday score a 250 on the AQT and have set as a goal to overcome my shyness to become a good instructor too.  Getting out of your comfort zone is a hard thing, but what it gives back in self worth, a sense of accomplishment and helping others to bloom is simply priceless!
I have been very blessed!

Sam, Chris, Dave; you have found a True Rifleman. 

Appleseed does have a way of helping one overcome shyness. ;)   

See you on the trail. 

OG in WI
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: doubleLL on February 24, 2010, 12:47:26 PM
I will start off my story by stating I didn't grow up with guns. In fact I didn't know my parents had a rifle until I was in HS and even then my parents moved the gun when they found out we had found it. My first exposure to guns was a war zone. I volunteered to deploy at an army civilian to Afghanistan a few years ago. Since I am a civilian, we were un armed and dependent upon the military for security. While heading out to a site, I was asked by one of the soldiers what I was more familiar with in case something happens. I was shocked, and stuttered saying a rifle. At this point, I hadn't wanted to think of the reality of the situation and what I would do if something ever occurred. I was so thankful to return back to base safely. Two weeks later my convoy was hit by an IED. We all made it back with just a few bumps and bruises. When I returned home I was placed on a top level government project with DHS. After getting burned out working with Congress, Senators, and top level government officials, I left the government and took a private job. At this time I decided to address my fear of guns. I went out to a SASS event and shot my first rifle, shotgun and pistol. I was terrified of dropping the guns and shooting someone, but the group showed me how the guns worked and the safety. I decided after that weekend that I wanted to learn how to shoot a rifle properly.  My husband said if I could find a cheap place to learn we would go. Appleseed was FREE for woman; we attended our first event in Davilla in August. I was frustrated beyond belief: overcoming my fear, new 10-22, learning how to prepare and load the blasted thing, then trying to remember the stupid sling and so on... I set the bar so low that at one point I told myself If I could manage to get the gun loaded, and into position I had mastered that string of fire.  After my first weekend, I was bound and determined to make rifleman, and do it before my husband. I felt that if I earned the patch that I had proved to myself I could defend myself in any way. I worked hard for a month solid, and made rifleman in September. Through the course of making rifleman I mastered my fear, my hand no longer shakes when I touch a gun, I don't flinch when I hear the bolt racked and I found a skill I never knew I had. Over this past year I have met a group of outstanding people, people who have showed me through perseverance and confidence you can master and achieve anything.
To all those ladies (and gents), you can accomplish anything if you make time to do it. I wanted my environment to change me, but I learned in order to change the future we must first change ourselves.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Strawberry Roan on February 24, 2010, 08:01:55 PM
Thank you, Vic and Old Glory for such a warm welcome and encouragement!  I sure feel blessed to have been led to this wonderful organization! 
DoubleLL, I think it is so great that you confronted your fears and persevered to achieve that glorious patch!  It is my hope that I will be able to see more ladies and kids feel that immense joy and satisfaction of succeeding, growing and just plain being a better person through this experience.  Can you just imagine all the great possibilities for our country! O0
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: SeanO on February 24, 2010, 09:01:18 PM
Hi,

For some reason, I got a notification email today to go read the 'Women of Appleseed' thread.  I have no idea how I got it, but am I ever glad I did.  You gals are fantastic.  I'm just blown away by some of the stories I've read.

I haven't had time to read through all of the thread yet, but the stories I've seen so far are way more inspirational than any of the stuff any of us guys have put up.

I've recruited about a half dozen women for the Patriots Day shoot in Columbia, Maine, and I'm going to make it a condition of their attendance that they read your wonderfully inspiring posts.

God bless you all, and thanks.

Best, Sean O'
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: JuniperLimb on March 08, 2010, 11:15:19 PM
Wrote Mine up here
http://injennifershead.com/?p=1430
Mods-let me know if I should cut and paste instead of linking. 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: vic303 on March 08, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
Nice blog there!  AFAIK the linking is ok--if you want to share your experience directly here then just paste it in.  And congrats on Rifleman!
--Vicky
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: JuniperLimb on March 09, 2010, 08:13:54 AM
Thank you!  It was a great weekend.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Bamanurse on March 10, 2010, 10:36:41 PM
I love to shoot and grew up hunting with my great-grandfather and my dad. I'm a 40 yr old mom and have been teaching my 12 year old son to hunt and fish. I have a great husband but he wasn't raised with all that like I was so I tend to be the one that wants to do these kind of events. We are attending our first Appleseed this weekend as a family!!!!! I'm so excited like a kid before Christmas. I'm going iron sights and letting my husband have the ruger with the scope. I dream of getting a rifleman patch but it may take two tries. I hope not but looking forward so mutch to learning all the little things to improve and getting some good instruction for my son.  Anyone going to be at the alabama one this weekend?
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: JuniperLimb on March 11, 2010, 09:30:31 AM
It's funny, hubby and I did not grow up shooting.  I never touched one until we bought our first handgun.  Now I'm hooked.  I love that my son is growing up with them.  He understands how to use them safely and respects what they can do.  I feel so much better knowing that even if a friend handles one badly in his presence, he has the knowledge to do what is right.  Education is the best way to keep your children safe from the misuse of firearms.  You can be the most careful person in the world about where firearms are stored, how they are handled, etc in your own home, but you can't control what goes on in their friends' homes.  It gives me peace of mind to know that I've equipped my son with knowledge rather than fear. 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: yellowhousejake on March 11, 2010, 10:12:26 AM
Quote from: JuniperLimb on March 08, 2010, 11:15:19 PM
Wrote Mine up here
http://injennifershead.com/?p=1430
Mods-let me know if I should cut and paste instead of linking. 

A wonderful write up JuniperLimb. Would you mind if I printed that page out and used your story in our promotion for the Indiana all womens shoot this may?

Yellowhousejake (IN state promotions)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: JuniperLimb on March 11, 2010, 02:38:51 PM
Quote from: yellowhousejake on March 11, 2010, 10:12:26 AM
Quote from: JuniperLimb on March 08, 2010, 11:15:19 PM
Wrote Mine up here
http://injennifershead.com/?p=1430
Mods-let me know if I should cut and paste instead of linking. 

A wonderful write up JuniperLimb. Would you mind if I printed that page out and used your story in our promotion for the Indiana all womens shoot this may?

Yellowhousejake (IN state promotions)
I don't mind at all.  Please do use it.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Jules on March 30, 2010, 05:48:44 PM
Wow,

I haven't been on this thread for awhile ( been kinda busy here in California) Roan, thank you. I have beat myself up countless times due to the disability I have, and thought instructing would be easier physically ( insert maniacal chortle here) I have my good days, and I have my better days. My husband seriousy enjoyed being with you and your husband at WSMR. I so wish I could have gone. But the Dragon Mobile only holds 4, and the 4 that filled those seats were meant to be there, so another oportunity will arise, I am sure!

Juniper( love the Blog),DoubleLL,Bamanurse, I love to read the new stories. Welcome to you all. I hope to see you on the trail. There is, apparently, a big need for Women only Seeds, instructed by...............Women.  Looks like I may seeing most of you sooner than later!

love Jules
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: expeditioner on April 12, 2010, 12:39:17 AM
I'm really new to this. Don't own or have a rifle but desparately want to learn all I can asap.

I would like to attend the ME training in April, this coming weekend, any ideas ?????
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Jules on April 12, 2010, 01:14:55 AM
Quote from: expeditioner on April 12, 2010, 12:39:17 AM
I'm really new to this. Don't own or have a rifle but desparately want to learn all I can asap.

I would like to attend the ME training in April, this coming weekend, any ideas ?????

I answered you another thread as well. I would contact the State coordinator for your Boot Camp. We generally can find loaners, but to make sure, find your state coordinator and ask.  And welcome to Appleseed from one gal to another. Glad you are here!

Jules from CA
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: sandanbob on April 13, 2010, 08:18:44 AM
Expeditioner, the training this weekend is not a boot camp, which is a longer affair, but a two day Appleseed Project.  If you like the two day weekend, I am sure you would enjoy the boot camp, so definitely something to consider, if you wish to become an instructor.

I am not sure where you live, but I have a rifle I am willing to loan you, if they don't have any loaners that are unspoken for at the Appleseed Shoot.  I am located near Waterville.  Let me know if that will help.

I am also willing to answer any questions you might have, or find somebody who can.

If you haven't already signed up, contact SeanO, either here or at seanor3@myfairpoint.net, as I believe he is in charge at the shoot.

Have a great day!

Bob
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Marty The Bad Ass on April 19, 2010, 11:35:22 AM
Hi,
I just went to my first Appleseed this past weekend and just had a ball!  I went with my husband at the urging of a friend of ours that is an instructor. I was pleasantly supriced at how much fun it was and how nice everyone was. I also didn't realize how sore I'd be. OY! You use a lot of muscles that you don't even realize your using. My past gun experience was pretty weak so I was totally fresh meat at this, and I can not believe how much I learned. By Sunday I had a 205!! and my husband's highest score was 175 (teehehe). Now I am ready to practice and get to the next Appleseed to get my patch. 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: expeditioner on April 19, 2010, 07:24:10 PM
Just attended my very first Appleseed project for 2 days of shooting and training and I loved it !!!! ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ (In Maine, Columbia Falls)

As a new newbie (not even knowing how to put bullets into the magazine nor how to prepare a rifle for shooting) Sean and his instructors showed infinite patience with me !!! I am so thankful to them for that !  @) @) They helped review the steps over and over and over again.  They obviously possessed a great deal of accomplishment and expertise in shooting !

I have already shared my very positive experiences with other female friends, some of whom have told me they would

like to attend the next one.

If there are any doubts in the minds of females about getting started, this is the place to do it. The instructors really

have the safety and training down and want to see you improve to the best of your ability.

These gentlemen were fantastic !!! 

MANY heartfelt thanks to everyone who devoted their time and effort to make this such a meaningful training experience for all of us.

YOU ROCK GUYS !!!!!!!!!!!

I am ready for the next one !!! ..:.. ..:..


Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: flnativegal on June 04, 2010, 09:30:29 PM

I attended my first AS weekend in Myakka recently. I was pleasantly surprised to find such an intense shooting program and was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet everyone and learn this basic shooting technique that works so well.
Firearm related sports and activities have been a part of my life since I was 3 years old. I've attended a variety of shooting programs but this was one of the best I've seen.

I believe we should bring all our "girl friends" to one of the AS weekends,  it would be a terrific experience for anyone. Plus, it is always useful to  practice properly, if for no other reason,  to be capable of using our firearms for self protection.



Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Bamanurse on June 14, 2010, 03:56:26 PM
I finally made it!!!!!  Went to my Third Appleseed this weekend and shot 214 on my first AQT and only AQT of Saturday.  Then Sunday shot 210 so now I can be an IIT.  We were able to get a new Appleseed set up at my home gun range in September to boot.  The best part of all I was able to get the Purple Madam Yotnottin Patch.  I really identify with the spirit of that lady the more I read about her.  My son shot a 197 so maybe next time for him.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: AuntieBellum on June 21, 2010, 11:20:57 PM
After reading through the amazing stories of other Appleseed women, I was inspired to put my own story in writing.  It's a work in progress, as there's always more work to be down and more 'seeds to go to!  Enjoy, and constructive criticism is welcomed!
http://patriotwhispers.blogspot.com (http://patriotwhispers.blogspot.com)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: kd_deadeye on June 22, 2010, 01:13:51 PM
Hi everyone,
I have read many of the other posts and nothing I have to say is much different!

My friend, (at the time) Iron Pony, told me about Appleseed.  I had only shot pistols and was a gun owner.  I thought Appleseed sounded like something I'd like to go check out.

The first Appleseed I went to was in Ramseur, NC.  I met Fred that weekend and other great guys and great Americans!!  At this point, Iron Pony was my fiance.  He didn't instruct me - we both thought that would be 'opening a can of worms'  ;D   

There was an instructor there that weekend that had a lot of faith in me and a with a little smile on his face called me 'deadeye'! Little did he know that the very next day I would live up to that!!! I LOVED everything about shooting a rifle and was hooked!   :~     On Sunday, my first AQT was 229 and second was 237!

I knew I wanted to be a part of this program going forward and that day accepted the Orange Hat as an IIT.  Now, my husband and I instruct at shoots and plan to travel to different ranges around NC and even other states. 

I still have a lot to learn but I am looking forward to the day I can proudly accept the Red Hat. 

Iron Pony and I have even talked about buying some land and setting up a DAR! 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Vee Kay on June 29, 2010, 05:43:00 PM
Two days after the Appleseed shoot I am still going over in my head the events of this past weekends shoot in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

I am a pistol shooter and my only experience with a rifle has been shooting from bench rest position.

On Saturday afternoon as I walked up to look at my target I could not find any hits.....this continued till some of the instructors started to wonder if it might be my rifle since I was hitting and getting groups earlier in the day. One of the instructors even got down and shot my rifle, and then we figured it out.....I WAS SHOOTING AT THE WRONG TARGET.......OMG!!!

There were gun jams and mag failures and the little things I kept forgetting to do like pulling my bolt back, and taking the safety off.

Then there were the things to remember like mag out, bolt back, safety on, flag in, gun grounded. Don't drag wood.  How many shots am I suppose to put in this target??  How do I loop this sling? NPOA and sight picture just to mention a few.

By the end of Saturday with temps close to 90 degrees and high humidity I was wondering if anything had sunk in.
I was ready to go home have a shower and head to bed.....and the thought did cross my mind for a split second, maybe I should just stay home tomorrow.....but I knew that was not an option for me and I fell asleep thinking of stories of  April 19, 1775.

Sunday went much better even though there were gun jams, mag failures and my sling swivel fell off, I felt I was learning to cope under stress. By the end of the day things were coming together and things that seemed difficult the day before were getting easier.  I believe with practice I can be a Rifleman!!!!

We had very patient and devoted instructors and I want to say thank you for all your time and effort, none of this would be possible without you.

Vonnie
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on June 29, 2010, 06:42:37 PM
Vonnie,
Thanks for writing down your experience.  That is exactly how I felt at my first Appleseed.  Including firing on my neighbor's target. :wall:   I felt like I was fumbling all weekend long. 

Working through the difficulties is an important part of discovering that you DO possess the virtues required to develop your skills as a Rifleman.

You have already demonstrated the virtues of a Rifleman, and soon your score will reflect that.
Attention to detail 
Discipline
Humility
Honesty
Persistence
Honor
Patriotism
Responsibility   

Your quote proves it!   :)

Quote from: vkf10/22 on June 29, 2010, 05:43:00 PM


With temps close to 90 degrees and high humidity I was wondering if anything had sunk in.
I was ready to go home have a shower and head to bed.....and the thought did cross my mind for a split second, maybe I should just stay home tomorrow.....but I knew that was not an option for me and I fell asleep thinking of stories of  April 19, 1775.

See you on the trail!


Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Vee Kay on June 29, 2010, 07:49:21 PM
Old Glory,
Thanks for your encouragement and all your help this weekend like screwing my sling swivel on when it came off and loaning me your stock pad.....the weekend was a great experience, along with learning how to shoot a rifle properly, I also met some wonderful folks....Practice starts this Friday!!!

Vonnie
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: The Mrs. on September 04, 2010, 02:56:59 PM
I attended my first Appleseed at SaraSpa on April 17th and 18th.  I must admit a good deal of apprehension, as I had never shot in my life other than archery.  LittleMo and I had never even heard of Appleseed until we went to the Albany Gun Show a few months before.  He had SLOWLY been introducing me to the idea of shooting for quite awhile.  LittleMo had a cabinet full of guns that I wouldn't even touch until he blew out his knee and was on crutches for months and the one night decided he wanted to clean them.  I reticently played courier, bringing them out to him so he could clean them, and then put them away.  Can we say neophite!!   ;D

My first Red Coat I didn't even hit my paper, instead putting a few holes in the target of a kid a couple of spaces over (did you know there is a difference between a red 5 and a yellow one!!  The young man had a red 5, and I a yellow one.....I shot his target)  Yeah I messed up big time and the young man was none to pleased. I have to give it to the Shoot Boss and orange and red hats....they were amazingly patient and helpful to me.  Alan(Shoot Boss) sat with me during the ball and dumby,  going over and over trigger control with me.  This was the second day, and I was more than a bit sore.  Unlike everyone else who took turns, I was on the ground for the entire time.  Yup, was a bit beat up, but I sure did learn trigger contol!!  :)

I went from missing the target entirely at the beginning of the first day to shooting an AQT in the mid-180's by the end of Sunday.  Not to shabby!!  But that's not all.....there is much,  much more.  I NEVER expected the Revolutionary War education and the personal stories used to teach it.  They are, to say the least, inspiring.  The lack of a political agenda from the instructors is also something I deeply appreciate as well, as my personal viewpoint very well might be different than those around me.....but the point was made and well taken......GET OFF THE COUCH.

LittleMo and I then attended the Appleseed in Bennington, VT in August.  Again, the Shoot Boss, red and orange hats were great.  I learned and continued to hone my skills.  This time I came close, shooting over 200 on an AQT.  LittleMo and I are both pretty darn close to that magic 210.  Hopefully we will get 'em next time.  Hope to go again in Oct.

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Old Glory! on September 07, 2010, 08:57:49 AM
The Mrs.,
Thanks for putting your experience into words.   It will be an inspiration for others.

OG
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: The Mrs. on September 17, 2010, 02:44:30 PM
Sharing my experience was my pleasure!!  Coming across AS is one of the best "Coincidences" of my life.  I really don't believe in coincidences, I feel that things happen for a reason.

Although LittleMo and I have not yet made Rifleman (can't wait until our Oct shoot  ;)), we have been doing everything we can to promote this great organization, and see it grow.  Along with talking to everyone who will listen to us about AS, we are also working with the BoD of our gun club to get them to open up to having Appleseeds there.  :wall:  If we, working with our Ass't State Coordinator, can get this pulled off, it will be quite a coup, putting a Seed in earshot of the NYS Capital (well not literally, but within 10 miles or so), as well as one of the larger population areas of the state.

So even though I have not made IIT YET, the work goes on to help our fellow countrymen and women wake up.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: spitstickler on September 29, 2010, 05:06:18 PM
http://womenandguns.servertalk.in/womenandguns-ftopic5615.html
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: savagerabbit on November 23, 2010, 11:09:03 PM
Hi all!
First post about my first Appleseed.  :)
I don't recall where I first heard about the Appleseed Organization but I do remember that I started bugging my husband about going almost immediately.  It took him almost a year to come around but we (meaning me and my two boys) would probably STILL be nagging him to go if he hadn't realized that an old friend of his was in the local group.
That friend, Siglite, asked if maybe our homeschool group would like to come out and try a One Day Appleseed dedicated to just us.  Oh yeah... No more begging and waiting!  He set up the event and I set out to get as many folks as I could to come out!  He said "the more the merrier" so I took that as a challenge!
We ended up with 18 kids and 8 adults on the line.  I have to add that the vast majority of the kids... were under 10 years old.  I also have to admit.. I WAS SCARED!  Wow.. what a safety challenge!  They did an awesome job rounding up enough volunteers that we had a 2:1 student/instructor ratio. 

The instructors WERE INCREDIBLE! Just fantastic.  I can't say enough about them.

Now.. about my experience.  Like a lot of the other stories I've read here, I didn't have any firearms around growing up.  Dad didn't hunt and saw no use at all for a handgun. I've always been kinda fascinated tho.  Good thing I married a complete gun nut.   ^:)^ I'm not a complete newb, but pretty darn near. (:  I carry my handgun every day and I feel fairly confident.  I've taken down small game at quite a distance with my old trusty .22 that I keep by the back door.   I've never really had any formal training (Shame shame shame on the husband) so I assumed I would always just be a mediocre shot.

I started the day out being just that... a mediocre, even POOR shot.  Half way through the day... I broke my rifle.  :(   I borrowed one of the instructor's and I was completely lost.  Hated it.  My husband hands me another and I had a revelation!!!!  I'M RIGHT HANDED AND LEFT EYE DOMINANT!!
Wow.. now what?  The instructor said.. "huh.. you don't happen to be ambidextrous do you?"  and my heart sunk.  "I'll never shoot well"  "I suck so bad"  "Damn this stupid body,,, damn that stupid eye"
Determined to not give up I changed  to my left.  He said "I don't know.. you're not left handed, prolly not a good idea".  I said I had to try.
I BLEW THAT LAST RED COAT TARGET AWAY!!!  I EVEN HIT THE DANIEL MORGAN SQUARE!!!!!
I would have gone my whole life not knowing I was a left handed shooter had it not been for Appleseed!   This was just this past weekend and I'm going again in a few weeks!  Oh... I got bit HARD by the Appleseed bug!! 
I didn't get my patch and I don't even care because I know I will!!!
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5196597833_c7d35791ef.jpg)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: EZ3 on November 23, 2010, 11:33:53 PM
You're so darn right you will!  Way to persevere!   O0  (sorry about the mixup with the mags)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: savagerabbit on November 23, 2010, 11:43:14 PM
Quote from: EZ3 on November 23, 2010, 11:33:53 PM
You're so darn right you will!  Way to persevere!   O0  (sorry about the mixup with the mags)

No prob.  I was sweating it pretty hard thinking that I'd lost it!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: brickhouse on November 24, 2010, 01:01:05 PM
Savagerabbit,

We look forward to seeing you again. Stay tuned, we will likely have a Ladyseed at Eleanor this coming Spring. None of those icky men allowed.   @&)  Please come back and bring friends!

brickhouse
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: savagerabbit on November 24, 2010, 01:13:40 PM
Quote from: brickhouse on November 24, 2010, 01:01:05 PM
Savagerabbit,

We look forward to seeing you again. Stay tuned, we will likely have a Ladyseed at Eleanor this coming Spring. None of those icky men allowed.   @&)  Please come back and bring friends!

brickhouse
oh!! I'll be there!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: iloveliberty on December 24, 2010, 02:55:14 PM
Quote from: vkf10/22 on June 29, 2010, 05:43:00 PM
I was ready to go home have a shower and head to bed.....and the thought did cross my mind for a split second, maybe I should just stay home tomorrow.....but I knew that was not an option for me and I fell asleep thinking of stories of  April 19, 1775
Vonnie

Vonnie,
You're not alone. My first appleseed was a disaster. I took a rifle that was not set up at all. With no time at all for my husband to set it during the event (they do tell you to have your rifles set up ahead of time, unfortunately I didn't have enough knowledge to do it myself ahead of time). I don't learn well under pressure, so the bootcamp like atmosphere from the main instructor didn't help. Thankfully the instructor that was closest to me was very patient. Unfortunately by the end of the day i was just an audience. My back was ceasing up, and I was discouraged, but I have made it my goal to not give up and the next event I will hopefully be ready, no matter who the instructor is.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: The Wolfhound on January 04, 2011, 11:43:04 PM
Equipment fails, the weather turns dicey, a Rifleman persists.  My wife had issues on her first appleseed.  It was discovered rather late in the day that her scope had worked loose.   !@#)  We took the time to upgrade our scope rings and resight before our second appleseed.  She brought her determination, her teachable attitude and a now reliable rifle to her second appleseed.  She found success.  Keep Going!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: iloveliberty on January 30, 2011, 09:31:52 AM
I agree. Am seeing now and hearing from many others that if your equipment is faulty, appleseed with find it out. Also looking back I don't think I brought the teachable attitude like I thought I did. I am thankful for all the instructors, even those that seemed to be tough at the time. They are doing their jobs, and fine jobs at that. Appleseed is not for whiners.  :)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: BonnieBlue on July 01, 2011, 12:17:35 AM
I went to my first Appleseed when I was 12. At first, I was so proud of my self for going with my Daddy to a shoot. But the only thing was, I had NEVER shot a .22 or any gun before! (well, air soft guns.)  So, when we started to shoot, I started to think," what am I doing? This thing might blow up in my face!" But all the instructors helped me out, told me there is nothing to be afraid of. At the end of mt first day, I had shot a 185 on my AQT. My dad, who had been in the Army, got his rifleman. Right when he got his, I wanted one soooo bad. So by the 2nd time I went ( I only went for 1 day the first time) I was determined to get rifleman. Every thing went really well. I was getting 5 shots on a 1inch square. People were saying they wanted me on their shooting team. I started to feel really good. So, my 2nd day on the range, I got my rifleman, shot a 218 on my AQT, got a orange hat. And was very happy!
I LOVE Appleseeds. I'm 13 right now(2011) and still an IIT 0. lol!   
I hope to be on my way to IIT 1.

Best wishes,
Bonnie Blue ( a.k.a Jenna)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: SavageShootr on July 03, 2011, 12:17:42 PM
Gosh it has been ages since I read any of these posts. Great Job Ladies!!

Welcome aboard.

BonnieBlue, congratulations!!

Keep the stories coming.

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Amber Waves on August 23, 2011, 11:45:55 PM
Finally! 
This past weekend at the McLean,IL shoot I shot 210 and got my ice water baptism.  This of course is after seven Appleseeds with scores hovering around that magic number, I mean how many times can a person shoot 209.

So, to make a long story short, I'm taking up a Blue Hat with my youngest daughter, Olivia.  My husband and older daughter are already orange hats  and my son, Josh wants to get his,too.  We want to get out to more Appleseeds as a family.  That seventh step is calling and I'm still hoping to stop hovering and shoot that 210+ score on the AQT every time.

Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Red Niva on November 28, 2011, 11:23:33 PM
I went to my first appleseed at the beginning of September in Toccoa, GA. My dad and I had gone with a friend to a Georgia Militia meeting and then decided to join the militia. We heard about appleseed from a few people in the group who had gone and gotten their patch. We decided to sign up for one coming up. I thought i was  pretty good shot already from my dad teaching me how to shoot since i was 10. When i got their i was shy cause i didn't really know anyone. I found out that i had a lot more to learn than i had expected. When we began shooting, a lot of the instructors saw my target and were pretty impressed. They said i had a great talent. That really made me open up some more and talk to the instructors. When we left we decided to come to an appleseed that was coming up in October in Toccoa also. By the end of the second day i had scored a 207 and a 203. I couldn't wait for the next appleseed! My next appleseed was in November(also in Toccoa). I worked my best and with a lot of help from DrJohn and Goose, i scored a 225 and a 238 by the end of the second day! I was so happy! ^:)^ I got my patch(it was even purple! My favorite!) and I accepted my orange hat and am going to my first appleseed as an orange hat this weekend in Ramseur, NC! ^:)^ I am 13 years about to be 14. Even if he doesn't want to admit it, i have inspired my 11 year old brother to get his patch by my age. I want to express my thanks to DrJohn, OldFudd, and Goose. They have helped me so much in my journey to get my rifleman patch and become an orange hat. Thanks so much you guys!!!!!   
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Amber Waves on November 29, 2011, 10:09:32 AM
Just an update

This last weekend Nov 26-27 at Bonfield, IL I shot a 211 and re-qualified and took an Orange Hat.  I nearly got the Winterseed patch, but it wasn't below 32 degrees.  Cold, but not freezing.  :'(  Will still work toward that one.  I just wish there was a patch for Heatstroke, shooting in temps over 100 degrees or high humidity, cause I KNOW I've earned that one.   ^-^ 

Red Niva congratulations on your scores.  You Rock!  :bow: 
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: nyrasgt on November 29, 2011, 12:56:57 PM
Suggest a Fireseed patch for 210+ fired @ over 95 degree temps, or heat index over 90...
should be red-orange, with (of course) flames rather than icicles...  Kids! Collect the Whole Set!
Or not.
Excelsior,
madMark
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Amber Waves on November 30, 2011, 10:39:24 AM
AWESOME  O0 
We should let Fred know.  We NEED a hot weather patch for the people who make it out in Heatstroke conditions.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: dart67eb on December 01, 2011, 04:18:13 AM
That's half the year in MS!

Quote from: nyrasgt on November 29, 2011, 12:56:57 PM
Suggest a Fireseed patch for 210+ fired @ over 95 degree temps, or heat index over 90...
should be red-orange, with (of course) flames rather than icicles...  Kids! Collect the Whole Set!
Or not.
Excelsior,
madMark
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: COJeepGirl on January 11, 2012, 10:58:42 PM
OMG a Fireseed patch. I want one!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: mary on January 27, 2012, 02:34:06 AM
This was one of the best weekends I ever had. I learned how to shoot!! I have gone on to improve my shooting enough to have the confidence to join a pistol league, and I have won a few rounds in our local shooting contest here in Fairbanks at the indoor range (got some free large pizzas from Papa Johns and some nice gun cleaning kits :)
Everybody was great!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: AimeePatton on March 13, 2013, 10:06:55 AM
Hi
I attended my 1st ladyseed this past weekend and loved it.  My story might be like a lot of others.  When I was growing up my father didn't think girls should shoot the "man" would do that.  Well my husband thank goodness had other Ideas.  This past summer my father-in-law and husband took me out shooting. I was nervous and scared at 1st but  I loved it.  I had only ever held a bb gun before that.  M1 garande  was my 1st real experience before ladyseed..  I have a enfield in .303 British that I love.  I had been to the range a couple of times since January when we found it.  Long story short I spent the whole ladyseed shooting my enfield.  The instructors offered to let me use a .22 but I had never shot one before  (I am stubborn to say the least)  and I wanted to get to know my riffle.  They range instructors where so helpful teaching me and very encouraging.    I asked to use a .22 to see what it was like.  Well long story short I am cured of my stubbornness and I now own a .22.  That way I can earn my rifleman patch.    I will still bring my enfield for fun but use a .22 (which ammo is much cheaper) .  I love this program and am hoping to get my orange hat soon.

Semper Fi
Aimee
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: dreamerofdreams on March 14, 2013, 10:25:52 PM
You got a .22 that quickly?   O0

Keep rocking the .22 and the enfield!  Just wait till we get you out to a KD shoot, that enfield will come in handy!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: AimeePatton on March 19, 2013, 11:07:12 AM
I took my .22 out this weekend.  Once I change to tech sights I will probably have a better time of it.  I am looking forward to using my enfield she is still my favorite.  I want to thank the ladies of the elon ladyseed.  Your teaching has made me more comfrotable with any of the riffles I pick up.  (Now if I can just get some handgun training so I am more comfortable with them. )  I can now hit paper more often then not.  I am practicing for my next shoot would really like to make riffleman and help out more with this wonderful organazation. 

Semper Fi
Aimee
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: PatriotsDaughter on October 13, 2014, 09:46:57 AM
Hello all!

I am a new Appleseed girl.  This past weekend was my first Appleseed experience and I had an absolute blast! :) The instructors were excellent and our group had a great camaraderie.  I did not grow up with firearms, and my husband has only been shooting for about 5-10 years, and I have joined him a few times in the past couple of years.  So basically, I'm relatively new to firearms and shooting.  To say I was feeling intimidated initially with the prospect of two days of training & shooting with a bunch of guys (who I was sure would know TONS more than me) is putting it mildly.  The history component is what really drew me, and helped me get up the courage to participate.  Honestly, I needn't have been concerned.  Everyone was very friendly and approachable and no one was made to feel inferior or foolish because of lack of experience.  As an added bonus, I cleared my redcoat on Saturday, and my final AQT score on Sunday was 194!  My forum pic shows the badge I earned when I cleared my redcoat. :) Already looking forward to my next Appleseed and looking for who I can bring with me.  Rifleman, here I come!

Patriot's Daughter (aka: Karen)
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: dreamerofdreams on October 13, 2014, 01:25:44 PM
Quote from: PatriotsDaughter on October 13, 2014, 09:46:57 AM
Hello all!

I am a new Appleseed girl.  This past weekend was my first Appleseed experience and I had an absolute blast! :) The instructors were excellent and our group had a great camaraderie.  I did not grow up with firearms, and my husband has only been shooting for about 5-10 years, and I have joined him a few times in the past couple of years.  So basically, I'm relatively new to firearms and shooting.  To say I was feeling intimidated initially with the prospect of two days of training & shooting with a bunch of guys (who I was sure would know TONS more than me) is putting it mildly.  The history component is what really drew me, and helped me get up the courage to participate.  Honestly, I needn't have been concerned.  Everyone was very friendly and approachable and no one was made to feel inferior or foolish because of lack of experience.  As an added bonus, I cleared my redcoat on Saturday, and my final AQT score on Sunday was 194!  My forum pic shows the badge I earned when I cleared my redcoat. :) Already looking forward to my next Appleseed and looking for who I can bring with me.  Rifleman, here I come!

Patriot's Daughter (aka: Karen)

Glad you had a good experience!  Congrats on clearing the red coat and great job on the AQT - you're definitely on the trail!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: ItsanSKS on February 12, 2015, 06:15:13 AM
It can't possibly be that we haven't had any more women attend Appleseed events, can it?   If you're a member of the fairer sex, and have attended an Appleseed event, your story should be posted here.  Let other women know what the experience was like for you!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: malabar on February 12, 2015, 07:03:48 AM
In Florida, I have seen an "Infernoseed" patch. I think it's awarded when the temp is over 100. Has little flames on it.

I think Sly223 had some. Don't know if they  were special issue or not.

tk

Quote from: Amber Waves on November 30, 2011, 10:39:24 AM
AWESOME  O0 
We should let Fred know.  We NEED a hot weather patch for the people who make it out in Heatstroke conditions.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Weezer on February 17, 2015, 03:43:52 PM
Quote from: ItsanSKS on February 12, 2015, 06:15:13 AM
It can't possibly be that we haven't had any more women attend Appleseed events, can it?   If you're a member of the fairer sex, and have attended an Appleseed event, your story should be posted here.  Let other women know what the experience was like for you!

Oops.  Just posted mine as a new post, not as an addition to this one.   :-[
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: Homerange on May 15, 2021, 09:57:08 PM
This weekend was my second time doing an application my first one was a two-day event and this one was a lady's only one day event. And I've enjoyed each time, I learn new tricks. I love to learn the history. And I I feel I have employed  a skill that will be useful no matter where I am in life, as long as I have a gun and some ammo I have something to do.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: 553tnegA on October 11, 2022, 03:18:28 PM
This past weekend was my first Appleseed Shoot, but I've been following the program for years. I am the Chapter Leader of our local Armed Women of America chapter - The last 3 years, the clinics have landed on the same weekends as my AWA meetings, so I have not been able to attend.
FINALLY,  the schedule worked out and I was able to go!  I was pleased to see 5 other ladies with me in a class of 24 - one of which is another AWA chapter leader in the next state!!.

One of the Redhats, eert, had emailed me and asked if he could place his friend next to me in case she needed help. Of course, I obliged. 4 of us ladies held down one end of the bay and laughed, encouraged, lent a helping hand and got incredible compliments from the range crew. We all improved our shooting and one lady even re-qualified for her Rifleman patch! 

I was close - scored 200- but I'm going to go sling shopping and work on my seated positions so I can squash those redcoats and the AQT at the next Appleseed shoot!!

My hope is that my personal experience will lead more of the ladies in my chapter to come out and take the Appleseed class.
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: JustKim on December 22, 2022, 12:11:26 PM
I attended my first Appleseed event 19-29 April 2014.  I shot and "broke" 4 rifles in the process.  During that weekend, I laughed, I cried, I got angry, but most of all, I persisted.  Through all of the emotions, I had an AMAZING time!  I was hooked, for sure!  I knew this is something that I wanted to continue to do.  It took me 4 1/2 events to earn my Rifleman patch, but the journey taught me so much about myself and made me a better person, and a much better Riflewoman!!!

It's so easy to tell others about the characteristics of our founding generation, focus, determination and persistence, but what we do allows each shooter to experience these characteristics themselves. 

One of the things I love most about Project Appleseed is that it is something that my husband, Gunjunkie, and I love doing together!  We have always shot together, but to share in the excitement of being able to pass our history and marksmanship on to others is priceless!

I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!
Title: Re: The Women of Appleseed, Stories from Appleseed Weekends
Post by: GGthatsme on September 14, 2023, 04:59:14 PM
My Appleseed story began just about a year ago. I was introduced to Appleseed by my AMAZING AGAG (A Girl and A Gun) facilitator.  After being part of the AGAG Treasure Coast chapter for a few months, I was hooked and wanted to do it all... handgun, rifle, shotgun...!   When the opportunity to participate in a Lady Appleseed came, I signed up right away with a few other AGAG ladies. After my first Lady Appleseed Event, I was hooked! We had a GREAT weekend.  I was so inspired by the history of the American Revolution.  I learned so much about our history and why it is so important to preserve our liberty as well as to educate others about it.  At that point, I was determined to get my Rifleman patch but understanding the history of that goal made it so much more significant. It took three more Appleseeds, but I did it! It was only with the help and awesome support of the other students and ALL the Appleseed instructors.  The passion the instructors have for this event is infectious. It is a great feeling to be with a group of people that have passion and purpose, positive attitudes, and share common values and goals! and... it is SO MUCH FUN!  We need to continue to get others involved in these events, and I intend to become a volunteer myself to do just that!