Project Appleseed

After Action Reports! => After Action Reports => Topic started by: Ghostring on October 14, 2020, 05:51:12 PM

Title: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Ghostring on October 14, 2020, 05:51:12 PM
A FANTASTIC 3-day Pistol Train-the-Trainer at the beautiful Otto Range in scenic Cheyenne, Wyoming!

Fair weather was the rule (at least for the first 2 days!) as 8 Pistol Instructor Candidates gathered to become Appleseed Pistol Instructors.
We begun Friday afternoon shooting PQTs, with two instructors demonstrating their prowess and receiving their Pistoleer™ patch! HUZZAH!

Saturday was mostly Classroom instruction as each of us went over Rev 4.0 of the Pistol Clinic Manual, demonstrating how to teach all the aspects of running a Pistol Clinic, and then gathering at the range to work on live-fire exercises from the same, culminating with a few more PQTs.

Sunday our Pistol Instructors led a Pistol Clinic from the range until gale force winds brought us back to the classroom for our written test and discussion of the "Onion of self-defense", our favorite self-defense vegetable!  :cool2:  When it comes to weather, Wyoming does NOT mess around!!

At the end of Sunday we saw each of the 8 candidates passing the exam and the course, with 4 of them also qualifying as Pistoleer™ (and promotion to Pistol Instructor!)  WhitePaladin, The HomeMaker, pennys dad and Snow Snake are our new Pistol Instructors, with the others just missing clearing the Pistoleer™ bar. Bucklenose, Sleepy, Colonial Shooter and M1Bzrk were knocking on the door! Special recognition must be given to Digger13, who was able to clear 219 on the PQT with her 9mm! Congrats to The Homemaker, who brought home the coveted Chalice with her 227 PQT score!!

Lots of thanks and admiration for Colonial Shooter, Captain and Sleepy - A most excellent crew! AVAST!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 07:54:52 PM
This really was a great way to finish up the Wyoming Appleseed season for 2020! Instructors came from all over the western states to participate - Arizona, Texas, Idaho, Colorado and, of course, Wyoming were represented! Another really cool aspect for this group was that most of the "students" at this event were already active pistol instructors with other organizations. This just made for some great learning as there were plenty opportunities to trade techniques and ideas which benefited everyone.

Of course, Ghostring was the bomb (I mean that in a good way) :) He came all the way from Houston to facilitate getting more pistol instructors in this underserved part of the Appleseed world and really made this clinic a fun time! Our local "host" was none other than the Regional Coordinator for the Upper Plains, Colonial Shooter who set everything up from lodging and a range, to food. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of the bacon wrapped elk bits - awesome!

Anyway, I did manage to get a couple of pictures. You can click on ‘em to see the full size image and then click again to shrink it back down. Enjoy.

Now I had a three hour drive to get to the clinic, but out west, that means I was a local. I was one of the four closest participants! My drive is also a little longer because I'm not allowed into Wyoming unless I pick up some Krispy Kreme . . . ;D

An early start
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462212962_a725aed638_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
After getting the range set up and a safety brief, Ghostring got everyone a chance to warmup on some of the new targets he brought.

Getting things started - Friday


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461346483_785edc01dd_h.jpg)
Safety - always!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461346698_7205f35a42_h.jpg)
Warming up
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462048731_aa2465b9f5_h.jpg)

Before we got into the PQTs, there was some outstanding business to attend to. WhitePaladin (who drove up from Texas!) was awarded his belated Pistoleer™ patch. No one had any doubts he had made the grade as he would requal several times over the weekend!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462215467_80fd63c2cb_h.jpg)
Nice job!!

Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 08:06:14 PM
The day on the range was followed by pizza at Colonial Shooter's, complements of the shoot boss!

Hanging out after a day on the range.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462215382_3c843d82ed_h.jpg)


We were in the capitol, so here's a few pics . . .


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462050231_ecaffaa1c6_h.jpg)
Boot for kicking tyranny?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461343723_1b76541ca1_h.jpg)
The Capitol
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 08:17:33 PM
The sun was coming up as the gates of the range were opening on Day 2.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462215672_424e1f0d67_h.jpg)

After a morning spent reviewing the manual, we were back on the range.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462050656_534ed92d2f_h.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462051481_5aa063c084_h.jpg)

Ghostring then tried a motivational speech and gave up his best tricks, "Come on man, if you make the holes closer to the center you'll have a higher score!" It was either that or a pirate joke ;D


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461350708_44862a59fc_h.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462052401_168ade70e5_h.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461351393_39457573cb_h.jpg)

Either way, it worked! Many Pistoleer™ scores were made and everyone else was getting close!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462047236_e24f72908d_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 09:32:56 PM
Saturday night was a celebration and grilled steaks!

Wyoming Cadre patches


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461345848_ce8226acec_h.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461345703_9f78d135ef_h.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462211987_74320a1378_h.jpg)

But the learning wasn't over, Ghostring lectured on spin drift and other effects pertinent to pistol shooting . . . or a pirate joke? I can't remember . . .


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462045781_14e2d944bf_h.jpg)
‘Cause the bullet is spinning!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462210652_fbdc8bf191_h.jpg)
So it must drift to the right!

Anyway, a good time was had by all and the Wyoming cadre presented Ghostring with a signed bottle of Wyoming whisky, while Ghostring presented Colonial Shooter with an Appleseed challenge coin as a thank you for all the work of putting on the clinic.



(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461345328_8190595794_h.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50462045486_92c782f324_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 14, 2020, 09:43:15 PM
The last day was a mock Pistol Clinic. "The Homemaker" was also awarded the Appleseed Chalice for having the highest PQT score of the weekend.

The "Chalice"
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Things might've wrapped up somewhat early when a little Wyoming breeze came in. This was the first thing seen on the interstate on the way home.

A little breeze in Wyoming
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50461343428_7e9dbf3fae_h.jpg)

Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: colonial shooter on October 15, 2020, 12:00:20 PM
Thanks to all who came out for a visit, and a chance to make more pistol instructors. I am proud to welcome those border raiders and also to hand out WY cadre patches to Bucklenose, Penny's dad White Paladin and of course Ghostring!. You guys are always welcome in the "Free State". It was my pleasure to host this event and to have fellowship and breaking of bread with you. Every student was attentive and those that did not qualify as Pistoleer™ were within a couple of points of the set goal. Keep practicing (use the dots ) and you will climb over the bar!

As for Captain and the toll at the border... keep that up! we can't get great donuts up here.

For any that have not or could not make this trip, I have more elk in the freezer and always have bacon( it is a food group, right)! So make plans to come out for the upcoming IBC/RBC in June.

Aarggg!
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: pennys dad on October 15, 2020, 09:13:31 PM
This was a great group to work with.

This was a great class with like minded people, a ton of shooting, a beautiful outdoor range, friendly family meals, time with my daughter and granddaughters, time with friends, certified, jokes, downtime, time to reflect and two big old black dogs that just wanted attention.
Overall the right place and the right time.
Thank you
BTW, I love the WY patch, I am wondering how I can attach it to my Glock 17 grip.
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: BillP_556 on October 15, 2020, 10:36:40 PM
Great shooting rifleman & now Pistoleer™s!  Especially that red coat White Paladin, that isn't easy!!

Saw my buddy Sleepy in those pics, he rocks! 

Looks like an epic IBC!
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Snow Snake on October 16, 2020, 01:05:42 AM
 I was so honored to be able to join this most august group of Appleseeders  for a pistol TtT event . Special thanks to Ghostring,colonial shooter,Captain and Sleepy.The range was great and the weather held off till midday on Sunday.My fellow Pistol Instructor Candidates were all prime examples of dedication to the mission ,simply the best.
To repeat : Thank you,Thank you,Thank you... :bow:
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Digger13 on October 18, 2020, 02:40:57 AM
Thank you everyone for a great time. Getting that Pistoleer™ patch meant the world to me. I had been given some bad news on Thursday afternoon that I didn't share; my cancer is no longer in remission and pushing past that distraction was tough. Everyone kept encouraging me so shooting a 221 with my 9mm was worth the work. Again, thank you to each and every one of you, last weekend was good for my soul.
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: CarrollMS on October 18, 2020, 09:10:48 AM
Quote from: Digger13 on October 18, 2020, 02:40:57 AM
Thank you everyone for a great time. Getting that Pistoleer™ patch meant the world to me. I had been given some bad news on Thursday afternoon that I didn't share; my cancer is no longer in remission and pushing past that distraction was tough. Everyone kept encouraging me so shooting a 221 with my 9mm was worth the work. Again, thank you to each and every one of you, last weekend was good for my soul.
Congratulations Digger13. Prayers offered for your recovery!
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Snow Snake on October 18, 2020, 10:59:35 AM
Quote from: Digger13 on October 18, 2020, 02:40:57 AM
Thank you everyone for a great time. Getting that Pistoleer™ patch meant the world to me. I had been given some bad news on Thursday afternoon that I didn't share; my cancer is no longer in remission and pushing past that distraction was tough. Everyone kept encouraging me so shooting a 221 with my 9mm was worth the work. Again, thank you to each and every one of you, last weekend was good for my soul.
I'm sorry you are going through this.Susan and I are sending healing prayers and comforting wishes.
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Captain on October 18, 2020, 11:34:29 AM
Quote from: Digger13 on October 18, 2020, 02:40:57 AM
Thank you everyone for a great time. Getting that Pistoleer™ patch meant the world to me. I had been given some bad news on Thursday afternoon that I didn't share; my cancer is no longer in remission and pushing past that distraction was tough. Everyone kept encouraging me so shooting a 221 with my 9mm was worth the work. Again, thank you to each and every one of you, last weekend was good for my soul.

Wow - not just skills with your pistol, but also an incredible inspiration! It's hard to believe you were dealing with such difficult news while coming out to this event with all the energy you had and positive attitude you shared. Thank you for your example and know you are in our families prayers.
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: Digger13 on October 19, 2020, 12:57:37 AM
Thank you everyone for the kind words and prayers. I welcome them. It's not my first rodeo but it's always tough news to get. I'll get through this, I have multiple times before but having a group like this behind me, praying for me, makes it a little bit easier.
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: M1bzrk on October 19, 2020, 09:49:57 PM
Our prayers are with you, Wendy, of course.  I am so pleased that you and Crystal both shot so well.  You are both truly examples of focus, fortitude and PERSEVERANCE!  Thank you both for the example - hope we males can live up to it...  A great weekend, and you gals shooting Pistoleer™ were the icing on the cake.

Thanks also to all who participated - instructors & fellow students.  Thanks especially to Ghostring for generously loaning me his equipment.  Going from a 150 to 205 ensures that I am going to acquire a red dot (well maybe green after seeing SnowSnake's).  Now if I can just learn where the mag release is...

This was the most enjoyable 3 days I've had  in a long time and I want to thank each and everyone of you for your generosity and enthusiasm.  Only one question: where's that dam' penguin??
Title: Re: Cheyenne, WY : Appleseed Pistol Train the Trainer - 10/9-10/11/2020 AAR
Post by: TXBootGirl on October 20, 2020, 10:16:24 AM
Looks awesome!!!  Can't wait to shoot this program here in Texas.  Way to go everyone :partytime: