Project Appleseed

Your Appleseed State Board => Tennessee => Topic started by: Ramblin' Wreck on December 06, 2020, 09:43:52 AM

Title: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Ramblin' Wreck on December 06, 2020, 09:43:52 AM
After an impressive 12 year tenure as Tennessee State Coordinator, Claude "Tennessee Colonel" Morse is stepping down from the post. Most of us can't remember anyone but Claude in the position. He was the shoot boss at my first Appleseed event in 2011 and has been the anchor for Appleseed in central Tennessee from his home range at Arnold Air Force base in Tullahoma. In discussions with other Tennessee Valley cadre we can trace the lineage of most of the "hats" in the area back to him. Health issues have dogged him for a couple of years which prevent him from being as active as he has been in the past. He will continue to be involved with events at the range in Tullahoma which is the gem of the area venues we shoot.

Replacing him will be Robert "Tennessee Beast" Wadley. Beast is one of the most focused focused and energetic volunteers in the program and has already hit the ground running. Please give him your support and encouragement by helping him identify potential ranges in areas that are currently uncovered and achieving our overall program goal for increasing attendance in 2021 by 20% over 2019.
Huzzah Beast!  ^:)^


Ramblin' Wreck
Southeast Region Coordinator
Master Instructor


Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Leadslinger66 on December 06, 2020, 11:09:36 AM
Thank you Tennessee Colonel for all your hard work. Prayers and best wishes to you.

Congratulations Tennessee Beast! You will be an awesome state coordinator. Huzzah!
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: CarrollMS on December 06, 2020, 12:54:17 PM
Thanks for a job well done Tennessee Colonel
Godspeed Tennessee Beast
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Texas T on December 06, 2020, 07:48:08 PM
First, a hearty "Well-done"!

Second, a sound "Thanks for stepping up"!

Blessings to both of you.
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Cleveland on December 06, 2020, 07:54:32 PM
Tennessee Colonel issued me my rifleman's patch Patriots Day, 2015. His name is well known in association with Project Appleseed in TN. I've met many people that ask me if I know him when they find out I volunteer with Project Appleseed.

I am looking forward to working with TN Beast as the torch is passed on to him. HUZZAH

Liberty,
Cleveland
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Nashville Stage on December 06, 2020, 09:42:56 PM
Claude has been the heart of Appleseed in the TN area for a long time. He signed my first Rifleman-scoring AQT (the one in my forum photo). He gave a presentation at the Tennessee Firearms Association meeting where I first heard the stories of Appleseed. He's neither loud nor boisterous, yet can command the rapt attention of everyone in a room. People line up to listen just like kids in front of Santa Claus. The work he does to serve others is amazing, including organizing trips to fly veterans who couldn't otherwise make it to visit the national memorials in Washington DC. I'm sure he's looking forward to "Retirement".   ;D

Robert, I look forward to working with you and supporting the work however I can. Thanks for stepping up!
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Black Knight on December 06, 2020, 11:10:22 PM
Claude, Appleseed in TN would not have been the same without your tireless efforts over the years.  Thank you so much for the selfless sacrifices you have made in behalf of Appleseed.

Robert, your energy never fails to amaze.  We all lool forward to working with you in the years to come.
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Captain on December 06, 2020, 11:53:38 PM
Thanks for stepping up Tennessee Beast, although I'm not surprised you did!  :) I know state will be in great hands.

Wait a minute "Tennessee Colonel" and now "Tennessee Beast"? Is that a requirement for the SC over there?  :)
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Maximum Ordinate on December 07, 2020, 09:12:58 AM
Quote from: Captain on December 06, 2020, 11:53:38 PM
Wait a minute "Tennessee Colonel" and now "Tennessee Beast"? Is that a requirement for the SC over there?  :)

It doesn't hurt.   ;)



Claude,

Thank you for your many years of devoted service in the cause of Liberty.  12 years as SC... if that's not a record, it's darned close.

Many if not most of the instructors in the Tennessee Valley can trace their roots to you.  I remember the day I earned my patch at your home range and you did a little arm twisting to put an orange hat on my head.   ;D

And I earned my red hat at Manchester shortly after.

Again - thank you!  I'm glad you're around to light brushfires, mint Riflemen, and mentor instructors in our tradition.  My best wishes to you and Bobbie!

best,
Rusty

P.S.  Beast - welcome to the SC job - it's an incredibly rewarding job and you have a great crew in TN!

Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Mrs. Smith on December 07, 2020, 10:15:28 AM
My goodness, I wish I were free to travel all over the place!  I miss out on meeting some extraordinary folks.

Claude, your dedication to this program for so many years is inspirational, and frankly leaves this baby SC a tad wide-eyed. We follow roads you forged, and what we learn your efforts have made it possible for the rest of us to be that much more effective. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  :bow:

Robert, my friend, you're no doubt better qualified for this bucket than I was when I took mine (and probably more than I am now :cool2: ), but if you need a sounding board for an idea, or anything else at all, please don't hesitate. We're a (loony & dysfunctional) family.  I'm at your service.

Sincerest regards,
Traci
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: malabar on December 07, 2020, 04:47:13 PM
Claude,

thanks for all the time and energy you've given the organization as state coordinator. HUZZAH!  And thank you for your continued support as a shootboss.

Robert, thanks for taking this on. You've got a mighty big pair of shoes to fill -- but we all think you've got the feet for it. <g> Good luck, and let me know if you need anything.

tk

Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Tennessee Beast on December 09, 2020, 01:51:28 PM
Claude,
Thank you for all the hard work you have put in over the years to build the Tennessee cadre and range relations.  I plan to build on the foundation you left for me to further the mission.  I have attached a picture of us when I received my red hat (I even shaved for the occasion!!).  If it hadn't been for the events you shoot bossed, it is unlikely I would have volunteered.  Many thanks.  I hope I make you proud.

Everyone else,

Thank you for the kind words.  I will probably reach out to some of you for guidance or help.  I am honored to accept this bigger bucket, and I won't let you down!


Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: Roswell on December 09, 2020, 02:19:50 PM
Just now seeing this.

Claude,

I'm sorry I never got to work with you, but thank you for your service sir.

Robert,

Congrats and condolences sir! I'm looking forward to collaborating more in the future.

Huzzah to you both!

In Liberty,
Roswell
Title: Re: Passing the torch in Tennessee
Post by: BluegrassColonel on January 25, 2021, 01:13:34 PM
As so many others have and can testify, Claude is the primary inspiration for my involvement in Project Appleseed.  At my first event (October 2013) at AAFB, our family was going through an extremely tough season.  Claude (and the rest of the cadre at that event) encouraged, cajoled, and deeply inspired me. Every volunteer at that event approached me privately at some point that weekend and offered their thoughts and prayers for my family and me. As I got ready to leave after clean up Sunday afternoon at my first event he handed me a USGI sling and sling loops (still in their packages) and asked me to consider volunteering (and I had not even earned my Rifleman patch).  I have to admit, I called my wife on the drive off the base with tears in my eyes and told her she HAD to come to an event.  She did, and she's now a blue hat.

Over the years from then until now (and for the foreseeable future) Claude has been an unfailing encourager to me and every person he comes in contact with. He is a credit to Project Appleseed and the foundation for such a strong program and cadre in Tennessee.

Tennessee Beast, I am happy to know your enthusiasm and energy are being put to great use.  You already know I am here to assist in whatever way I can.

I am honored to be a volunteer in an organization with so many incredible people.

In Liberty!
Greg Seneff, Sr.
"Bluegrass Colonel"