Project Appleseed

We were blessed with an absolutely fantastic weekend in Shelby. We had an amazing group of 19 students who were enthusiastic and eager to learn. We had a near family reunion of instructors and Applecore who pulled off everything exquisitely well, making my job easy. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience.  Of the 19 shooters, ten walked away with a Rifleman's patch and one of those was distinguished. I might get corrected, but if I remember right 4 of the patches were first time patches including one young lady who hadn't shot anything in over ten years! Well done Megan! We didn't have any major safety issues and everyone learned a lot, including me! I also have to mention a particular high point for me was when Bryan (Hemi286), a new Orange Hat working his first shoot, showed up and delivered and outstanding First Strike (Like, has ANY new Orange Hat EVER showed up at his first shoot and done First Strike?)  DOM, and lots of line bossing and RSOing.  Jayshoneybunny was also a fantastic addition to our team who did some awesome instructing including a great Second Strike.  I see a Red Hat in her future.

And speaking of the future, we took on two new Orange Hats (welcome aboard, Powder Blue and HoseJockey!) during the event and a third (Welcome, RJD Sr) after the shoot.  I believe that Indiana has a very bright future in capable hands.  Thanks everyone for making this a memorable event!

It was really a perfect weekend, both in terms of instructor presence and weather, and it showed in the results: Several cleared redcoats, lots of new riflemen including a couple first timers, and most importantly, lots of good discussion surrounding the ideals and themes of instruction. Plus SteelThunder's KD instruction was some of the best I've ever gotten at a 25m event, it's clear the man is passionate about rounds on target.

This is an excellent location for an Appleseed event. Thanks to Ray and Beth and the rest of the Izaak Walton League for their support.   I would like to thank Captain America and the rest of the instructors for their tremendous effort in training this group of students.  The number of rifleman scores this weekend may be the most I've ever seen at one event, a tribute to the quality of instruction and the skill of the students applying those instructions.

Congratulation to all the new Riflemen and Riflewomen and the requalifiers.  The progress of everyone through the weekend was amazing.  I am especially proud to be a member of the TNT team winning one of the coveted Golden Snack Mix Awards.  It will be cherished to the last pretzel.

Will try to post some pics later. I apologize to Mrs. Smith ahead of time for messing up again after all her assistance with the pics.

Thanks again to Captain America and this extremely talented crew.

Here goes

What an amazing weekend!  Great weather, great people, and great shooting.  I believe this group of students set the record for new and repeat Rifleman scores.  Nick earned a distinguished patch and IIRC it was the 2nd distinguished earned at Shelby with the first one also earned by a Nick. 

The instruction crew really set the bar high for the future.  Ray and I thank you so very much for sharing your expertise with us.  And thank you too, to the three new IIT's for joining the Appleseed ranks.  The Indiana team is growing fast. 

Pics of some of the successes and good times below.       

I had such a great time!  I love seeing all the people from past events and meeting the newbs.  I'm so proud of Megan who got rifleman on her first event!  She was AMAZING!  Thanks Pookie and Devil Kitty for some 1:1 instruction - helped me go from 150 on Saturday to 238 on Sunday.

 

Sorry I didn't take any photos this weekend.  I just want to thank all the instructors who volunteered their time to make the weekend fun. I'm a man a few words but I just wanted to let you each know I learned a lot from each of you. We have some great border raiders who like to come up for this event and their knowledge is second to none. I received some good pointers to use in the future. The students came with a teachable attitude and it showed in the scores. Andrew and Hunter are knocking on the 210 door and hope they return to another event soon. We definitely had a high percentage of qualified Rifleman who can show what they are about.

Will try again with the pics.

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/UlOWxkI"  ><a href="//imgur.com/a/UlOWxkI">SHELBY, IN September 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WOW ! You guys had the Rifleman mint in high gear !
Glad to see Shawn shot the score this time around,  he was so close in April but for a balky rifle and Sunday afternoon thunderstorms that robbed him of a chance.
Excellent job done by the Indiana and Michigan crews !
HUZZAH HUZZAH HUZZAH !

This was a great event.

Thanks to our hosts, Izaak Walton League - Diana Chapter, and to Ray and Beth for all of their efforts (and especially the tasty Saturday dinner!).

We had a great crew, lots of patches handed out, and everyone was safe and had fun. 

And best of all, 2 new Orange Hats and another coming out of retirement!!  Huzzah!!

I didn't get many pics, but here are a few...

Saturday morning briefing from the SB...


Tallying Saturday morning Red Coat numbers...


Our brand new IIT, Hemi286, telling a rousing First Strike in the "grove of knowledge."


Pookie teaching IMC...


DevilKitty teaching NPOA with Pepper Spray modeling..


Shawn receiving his patch...


Nick getting his patch (and later earned Distinguished)


Jay chasing the Distinguished patch with a couple of Rifleman scores..