Project Appleseed

As we say, a rifleman persists. To say the shooters that attended the Kingston MI Appleseed event persisted is an understatement. It was a wet weekend of mosquitos, puddles, mud, targets that turned to mush, and heavy downpours. I did not hear one complaint and the shooters demonstrated their persistence by continuing to lay down on wet mats and keep trying to improve their skills.

The event started with the pledge, introduction, and the presentation of the "First Strike". This was followed by the safety rules, and steps to making a safe rifle. The students demonstrated throughout the weekend that they understood and respected the safety standards of Appleseed. Our goal is that these safety standards become lifelong habits to be shared with the shooting community.

We then made our way to the 25-meter range and the fire hose of marksmanship knowledge was opened. The students soaked it in throughout the day as group sizes gradually reduced. We were able to post one AQT on Saturday and Angeal was top shooter with a score of 184 followed closely by Scott with a 182 using iron sights. In addition to the marksmanship instruction, the rest of the story of April 19, 1775 was presented. Who can forget the sacrifices of so many to preserve our freedom?

"Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."  John Adams.

Day two was an accelerated version of Saturday with a few bonus drills incorporated into the schedule. The rain allowed us to present several DOM's and a bonus story about The Battle of Oriskany that occurred 246 years ago on August 6th, 1777. We managed to sneak in an opportunity to shoot AR's and a M1 Garand on the 200-yard range which, based on the smiles, everyone enjoyed.

One of the highlights of every event for the instructors is being able to present a Rifleman patch. Congratulations to Andrew for scoring a 213 and earning the coveted patch at his first Appleseed event. Andrew later followed that up with a 237!

Two casualties of the weather were Andrew's AQT that earned him his Rifleman Patch as it turned to mush and my list of shooter highlights. When I came home, I immediately dried and cleaned my loaner rifles and gear. Unfortunately, some papers, including my list of shooter highlights were wet and badly smeared. I know Scott deserves congratulations for winning the "Know Your Limits" fun shoot. Chris and Dylan were the most improved. Tom and Angela are knocking on the door for a patch. Jacob achieved his best AQT score falling just short of the required 210, was a fraction of inch from clearing a redcoat, and hit a 5" plate at 200 yards with the M1 Garand. Scott wins the "wettest rifle" award. Ethan won the wettest shorts award. George hung in there with his AR with a red dot, shooting our targets with a red dot is no easy task. John and Joshua traveled the furthest distance and made the most of the weekend by camping on the range and making steady progress throughout the weekend.

Thank you to all the students as your desire to learn, attentiveness, and persistence made this an enjoyable event for all the instructors. I look forward to seeing you at a future Appleseed event.

Thank you to the Marlette Sportsman's Association for hosting this Appleseed event. This is a great venue, and we look forward to returning next year.

Finally, thank you to T. Wolf, Mr. Zeke, and Homerange for donating your time and talents to this event. The Appleseed instructor cadre are some of the best people you can ever meet, and it is a pleasure to know and work with all of you.

A link with pictures will be emailed to each of the students. Just a couple are included in this AAR. Feel free to post your own pictures and share any comments you have about this weekend's Appleseed event. Tell your friends or better yet, bring them to a future event!

Best regards,

Rangerat6

A couple of photos from the event.

This was a great group of shooters!  I applaud everyone for their persistence through the deluge of rain on Sunday... those are tough conditions to work in.  Appleseed needs to come up with an 'Aquaseed Patch' 

Congratulations to Andrew for earning a Rifleman patch.  Accomplishing that at your first event is not common at all - most of us have to work at it for some time.  We had quite a few shooters at this event who are very close, and great progression in marksmanship skills from everyone over the course of the weekend.

John and Joshua - it was fun camping out on the range with you.  I hope you will find your way back to another event.

Round of applause for our Shoot Boss! He's one of the best 

A solid salute to those who stuck it out, tried hard through the weekend, applying what they learned. Don't give up! Thank you to those who signed up, because without participation, there would not be much of an Appleseed program.
And a large thank you to the instructors, taking their time this weekend (and everytime you volunteer) helping not only  the shooters, but the other helpers in the program to become better.