Project Appleseed

Thirteen enthusiastic shooters gathered at the Cherokee Rod & Gun Club in Kingsport, TN this Labor Day weekend. They made significant strides in their marksmanship and understanding of our shared American heritage. The group included many young shooters, several from local Trail Life troops. Their energy and positive attitudes were contagious! Several young men arrived as novice shooters, and they worked hard and achieved success with their new good habits. Many thanks to our host range and to Devereaux for spreading the word to bring so many fine young folks in to experience this two-day clinic. WileyCoyote deserves a special shout-out for supplying enough loaner rifles, magazines, and slings to outfit the entire shooting line. 

All of the shooters engaged in the marksmanship and the history lessons with rapt attention. They had insightful questions and thoughtful responses, demonstrating that they soaked it all in. Throughout the weekend spirits remained high, and the groups on paper got tighter and tighter. Shooters got to put rounds on paper targets at 100 yards, proving that the fundamentals that work at 25 meters are effective at longer distances.

Josiah qualified for a rilfeman patch with his first AQT at his first-ever Appleseed event (with a bolt-action rifle). To expend some nervous energy between stages 3 and 4 he did a set of push-ups in the gravel parking lot, which is an unorthodox way to prepare for precision marksmanship. But, as they say, "Liberty, yo!" Big congratulations, Josiah! You will make a meaningful contribution as an instructor when you take an orange hat and join the team.

The history-telling from ArmyVet, Upacreek, and WileyCoyote was top-notch. The instructor cadre included border raiders from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, including DEH who took a vacation from his vacation to come lend a hand. I write this report as a new shoot boss who could not be more grateful for the professional and skilled team who supported me through my SBIT3 weekend.

Huzzah, all!
Tar Heel

What a great way to spend Labor Day weekend.  The shooters soaked so much in and collectively were about the most engaged group I've been lucky enough to work with.  Even the dads spectating were paying attention to all the instruction and history. I hope to see them as shooters next time.

I've been fortunate enough to work with all the instructors before, aside from our newest volunteer, Libero.  Now she joins the long list of instructors I can't wait to work with again. Thanks for a great weekend. I learn so much from all you guys.

Congratulations on your promotion to Shoot Boss, Tar Heel!

Looks like a great event! Congratulations Tarheel and to our new Rifleman, Josiah!

Great job

Congratulations Dan. Well deserved.