St. Augustine, FL April 17,18 2010

[ItsanSKS]

WHAT AN AMAZING EVENT!!

I can barely describe the emotional roller coaster ride that this weekends event took me on; from the somber explanation of the sacrifices made by our very own Jacqui Welles, to the elation of the attendees who were able to turn out a "Rifleman" score, this weekend held more than its fair share of ups and downs. 

Saturday morning, nearly 60 fine patriots showed up to honor our founding fathers on this Patriots Day weekend.  Nearly half arrived an hour early, obviously eager to begin.  A few familiar faces were seen throughout the crowd, but many more were fresh to the Appleseed Experience.  Many thanks to forum member caseyblane who pulled out all the stops to ensure that this event was well promoted; your hard work and dedication certainly paid off!

A cameo appearance of a Continental Soldier, complete with functioning Brown Bess musket w/bayonet, added a certain nostalgia to this event.  Dave, (Cannonman) fresh out of the hospital, was able to give a demonstration on what was expected of a colonial soldier, and did a fine job throughout the day.  We are all deeply indebted to him for his courage and determination.  Many thanks, Sir, and I hope to see you on a Florida firing line very soon!

Our students were treated to some of the finest instruction available, and for once, the weather cooperated.  St. Augustine events have been plagued by torrential downpours in the past, but for this one weekend, the God of our Fathers saw fit to provide us with partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid-70's throughout.  The range owner even noted this peculiarity, commenting that he had planted grass seed with the expectation of rain, no matter what the weatherman thought- sorry to disappoint, Chuck- maybe next time. 

Prior to the Volley For Liberty, I related the story of "Madam Yotnottin", and it was almost too much to bear.  Kudos to West151Precinct for saving my bacon.  After regaining my composure, I explained the course of fire, and had the shooters make ready with thirteen rounds.  Our continental soldier expressed an interest in participation, and though space was tight, we found the room for him.  At exactly 4:00 EST, the first of fourteen names was read, and a well-regulated volley rang out, honoring the sacrifice of Robert Monroe.  Our Continental Soldier proved that he knew well what he was about, getting off seven well-aimed shots in just under two minutes- an impressive feat, to be sure!

After the Volley For Liberty, all of our attendees were eager to see just how they measured up, and the first of two AQT's was administered.  Though there were many shooters in the high 190's and low 200's, none made Rifleman on that first try.  All were given 5-10 minutes to examine their targets, searching for signs of what they were doing wrong, then the second, and last opportunity for the day was given.   SUCCESS!   Three shooters were able to 'make the grade', one of whom had never attended an Appleseed before!  Congratulations to shooters Terry, Katie, and Doc Howard!  HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

After some brief closing remarks, our patriots were thanked for their participation in this historic event, and were advised that all were welcome to return for Sunday, at 8:30am sharp.   Many hearty handshakes and thank-you's were given all around, and it was obvious that many new friendships had been forged on the firing line, with shooters unwilling, or unable, to leave without getting each others contact info.   You always meet such great people at an Appleseed, and this event was certainly no exception. 


Sunday morning found only 37 shooters returning to be steeped in the heritage and traditions of our founding generation, and it were decided that perhaps I had been a little more enthusiastic with line calling on Saturday than I should have- I could barely utter a sound, and this made for some humorous attempts at communication throughout the day.  With most of our attendees showing obvious signs of distress from the preceding day's exertion, it were decided to 'go easy on them' for the beginning instruction, and a nice, leisurely pace was set. 

After our competent Instructors-In-Training gave a complete and thorough recap of the preceding days' instruction, shooters were given a fresh opportunity to ensure that their rifles were properly zeroed for 25m.  Then, to their surprise, all were given an opportunity to find out first-hand what being an Instructor was like, with the Ball-and-Dummy drill.  Shooters were paired off, with each taking turns shooting, while the other critiqued their students position and mechanics.  This one-on-one instruction paid off, with many shooters showing drastically improved groups.  One shooter, who had previously been shooting at an 8 MOA standard, discovered that his group during this exercise had shrank dramatically, to a 5-shot cloverleaf that could barely be covered by a nickle!  Way to go!

After a fine lunch was served up by Sonny's BBQ, our shooters were eager to begin the "AQT Grind".  While our previous Rifleman proved that their scores from Saturday weren't just a fluke, and the other shooters were getting dangerously close, by 4:30PM, no other Rifleman had decided to show themselves.  Some shooters had prior engagements, so we took a 20min break to allow them to make their rifles safe and remove them from the line.  It would seem that this break was just what the doctor ordered, because on our final AQT of the day, former Marine J. Ammon finally had everything click into place, and was able to pull down a score of 217!  Congratulations Josh, and good shooting!

While much emphasis has been placed on whether or not a shooter can 'make the grade' by shooting 210 or better on the AQT, I feel that ALL of our attendees deserve recognition, as they all proved that they were cut from a tougher cloth.  As West151Precinct was fond of saying throughout the day, this class may be simple, but it sure isn't easy! 

I'm sure that the Patriots of April 19th 1775 were quite pleased with their modern contemporaries, as all of our attendees showed that they had the grit, determination, and persistence required to struggle through such a demanding course, and nary a complaint was heard.  Such a 'never say die' attitude is hard to find in today's America, and it is refreshing to be surrounded by such men, women, and children for an entire weekend.

My red hat is off to you all, and many thanks for making this weekend an event that will live with me for the rest of my life. 

Eric "ItsanSKS" McCabe

[SigShooter]

Once again thank you so much to all of the instructors, the host range and caseyblane for getting me to my first appleseed. Its not hard to really get into the event when the instructors teach with so much passion. Cant wait until July! Forecast looks to be mid 50' with a slight breeze for the July dates

[ItsanSKS]

Folks, one thing that is missing from this after action report is pictures.  What with the pace of instruction, and a malfunctioned video camera, I was unable to record any of this event for posterity.  Please, if you took any pictures this weekend, post them up here.  If you cannot post them yourself, send them to me via email, and I will post them up. 


Thanks,

ItsanSKS

[theri]

. . . it were decided that perhaps I had been a little more enthusiastic with line calling on Saturday than I should have- I could barely utter a sound, and this made for some humorous attempts at communication throughout the day.  

What Eric did not tell you was that he had injured his leg last week.  I was at the range on Friday afternoon to help Eric set up for the Appleseed on Saturday morning and you could tell that he was in pain.  While I am sure that he was still hurting on Saturday and Sunday but you could not tell that his leg was hurting.  He even did some of the position demonstrations without showing any display of discomfort.  A big "hats off" to him for his professionalism and his shining example of perseverance with both losing his voice and his injured leg.  

As a result his example, I have decided to "put on the Orange Hat" and become an ITT.  


Terry

[caseyblane]

This was my 2nd Appleseed and first with the FL crew. I had a great time and will be back for more chasing that rifleman patch. I'm so impressed by the enthusiasm of the instructor corps and the dedication of their time to this program. It is inspiring. "Your cause is just!" Ditto the making of new friends. Its invigorating to find others with a passion for liberty and the grit displayed on the line.

I enjoyed the chance to have now met both the Jollys and to see Cannonman Dave again. Thanks for coming down to Florida.

If anyone is on Facebook, please find the Florida Appleseed Project fan page and also post their about your Appleseed experience. It is an easy way to 7th step. All of your friends will see your post, be acquainted with the program. And, like Revere, Dawes, and the Prescotts you will carry forth liberty's dispatch.

[ItsanSKS]

We now have pictures!  (Thanks SigShooter)

[west151precinct]

An excellent event!
Kudos to all the shooters - thank you for your solid interest and attention, "y'all done good!"
Cannonman - thank you - your costuming and kit are awesome, what a boon for 1st-time Appleseeders.
Eric, thanks for hanging tough - this was challenging,
and thanks to the Jolly's, and Doug & Clinnon, I had a great weekend!
I'm proud to have been on the line with you all, and part of this historic date.
Mike

[reagansmom215]

WOW ItsanSKS! Sounds like y'all were blessed and had a fabulous weekend! I love knowing that we too were part of the Volley for Liberty way down south in Myakka - after hearing each name, I almost couldn't fire due to the tears in my eyes! This Appleseed Nation is just amazing.

Rick and I were both at the event this weekend - still reaching for that Rifleman's patch - and we'll probably be there again in May. Congratulations to your whole crew up there, job well done! 

[ItsanSKS]

MORE PICTURES!

Centering up for instruction:


Going over the results of Saturdays AM redcoat target:


Rifleman Terry:


Rifle(woman) Katie:


Some of our youngsters receiving their Young Patriot patches:



Many thanks to JollyMeister for taking these on his cellphone- they turned out great!

[gaterloco]

I'm afraid my writing skills are not up to the task of describing my first Appleseed experience. But I must.

When I first learned about Appleseed I was excited. But I tempered my enthusiasm because so often an event or organization falls far short of the goal.

I'm pleased to report that the event far exceeded my expectations. The St Augustine Appleseed was everything advertised, performed with enthusiasm, energy, talent, and fire-breathing patriotism.

What an outstanding team:  Eric, Clinnon, Doug, Mike, Jon, and Steve. Just meeting these five awesome people was worth the drive and the weekend. Not just knowledgeable shooters but terrific teachers who made everyone from novice to rifleman feel like they belonged. Thank you all very much!

Some of their unique talents:

Eric is a first rate leader. His instruction and history talks were both captivating and informative. His tremendous energy and enthusiasm brought the whole range to life.  (I hope one day I might be an orange hat on your team!)

Clinnon has a unique way of describing terms and procedures in a way inexperienced shooters can quickly grasp. A terrific lady whose kind ways provided a warm atmosphere very conducive to learning.

Doug is the elder wizard with a wide range of firearms experience, an instant friend, the patient uncle. Awesome to watch him working with the youngsters.

Mike is former police with a command presence that can't conceal a heart of gold. If wisdom comes from experience then Mike must have tons of experience.

Jon and Steve from Georgia seemed to be everywhere at once, giving demonstrations, answering questions, kindly but firmly chastising safety violators, and whatever else they were called upon. Great guys!

Some key points:
Excellent safety procedures.
The Appleseed method is an amazingly good way to learn marksmanship. Instruction, practice, correction, test. Repeat as needed.
Human nature being what it is, it's amusing to watch students resist correction, only to adopt the advice a short time later. (Yes, me too.)
All instructions were illustrated or performed and no questions left unanswered.
The "What to bring list" was right on the money.
A friendly atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.
The program stayed on mission all weekend.
I didn't get rifleman but I got a whole lot better.

I'm already signed up for Silver Springs in May and my enthusiasm must be contagious because the lovely Bonnie, (my better half) is going too!

GaterLoco

[jollymeister]

  On a cool brisk morning many shooters waiting in line at a locked gate. I was very surprised to see such an eager group. After a brief wait the owner of the range welcomed everyone in with open arms. Parking lot duty was a breeze most shooters not only came prepared with coolers of water, shooting mats, and teachable attitudes they left their rifles in their cars and trucks without being told. Sounds like a promotion dream to me (thank you caseyblane).
 After a short stay at the admin table, the shooters filed into rank. As the shooters centered up to a briefing of Safety and Instruction it occurred to me this is our country, this is our future. I new at that point It was going to be a wonderful weekend. To a sold out crowd of 50 plus shooters of all ages, we set the first string of fire The Redcoat.
 I can't put into words the actions for the rest of this weekend for I learned more from my fellow Americans than I will ever be able to teach.

Your Brother In Liberty
jollymeister

[ridefun2]

Hello y'all!  This was my first Appleseed, and I enjoyed every minute of it!  I had been reading on this forum and the Appleseed website for a few weeks before the event and was practicing what I read.  Still, nothing compares to actually having instructors to watch and to correct you, especially with the quality of instructors we had.  I was particularly struggling with stage 2 of the AQT, which kept me in the 170 - 180 range most of the time, and cost me a rifleman score on the last AQT of the weekend.  I shot a 206, but didn't fire 2 shots on stage 2.  My position was much better that time, but I took to long to get there.  ItsanSKS, I will be doing the transition drills you recommended!

The history presentations were great.  ItsanSKS did a terrific job, and Cannonman's Third Strike was a treat, even if cut short.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.  Thanks to all the volunteers who make these events possible!  I hope to be back soon (with some more friends!) to earn my patch!













More pictures here: http://cid-09308724b579bf43.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public/2010-4%20Appleseed

[PHenry]

Sounds like I missed an amazing event, competently run and heartily attended. Kudos to all who made it possible, instructors and attendees alike.

Would have given my second Rifleman patch to see Cannonman61 do his thing! 

In Liberty,
PHenry

[ItsanSKS]

I want to again thank everyone who made this event an astounding success; it gladdens my heart to have met so many fine folks in a single weekend, and ya'll toughed through it like hardened vets.

Here's a slide show of some of the other pictures taken at the event (thanks ridefun2!):CLICK HERE