D & J Apiery 9/20,21/2014

[PHenry]

It rained, the wind blew, the sun was scorching. Florida in September. Undaunted, 11 souls braved the rain and heat and three Riflemen were revealed. Another wonderful event on private property thanks to Mario and Shelly, the owners of a small farm that produces honey, bees and offers bee keeping supplies as well as classes for the tradition of bee keeping.

Most of thems present had attended the last event at this private venue and it was great to see them all again. The level of improvement was startling and a testament to the grit displayed by the attendees - what a great group! Cal and Karen were there with their nephews, Michael and young Luke. Sunday was Michael's 18th birthday and rather than sit on the couch eating ice cream and cake - he came out and sweated through two full days of marksmanship and heritage ed. Kudos young man.

Tim, the resident gunsmith had a never say die attitude and it paid off with two great scores - way to go sir. You'd make a fine instructor for sure (he was already starting on the line in between shooting - moving quickly from his rifle to help another and then back in time for the COF). Barbara made some great strides - keep it up ma'am - hope to see u in a patch at the next one.

Garrett also made score, with Dalton not far behind. Cal just kept getting better Sunday PM which is exceedingly rare on a hot day. With great persistence, he just kept at it until it shined - congrats on that shiny new patch sir and many thanks for picking up 15 people's tab at dinner Sat night - over the top! Shelly suffered endless rifle malfs, but never once showed any sign of quitting, she would just clear it again and again and keep going in the fine tradition of the Founders. Mario & Shelly provided lunch both days for the entire group, including the instructors, as well as a port-o-potty on the range. Most would consider that more than enough, but near the end of Sunday, Mario presented me with the largest donation to the RWVA I have ever seen in seven years of volunteering - likely one the of the larger donations of all time to Project Appleseeds. When I told Mario it wasn't necessary, he simply said - it doesn't matter what's necessary, it's what I want to do. God bless you Mario and Shelly - you are Patriots of the highest order and I am prouder than a game rooster to have rid with ya both.

Mario told me he is very busy through Thanksgiving, but would like to set up another event! Huzaah! Mario and Shelly are by definition shopkeepers AND farmers - how's that for keeping the tradition alive. 

Many thanks to my fellow instructors and for all of the tremendous hospitality showed to us by the group. Lord willin - we'll meet agin soon.
In Liberty,
PHenry

[9mm4545]

Events such the one this weekend renew my faith and help assure me that America is most certainly not down for the fight. A finer group would be hard to find and it was my pleasure---and honor--to work with each and every one of you.