Palm Bay Jan 20-21, 2018

[TheMenace]

It was a cool morning when twenty patriots mustered on the Palm Bay green to share the Appleseed experience.
Some were brand new recruits while others were seasoned veterans of many an Appleseed. All were dedicated to doing the best job possible in learning our history and honing the skill of marksmen.  Steady progress was made by all as evidenced by their scores on the Redcoat target.
Sunday was a beautiful day for the AQT challenge. Will (Willociraptor) shot Rifleman score five times. His high score was 232 with iron sights earning him the Distinguished Rifleman TAB. A high Son of Liberty, I see an Orange Hat in his future. Colin and Taylor requalified convincingly as Riflemen. Dan shot a heartbreaking 208 and a couple others broke the 200 barrier. Come back gentlemen and finish the job.
Colin (MoonBurn) and Taylor (Second_wind) accepted the Orange Hat starting their trek on the Appleseed Trail. Welcome to the Florida Instructor Cadre gentlemen.
Seven young patriots received the William Diamond patch and I hope they will all return to earn the title of Rifleman.
Among them, nine year old Sophia, a recent graduate of the Ladyseed, shared the story of Sybil Ludington. Thank you Sophia! I hope to see you at many more Appleseeds telling more stories of your favorite patriots.
Denise (LadyGator) accepted the AppleCore Blue Hat and will continue to officially provide the exceptional support to our events she has delivered many times before.
Steve31889 (IIT4), jhawk (IIT1), and SWOFO (AC/RSO) earned promotions. Congratulations to all.
We were fortunate to have B.C. with us on Saturday. As usual, he shared us with his special enthusiasm for history and patriotism.
Thanks B.C. for the YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOvR9l1XsJg
It was a very successful weekend and the assembled Patriots proved they know very well what they are about.

[Willociraptor]

Had a total blast at my first Appleseed event. I went into the event pretty comfortable with my abilities, but made a point to maintain a teachable attitude. I learned a lot, had tons of fun, feel like I made some friends, and made Rifleman. Hard to ask for more than that!

Big thanks to MoonBurn for getting me to come, to all of the various hats who taught, and to all the behind-the-scenes support personnel. I will DEFINITELY be doing more events. Huzzah!

[B.C.]

Good times in Palm Bay! Congratulations to our newest IIT's and riflemen! Well done to all!! 

[MoonBurn]

I just wanted to say Thank You!!! to everyone who helped put this event together! I had a blast with my buddy Willociraptor and was ecstatic when we both made Rifleman! I've had extensive, prior firearms experience and it's always a welcome, humbling experience to become the student once again.

Bruce Lee said it best:

"Don't get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless â€" like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend."

I look forward to wearing the Orange Hat and I'm honored to have the pleasure of working with y'all on the line! Keep your powder dry my friends!