AAR Columbiana, AL Patriot's Weekend April 21-22, 2018

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Saturday was a perfect day to start Patriot's Weekend in Columbiana, AL, with blue skies and plenty of sunshine.  As always, we owe many thanks to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Training Center and Tracey Lawley for their gracious hospitality at this fantastic facility.

  A total of 20 shooters started Saturday full of anticipation to learn about history and marksmanship.  Fifteen of the shooters were with the Rocket City Young Marines unit from Huntsville and spent the entire weekend onsite at the training center.  The other shooters weren't quite sure what to make of the group at first, but everyone settled in quickly once instructor introductions began.  There were almost as many crew members at this event as shooters with 15 instructors plus 1 Applecore making their way from Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky to celebrate Patriot's Day.

After instructor introductions we heard the First Strike of the match then had our safety briefing and headed to the line for our first Red Coat.  The remainder of the morning was spent learning the fundamentals of precision marksmanship and before lunch we were practicing our new skills on squares targets.  In the afternoon we learned about new shooting positions and continued practicing until it was time for the Patriot's Day memorial volley.  At 3pm we joined the rest of the country in commemorating the events of Lexington and Concord.

Sunday started off cloudy with rain predicted by early afternoon.  Everyone participated in the first AQT of the day then we announced a special treat for the youth shooters  -- the SCSO Training Center provided clays for anyone that wanted to experience reactive targets.  That was a big hit with the younger crowd! Several shooters devised challenges with their neighbors and cheers could be heard up and down the line. 

The rain held off long enough to get another AQT or two in and to let the youth fire a round using a center fire rifle.  Once rain started it quickly turned to a deluge and it didn't take long for the pop-up shelters to start dropping buckets full of water on the line.  We decided it was time to move indoors to finish up awards and our final benediction of the day. 

Despite having to end a little early, it was a great weekend.  Thanks for everyone that came out, shooters and instructors alike.  It was my pleasure to spend the time sharing our heritage and enjoying our freedom.

On a personal note, this weekend was the first time that my father, Master Instructor dond (from KY), and my son, IIT BulletSquid, had been on the line at the same time.  Having three generations of instructors at one event on Patriot's Day was truly special. 

(I'm having trouble getting pictures to load.  I'll do my best to add some later.)