Colorado Springs, CO AAR Oct 3-4, 2020

[Captain]

It was a great Appleseed weekend as Colorado started to cool off getting ready for fall. Ten participants filled all the available slots, including Erik, Ray and Joe who all the way from Albuquerque and others who made long drives through Colorado and needed to get hotel rooms in order to attend. A big thanks to everyone who made a special effort to attend and join u. as we gathered to embrace our heritage and share our appreciation of that precious gift of liberty.

Our venue was once again the Pikes Peak Gun Club (PPGC). PPGC has always been a fantastic supporter of Project Appleseed, but they have really gone above and beyond during the current difficulties with COVID restrictions. We even had the range managers stop by on Sunday during our lunch break to share our history.

I didn't get too many photos this weekend and my phone managed to erase a few more but I will post a few of them here as I get caught up.

I hope any of the participants and cadre will add any comments or feedback to this thread if they get the chance and definitely post any pictures you were able to take.

Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.~ Patrick Henry

[Captain]

After a safety brief, ten shooters took the line to test their skill against the Red Coat target. As a group their "effective range" was 120 yards - not a bad start. Not satisfied with that, the fire hose of marksmanship instruction was turned on and the morning went by in a blur of sling use, position, firing the shot and natural point of aim.



Down to the target line and back we went, adjusting sights and refining technique until the shooters from New Mexico collapsed! (maybe they were just taking a break ). They did say the ranges in Colorado were much softer than those in New Mexico!



Those of us who were born free and have known freedom all our lives sometimes forget what a precious blessing it is. One look around the globe is enough to remind us how rare and fragile a thing freedom is and how each generation is called upon to make the necessary sacrifices to safeguard it.  - Ronald Reagan

[Captain]

Unfortunately, the group photo was "eaten" by the iphone demons, but the photo of the New Mexico crew survived. They drove up 6 hours and camped out on the range to be a part of our weekend!




Note: Near the end of the event, there was also a rumor that this group might like to join the crew bringing Appleseed back to Albuquerque! (I wonder if the New Mexico State Coordinator is reading this [extreme sarcasm emoji] . . . she sees EVERYTHING!)

During lunch, we heard the story of the shot heard ‘round the world. The regulars marched to Lexington and Concord and the mightiest professional army on the planet was broken by farmers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths and lawyers.

The afternoon was spent learning different shooting positions and an introduction to the Appleseed Qualification Test.

[Captain]

Sunday, all the shooters returned with the promise of an opportunity to score expert and earn their Rifleman's Patch.












What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. - Thomas Paine

[Captain]

There were reviews and drills interspersed with more interesting stories from the founding. Groups continued to shrink and skills in transition and different positions were polished. When the smoke had cleared, Ray had a solid AQT and earned his patch.


Well done Sir!

Several other shooters were "in the hunt" but ran out of steam before they were able to pass the mark. We hope to see you all back at an event to push past 210 and earn that patch. Just to show she was serious, Lindsy managed to clear her final Red Coat of the weekend.


Nice job!

We also took a minute to present Black Russian his "10 Event" pin, an entire summers worth of weekends in the cause of liberty!


Thank you Black Russian!

It was a fantastic weekend spent with great people in pursuit of heritage and marksmanship. Thanks to everyone who could come out. I look forward to seeing any pictures you may have and reading your comments!

[sleepy]

If only I could split myself in two....

[Mrs. Smith]

If only I could split myself in two....

That makes two of us!

Another one out of the park, Captain!

[k5ray]

All 3 NM participants were very impressed with the high quality of the event.  The three instructors were well prepared, knowledgable, made the event enjoyable, and were professional.  The 3 of us
left in agreement that we all learned a great deal, both in marksmanship, and it's historical context.  I will do what I can to encourage others that I know to look into Project Appleseed.  This is definitely a worthwhile program.  It was great to meet you all, we felt very welcome, and thanks to all who supported this event.  God Bless America.
    -Ray

[Black Russian]

k5ray - Thanks for coming up to Colorado Springs and spending your weekend with us. Patriots, like the three of you, help keep instructors motivated and excited to spread the word of LIBERTY  .  Congratulations on earning you Rifleman patch and I hope I have the opportunity to award Joe and Erik their patches at a future Appleseed Clinic!

[Captain]

Ray, it was a pleasure and thanks to you guys for making the trip all the way up to Colorado. I know you guys were mulling over the possibility of volunteering and we'd be darn glad to have you. The program can grow and the message of liberty can reach more Americans when we have great folks who are able and willing to step up. I hope to see you at another event soon!!