Palm Bay, FL Jan 13-14, 2024 Ladyseed AAR

[TheMenace]

January is a tricky month to schedule an Appleseed in Florida. Everyone is still disorganized from the holidays and schedules are in flux. The weather can be tame or ugly. We felt the full effect of all that. What appeared to be a sold-out event in early December turned into a scramble to assemble 14 ladies able to attend. The weather was typical Winter in Florida. Cold and breezy with moments of sun with buckets of rain in between. The 14 ladies who showed up displayed grit and tenacity as they were led down the road to Rifleman. In the end, Patty, Cathy and Adriana were awarded the purple Riflewoman patch. Everyone was a winner. All the ladies showed exceptional improvement as they worked on their marksmanship skills. This crew lapped up the history and heritage parts of the schedule. Many added comments that prove they are true patriots. Thank you, ladies, for proving you were up to the challenge of an Appleseed in Florida's Winter.

Typically, one of our lady Shootbosses runs a Ladyseed. On this weekend all were scheduled elsewhere so I did my best to provide the students the experience they deserve. Without the assistance of Sarea_51 it would not have been possible. Sara stepped up to present the welcome speech and benediction as well as most of the instruction normally handled by the Shootboss. She was rightly praised by the students and her fellow instructors alike for her presentation skills and heartfelt call to action. I look forward to her rapid progression to Shootboss. HUZZAH!

The Instructor crew performed like clock works providing just the right attention to the needs of the students. We recorded two promotions. Shaz is now an IIT1 after her first event as an Instructor. SweetCarolyn completed all the requirements for IIT3. Congratulations ladies! Three IITs (codyClemonade, KOF, and Louie Louie) earned their ten event recognition pins. Thanks for your dedication! Pictures are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBazxK

[Pirategirl]

Sounds like an incredible event!  Congrats to all!!

[JustKim]

This does sound like an AWESOME event -- in fact -- I know it was.  This is normally my favorite event of the year, but unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year.  Thank you Dennis for taking the reins, and Sara -- I KNOW you did an amazing job, because I know want an excellent instructor you are!  You are definitely on track for SB.  We did miss you here this weekend though.

This group of ladies are always amazing and such a pleasure and honor with which to work.  Congratulations to all for all the progress made -- especially Patty, Cathy and Adriana!!!

Also congrats to Shaz and Sweet Carolyn on your promotions and Cody, Dave and Louie on your 10 event pins!!!!

I hope to see everyone soon!!!

[KOF]

I think everyone had a wonderful time!  I know Sara and I did.  It was great seeing the progress the ladies made over the weekend.  They were a great group of ladies and I enjoyed working with all of them!  Looking forward to seeing them again!

[MyNameIsEARL]

Well again I am impressed by all the ladies who came out to presist through cold and rain. Everyone did amazing and it showed by the smiles and holes in paper. Congratulations to our new Riflewomen and to all who made vast improvements.

I can say all of the instructor cadre had a great time and probably even learned a bit. Thank you all for being great students and wickedly awesome shooters.

[SpitFire2]

Just Kim: TheMenance, et al, did a great job. Didn't even realize he wasn't a Lady ShootBoss .. Am appreciative of all the patience and knowledge shared. What an outstanding Team!!!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my gratitude for the 15-22 tweaking. I'm sure I speak for all when I say you truly hold a "Safe Space" for us to learn, grow and correct our various snafu's, physical, mechanical and otherwise. Certainly so for me. Couldn't have reached RW twice on a third try without you!! Sing it... Two out of three ain't bad
Personal goals => Transitioning / Red Coat clearing 2x/day & 250 score then Orange Hat here I come...
Blessings and Congrats to all!

SpitFire

[Sarea_51]

To all the Lady Shooters, you were AWESOME! Your attitudes and safety concerns were stellar.  I was super stoked when everyone walked to the line to hang their AQT in the rain.  Huzzah!

I look forward to working with you all in the future.  Hopefully, next time we will be adding blue and orange hats to the volunteer cadre.  Appleseed gets more Lady instructors when you step up.  It is fun!

A big special thanks to all the instructors and Shoot Boss.  You gals and guys are the best asset we have in Appleseed.  I am honored to work with you all.

JustKim - you set a great example for instructors.  If I can emulate you and your ability to effectively share instructions, then I am on the right path.
 Thanks again for all your encouragement.