Liberty Center, OH, AAR - June 22-23, 2024

[Third Degree]

On June 22, 2024, The Henry County Sportsmen's Association (Liberty Center, Ohio) welcomed Project Appleseed back after an absence that lasted nearly 2 ½ years.

The last event I attended there was a Shoot Boss Camp that took place in February 2022. A week after the SB Camp the clubhouse and adjacent outdoor shelter burned to the ground. A 100% fire loss is rare, but insurance coverage has enabled the HCSA to rebuild bigger and better. When completed the new facility will provide 3X the original indoor space.

The Appleseed 25-meter rifle event that was held on June 22 and 23 experienced perfect sunshine throughout, with the added ingredient of high temperatures (98 degrees) and high humidity that pushed the heat index to 107.  Pop-up canopies were used to cover both the firing line and equipment lines. Two students appeared (Rachel and Craig), ignoring the week-long prediction of high heat for the weekend. Both were first time Appleseed attendees, and both were new to rifle marksmanship. The IIT volunteers for the weekend included Topper (Shane) and Headhunter (Austin).

Following Saturday morning registration, liability waivers and the welcome speech, we rolled right into the first history storytelling by framing the events of April 18 and 19. The preamble covered the first 140 years of colonial society building and was followed by the First Strike. The safety briefing and instruction on how to make a safe rifle was delivered and rifles were ordered to the line. The "Hits Count" target was posted with the challenge to the students to fire their first shot with a cold bore at Morgan's shingle, Rachel nailed it as her first achievement of the weekend.

During the Saturday morning instruction, extensive dry fire exercises were conducted, including the trigger control/sear reset component. The results of the dry firing and trigger control work were demonstrated on the first square. Both students shot repeated 4-5 MOA groups with scoped rifles.
 
Saturday afternoon started off with the IMC presentation. Another set of squares were engaged by the students, after which sights were adjusted and changes confirmed. Students and Instructors retreated to the air-conditioned clubhouse for the balance of the steady hold instruction for sitting and standing. The group returned to the firing line to practice the standing to sitting and prone transitions. Practice AQT stages were fired, and the students were offered the option to fire for score. Rachel volunteered for the first AQT and shot a score of 220. Congratulations to a first time Rifleman! The Saturday P.M. "Hits Count" target resulted in a slight increase in scoring.

Both students returned for the Sunday session. Headhunter conducted the review of the Saturday instruction, and the student's patience was rewarded. The weather cooled 10 degrees and both Rachel and Craig hit Morgan's Shingle from a cold bore on the A.M. "Hits Count" target. Congratulations to both of you! That is a tough shot to make. The first AQT for Sunday was posted and fired just before lunch. Topper attempted a requalification and was successful with a score of 232! Great job!

After lunch, the students engaged 3 more AQTs as the high heat index returned. Topper requalified on the second one with a 229 score. On the final AQT Rachel requalified with a score of 210, which triggered a water baptismal administered by the instructors. The Sunday P.M. "Hits Count" involved 1 student and 2 instructors with improved results. 

Craig, you made great strides as a first time Appleseed student. We look forward to your return and bring your stepson so you can show him how it's done. Rachel, you achieved scores that often take more experienced shooters a number Appleseed events to earn. Next time, bring your husband and military stepson. We would love to have the whole family at our next event.

Many thanks to Mary, President of the Henry County Sportsmen's Association for hosting this return event. With your permission, Appleseed will continue to have Liberty Center as a part of its regular schedule.

Finally, many thanks to Topper and Headhunter for stepping up to volunteer for this weekend! Congratulations to Topper for requalification and Headhunter in completing IIT3.

Third Degree

[topper]

Great Appleseed weekend in Liberty Center!

It was a hot weekend but the same breeze that threatened our canopies all weekend also kept the heat tolerable.

Here, HeadHunter is presenting a fine instruction block. Great work!

[topper]

And shoot boss Third Degree is on the mat with a shooter.

Shucks, that photo won't load due to size restrictions.

It was refreshing to spend a weekend with Appleseed shooters and instructors.

Thanks to the Henry County Sportsman Club for the use of your facility. Your new building looks great and will serve you well for many years.

[topper]

A few more photos have surfaced

[topper]

Good day 1 for sure

[topper]

Day 2 activity

[topper]

Good finish to a hot weekend

[topper]

Shootboss on the mat!