Palm Bay, FL AAR April 18-19, 2026

[codyClemonade]

The first hot weekend of the year in Florida is always an unwelcome return to reality, but this group of patriots didn't let it stop them from achieving their goals- learning about history and marksmanship!

This very special Patriot's day weekend kicked off with an introduction of history, then the Redcoat. This revealed quite a bit of room for improvement- even our returning students needed a little rust knocked off. That's ok! We have the perfect remedy for that! We jumped into formal instruction feet-first, and the students took right to it. We watched the groups shrink and the smiles grow.

Sunday morning we told the story of Prince Estabrook, a true patriot. We also had some very informative conversations about history- it's always encouraging when the group participates and shares their own knowledge. It shows they truly care about what we're discussing. Sunday afternoon held some very special activities- the Memorial Volley! Shooters and instructors alike joined the line to remember the fallen patriots who lost their lives on April 19. I know I had a tear in my eye by the time we fired the first shot, and I'm sure I wasn't alone.

As we were wrapping up on Sunday, we had two surprises for the shooters. First- a rainstorm! It seemed the weathermen couldn't agree on when or if it would arrive, but it finally reared its head as we were packing up. It's always nice to ride home soaked - not. We also had a special Patriot's day birthday to celebrate! Eliana, turning 5, the daughter of an IIT. With 2 orange hats in the family already and more in the making, Eliana wanted to celebrate this special day with her Appleseed family. Happy Birthday Eliana!

By the end of the weekend, we had revealed 1 new rifleman and 2 requalifying riflemen. Congratulations to Forrest! I know you've been working hard towards the achievement, and did it with a centerfire AR as well. Nice work!

I also saw many other scores that are right on the cusp- I know they'll make it at their next event. Remember, a Rifleman persists. Dry fire, practice those transitions, study your guidebooks, and come back again. I have a patch ready for each of you.

As always, thank you to the Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol Club, a premier shooting sports destination in Central Florida.

Photos and a video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/g7ik1WzGZ2a5vhaJ8

A couple to share here, but visit the link for the whole album:

[TheMenace]

Congratulations to one and all for an awesome Patriots' Day!

[gunjunkie]

Looks like everyone had a great time. I love the Patriots day events, they are always so much fun.