Va Beach April 17-18

[jmdavis]

Twenty-seven Americans got up off of the couch and came to the Virginia Beach Appleseed on Saturday morning. The youngest was around six and the oldest was in his sixties.

They all worked hard on Saturday and I was particularly impressed by the young people, Ali, Ben, the other Ben, Dominic, Ethan, Emma and Melia all listened well and showed real improvement as the day progressed. Everyone showed great improvement over the course of Saturday and continuing into Sunday.

We were even treated on Saturday to a short shower that settled the dust and cinders on the range and took some of the pollen out of the air.

On the first redcoat of the day, we had 6- 100 yard shooters, 4- 200 yard shooters, 1- 250 yeard shooter, 1- 300 yard shooter and no 400 yard shooters. On the final redcoat of Saturday, those numers had impoved to 11- 100 yard shooters, 3- 200 yard shooters, 5-250 yard shooters, 1- 300 yard shooter and 2- 400 yard shooters. It was a good day of instruction.

We lost some shooters on Sunday due to previous committments. It began with classroom, since we were unable to shoot before 12. In addition to history, shooters learned about the importance of dry-fire to improving thir skills. We also had time for review of specific issues that people were having trouble with and some time for general review of NPOA and positions.

The highlight of Sunday was a visit from George Washington. We were fortunate to be able to bring in Kevin Grantz. Kevin is the historical actor that portrays Washington for the Saint John's recreation of the second Virginia Convention. In the full regalia of Commander and Chief of the Continental Army, he is an imposing figure. He spoke to us of the events leading up to Lexington and Concord as well as the war experiences of the Army and the importance of citizen action in our form of government. After a question and answer session, the General looked on as we worked with his wife to fire a rifle for the first time in her life.

The balance of Sunday was spent forging riflemen. In all we had 5 riflemen over the weekend and at least 5 more who were knocking at the door. Congratulations to Brian, Airmed15, Dennis, Chris, and MikeB. Airmed15 and MikeB have also taken up the cause and taken up Orange Hats to do their part.

In all VA Beach was a successful shoot. We will be back there in August and November and I look forward to seeing familiar faces and working with motivated shooters.

Photos will be posted tomorrow after they are downloaded from the camera.

[West]

Congrats JMDavis!

Sounds like you had a very successful shoot!  I wish I had been down there also, I truly enjoy working with you.  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out that trick where you can be in multiple places at once...

West 

[jmdavis]

Thanks West!


I'm having some photo issues. But I'm still hoping to get some of George Washington onto the forums.


Mike

[Mogget]

Did you by chance get the photo issues resolved?  I'm very interested in President Washington's appearance...

Thanks,

Mogs

[jmdavis]

Photos, finally!!!


General Washington speaking to Appleseeders.



General Washington and Airmed15



General Washington with VAShooter, Lawrence, and Airmed15