Stones River Hunter Education Center; Antioch, TN; August 4 & 5, 2018

[BluegrassColonel]

Saturday was bright and clear, but a bit cooler than normal, which was a welcome break from typically hot, humid August days in Nashville.  There were 7 pre-registrants, but one no-show.  However, we had 3 walk-ups including a shooter who is the daughter of one of the cadre who has already earned her first Rifleman badge.  In all, 6 of our 9 shooters were first-timers!

The word for the weekend was "Attitude."  There could be many adjectives paired with the word for the weekend that would only begin to describe the experience: "teachable," "great," "friendly," enthusiastic."  In short, this was a great group of shooters who stepped up even during the typical time of "lunch coma" or when the weather was rainy or hot on Sunday.  It was very rewarding and encouraging to look out and consistently see bright, smiling faces throughout the weekend.

We also had a great Instructor cadre.  Applecore member Black Knight made sure that administration items (and clearing the line as RSO) were run efficiently, and all of the Instructors are very personable and knew their blocks of instruction well.  Thanks to Old Navy Doc, Rusty Gun, Nashville Stage and StoicPO for stepping up this weekend.  We also had a Saturday morning visit from Woodstock16!

When the classroom portion began it was evident early that the shooters would be engaged.  Nashville Stage gave a wonderful 1st Strike using a unique and effective approach of posting the locations of Boston, Lexington and Concord, and some of the main actors' names on the whiteboard as he mentioned them.

We moved to the line efficiently and got down to business presenting the "Hits Count" ("Red Coat") Course of Fire.  The results were encouraging!

As we moved throughout the various blocks of instruction the shooters remained engaged and asked good questions.  The cadre did a great job of presentation without many "one more thing" additions.

Old Navy Doc presented the 2nd Strike during lunch and did a great job of personalizing the people who sacrificed for Liberty on April 19, 1775.

The day remained relatively comfortable for August and we were able to move along in good order.  It was evident that this group of shooters would progress quickly.  The shot groups were unusually tight early on for so many first-timers.

We were able to get an AQT in before the close of the day and Nashville Stage presented a wonderful 3rd Strike that was concise and inspiring.

It was my pleasure to give a Young Patriot Patch to 11 year-old Joshua, who was very conscientious and self-corrected safety and safe rifle items before the RSO's or instructors could mention them (moving his muzzle over the firing line, etc.).

The end of the day "Hits Count" target showed marked improvement and indicated the type of results Sunday would hold.

Sunday was hotter and we experienced a heavy midday rain storm which forced a break from shooting after lunch.  It was extremely muggy immediately after the storm but improved later.  The rest of the day had some dark clouds but was fairly pleasant overall.

All of the shooters were engaged during the review session and asked very insightful questions.

The Sunday morning Hits Count targets showed more improvement and we moved into a few squares target exercises.

It didn't take long for Teirra to earn the first Rifleman badge of the day!  It wasn't a surprise to any of the Instructor cadre, but it was rewarding to see her surprised expression and then breaking into that beautiful smile!

Shortly after, Alyssa re-qualified as Rifleman and it was the ladies who led the way!

Joshua's dad, Howard snagged his Rifleman badge and shortly after Doug (a third-timer and who travelled up from the Atlanta area) qualified with a solid 218!

As Shoot Boss it is always an honor to recognize those who step up to volunteer and those who work hard to improve their teaching skills to  spread the mission of Project Appleseed.  This weekend was true pleasure!  Doug had mentioned that he might want to volunteer and when asked, enthusiastically agreed to take an Orange Hat - Congratulations, Doug!  I think you are going to be a great addition to the instructor cadre.

Personally, it was a tremendous blessing to present 2 faithful, skilled, knowledgeable and faithful Instructors In Training members their Red Hats!  Rusty Gun and Nashville Stage have consistently demonstrated their willingness to go above and beyond what is expected from a Project Appleseed Instructor.  Any Shoot Boss leading an event where either of these men volunteer can count on the event running more smoothly, safely, and effectively.  More importantly, the shooters who are privileged to attend an event where they are present will witness professional Instructors in action.  It was my honor and pleasure to hand each of them their Red Hats!

Overall, this event was a highlight in my relatively short time in Project Appleseed and gave me a renewed enthusiasm for our program.

Thank you to each shooter and instructor to participated!

I will be posting a link to photos in the next few days.

In Liberty,
Greg Seneff, Sr.
"Bluegrass Colonel"
Instructor / Shoot Boss

[Old Navy Doc]

I concur that it was a joy to work with these alert and eager students. It was a pleasure to have my son in law Kyle there and watch him climb up to a 205. Next time, my man! They all  internalized the instruction and rapidly advanced as they accurately analyzed their shooting and made progressive improvement. They were very receptive to the history of our liberty and the mission of Appleseed. I look forward to being with them all again.
Old Navy Doc

[BooneCaudill]

I had a great time and a big thanks to all the cadre for all the quality instruction and engaging history. Although it was my third Appleseed it's always great to hear new tidbits and maybe a different emphasis that sheds a new light on a familiar story. Same with the marksmanship instruction. I look forward to being a part of Appleseed!
-Doug

[Rustygun]

What a great event! An outstanding group of students. They really soaked up the instruction and it showed with rapidly shrinking groups early on and almost 50% Rifleman total at the end.

Glad Doug was able to patch and awesome to see him take an orange hat. Joshua was a very impressive young man who soaked up info like a sponge and was handling his rifle like a pro by the end of the event. I hope he will find the time to join us in the future. What can you say about Teirra? Never shot a rifle before and patches at her first Appleseed shooting left handed because of her eye dominance? A superwoman! Howard persisted and patched. Very nice shooting on his part. And Alyssa knocking the rust off her skills and shooting a Rifleman score makes a Dad proud. The other shooters all were very persistent and inspiring to watch. I hope they will all come back again to earn their patch.

It was a pleasure to work with the Mid TN instructor cadre as always. Just a great group. I witnessed one of the most brilliant command moments I have ever seen when the bottom fell out and the wind threatened to blow the shade canopies to kingdom come. Nashville Stage called "Ceasefire" and ordered the canopies lowered to their lowest setting. Everyone safed their rifles and jumped in lowering the canopies in the blink of an eye. No canopies got airborne, every one and every thing stayed pretty dry, and what could have been a big mess turned into a short rain delay without any actual problems. Great presence of mind.

The Stones River facility really lends itself well to Appleseed and it is always a pleasure to attend an event there. Great venue.

Getting my red hat put a smile on my face for sure. I have learned so much and met so many great people since I got my orange hat. I'm sure I will keep learning and meeting fine folks in Appleseed. Thanks to Greg for organizing the event and always displaying so much professionalism and willingness to mentor orange hats.

I didn't get a lot of pics but I did get a good one of Teirra getting her patch. A glorious moment    I know others will post more pics soon