Muenster, TX AAR August 24 2024

[AF5US]

What an excellent shoot!

Traditionally, attendance at August events in North Texas can be a bit sparse.  That may be due to 105 degree temperatures    , but who knows? When the local crew was discussing the 2024 schedule towards the end of last year, a proposal was made to make August a 1 day event and see if that might help - and indeed it did!  Twelve brave souls came out to learn about History, Heritage and Marksmanship (say, that's a catchy phrase!)

An email was sent out ahead of time asking everyone to arrive early so that we could take advantage of the cool cooler morning temperatures.  Everyone stepped up and we were rocking and rolling, ahead of schedule.  After getting everyone checked in we presented a pre-amble to the gripping story of April 19th, 1775.  SassyLassy then did an excellent safety briefing, and knocked it out of the park as a line boss. 

After the Hits Count target, Mrakestraw, Locke Enload and Ray of Sunshine did a fantastic job of teaching the fundamentals of riflemanship.  With the early start and the participants' excellent attention to detail, we were past IMC and sighted in by lunch.  Speaking of lunch - the a/c classroom at the word-famous Goin' Firearms & Shooting range was an excellent time & place to cover the first two Strikes of the Match - well done Locke Enload and Mrakestraw!

After lunch it was time to start pushing everyone to - or past - their comfort limits, by introducing magazine changes and time limits.  In no time at all, we had completed the first AQT.  The crew was very impressed with everyone on the line - while multiple AQTs are never a goal unto themselves, their dedication made it a possibility.

First, though, a well-deserved break in the a/c classroom while we hear the nailbiting conclusion to the Three Strikes of the Match.  Then it's back on the line for what we THOUGHT would be the last AQT, but golly gee if the participants didn't want to knock out just ooooone more attempt. 

At the end of the day, we were proud to distribute William Diamond patches to our five under-18 patches.  One fine participant clearly earned his rifleman patch     Another gentleman PROBABLY would have, but his son accidentally shot his father's target on one stage - bringing a first-glance score down to a 208     BUT WAIT - WHAT'S THIS???  WHAT'S THIS?!?!?! Why yes, there's an honest-to-goodness shot on stage 4 that juuuust touches the 5 point line, NOT the 4 - and since stage 4 counts double, that 1 extra point is really 2, meaning a score of 210!  Dad earns his rifleman! Son does not have to stay in the hot car when the family stops at Buc-ee's on the way home! Everyone is happy!!!    And once again, we've proven that whenever a score is close it's always best to get a second pair of eyes 

After a second Hits Count target and given the excessive temperatures, it seemed oddly fitting to include Washington's crossing of the Delaware as part of the benediction - a story of how our forefathers braved less-than-ideal weather conditions, and made a difference.  And with that, the team is sent on their way to practice what they learned, consider what they heard and spread the message of patriotism - until we see everyone back on the line, well done!