/\/\/\Saratoga, New York April 26 & 27, 2014

[Smurf]

We would all like to thank the fine folks at the SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club for hosting this Appleseed Event. This is a wonderful club is situated at the beginning of the Adirondack Region of New York State. They are a very active organization, which supports and hosts a wide variety of activities. They also are home base for a very, very large base of fine Appleseed RIFLEMEN. A number that continues to grow thru-out the years.

It was a cool and overcast morning when twenty-five strangers gathered together at the SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club. Some were there to begin their Appleseed journey, some were there to continue the journey and others... well they were just searching for something that had perhaps been lost.

Saturday started with the history of the First Strike and then with perhaps a greater understanding, it was on to their first Red Coat Target. After that it was just a blur all the way through the weekend (instruction, history, leg up, leg down, or was it knee down or was it head down, what square, IMC? who knows, safeties on stand, prep in prone, I can't get up, Are they yelling or did I forget my ear plugs?, prep what 5 or 10? What's a "transmission"? PREP FORTY? Oh, gosh what now!!! IMC, AQT, KD, ASAP, Oh, my elbows are bleeding). It does seem a bit much that first day.

Well, by the time the powder smoke cleared on Sunday, strangers were friends and students were RIFLEMAN.

In Lexington, Ma on April of 1775 family groups gathered and in SaraSpa on April of 2014, over ten separate family groups again came together to remember and to honor those that fell on that day in 1775. Grand fathers with granddaughters, fathers with sons, father with daughter, also father with lots of daughters, husbands and wives, sister with sister, brother with brother, they were all together as the names were read and the volley was fired to remember those killed in action on April 19th 1775.

In the family groups were three young men at their first Appleseed Event. They showed everyone that they do well know what they are about.

Congratulations to Young Patriots Landon, Tyler and Elliot.

Honors must start with Casie, a young lady that has smoked more AQT's than a crew could score in a day. On Sunday, Casie had four that scored 229, 220, 220 again and 214.

Congratulations RIFLEMAN Casie.

Next up would be Dan of the Green Mt. State. He has a large collection of high scoring AQT's and patches of all designs acquired with his bolt gun. Green Mt. Dan turned in a 211, 223, and a 222. He would have had one more if he hadn't tried one of the darned old semi-auto thingies!!

Congratulations RIFLEMAN Dan of the Green Mountains.

Our next student Daniel was doing a wonderful job and had some great AQT's that he knew might score quite well if he could only find where his three daughters had hidden them!!!! Well, Dad found their stash that included his already officially scored 211 and 212 targets!!!

Congratulations RIFLEMAN Daniel.

The next student, Paul was beset with equipment problems thru-out the weekend. Jams, jams, jams, jams!!!! With many different rifles!!!! Well, one must always push forward and he ended the day with an AQT that scored 239.

Congratulations to RIFLEMAN Paul.

Next on the list is KD Man David did so well shooting an AQT that scored 226 on the 25 meter range, that he just had to go on to shoot a modified FDAQT on the 200 yard range that scored 220!!!! If that was not enough he also took on the next course of fire which was the Advanced AQT posted at 100 yards that simulates 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 yards!!!! All with a .22 rimfire!!!!

Congratulations to RIFLEMAN David.

And that brings us to a lady that the entire Instructor Staff has watched over so very carefully since she first came to us at the Appleseed Event at the SaraSpa Range on April of 2012. Her drive, determination and heart do truly humble us. It was a memorable day in all of our lives to be there, two years later at the SaraSpa Range, on April of 2014 to share the moment when Maisey fired a 227 AQT!!!!

Please join us in wishing CONGRATULATIONS RIFLEMAN MAISEY!!!

And we would all wish to thank R1sgx2 Stick Mark for years of devotion that you have given to each of the members, students and staff members.

FROM ALL OF US WELL DONE R1SGx2 STICK MARK.
   
And did they all discover that which they so highly treasured? Well, perhaps their pictures and comments that follow below shall answer that question.




It was a WONDERFUL Appleseed Event!!!!!!

Please feel free to post your comments or pictures below.

[Smurf]

Saturday pictures!

[Smurf]

More Saturday PIctures!!

[Smurf]

Sunday Pictures!

[Smurf]

More Sunday Pictures!!

[Smurf]

More Sunday Pictures!!!

[Smurf]

More Sunday Pictures!!!!

[Smurf]

More Sunday Pictures!!!!!

[Smurf]

Congratulations to the Young Patriots!

[Smurf]

Congratulations to the repeating RIFLEMEN!!

[Smurf]

And we extend our greatest congratulations to the newest RIFLEMEN!!!

[Smurf]

A belated WINTERSEED RIFLEMAN patch is Awarded to Dude and we yes, still had snow on the ground!!!!

Thank You All.

[historybuff]

I just want to thank everyone, we all had a wonderful weekend. And are looking at which ones to sign up for in the summer.

It was very special to shoot Riflemen for the first time, and I want to thank everyone who helped me. 

[Smurf]

A Learning Experience

When my friend invited me along to learn how to shot a rifle, I did not know what
to expect. All that the flyer said was the name of the program,"APPLESEED", the dates,
and that I would learn how to shoot a rifle and learn about our American history. But the
only thing I cared about on that flyer was "Rifle Marksmanship Skills". I had always
wanted to learn to shoot, and here was my chance.

I knew I would have to find some way to ask my parents, so they would let me go.
After telling them that my friend was bringing her mom, and her mom would make sure
everything was safe, they agreed to let me go. I could not believe it; I was going to learn
how to shoot a rifle. A full day was planned, from 8am to 5 pm, with a small lunch break.
We were loaned rifles, and the day began. I could not wait to start shooting, but the most
important thing about using any type of firearm is safty. The instructor explained the safty
instructions, and also talked about the events that took place on April 19th, 1775. I also
learned some interesting facts about these events that I had never heard.

Paul Revere's Ride, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and "The Shot Heard
Round the World" were some of the events that the instructor talked about. All the
colonist wanted was representation in England, which as English citizens they were
entitled to receive. The colonists had not even thought of seperating from England at this
point. Yet the British regulars were ordered to find and remove all firearms from the
colonists, because they did not want the colonists armed in case it came down to a fight.
All the other raids by the Regulars had been peaceful, with no opposition from the
colonists, which is why it makes this particular raidmemorable in American history. The
colonists had no intention of letting the Regulars take any more of their arms, so they
alarmed the countryside. The call for help, started by Paul Revere's Ride, even reached
people in Kentucky, which showed how the system for the Minute Men was organized
and well planned in advance, not accidental. The Minute Men were ordinary men who
were ready to respond at a moments's notice. They put up a stand to the Regulars and so
the Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first of the American Revolution.

The instructor told these stories of people during that time in order to make it
more personal and to illustrate how much these people sacrificed for our freedom today.
Isaac Davis was one such man. He was a handy man in his town and a Minute Man. He
responded to the call and grabbing his rifle, he turned to his wife and said, "Take care of
the children" and left. His children were sick with something similar to scarlet fever and
his wife felt that she would never see him alive again. Isaac Davis died that day, during
the battle. John Adams once said, "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the
present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you
do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it". Many other
men responded the same way as Isaac Davis, ready to give their lives for their rights and
their freedom.

At last, it was time to shoot. I was taught to make my body as steady as possible,
in order to shoot straighter. The instructor showed everyone a little green army man, one
sprawled out on the ground, and told us to get used to lying like that. I became so sore
from lying like that little green army man, or lying prone as it is officially called. But
when the day ended, I didn't want to go home
.
I had so much fun at Appleseed, but the first time there I did not realize how much
of an impact it would have on my life or on the lives of others. I learned through this
program, that the American people must become involved in their government, that we
have a say, and that we must write letters to our representatives, letting them know we
either disagree with or support their decisions.When I see people reenacting the American
Revolution and who are willing to share their enthusiasm for our history, it makes me so
proud to be an American. People should really get involved in their heritage and what it
means to be an American.

Project Appleseed was founded to instruct Americans on their heritage, and teach
rifle marksmanship. The name "Appleseed" is from Johnny Appleseed, who went around
the country, and planted apple seeds. He did not wait to see if the tree would grow, he
moved on and kept planting, and if he had waited for the tree to grow he would never
have planted so many trees. The job for anyone who participates in this program is to
spread the goals, regardless of whether or not those seeds take root.

After enjoying myself immensely at Appleseed, I wanted others to participate in
this event as well. My sister joined me at the first Appleseed I went to, and I brought my
mom to the next. Even though she did not love all the lying on the ground, she now
participates in other ways, such as letting others know of this great organization. I then
brought my dad and my other sister to the event, and they both loved it, and can't wait to
go to the next one. The only family member I still have to bring is my little brother, but I
will certainly bring him when he is old enough, because I want him to share in this
enriching experience.

Learning how to shoot a rifle is not the most important thing I have learned from
Project Appleseed. Inspiring people to become involved in the government and to
understand the sacrifice that our freedom cost is the important thing. We risk losing our
freedom that others have paid so dearly for, by not being aware and understanding our
history.

Words written by HistoryBuff for her school project in 2012.

[SaratogaRich]

Many thanks to all the folks who were there this past weekend. It was my first Appleseed, but it won't be my last. I had a great time, met fantastic people, and learned a bunch from everyone.

Special thanks to all the volunteers. I hope some day to repay the favor.

[historybuff]

Here are some pictures Theresa took on Saturday and Sunday.

[historybuff]

A big thank you again to all the people who helped me achieve Rifleman

Thank you Greg for the loan of the rifle and being my personal teacher

[Gregch44]

Way to go HistoryBuff. I told you that it was your time. It was a pleasure to work with, and encourage you. I have now cut another notch in that stock, for you  :-)

[Gregch44]

   What a great seed this was. The weather was with us for the most part, which is always a plus. What a great group of students we had here. Everybody listened, and applied what we taught them, and boy did it show. I still can't believe the final Red Coat results from this weekend, they were just outstanding. My hat is off to all of you shooters, you make us proud.
   Our fearless leader was missed, but at least we had "The Stick". As always, it is great to work with our exceptional group of instructors. I am very proud to be among this group.
   Smurf, Great job taking the reins, and delivering an outstanding event.

Greg

[Mph_VT]

Nice going NY! hoo rah!

I'll be back.

[Dude]

This was perhaps one of the best shoots ever.  Smurf took the reigns and ran with Stickmark's thoroughbred and brought home another Saratoga winner!
Awesome job, Smurf!

Challenges were minor and quickly overcome.

Innovations worked great.

STUDENTS WERE PHENOMENAL!!!

Riflemen were crawling out of the woodwork!

Sara-Spa Instructor Corps absolutely ROCKS!!

Running the KD range was an absolute pleasure. [of course, having Dave as shooter helped a WHOLE LOT!]

Shoot Boss: "Make sure the first thing is, get them on paper at 100, then 200"
Dude: "Uhh, we'll do our best" [gulp]
Shooter Dave: "Now what do we do, here? have to adjust for 100 yds, right?
Dude: "yup"
Dave: "how much is that?"
Dude: "Let's figure it out......."
Dave: "Looks like 30 clicks"
Dude: "yup"
BANG BANG BANG----
Nortatoga [on the spotting scope]:"4 INCH GROUP CENTER MASS"
Dave: "Now we do 200 yards?"
Dude: "yup"
Dave: <crunching numbers> "Whoa, my scope won't go far enough"
Dude: "what do we have left? OK, so you say that's about 2 inches? so  try holding over 2 inches high"
Dave: "OK"
BANG BANG BANG-----
Nortatoga: "Uh, well, would you believe  4 inch group center mass?"

Dave: "I would never have thought you could do this with a 22!!!"

Now, I would NEVER say instructing is easy, but..................

Like the beards say:

HAPPY! HAPPY!HAPPY!

Let's do it again soon!

[Josey Wales]

..WOW!! the legacy of Saraspa continues.  Great job by all, great pictures..

.......Strength & Honor............JW................ 

[LittleMo]

This was a great shoot! Great students that took in all we taught them and did an outstanding job! Congrats to the Riflemen! Your journey has just begun!

The instructor crew, as always, did an excellant job!



Gary

[LadyRimfire]

This is so awesome to find!!! It's humbling to read of such awesome events that SaraSpa has hosted in the past and the amazing men & women involved. IT"S TIME TO BRING APPLESEED BACK TO SARASPA!!!! Special shout out to T. Wolfe, Sureshot and Historybuff for helping me bring Appleseed once again to SaraSpa Rod & Gun club. And a super special shout out to Historybuff, Maisey. You are an amazing range officer and teacher!!!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do, and all the girls who make Womens' League at the club so much fun!