Osage Beach, MO 25-26 Oct After Action Report

[ErikAnderson]

We're sore in places that we didn't know we had muscles, hurt in places that we've only read about, feel like we've still go slings attached to our arms, and the voices in our head keep repeating the six steps to a good shot, the four rules of safety, and various range commands..................Man, that was that fun and my bride's already asking for time and location of the next one!

My bride and I attended our first Appleseed this weekend along with around 50 other participants in Osage Beach this weekend, 25-26 October. as the behest of Chris, the MO state coordinator (and also coworker).  The weather couldn't have been better with the morning just a bit chilly in the high 40s with the sun out and warming the day up to high 50s and low 60s on both days.

We can't say enough about the quality, courtesy, and professionalism of all the instructors.  Without taking away from any of the other instructors credit, a big thanks going out to Steve 'Big Papa' Anderson and to 'The Guy' for spending so much time with both of us.  Thanks to Bob, the landowner that allowed us to hold the Appleseed (btw, he secured a Rifleman's patch on his last AQT before he had to leave for work!). I don't have an exact count, but I believe there are 8-10 new Rifleman that left Osage Beach, and a lot more that are knocking on the door with their 180+ scores. More impressive than the shooting, was the history lessons that were well dispersed.  It gave my bride and I a great topic for conversation during the four hour drive home.

I took less photos than I'd planned, but will put them up ASAP.  Thanks to everyone who planned, setup, and ran the Osage Beach Appleseed!

[The Guy]

Good to have me the both of you.

I had, like always, a fantastic time. Like always, the quality of folks attending was great.

Offical count was 7 Riflemen and 1 new(ish) IIT.

More to come after I get off work.

[cmidkiff]

My sincere thanks to Longshot, Zulema, Thor, Bob, The Guy, and all the instructors and students that made this event a success.  (I sure hope I spelled Longshot's wife's name correctly...)

Thanks folks, it was a pleasure to work with each of you.

Boot camp:  8 fall days in the Ozarks, and only 1 day of rain... couldn't have asked for better weather.  I'm sore, and my voice is gone, and I'm all ready to do it again!  I learned a ton, and got to spend some time with some of the finest people on the planet.  I think only 1 Boot Camp attendee left without a Rifleman patch... and he didn't show up until Wednesday or Thursday, and very few left without an Orange Hat!

Appleseed: Good turnout, not as good as I was hoping.  I suppose the forecast might have kept some folks away, but mother nature came through for us when it counted.  A bit breezy at times, perhaps... 

I tell you, there is nothing like the sound of 50+ rifles and the smell of burning powder on a clear, crisp morning! 

[ben1775]

I want to thank everyone involved in this entire organization, everyone who made the Osage Boot camp possible, and especially Longshot and his wife, Bob and Thor, and of course The Guy. I stumbled across project AS by happenstance earlier this year, I started reading about it and scanned over the forum a time or two. I decided upon my first visit that I would attend this boot camp to see what this organization was all about, I was not disappointed. I am cynical and am regularly referred to by others as a pessimist, although I would counter I'm a realist, but this one week has renewed in me some hope. I've not become some Pollyanna skipping about without a care, but I am more optimistic. I belong to a number of organizations whose goal is to "save the county" they all just got shift to the very back burner and a few fell of the stove.

The people I met at this BC are the finest in the country. Had you gathered a random sample of equal size odds are I would have disliked all but a couple, but these are people who already feel like old friends.

I'm sure you all share my feelings that this is the best vehicle to change the direction this country is headed and I look forward to working with all of you as we make that change one new Rifleman at a time.

[Rebel Yell]

ben1775, yer still a pessimist... but I'm glad to see yer comin' around.    I fully enjoyed myself this past week, and I'm proud to now be part of this organization. Ben and I have plenty of work to do up here in our corner of the state, but we intend to bring several folks to the next AS who'll already know how to fire by the numbers. Two riflemen within a 50 mile radius is far too little for my taste.

My thanks to all who were there, and my regrets that I couldn't stay for the AS on the weekend. I'll see ya'll soon.

[Nickle]

Two riflemen within a 50 mile radius is far too little for my taste.

It's just a start.

1 MI in my town, 1 Instructor and 1 IIT in the town west of me, and 4 potential IIT's in the town south of me. Center all of us, and you only need a 4 mile radius.

The county I live in has no less than 4 Instructors of one form or another, and at least a dozen or more Riflemen.

And, I'm not bragging, as ANYBODY can do that.

Don't worry, you'll get there.

[LeadChucker]

Wanted to stop by and say thanks to everyone who helped put this event on.  You did a fantastic job.  We've got one more ready to come next year, and I have a co-worker who is about 30%.  I'll keep working on him. 

For those that are interested, here's my after action report:
http://leadchucker.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/missouri-appleseed/


Thanks again, really appreciate all the hard work you guys and gals put into it.

[Greg in MO]

Good AAR LeadChucker,

I see Big Papa's rifle can put another notch in the stock.  What was the total for the week BP?  7? 8?  Something like that...

LC,  I'm glad you had a good time.  Congrats on your patch! I hope that isn't the last we see of you.  Next year I expect you to be wearing the orange hat giving your advice to the students on the line.

Greg

[ErikAnderson]

Good AAR LeadChucker,

I see Big Papa's rifle can put another notch in the stock.  What was the total for the week BP?  7? 8?  Something like that...

LC,  I'm glad you had a good time.  Congrats on your patch! I hope that isn't the last we see of you.  Next year I expect you to be wearing the orange hat giving your advice to the students on the line.

Greg

According to The Guy, the total was 7.

[The Guy]

For the weekend, yes.  Odd Ball kept a running count in the dirt on the side of my car, which has, prior to washing yet, 7 notches.

Saw a number of repeat faces, and hope to see them all again next year, with buddies of course.

[Big Papa]

Great Appleseed! Great weather! Best people in the world!
Greg - It's nine for that rifle now. It can't be the rifle. It's just a stock 10-22 with a 4 power $39 scope. Must be the Riflemen behind the buttplate! Of course I make them use that good ammo, not that white box stuff.
Erik and Kori, It was an honor to help you. How did you get away without an Orange hat? Once you get it figured out, you have to go to work!
Leadchucker - Great writeup! We're counting on you to pick up the torch.

[SamD]

Sounds like another fantastic Appleseed weekend in MO.
I smell seventh step action too.

Press on my friends, only 299,996,800 to go

Sam

[didactic]

Best news from the week, I got from the Blog.  My buddy smle/Ben made Rifleman, and I'll bet he grabbed the first orange hat available.

Those who were at Yellville will remember that he worked his already bony fingers even closer to the bone, and barely got to shoot.

Thanks, Ben!

Living proof, Riflemen PERSIST!

[oldgrunt]

  Alright ben ...Great job brother...I'm going to be right behind you real soon ..

   Looking forward to the next yellville shoot ..Till then its back to the anvil of the AQT ..Save  me a hat for next year...

Thanks longshot for all your help aswell...Looks like I get to frezze in cold winds of texas real soon ..Oh boy and Scouts got cookies and coco Hmmmm..

Oldgrunt ..out

[ErikAnderson]

Of course I make them use that good ammo, not that white box stuff.

CCI Mini Mag produces the best and most consistent results for us during trials. We'd bought just about every type that Walmart had and found it to be the best. At $6/100, it's pricier than the bulk box stuff, but worth it IMHO.

Erik and Kori, It was an honor to help you. How did you get away without an Orange hat? Once you get it figured out, you have to go to work!

Chris and I work together and we're already talking about the next Appleseed that we can attend. Kori is determined to get her patch so she's on board as well.  One of us will be wearing an orange hat very soon.

[LeadChucker]

So I've received several emails about picking up an orange hat.  Honestly, I didn't know that was available to me to do.  I sort of assumed that you had to go through boot camp, etc to become an IIT.  Was I wrong about that?

Anyway, I'm considering it.  To me, teaching someone to shoot is just about as much fun as shooting itself.  I know I've had a blast teaching my kids (8 & 6).

What's the process to becoming an instructor?

[SamD]

I sort of assumed that you had to go through boot camp, etc to become an IIT.  Was I wrong about that?

Couple ways to go about it/

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?board=12.0

Sam

[didactic]

SamD beat me to the draw.  What he said.

IBC's and/or RBC's will speed your progress from orange hat (IIT - Instructor In Training) to red hat (any of the several grades of qualified instructor) to green hat (Shoot Boss), but all it takes to become an IIT is to shoot Rifleman and then declare your intentions, to a shoot boss or State Coordinator.

And you're on your way!

Dean (red hat, for the present, but aspiring for the green)

[hawkhavn]

Leadchucker,

First, welcome and thanks for a great blog post.

Second, stick your hand up and say I want to become an Instructor, I want to help, I want to lead!

Third, follow SamD's link, there was a huge week long boot camp prior to your shoot.  A lot of your instructors went through it and from what I've read a good time was had by all.  Oh, just looked, Big Papa was there!  We've been on the line together forever(in AS time that would be about 18 months) Which is true of just about every AS event.  There are several paths to becoming an Instructor, pick one and start on the path.

Hawkhavn
RWVA Instructor and IN State Coordinator

[smle]

Didactic and Old Grunt, Thanks guys and I stood in line for the orange hat. Wasn't sure if I should take it or not. So I did it anyway.

When I got there Thur. everyone was real eager to help me make the grade. And I'm also one of the notches on Pappy's rifle.

I really enjoyed meeting everyone from the boot camp. We had a real good time.

The weekend itself was equally as good. Made some Rifleman and a bunch knocking at the door.

My daughters boyfriend used my M1 on Sun. He loved it so much I had to keep an eye on him so he wouldn't take it home.

smle

[Grey Man]

This was my first time to go to either a boot camp or a shoot...and I did both.  Also my first time to find/log on to this forum.  Osage Beach was interesting and I'd do it again in a heart beat.  Fun?  I hurt too much to really call it that...yet.  Although, I did make Rifleman, thanks to the help of so many truly good people. 

Long Shot, Armada, Big Papa, Greg, the Guy, Oddball and so many others all helped...with techniques, advice, gunsmithing, loaner rifles, better ammunition, encouragement and even laundry (Armanda, God bless you).  Rarely do you see so many WANT to help so much! 

All in all, how can I not want to belong to an organization comprised of such admirable people and noble goals?  So, here it is folks...I'm on board, insofar as I'm able, with some limiting time/energy constrains. 

[Redleg13a]

Sorry I didn't make it with my cadets this year.  That was the first and last weekend I had that I was able to spend with my family for quite awhile.  I very much wanted to go again, but I needed family time as well.  Hopefully next year....

The cadets enjoyed it even though none of them made Rifleman this year.  Even my Rifleman from last year didn't make it this time.  Glad to read there was still a good turnout and there were some Riflemen pinned this year.  I certainly hope to be there next year!

[The Guy]

Redleg, missed ya.  The young men did well though, just needed a bit more time.

The fella with the Garand had a butt stock that was slipping out of pocket, a common problem.  A bit of mousepad will fix that quick.

Hopefully we will see you next year, and the invite always stands if you and the cadets can break away durring the week for some extra time at the RBC.

Grey Man, good to have you at the RBC and your son at the Appleseed.  See you again on the line soon, health alowing.

Guy

[Longshot]

Deep breath......

OK, here goes. The Osage Boot camp had been clicking along, turning out Rifleman IIT's like water from a fire hose.
So Friday nightThe Guy bombs me with, " Oh, by the way, you're shoot-bossing the Appleseed!"

You stepped in what??!! What's a poor instructor to do?  Gut up! That's what!

Saturday came early, shooters arriving, sign-in, safety, etc. Straight to work, Redcoat, prone, squares.

Nearly fifty shooters on the line, 4 instructors, and 12 IIT"s. The IIT's were worked hard and given ample opportunity to show what they had learned, and to practice their new teaching skills. The shooters were kept plenty busy, also. More squares, sitting, six steps, and 4 new Riflemen by day's end.

Unlike last year, the line consisted of mostly .22's, with about 8 CF rifles to add a little bass note to the music.

Sunday, like Saturday, was beautiful, getting just a bit windy late in the day. The Guy threw me to the wolves
( he thought), by being elsewhere. Ha! I was wise to hisplan, and did not falter.  QDAQT's for everyone!
Some green targets for working on weak areas, squad Redcoat, NPOA drill, and more QDAQT's produced 3 more Riflemen. Of special note, Bob, our landowner, scored Rifleman just before lunch, receiving his patch along with a special gift of appreciation for his allowing us to gather on his land again.

Greg and  Thor's Hammer did some of the best history I've seen lately, all the better as it was the first time for both of them. Thor received his Red Hat for completion of this last requirement. He and Greg both will be as good as there is.

Special thanks to Alan Sanning of Buffer Technologies for coming down from Jeff. City and setting up a booth, giving discounts to all attendees. His plans  to shoot the Appleseed were changed by a serious knee injury that left him barely able to walk.

Seventh step ended the day, with many shooters staying to help with range cleanup and teardown. Much appreciated.

A great end to a great week, new friends and brothers, and another step toward saving the country.
Watch for upcoming shoots on the new Osage Beach Designated Appleseed Range, and remember to go forth and multiply.

Longshot

[colycat]

I guess I never learn.  Old Glory said to take some time off work, do the IBC at Funfalers and then do some camping and head over to Osage.  She was right as usual and will remind me of it.  Sounds like a great time, sorry I missed it.

Coly

[Longshot]

Redleg,
You were missed. Keep up with us, as we will be sceduling several more shoots in the coming months. You don't have to wait another year. Prob early spring.

Longshot

[EEL]

I want to call this "The other side of Boot Camp"

Was the shooting fun? Was the instruction Out-friggin-standing? Was there enough "trigger time"?  Was it great reaching out 400 yards and hearing a "thunk" from the gong?  Well, does a fat dog want another bisquit???

But what so often goes unsaid, is about the camp life.  We camped at Longshot's place.  And while he offered up just about everthing under the sun, we found out some really important things by camping for a week.

Things like:  Can your tent keep out rain?  Does the rain fly extend to within a couple inches of the ground?  Did you use seam sealer on it recently?  Can you start a fire with tinder,kindling,fuel, and then logs?  Can you cook on camp stoves and with a cast iron dutch oven? (Big Papa sure can!)  Did you tape over your propane openings so the spiders can't get in?  Do you have room to transport all your supplies?  Did you bring enough food and water to last you a week in the boonies?  What type of food was good to bring along?  What wasn't? 

Did that "sweet deal" you got on that tent/can opener/cook stove/cot/sleeping bag/etc work?  If it doesn't work...it's not a deal.

Did you bring enough clothes and extra boots?  Too much?  Socks?  Sleeping bag?  How is it to brush your teeth and wash up in a bowl?  Can your rain gear keep you dry and warm while lying prone for an extended period of time?  Can you walk long distances in it?  Can you shoot while wearing gloves? How is your L.B.E. set up?  Is it user friendly?  What's in it?  Can you shoot while wearing it?  Just how heavy is it?  Remember, you're humping it.

We talked quite a bit around the fire.  We traded tips we had learned by trial and error.  Everyone doesn't need to invent the wheel, just tweak it to suit their needs.   

When the zombies come, chances are you will need to move in a hurry.  Is it in crates, all in one spot so you can grab and go?  You probably won't be staying in the Holiday Inn, so you'll need it.  That would be a bad time to find out your tent leaks, your sleeping bag isn't warm enough, and that can opener won't work, while staring at a trunk full of canned provisions!

What I'm trying to say is, a complete Rifleman needs to be able to operate in the field.  He will be displaced from his home and be forced to function from a camp environment.  A Boot Camp is a great time test our equipment, to hone those skills, to see what it will be like function in a primitive (ish) lifestyle. 

Camping at a Boot Camp shoul be highly recommended/mandatory-ish. (physical restrictions permitting)  A little rain and some cold weather for a day or two won't hurt anyone either. 

"That what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."

See you guys at the next Osage Boot Camp.  Hopefully before that!!

Thanks again for everthing.

[ErikAnderson]

I took a select handful of photos as the well regulated activities at the AS kept me on my toes. You can view them with a flash view here:

http://www.erikandersondesigns.com/images/2008/10-25-Appleseed/

[wcmartin1]

Nice pics, Erik.  Thanks.

[Junior Birdman]

  Fantastic pics!  Just wish I'd been there!  Sure sounds like y'all had a great RBC out there. You just can't get to them all!  Congrats for the new Riflemen and a huge thanks to the new IITs!  JB