Blue Ridge (Powerhouse), GA-December 2-3

[CokeGuy]

The message of Liberty was shared extensively with 22 enthusiastic shooters on Saturday and continued on Sunday morning with the 20 who were able to return. Except for a small period of strong winds on Sunday, when instructors had to hold down the multiple pop-ups, the weather was perfect for a Project Appleseed event! We had a full line of 22, ranging in age from 6 to 69. We also had a full cadre of 6 instructors. Of the 22 people, 7 were under the age of 15, which was a challenge, but also very exciting to see! We also had more than half who had come to their first Appleseed event...fantastic!

Although we were only able to teach through the seated positions on Saturday, Sr. Instructor DrJohn stepped up Sunday morning, using "volunteer" shooters as models, to review the instruction from Saturday and to complete all the instruction needed to begin shooting AQTs in the afternoon. Since at this range we cannot shoot until after lunch, we used the morning to practice transitions, mag changes and dry-firing. Dangerous old men and brave women stories were sandwiched between the morning instruction. DrJohn shared a colorful chapter of history about Dr. Joseph Warren, and others shared about Samuel Whittemore, Hezekia Wyman, Elizabeth Zane, Nancy Hart and David Lamson.  The instructors were humbled by the wonderful praise of the history presentations, especially the positive comments by Valarie, who teaches history as part of her literature classes. Known Distance was explained and promoted during lunch.

It was a pleasure to present the "Luther Blanchard" patches to Alden, Nicolas, Emily, Chris, Jackson a Michael at this event.

On Saturday we also "retired" leadslinger66's Orange Hat with a 25 one-shot volley, and he was presented with his well-earned Red hat after completing the remaining requrements at this event and doing a great as morning Line Boss.

As the afternoon progressed on Sunday, shot groups continued to get smaller. Congratulations to Clif for requalifying with a 212.  Robert was soooo close with a 209!  Neil did outstanding on Stage One, but had some mag issues on Stage Two...he will be a Rifleman.  Many others did really well, all improved, and indicated that we either met or exceeded their expectations of the event. We were so pleased to welcome two families of parents and children who decided to make this a "family outing". 

Although Jeff did not shoot a Rifleman's score again at this, his second event, he did ask for and was presented with an Orange Hat...welcome to the Appleseed Instructor family. Huzzah!  I am confident that Christa will be next.

Thanks so much to all the instructors who stepped up to make this another memorable event.

[6Bones]

Leadslingers retired Orange Hat.