I am so happy to make this (somewhat overdue

) announcement!
Please join me in welcoming Badmoose and Jonni to the cadre, ya'll.
Previously from Ohio, Badmoose and several of the little meese have been attending Appleseeds as students for several years now. Now in Texas, he's already done a KD in New Braunfels and driven from Houston all the way to El Paso to attend our standard event here in September.
It only seemed logical to ask him if anyone had ever discussed the possibility of accepting an Orange Hat. I was surprised the answer was no, frankly, but you can bet I soon took care of that

Moose is a fine shot, a patient student, and a lover of Liberty and History. I'm looking forward to following his progress as he earns his Red Hat. Heck, maybe I can even be there when it happens!
The Mrs in this duo, Jonni, had been encouraged by her family to find out what we're all about, and at last she relented. After a 10 hour drive across Texas, she found herself at the El Paso Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy, curious, and perhaps a little skeptical. She's not a shooter herself, but I could see we were slowly bringing her around with our passion for the program, our history, and our liberties. Before long she'd taken herself from a passive observer, to helping us out in the range control booth, and even learning to score AQTs.
Now, Badmoose came back to me with his answer surprisingly quickly, in the affirmative. I was tickled pink, ya'll.

I mentioned, sort of casually, the existence and purpose of the Apple Core to Jonni. Velvet glove seemed the right approach for this soft spoken lady, and I did not expect anything to come of it that weekend. Just planting the seed (see what I did there?

) Imagine my delight when, at the end of the weekend, she came to me and said, yes! I was so surprised, and honored to be the one to present this fine gal the Blue Hat of the Apple Core.
East Texas, you're in for a treat. I know you'll take good care of them!!!
Huzzah!!!