We had a very successful and rewarding Patriots Day Appleseed event this year at the Fernan Rod & Gun Club in Coeur d'Alene. Although the weather forecast early in the week suggested a chance of rain, we had two beautiful sunny days with temperatures that started in the mid-30's in the very early mornings but rose to the high 50's and into the 60's in the afternoon. A little wind on Sunday afternoon was only a minor nuisance.
With 21 shooters on Saturday and 17 returning on Sunday, it was a well-attended event. We had seven or eight instructors present each day, for a very good instructor/student ratio. Many hands make light work, and better coaching for the shooters!
The shooters were attentive and focused, and we observed a great deal of improvement throughout the weekend. We had three newly-qualified Riflemen earn the full-color version as their first Rifleman patch, and one experienced Appleseeder re-qualify and earn the Patriots Day patch as well. Three Young Patriots persisted through the entire event and were awarded the new William Diamond patch. Everyone participated in the Memorial Volley, and went home with a Patriots Day Patch as well as a copy of the "Bloody Butchery" poster, which we hope will find a place of honor in their homes.
The instructors worked well together, and as usual we learned from each other as well as from our participants. Wagon earned promotion to IIT-2, and continues on the path to full instructor. Beardo was very diligent about taking photos, and a selection of them are posted below. I encourage anyone else who took photos to post them as well. Finally, tomabbkat accepted the challenge and stepped up to volunteer as an instructor, and took his Orange Hat on Sunday afternoon. We all look forward to working with him as he progresses to Red hat.
The instructors made a number of observations and notes, and we encourage the participants to add your observations as well. We are always looking for ways to improve the quality of future events!
