AAR De Soto, KS 25m Rifle Clinic 6-7 June 2026

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Project Appleseed Kansas cadre was joined by nineteen hardy souls at the Mill Creek Rifle Club in De Soto, Kansas for a weekend of history and marksmanship learning.

This clinic was a little different from most in that only five had previously attended an Appleseed event and fourteen that were first timers to the program. Four young people were presented with William Diamond patches to commemorate their participation at the event. One family group consisted of three generations shooting next to each other on the line.

The weather was typical Kansas in early June. Temp in the mid to upper 80s with high humidity, little to no breeze and thunderstorms passing through the area. While rain showers didn't cause immediate concern, the cadre took turns tracking lightning strikes and their proximity. The heat and humidity were oppressive but the attendees persisted through the day finding shade during the history telling and working hard through the marksmanship drills and exercises.

The AQT at the end of the day Saturday revealed three new riflemen. Kyle with a 220, Morgan with a 227, and Brandon with a 235. What a showing!

Sunday opened a little cooler but with a 90+% chance of strong thunderstorms. Lunch got pushed back in favor of continued instruction and shooting before the storms arrived. The rain arrived just as the planned shooting events were finishing up followed not too much later by lightning.

A hurried awards presentation was held with the following awards being presented. Kyle followed up Saturday's performance requalifying with a 223. Nate shot a 215 following up with a pair of 212s. Andrew earned his patch with a 215 and Noah joined the group with a 211. Following Saturdays winning of the Rifleman patch, Morgan opened Sunday morning by shooting Distinguished Rifleman with a score of 242 followed up with scores of 240, 227, 236, and another 242. Brandon followed suit with scores of 243, 236, 237, 229, and 214. These were the first optically sighted Distinguished patches I've personally had the honor of presenting.

Thanks to both the attendees and the cadre for helping make this event happen. The weather was a challenge but Riflemen persist!

Photos to follow....

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Photos as promised.