Volunteer Spotlight - October 2026 - Pookie

[Mrs. Smith]

Project Appleseed exists because of its dedicated cadre of volunteers.

Every clinic, every story told on the line, every new Rifleman and Pistoleer who walks away with sharper skills and a clearer sense of the history that still shapes us—none of it happens without the men and women who give their weekends, their expertise, and their energy to the mission.

Today we pause to celebrate one of those volunteers—someone whom their peers looked around and said, "That one stands out." Not because they seek recognition, but because the work they do quietly multiplies the impact of everyone else on the firing line.

This month's peer-nominated volunteer is Pookie, from Michigan.



Michigan State Coordinator MI-Copperhead writes:

"Will is the kind instructor that Fred was thinking of when he wrote "if you see a need, step up and fix it." There is no job too big or too insignificant for him to do. Since becoming an Instructor In Training in January of 2019 he has worked one or more events in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin besides his home state of Michigan, even traveling from his home in south east Michigan to the center of the upper peninsula. Pookie is great at instructing, modeling, coaching, or telling history in his own style. By the completion of the Michigan Appleseed schedule for 2026, Pookie will have worked 15 events for the year.

As a Shoot Boss I can say that if I have Pookie signed up on my instructor roster I have my anchor established. If I could clone one instructor, I would want 5 of Pookie.

I fully expect to see Pookie in a Green Hat sometime in 2027. He will make a great Shoot Boss. He is already an outstanding instructor, person and someone I readily call a friend."

Huzzah! And thank you, Pookie, for your time, energy, and dedication to the mission of Project Appleseed.

Do you have a story about Pookie from your time as a student?

Share it with us!

[icecoldkidd]

I remember Pookie from my very first Pistolseed in Fenton, April 2024.
His storytelling is memorable as well as inspirational.
His instruction is top notch.
When I get to an event and see him there, I know it is going to be a good event.

[Zorak]

I attended 4 Appleseed events as a student before volunteering, and Pookie was an instructor at every single one of them. If I didn't count him as a friend, I'd say he made me the man I am today.

[Bundt Pan]

  Huzzah, I had a great time working with Pookie when he boarder raided into Illinois