Memorial Day and Appleseed

[Gorkon]

This weekend, thanks to Meanstreaker's generosity, I attended my first Appleseed in Gibsonburg. I can't think of a better way to spend the two days leading up to Memorial Day than what I just went through. I went mainly for the shooting and they definitely did not let me down on that. What I had kind of discounted was the history that RWVA also teaches between Firing sessions. The instructors that gave those history lessons, "The Guy" and Tricia, really made the tales come alive in your mind. The decision that those men made back in 1775 was a monumental event that I, and many others, have just glossed over and said they stood up for themselves. On past Memorial Days, I have mainly thought about those who served our country during WWII, Nam, and in Iraq. Today I am trying to relate and understand the original Americans. I find that it is hard for me to express some kind of essence of understanding that I acquired over the last two days. It comprises gratitude, shame, pride, sorrow, and hope.

Over two days we went through over 500 rounds of ammo, and at least 100 Advil. The first target that I attempted might have suffered a wound or two but a Band-Aid would have made it all better. Through various methods of torture, waterboarding has nothing on a proper seated position, and a lot of help from the instructors I could hit the broad side of a barn by the end of the day on Saturday. On Sunday, I ended up starting from the beginning again due to my .22 giving up on me. But, by the end of the day on Sunday I had again been whipped into shape. I ended up scoring just 20 points below rifleman on the last qualifier that I shot. As disheartening as it was to be so close it felt great to have improved so much in such a short period of time.

My thanks go out to the instructors that made the weekend so much fun, and to our Forefathers who made it possible for an event like this to be possible.

Mark

[Mr. Glock]

You just can't beat The Guy. Not to cast any shadows on anyone else, as all Appleseed instructors are dedicated to the path of Appleseed (well, maybe except our own Birdman just kidding ) but the The Guy is a unique Appleseed experience.

My first Appleseed was with Fred and The Guy. That's jumping in the deep end first-off.

[muxtech]

Congrats Gorkon. The Guy is indeed a unique experience. I met him at 1st Minerva about a year ago. I'm so glad OFCC has so many folks going to AS. It makes us all better shooters and better citizens. I have to take another whack at a rifleman patch this summer. I hope Appleseed continues to grow in popularity in Ohio. There seems to be a hunger amongst Americans for the ideals highlighted there. This would have been a beautiful weekend to spend on the firing line. I'll be sure to check out the AAR over at RWVA.

We visited family in Powell this weekend. I took my 14 y/o neice shooting for her first time. She was totally into it. Central Ohio needs an Appleseed event.

[MeanStreaker]

It was a pleasure meeting you, Gorkon. It was a great shoot in Gibsonburg. Here is the Gibsonburg After Action Report thread on Appleseed's forums.

And, I ask that everyone please read the inspirational After Action Report from Athens, OH this same weekend. A sixteen year old young lady scored Rifleman on her VERY FIRST TRY. She was able to persist and master all positions: Standing, Sitting, and prone... With timed transitions into each position. That means dropping from standing to prone for a timed course of fire. She persevered and achieved all of this without the use of her right leg, which has been amputated. Sarah is an inspiration to us all and proves that each of us can shoot to a four minute of angle standard with some perseverance.

Both AARs include some pictures. You can see some Athens Riflemen being awarded their patches alongside Sarah below.