Our pal, Wild Woman Gretchen Steele, alerted us to this new “look” over at Project Appleseed. Gretchen, an outdoor woman extraordinaire, photojournalist and blogger, as well as Shoot to Thrill photographer, picks up on these things.
Project Appleseed combines traditional American marksmanship rifle skills with a heritage program that includes the history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Women and children, as well as members of the military and the disabled, may attend for either free or greatly reduced prices.
Sponsored by The Revolutionary War Veterans Association, the all-volunteer program is taught by marksmen who scored 210 or above using open sights on the Army Qualification Test. These instructors volunteer their time to train others in the skills necessary to be a marksman. Instructors also take turns telling the story of the Revolutionary War struggles of the marksmen and other patriots.
We’ve been there at a Project Appleseed, my husband and I. We lay in a farmer’s field in a line of shooters — ranging from a seven-year-old girl with her daddy to a grandpa and his boys. It changed our lives; it connected us to the reason we’re here and free. We’re going back.
See information about Project Appleseed.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
I encourage everyone to attend an Appleseed event – The combination of history and marksmanship are quite moving and as you noted Barb often life changing. I will never forget the little girl on her dinosaur blanket, determined to be a better shot in order to protect her goats from coyotes!
Nor will I forget the time and encouragement that the instructors gave everyone. When I saw the new look at Southern IL Hunting and Fishing Days my heart swelled. My dear friend and Appleseed volunteer Joann Randolph and I just hugged each other and smiled – Appleseed knows how important women are!
It did change my life, and I intend on going back and qualifying some day — with open sights!
Hi Gretchen! That was my daughter on the Dino blankie – she just made Rifleman in December over @ Rosebud.
So far us “Ladies” (Myself, 15 yo and 11 yo) are the Rifleman in the family. In fact – we are leaving the Men home to run the farm while we help run the LadySeed over in Sparta. First one in Southern Illinois!
Hope to see you there in March (24th and 25th).
Sharon Sabo
(http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2662153573 )