The Muskegon Pistol and Rifle Club has once again been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support for their second M1 for Vets match. This event, held on Saturday, March 24, 2007, brought out 44 shooters, besting their first record-setting match of 30 shooters in December 2006. Many spectators also came out just to be a part of the fun.

And what a fun day it was. The morning began with incredibly thick fog, greatly reduced travel visibility, and temperatures in the 30s. By mid-afternoon, there was face-burning sunshine and 61 degrees: perfect weather for a highpower shooting competition.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, there was a small ceremony that turned out to be the highlight of the day. A very surprised young man, SSG Tony Covell, was presented with an M1 Garand as part of the M1 for Vets program. Tony, from the Manistee, Michigan area, had been deployed to Iraq in 2004 during OIF as a fuel truck driver. His truck was hit with an IED and Tony was severely burned. Rather than let that stop him, Tony decided to help other wounded soldiers and began an effort called the Injured Soldiers Foundation (http://www.injuredsoldiers.org). The presentation of this rifle is but a small effort to return some of the kindness that Tony has provided to so many others.

After the rifle presentation and the safety briefing, everyone got out their equipment and readied for the match. Shooters were split into four relays, with relays 1 and 2 at the line and relays 3 and 4 reporting to the pits. The large number of people and some sharing of rifles turned out to be a logistics test for the staff, but amazingly everything fell into place without any problems.

The fog was so thick, the first relay could barely see their targets as they prepped, but soon the wind began to pick up and the fog started to lift. By relay 2, the skies had cleared up and the sun was working its magic.

There were several women shooters at this event, five juniors, and even representatives from the Army and Marines. One-on-one instruction from experienced shooters was provided when needed. Also on hand to assist were two CMP Master Clinic Instructors, Scott Smith and William Parker, who were able to guide shooters in proper use of their rifles. The M1 Garand was used by 32 of the 44 shooters, followed by several 1903 Springfields and 1917 Enfields, two M1 Carbines, and even a couple of ARs and an M1A that were shot just for fun.

We broke for lunch between relays 2 and 3 to discover commercial-sized pots of the most wonderful chicken gumbo and chili made by JR Roy, along with cookies, brownies, muffins, and coffee. Relays 3 and 4 may have had a slight disadvantage after all that food, especially in prone. The others only had to deal with fog!

Match results:

Silver – John Vermeulen 276-4X Garand

Bronze – Dan McSorley 263-4X Garand

Bronze – John Johannes 262-2X Garand

Silver – Philip Wilcox 276-2X Springfield

Silver – Dan McSorley 274-4X Springfield

Bronze – Ken Price 265-1X Springfield

At the end of the match while others were cleaning up, SSgt. Covell was given the opportunity to shoot his “new” M1 Garand. He was absolutely thrilled. This soldier had received burns over a large area of his face and body, and lost a finger on his shooting hand, but he was able to load and operate the M1 in spite of his injuries. It was the first time he had ever shot an M1 and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Aside from a fun match, great camaraderie, and plenty of trigger time, it was heart-warming to watch this young man receive his M1 and see firsthand the results of the wonderful effort put forth by the M1 for Vets program. Match director and CMP Master Clinic Instructor Steve Larson has been able to turn this 30 round event into a rewarding and fulfilling experience for staff, participants, and spectators alike.

We are grateful to the CMP who very graciously supplied everyone with free t-shirts and pens, and Otis Cleaning Kits who provided tote bags.

Thanks go to Steve Larson, Art Curow, Dan McSorley, Richard Pardini, Tom Eschbaugh, Ed Korpi, Glenn Sheathelm, Gaylord Dickinson, and Val Poholski for all the work they did to make sure this match ran successfully. Special thanks go to JR Roy for the wonderful lunch, Deb Larson for helping with the t-shirt table, and many others for the delicious desserts. The range mascot, Carlos, was always available for a photo-op or handouts.  Additional photos from the match can be viewed at http://www.odcmp.com/Photos/07/Muskegon_Apr07/index.htm.  Match results can be viewed at http://clubs.odcmp.com/cgi-bin/report_eventAward.cgi?matchID=2192&eventID=1&awardID=1. 

Due to the large amount of donations received from just these two matches, the MPRC has been able to provide four M1s to wounded soldiers in recent months, with the latest one going to Cpl. Kyle Earl of Cedar Springs.

If your club or range is interested in holding M1 for Vets matches, the program would appreciate your help. It benefits not only the wounded veterans who receive their rifles, but it brings shooters to the host club and provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy their M1s in a friendly competition for a worthy cause. Michigan currently has two clubs holding matches.

If you would like more information on the M1 for Vets Program and how to run a match at your club, contact the Director, John O’Shea, by email at jjoshea@msn.com or MPRC match director Steve Larson at M-1Guy@sbcglobal.net.