On 4 and 5 August 2006, seven recipients of the M1 for Vets Project participated in the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Springfield and John C. Garand Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. This trip was made possible with donations from the Walter Reed Society, Lake Norman High Power Club, and small donations from many fellow competitors and M1 collectors throughout the country. The M1 for Vets Project is designed to present injured Iraq War veterans M1 Garand rifles. Some 40 rifles have been presented since December 2005, and 11 more are being made ready for presentation. All rifles were either donated or purchased with donated funds.
Our group arrived on 3 August and quickly made a visit to the CMP North Store. Within a few minutes, two or three rifles were picked, tagged and purchased. These guys were like kids in a candy store. Our next objective was commercial row, where important necessities were found and bought. We then headed over to Port Clinton for a wonderful dinner at the Crows Nest.
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| The group came to Camp Perry as Team WRAMC, from Walter Reed Army Medical Center where many are still under going therapy for injuries they received in Iraq.
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On Friday, the day promised some fine weather as we headed over to the Viale Range for the Springfield Vintage Military Rifle Match. Our group took positions and prepared for making these old bolt action rifles hit black. Members of the Lake Norman High Power Club from North Carolina assisted in coaching and spotting for our guys. Everyone tightened their slings and put their thirty rounds down range. Almost everyone was in the hunt for a medal with one veteran earning bronze. All shot extremely well, and all came away with a smile. Volunteer target pullers were found to help out in the pits, and a fine day of shooting was had by all.
The anticipation of Saturday’s John C. Garand match was the topic of conversation as the group again visited the Crows Nest Friday night. Something about that perch and ribs made the decision to return to the restaurant easy, and another great meal was enjoyed with friends!
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| Recipients of the M1 for Vets Project shot in both the Springfield and John C. Garand Matches at the 2006 National Matches. All shot M1 Garands that they have received from donations given to the organization.
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Saturday we arrived at the Rodriguez Range around 1100 hrs to prepare our equipment and minds to compete in the John C. Garand Match. Every one of our guys would now have a chance to shoot the rifle that they received from the M1 for Vets Project. The members of Lake Norman High Power Club again assisted in coaching, spotting and scoring for our guys. Brian, Jason, Chad, Chris, Noah, Neil and Dave shot their sighters and all thirty rounds as their targets were pulled by volunteers from all over the country. We finished up with a few medals and everyone a winner.
At the awards banquet and closing ceremonies Saturday evening, the guys enjoyed a few beers and chow with fellow competitors. As we sat and talked about the day, the topic quickly turned to next year. In 2007 we will return and do it again, only better!
A special thanks needs to go to the people that made this happen:
- Barry Yankosek and Dan Babit for their assistance and fine shooting!
- The Civilian Marksmanship Program and Shannon Hand
- The Ohio National Guard
- The Walter Reed Society and Team WRAMC
- The Lake Norman High Power Club, Cornelius, NC
- John Weller Slings
- Springfield Armory
- Operation Second Chance www.operationsecondchance.org
- All those that donated funds and time to make this possible.
If you wish to make a contribution to M1 for Vets Project please contact JJ O’Shea at jjoshea@msn.com. Photos of the veterans at the 2006 National Matches can be found at http://www.odcmp.com/Photos/06/Team_WRAMC/index.htm.
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