The “M1 for Vets” project concluded another successful trip to Camp Perry, Ohio. Fifteen fine young veterans participated in the M1 Carbine, Springfield, and M1 Garand Matches. Many medals were won, and some excellent marksmanship skills were exhibited during the three days of competition.

The week began with a dinner at Nick’s Roadhouse on Wednesday evening, and a presentation of a “Key to the City” by Mayor Brown of Port Clinton. Our veterans and their coaches had time to meet and socialize, and a fine dinner was provided by Nick’s. Luckily, we never had to use the “Key”.

At 0Dark30 on Thursday, we assembled at Rodriguez Range to participate in the M1 Carbine Match. The first relay saw our coaches compete, and our veterans assist in scoring. Then the young men took their positions and shot the second relay. Caylen Wojcik, firing the Carbine for the first time, placed sixth overall. We figured all that training as a USMC Scout Sniper had something to do with it. All the guys shot well, and had a great time.

On Thursday evening, we traveled over to the VFW Post in Sandusky for a fine perch dinner. After dinner, we presented an M1 to Sgt. Stan Mayer, USMC. This rifle was donated by Ken Stein, who assisted in the presentation of the rifle. The young Marine could not take his hands off this rifle, and was overwhelmed with this special gift. Stan shot his M1 on Saturday, was coached by Ken, and scored a 272-2x. This M1 represented our 100th presentation. A special thanks goes to Dan Keating and the staff at the VFW Post.

Friday afternoon saw our group compete in the afternoon relays of the Springfield Match on Viale Range. Our coaches and veterans faired well, and many medals were won. The heat took a toll on our young men, but they all held tight and shot well. After the match, we headed over to Mel’s Crows Nest for a great meal.

After a delicious breakfast at the Port and Starboard Restaurant in Port Clinton, our group assembled on Viale Range to shoot in the afternoon relays in the M1 Garand Match. By this time, the winds coming off Lake Erie had let off, and the guys set to work on putting them in the black. Again, many of our guys shot well, and secured medals. Dale Beatty, USA(R), placed 35th overall, and won a gold medal.

During the closing ceremonies on Saturday evening, we presented our 101st rifle to Aaron Kibby, USA. Aaron competed with this M1 earlier in the day and won a silver medal. This rifle was made possible by a donation from the Brighton, Michigan VFW Post 4357. Four members of the post assisted in the presentation. Aaron received a standing ovation from all those in attendance. Thanks to Gary Anderson and CMP for allowing us this special time. We hope to do it again in 2008.

After everyone dispersed on Saturday evening, we kept our group of coaches and veterans together to make plans for dinner. I was approached by a young man and his father with a question concerning how many of our fifteen veterans had received rifles from our project. I informed him that three young Marines had yet to be presented rifles. He said he would take care of this situation, and went over to his vehicle and retrieved two rifles. Both these rifles were used by him in the Springfield and Garand matches, and he wanted to give them to our young veterans. I called LCpl. Travis Johnson,USMC, and let this donor hand Travis the 1903 Springfield. I then called up Cpl. Ron McKeirnan, USMC, and again let this donor hand the M1 Garand to Ron. We then had a donation that made it possible to present a 1903A3 to GySgt. Cory Willis, USMC. By this time, many of us had a few tears running down our cheeks. This was an unexpected, but wonderful way to finish off the day.

I want to thank all the coaches, volunteers, pit pullers, Team Mom Deb Larson, CMP staff, and everyone that helped make this trip possible. We received donations from the following clubs, organizations and individuals to help cover all costs involved with this event. If I have omitted any organization from this list, please contact me.

• Wounded Warrior Project http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

• The Friends of Camp Perry

• The Tucson Rifle and Pistol Club, Arizona

• Linden Sportsmen Club, Michigan

• Capitol Cities Rifle Club, Michigan

• Lake Norman High Power Club, North Carolina

• Charlotte Pistol and Rifle Club, North Carolina

• Central Kansas Rifle Club, Kansas

• United States Marine Corps, Camp Lejuene, North Carolina

• Muskegon Rifle and Pistol Club, Michigan

The “M1 for Vets” Project is not affiliated with CMP, NRA or any large firearms organization. It is a small, grassroots group of shooters and collectors that want to show their appreciation and respect for our young men and women that are serving our Nation. Almost all M1 recipients have been combat wounded, and want to continue to use the marksmanship skills they have acquired. We do not accept self-nominations, but rely on nominations from fellow brothers-in-arms, volunteers working at military hospitals, and prior recipients. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Contact JJ O’Shea at jjoshea@msn.com.

 

Saying thanks with rifles - N.C. man gives guns used in World War II to returning veterans - http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/article/20070831/NEWS/708310378/-1/State

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