Legislative Day Shoot 2000
Story by SFC Cheryl Lesser, Photos by
SFC Cheryl Lesser
& SPC
Charles Ames - Posted Jul, 2000
 |
The buzz of conversation elevates as the registration line gets longer. A bit of confusion, a dash of anticipation, a smidgen of mud and a lot of cold - this is downright fun!
As the distinguished members of the State Legislature begin to trickle through the door, the activity level is clearly justified.
After a time, the hum of conversation is broken with the booming voice of MSG John Hubbard barking "Okay, Listen-up"!
MSG Hubbard is a member of HHC, 1-161st Infantry (Mech), headquartered in Spokane, WA. He's also a charter member and Senior Instructor for the Washington Army National Guard Marksmanship and Rifle Team.
 |
MSG Hubbard is today's Match Coordinator and he takes his job quite seriously. Like a grizzled bulldog, he barks out instructions and reviews safety procedures.
Today his charges are members of the State Legislature and their staffs who will compete in a series of rifle and pistol courses, but his demeanor is no different with any range he runs... SAFETY FIRST!
The VIP's preparing to head "down-range" begin listening intently as the "rules of engagement" are strongly emphasized. Then it's time.
 |
The first competitor on the skeet range, Representative Phil Fortunato, 47th Legislative District, (King County), said, "I just like to get out there and shoot these little trefts ("skeets" to be exact). I remember being in the grocery store once and said to my kids, 'Come on kids, we're going out skeet shooting. We've got to get those little trefts before they get on the endangered species list.'...Some lady yelled at me!"
Representative John Pennington, from the 18th District, (Clark, Cowlitz and Lewis Counties), took stance in the upright firing position and ultimately took the lead, shooting twelve straight out of a total of twenty-five skeet shots.
 |
Scores don't always indicate the way contestants shoot. Looking at the score sheet, you could see as you went across the board, there was some excellent shooting going on during this event.
Tom Perry, a King County council member, and first-time attendee said, "This is the first time I have ever been here. I was invited several times when I was a legislator. Of course, now being with the King County Council, my schedule has never really allowed attending the shoot until today."
Councilman Perry recalls the history of the event; "I remember when the Legislative Shoot started as a very small competition between the House and Senate. I think now it has grown into something that gun enthusiasts and others can look forward to all year long. For some of the elected officials who may not be familiar with firearms, it helps to de-mystifies the issue of firearms safety."
 |
Said Representative Brad Benson, from the 6th District (Spokane County) "This is only my second time out and I've really enjoyed this. It's been a lot of fun for me! I bring my whole family. The Legislative Shoot is one of the highlights of our year. I hope someday I get to achieve an expert ribbon or something, so I keep practicing!"
The Washington Army National Guard became involved with the Legislative Shoot in 1999, when the Washington state Legislature, requested the National Guard presence at the event. Also, supporting this year's ' Legislative Shoot 2000' were additional members of the Washington Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention (RRO) program standby to answer any questions about community participation by the National Guard and involvement with this event.
 |
The 'Legislative Shoot' event is about firearms safety and education, focused on showing participants how to correctly handle firearms and not be intimidated by them. "It's primarily for the benefit of members of the Legislature, to have an opportunity to become more familiar through education in the handling of weapons", said MSG Hubbard, this year's Match Coordinator. Everyone has a good time. We get all types of participants, Legislators and guests of the Evergreen Sportsmen's Club, with varied backgrounds. Some are prior military, others own their own weapons and come down to the range just to have fun. We also get those individuals who simply want to know what end of a weapon to hold"!
 |
 |
|
|