FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Josh Webb, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, assists an Army advocate, commonly known as a Center of Influence, Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The COIs were invited guests of the Army and took part in the festivities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Shotgun team started off the New Year in Texas displaying their skills as part of the week’s long worth of activities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 3-7.

The team hosted dozens of civilian Army advocates, commonly known as Centers of Influence, at the San Antonio Gun Club. COIs guide young people down the right path towards their future and provide them with all of the information that the Army and ROTC offer our nation’s youth.

“The COIs are some of the most influential people students, juniors and those thinking about their future look to for advice and guidance,” said Cpl. Josh Webb. “It’s important that we display the professionalism of the Soldier so these influencers can go back to their local areas and provide all of the answers to the questions those contemplating a future with the military are asking.”

First-time and experienced shotgun shooters received instruction from USAMU Soldiers, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists Sgt. Glenn Eller and Sgt. Vincent Hancock. Soldiers urged the importance of safety and assisted them in establishing a proper firing position before allowing the spectators the opportunity to pull the trigger and have some fun on the range.

“It was very cool,” said Pete Anders, the Chief of Police at Millersville University, Pa. “They asked me what I did for a living and knew that I have shot a lot of targets, but this was a different style of shooting. I got a rhythm going but lost it before the friendly competition they had for us. They were fantastic instructors.”

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, already a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games, and Staff Sgt. Mark Weeks performed their jaw-dropping shotgun demonstration, blasting everything from six or seven clay targets at a time to heads of lettuce, tomatoes and shaving cream out of the sky.

Amid the demo and clay pigeon shooting under the direction of Olympic Champions, Anders’ said that his long-standing appreciation for the Army grew even fonder.

“I continue to be impressed with the great young men and women of America and that is just reinforced by coming down here,” he said. “Going to see some of the wounded warriors, with their spirit and drive to continue on, is humbling.

“In talking to these guys from the USAMU, they showed us what they are teaching those headed over to combat, and it’s awesome. It’s a statement of America-we’re in good shape.”

While training the war fighter, researching and developing new weapons initiatives, and competing at the highest levels are the foundations that distinct the USAMU from other units in the military, Soldiers understand how important their reach into communities across the country is to Army accessions.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Staff Sgt's Josh Richmond and Mark Weeks, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, perform a shotgun demonstration Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The USAMU hosted dozens of civilians from around the country as part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Week festivities. Besides the demo, Soldiers assisted civilians on the firing line, providing instruction to experienced and first-time shotgun shooters.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

“It’s really simple-recruiting and accessions enhance the combat readiness of our Army,” Webb said. “Who knows when we may help recruit the next great leader, Olympian, or war fighter and ensure that our future Army is as strong as it is today?”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Col. (P) Walter Piatt (left), commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, attaches the Army Superior Unit Award streamer to the colors of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Jan. 28 as Lt. Col. Dan Hodne (right), commander, USAMU, looks on. The Army awarded the ASUA to the USAMU for distinguishing itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army's overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Even for the “Home of Champions,” the Army’s prestigious Marksmanship Unit where achieving the highest degrees of sustained excellence is expected, 2010 proved to be a year like no other, marked by historic firsts and bests.

Volunteering to embark upon its first sustained deployment of unit personnel since Vietnam and its first effort to train indigenous Soldiers; greatly expanding its marksmanship training program; and showcasing the very best of Army Soldier skills at unprecedented levels in marksmanship competition, winning an unparalleled 27 championship titles in world, national, and interservice matches are just some of the accomplishments made by the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 2010, earning the Army Superior Unit Award, a first for one of the military’s most unique units.

“This unit has made a profound and lasting impact on the readiness of the war fighter,” said Col. (P) Walter Piatt, commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School. “In earning the Superior Unit Award, it reflects the readiness and relevancy that the (USAMU) brings to the Army. The contributions of this generation of Soldiers in our Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and their success have been in large part due to this unit and how they have instilled readiness throughout our force.”

The unit distinguished itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army’s overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission. 2010 also saw a continuation of its nearly half-century tradition of leaving its stamp on the Army’s precision long-range small arms. With its proven track record of the M21 and M24 sniper rifles, the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop enabled its rapid provision of technical and user evaluation feedback that assisted the Army in adopting a new sniper weapon system capability.

Its Squad Designated Marksman Rifle emerged as the unanimous top choice during the Maneuver Center of Excellence Rifleman Configuration Study. To add to these achievements, the unit coached, mentored, and produced the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year, who also served as the Army’s first-ever female Soldier to earn this prestigious title.

“This unit’s efforts to obtain the highest degrees of precision and accuracy in world-class marksmanship competition directly translate to our efforts in raising Army marksmanship proficiency and supporting broader Army small-arms research and development initiatives,” noted Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, USAMU Commander. “When it comes to all aspects of marksmanship, our Army needs and expects us to be the absolute best in the world.” The unit continues to aspire to new heights and expectations. In 2011, the USAMU hosted the first International Paralympic Committee World Cup to ever take place in the entire Western Hemisphere that brought hundreds of Paralympic athletes from around the world to Fort Benning to showcase courage, determination, inspiration and equality in shooting sports.

Earlier in the year, the unit hosted its second consecutive World Cup in two years which stood as the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place on the continent as dozens of shooters earned coveted quota slots to the 2012 Olympic Games. By dramatically expanding its marksmanship training outreach, the unit established itself as a primary source and main proponent for marksmanship training in the Army.

In 2012, the unit looks to take it a step even farther. In Afghanistan, the unit is prepared to assist in the creation of the Afghan National Army Marksmanship Instructor Branch. A handful of Soldiers will represent the unit, the Army and their country at the Summer Olympic Games in London followed by the very first active-duty Soldier to ever compete in the Paralympic Games.

In March, the unit will host the annual U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship training event in the military, and the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships. The USAMU intends to make this innovative event the largest multi-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder collegiate and junior shooting sports championship event to ever take place in the United States as it brings four prestigious competitive shooting sports championship venues to the USAMU’s world-class facilities simultaneously.

In addition to the increasing number of Soldiers it will train in 2012 the USAMU is preparing to welcome 24 new members to the family with the creation of the Wounded Warrior marksmanship instructor group and Paralympic section upon approval by Army headquarters as part of the “Total Army Analysis.” This novel approach to giving the Army’s wounded combat veterans a chance to continue to serve will enhance the combat readiness of the Army, highlight the notion of ability rather than disability, and serve as an inspiration for those who relish the chance to continue service to their country as a Soldier.

“I am grateful to the Army for bestowing the Army Superior Unit Award on this extraordinary unit made up of remarkable people,” concluded Hodne, “I am even more grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an incredible team of Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members who enable this unit to accomplish its wide-ranging mission in a manner and with a strength like no other.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Olivia Jackson, a student from Harris County High School, assists a shooter while he gets in position prior to a match Oct. 5 at Pool Indoor Range. volunteers from Harris County High School, Gameday for Heroes, American Red Cross, Soldiers and others all pitched in to make the first-ever International Paralympic Committee Shooting World Cup on U.S. soil a huge success. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Hosting a successful world-class event requires the strength of an entire community, and the joint-effort between Fort Benning and the Chattahoochee Valley left a lasting impression on hundreds of people from around the world.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit hosted the first-ever International Paralympic Committee Shooting World Cup held in the Western Hemisphere Oct. 4-9 here and while several deserving athletes left with medals around their neck, the teamwork between the military and civilian community was a true victory in itself.

“This event was a great opportunity to show the visitors from around the world what right looks like – what a winning combination of partnership between a military installation and the community looks like,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Brown, commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence.

“The Chattahoochee Valley has a heart for the military, more so than any other place I have been and I am not just saying that. It’s evident by the outstanding community support we have from so many organizations. The relationships are mutual too, as our Soldiers get great enjoyment in rolling up their sleeves and volunteering in the community through programs like Partners in Education and supporting local organizations through the Combined Federal Campaign. It is a win-win for the military and our community outside the gate.”

A number of organizations reached out to the USAMU, lending their services for the week. Students from Harris County High School received permission to volunteer their time while navigating around their test week. Gameday for Heroes and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment teamed together all week and The American Red Cross had volunteers on the grounds throughout the event.

“We feel that helping our military is a priority,” said Michelle Walton, Fort Benning manager for the Red Cross. “Helping out with events such as this are our ‘feel good’ moments.”

Volunteers served food to the athletes, assisted them in traveling from their hotels to the range, helped those in wheelchairs get around the range, and even helped them during their matches by handling their guns while they adjusted their shooting positions or providing a quick rubdown in between rounds.

“By volunteering at this event my daughters, 10 and 14, have been able to do things that many people have not,” said Jana Tarleton, director of Gameday for Heroes. “Not only have they been able to meet others from around the world, they have been able to meet individuals that have a disability do the same things that able bodied individuals can do and more.

“I have met friends that I know will be friends for life. I don’t think people understand everything that goes on at Fort Benning-it’s not just a military base with Soldiers, helicopters, tanks and guns-it is our community with events that have visitors from all over the world and experiences that no other community has to offer.”

By hosting two World Cups alone in 2011, more than a thousand people from the international community have stayed in local hotels, ate their meals at local restaurants, and purchased items from merchants to take back to their countries, pumping dollars into the local economy, Tarleton said. It leaves a positive impact on everyone.

“Having world-class events like the IPC Paralympic World Cup is one of many examples of the high-caliber of activities that happen at Fort Benning, in addition to the world-class training and leader development we do 365 days a year,” said Brown. “There is so much happening at Fort Benning that it is hard to not be a little excited and inspired by the spirit of enthusiasm you see. Having all of these people from around the world come to Fort Benning is a great way to showcase this installation and the impact it makes on the Army and the world.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Shooters compete in the Men's Air Rifle match Sept. 30 at Pool Indoor Range as part of the Champion of Champions match. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The final matches of 2011 may have been the best start towards 2012 for Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

Soldiers had rousing success at the first leg of the USA Shooting Olympic Trials for Shotgun and the USAMU-hosted Champion of Champions Rifle and Pistol match Sept. 25-Oct. 2.

Members of the Shotgun team traveled to Keerville, Texas in their first step towards making Team USA for next year’s Summer Olympic Games in London. Staff Sgt. Ryan Hadden kicked things off in Men’s Trap, winning the match with an overall score of 239 and a final of 21. Pvt. 1st Class Shane Herman shot a 231 and Spc. Josh Webb fired a 223.

In Men’s Double Trap, 2008 Olympic Champion Sgt. Glenn Eller continued his hot streak and won the match with a 275 and a final of 49. He was followed in third and fourth place by teammates Sgt. Jeff Holguin, who shot a 270 and 46, and Pfc. Derek Haldeman, who shot a 269 and 43. Eller then packed his bags, hopped on a plane for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and competed in the Men’s Double Trap World Cup Final Oct. 3, finishing in fifth place.

In Men’s Skeet, 2008 Olympic Champion Sgt. Vincent Hancock shot a 246 and perfect 25 in the final to win the match. Upon completion of the matches, Hancock and Eller are in front of the pack vying for Olympic slots in their shooting event. Hadden is one off the pace in Trap. Holguin and Haldeman are in third and fourth, respectively, in Double Trap and Herman is sixth in Trap.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond has already secured a spot on Team USA in Men’s Double Trap, pending approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The second and final leg of the Olympic Trials is scheduled to take place next May in Arizona.

Pool and Phillips Ranges were the scenes of the Champion of Champions match, a regional rifle and pistol match sanctioned by USA Shooting. USAMU Soldiers stood tall above the field strewn with U.S. National team members and a few international shooters.

In Men’s Prone Rifle, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft put an exclamation point on 2011 by outgunning his teammates to win the event. Uptagrafft, who like Richmond has already secured a spot on Team USA pending approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee, ended 2011 with momentum heading into the Olympic year by tying the world record with a perfect 600 in the qualification round. He was followed by Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail and Staff Sgt. Shane Barnhart. Uptagrafft recently won the silver medal at the World Cup Final in Poland in the same event.

In the Men’s 3×40 match, Sgt. Joe Hein took first place with a score of 2443.3. Coming in second by one-tenth of a point was McPhail with a 2443.2 and Staff Sgt. George Norton came in third place with a 2441.7.

Cpl. Matthew Rawlings, the current Air Rifle National Champion, won the match with a score of 1290.5, and coming in third place was Staff Sgt. Hank Gray with a score of 1287.7. Sgt. Brad Balsley rounded out the first-place finishes for the unit by winning the Rapid Fire match.

Olympic Trials for Rifle and Pistol will start with the first Air Rifle trial scheduled for December. Smallbore trials will be held here at Fort Benning next spring.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers (left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Sgt. Joe Hein and Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail compete in the champion of Champions Men's 3x40 rifle match Sept. 28 at Pool Range. Hein beat out McPhail by .1 to claim first place. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Leupold Tactical Optics

BEAVERTON, Ore. --(Ammoland.com)- When the world’s elite sniper teams take the field at U.S. Army International Sniper Competition September 23-30, Leupold Tactical Optics will be on every M-24 and M110 sniper rifle used in the competition.

As a platinum sponsor of the 11th annual conference and match, Leupold Tactical Optics will provide 34 Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20x50mm M5A riflescopes, the same scope issued on the newly adopted XM2010 sniper weapons system. This next generation sniper optic is now in full production for the US Army and customers around the world.

“The Leupold Tactical Optics scope on the XM2010 incorporates all of the cutting edge features that the world’s best snipers demand,” says Kevin Trepa, VP Tactical Division. “We are getting great reports back on its performance in action overseas. The scopes are now in full-scale production in our Portland, OR facility and we are quickly filling global demand for the new scopes.”

The Army revised the event rules this year, requiring all competitors to use identical weapons platforms. M24 bolt-action rifles and M110 semi-automatic rifles will be provided to each team from the Army Marksmanship Unit. The goal, Army officials have said, is to make the competition a true test of sniper and spotter skills, and less about equipment.

A Leupold engineer will be on-site to ensure each optic is correctly mounted, to answer any questions the sniper teams may have, and to collect valuable field data that will help keep scope designs current.

“We are committed to getting our snipers the gear they need when they need it,” Trepa said. “This competition reflects that commitment.”

Following the competition, Competitors can purchase their scopes at a special rate, to include custom engraving, if desired.

Leupold Tactical Optics undergo arduous environmental and impact testing to ensure they meet the highest quality standards for durability and dependability. Leupold Tactical Optics are backed by the company’s long history of customer-satisfaction warranties. For warranty information on specific products, call 1-800-LEUPOLD (Option 4) or email tacticaloptics@leupold.com. For additional product information, go to www.leupold.com.

Supported by a team of dedicated engineers, the Leupold Tactical Optics staff works with American warfighters, law enforcement personnel and competitive shooters to design and build products that meet their needs. Currently, more long-range Leupold Tactical Optics are in service with the U.S. military than any other brand.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs more than 700 people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore., where Mark 4 and Golden Ring optics are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned company. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; flashlights; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a Charter Supporter of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- A student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology competes at the 2011 NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. The inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships will take place March 13-18, drawing the top college and junior shooters from the entire country competing in four distinct championships: the National Rifle Association Intercollegiate Pistol Championships; the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship; the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Championship; and the Scholastic Clay Target Program Challenge. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is excited to announce that the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships, on course to be the biggest multiple-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder gathering of collegiate and junior shooters in the history of competitive shooting, will commence next March 13-18 here at Fort Benning.

The dynamic format will draw the top college and junior shooters from the entire country competing in four distinct championships: the National Rifle Association Intercollegiate Pistol Championships; the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship; the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Championship; and the Scholastic Clay Target Program Challenge.

“The USAMU, home to the absolute best marksman, marksmanship instructors, and gunsmiths in the world, is the ideal location to hold this ground-breaking Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “Our newest generation of collegiate champions across multiple shooting disciplines will earn their titles at the ‘Home of Champions.’”

Hosting the most prestigious of matches has become as synonymous to the “Home of Champions” as winning national and world championships. A number of world-class championships have been held on the ranges of the USAMU in the past few years, including two International Shooting Sports Federation World Cups (this past year’s event being the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place in North America,) USA Shooting National Rifle and Pistol Championships, the annual U.S. Small Arms Championships, and countless JROTC, collegiate and regional championships. The USAMU aims to make this an annual event.

The ASCSC is designed to connect the Army with and promote youth and collegiate shooting sports. It aligns directly with the youth and collegiate shooting programs of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division, SSC, and SCTP, which all foster junior and collegiate participation in prestigious competitions while promoting firearms safety. The USAMU connects to America’s youth through teaching, coaching, and mentoring junior shooters throughout the year, and Soldiers make ideal mentors and role models for our nation’s youth. In these respects, the Army’s hosting of this event a perfect fit.

The ASCSC will be sandwiched around the electrifying Army Strong Experience, hosted by Maneuver Center of Excellence March 15-16. This event showcases the capabilities of the Army through demonstrations by an array of units on the Army post. Spectators can see the “Rangers in Action” demo, featuring the abilities of the world’s most advanced infantry Soldiers, or the “shock-and-awe” of the Hands-on Training Exercise (HOTEX), which shows off the lethality of some of the Army’s mechanized and armored forces.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to witness the “Airborne 5000″ demonstration and Fort Benning Silver Wings Skydiving exhibition, and the jaw-dropping shooting demonstration performed by members of the USAMU Shotgun platoon. The Army Adventure Semi, a culmination of hands-on and interactive systems, will also be on hand enabling the public to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a tank crew member, an Apache pilot, or an explosive ordnance disposal team member, among others.

“The USAMU is grateful to the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning for teaming up with us in connecting America’s Army to America’s people in a powerful way through the Army Strong Experience,” Hodne concluded. “There is no better way to showcase our Army and let our fellow citizens experience and witness ‘a Strength like no other’ than seeing our Soldiers in action. The positive Army impressions to be generated will last a lifetime.”

Check out www.usamu.com for information on the event and stay tuned for updates as the event draws closer.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Ranger Instructors from the 4th Ranger Training Battalion helo-cast into Victory Pond during "Rangers in Action." The demonstration will take place March 16 as part of the 2012 Army Strong Experience.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won the coveted 10-man Interservice Team Rifle Championship during the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. USAMU Soldiers win 18 out of 19 team and individual matches, proving once again that they are the premier marksmen in the entire military. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Service Rifle platoon dominated their fellow service members at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championships July 17-26, proving once again that the premier marksmen in the military serve in the Army.

Despite the determination of the other services to dethrone the defending champions, the Soldiers displayed their superior skills at the annual meeting of the military’s best rifle shooters, winning 18 out of 19 team and individual matches.

The USAMU won the coveted 10-man Interservice Rifle team championship match. Team shooters were Sgt. 1st Class Lance Dement, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley, Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper, Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, Staff Sgt. Daniel Peters, Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, Spc. Kevin Trickett, Spc. Augustus Dunfey, and Spc. Amanda Elsenboss.

Coaches were Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick and Staff Sgt. Walter Craig, while Staff Sgt. Scott Grant Staff and Sgt. Nathan Verbickas were team captains. Cooper was the high individual shooter during the match with a score of 496-21x.

USAMU teams swept all team matches, including the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General Match, the Infantry Trophy Team Match, and the Interservice 1,000 yard Team Match.

Two USAMU Soldiers stood out individually at the championship. Cooper won his first overall championship after posting the high aggregate score for individual matches. He won the Navy match, Army match, the 1,000 yard match rifle, and the match rifle individual long-range championship to go along with his overall championship. He also won the Lt. Col. C.A. Reynolds Memorial Trophy for high score in the 10-man team match.

“This means a lot to me,” Cooper said, who returned from an Afghanistan deployment in April. “It’s my eighth year on the team and my first win. You’ve got a lot of guys here who have won it two or three times– it’s not easy.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit compete in the Marine Corps Infantry Trophy Team match July 26, one of several team matches won by the Army at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper won the individual championship and the USAMU swept all team matches at the week-long event. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

The longest standing record at the match was broken by Micholick. He set a new match record in the 1,000 yard long range match with a service rifle, and also eclipsed a record that been held since 1984 by scoring a new high in the long-range aggregate with the service rifle after scoring a 397-12x.

“Staff Sgt. Micholick did not simply break a record, he crushed the longest standing record in the history of the Interservice Rifle Championships, which stood for nearly thirty years and in perhaps the most difficult match – the 1000-yard long range – with a service weapon,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“I could not think of a more fitting time for one of our Soldiers to establish this new record than at the 50th iteration of this Interservice Rifle Championship.”

The Excellence-in-Competition Match was won by Staff Sgt. Armando Ayala. Green, Verbickas, Trickett and Gallagher also won individual matches. Gallagher was crowned high woman shooter.

With the overall win, the USAMU swept all individual and team championships in Interservice competition for 2011, the second consecutive year they have done so.

The competition, which dates back to 1960, when the value of Interservice marksmanship competition was recognized in a Memorandum of Understanding by the chiefs of each service, highlights the professional capacity and versatility of military service members. The 50th anniversary of the rifle championship is a significant milestone in the history of competitive marksmanship.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires on target during the Marine Corps Infantry Trophy Team match July 26 at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. Cooper won his first overall individual championship and was a member of the Interservice Team Champions.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires his service rifle during the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship July 26. Micholick set a new match record in the 1,000 yard aggregate with the service rifle, a record that had been standing since 1984. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- USA Shooting is proud to announce that Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond, from Hillsgrove, Pa. and a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, has qualified for a nomination to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

Upon approval, Richmond will be competing in his first-ever Olympic Games in London 2012 as a Men’s Double Trap athlete. At just 25 years old, Staff Sgt. Richmond has dominated the international scene since clinching the World Championship title in 2010. With consistent podium-topping performances since that time, he has surpassed the point threshold to earn a 2012 nomination.

Following the 2008 Olympic Games, USA Shooting adopted a point selection procedure for athletes to gain an Olympic nomination. Points are awarded based on competition performance at International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cups and World Championships.

It should also be noted that Staff Sgt. Richmond is a full-time Solider and member of the USAMU stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. Moreover, prior to shooting for his Olympic dreams, this fall Staff Sgt. Richmond will deploy to serve in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Starting off his quest for London 2012, Staff Sgt. Richmond took charge at the first ISSF World Cup of the season in the sun and sand of Acapulco in 2010. He shot 144 out of 150 match targets and 48 targets in the final for a total of 192 targets and the gold medal. Shortly thereafter, he finished fourth at the ISSF World Cup in Dorset, England, with 143 match targets and 45 targets in the final.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond

In undoubtedly his best performance thus far, Staff Sgt. Richmond started off the ISSF World Shooting Championships in Munich, Germany, by dropping only four targets throughout the entire match to enter the final with 146 targets. With a singular focus, he surged ahead to equal the final world record score of a perfect 50 out of 50 targets to finish with 196 targets and the title of World Champion. As a result of these performances, he earned the title of USA Shooting’s 2010 Male Athlete of the Year.

In 2011, a bronze medal got the season off to a solid start as Staff Sgt. Richmond shot 143 match targets and 46 targets in the final for a total of 189 targets in Chile. He continued to find the podium in Sydney with 140 match targets and 46 targets in the final for a total of 186 targets and the silver medal, Australia. In his third ISSF World Cup appearance of the year, Staff Sgt. Richmond shot 145 match targets and 47 out of 50 targets in the final for a total of 192 targets and fourth place in Slovenia.

National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson said, “Josh is the top ranked Men’s Double Trap shooter in the world because he consistently delivers medal-winning performances. His Olympic nomination comes from outstanding performances in 2010 and 2011 and I’m looking forward to having him represent our country in his first-ever Olympic Games. If he continues on the same path as the past two seasons, he will be a contender for the gold medal.”

“It was a great feeling to know that I have qualified to compete in the Olympic Games, which has been a long term goal of mine,” Richmond said. “After I made the threshold I immediately began thanking all of the coaches, family, friends and organizations that made this goal a reality; starting with United States Army Marksmanship Unit for not only molding me into a Soldier, but giving me the opportunity to compete and win at the highest level.

“I look forward to representing the country not only in my upcoming deployment but also in the Olympic Games where my goal is to bring home the gold for the United States,” said Richmond.

Richmond is the second Soldier from the USAMU to be nominated for selection to the Olympics. SFC Eric Uptagrafft was nominated in June to compete in Men’s Prone Rifle. USA Shooting would like to congratulate Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond on his 2012 Olympic nomination, wish him success at his first Olympic Games and thank him for proudly serving our country.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio -- At the National Trophy Individual match, Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Rose, a member of the International Pistol platoon, went back to his roots and came out a winner after finishing with the high score. Rose hadn't shot at an outdoor pistol match in six years. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Several members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit showcased the very best of Soldier skills recently as they competed and won at national shooting championships across the country.

Members of the Shotgun platoon started things off by meeting their lofty expectations at the USA Shooting National Shotgun Championship June 26-July 2 in Colorado Springs. Sgt. Jeff Holguin withstood the intense competition amongst his USAMU brethren to claim the gold medal in Men’s Double Trap. He beat out Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, ranked number one in the world, and Sgt. Glenn Eller, a 2008 Olympic Champion, to win the gold.

“It was awesome to win my second national championship,” Holguin said. “It also qualifies me for the Pan American Games later this year in Mexico.”

Sgt. Vincent Hancock once again defended his title in Men’s Skeet, earning a gold medal for the third consecutive year. The 2008 Olympic Champion led after the first round and never looked back.

At the USAS National Rifle and Pistol Championships held here July 1-8, Soldiers dominated the field of competitors. Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker led the way, earning two gold medals after winning both the Men’s Prone Rifle and Men’s Three Position Rifle matches. He also was a member of three first-place winning teams.

In Men’s Air Rifle, Cpl. Matthew Rawlings came away with the gold medal, also ensuring that he will represent the U.S. at the Pan Am Games along with Parker.

USAMU Soldiers swept the podium in the Men’s center fire and standard pistol matches. Spc. Greg Markowski won gold in center fire and was followed by teammates Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Rose and Sgt. Brad Balsley. Spc. Sean Ragay took gold in standard, outscoring Balsey and Rose, who finished second the third, respectively.

“The Army uniform and the USAMU black hat remain a ‘Symbol of Strength’ at an American tradition, the National Matches,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “When the USAMU is on the firing line, our unit’s and our Army’s expectations are that they will showcase the very best of Army Soldier skills. Winning is not our mission; it is expected.”

At Camp Perry, Ohio, members of both the USAMU’s Service Pistol and International Pistol platoons won a number of matches and swept the coveted team championships July 11-18 at the National Pistol Championships.

U.S. Army Blue won the “Coming Through the Rye” Trophy as the overall four-man team champions after three days of strong competition.

Competing in center fire, .22- and.45-caliber pistol matches the team of service pistol shooters Sgts. 1st Class James Henderson and Gregory Wilson, and Staff Sgts. Lyman Grover and Patrick Franks beat out the second place team by one target to claim their second straight title and third for the Army since the inception of the trophy. Henderson, a two-time National Champion, placed second in the overall individual category.

On July 18, U.S. Army Blue won the prestigious Gold Cup Trophy for the fourth consecutive year. The trophy, in existence since 1920, is given to the winners of the National Trophy Team Match. Firing members were once again Henderson, Wilson, Grover and Franks.

In the National Trophy Individual Match, Rose, a member of the International Pistol platoon, went back to his roots and came out on top after finishing with the high score.

“Shooting International Pistol the last six years has honed my skills to shoot slow-fire better, and with my experience as a service pistol shooter initially, the two combined to work perfectly,” Rose said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better result.”

The National Championships culminate the competition schedule for the Service Pistol platoon, who now turns its attention to its main mission of conducting marksmanship training courses provided for Soldiers throughout the Army.

The Service Rifle platoon now takes center stage as they will represent the Army at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship, National High-Power Rifle Championship and National Trophy Rifle Matches.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio -- Staff Sgt. Jean-Noel Howell (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Henderson (right), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fire during the National Pistol Championships July 17. Henderson finished second overall and was a member of the team champions. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

COLORADO SPRINGS -- Sgt. Glenn Eller (left), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires during the finals of the USA Shooting Double Trap National Championship June 28. Looking on are two USAMU teammates, Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Jeff Holguin. Holguin, a 2008 Olympian, won the gold medal, and was followed by Richmond and Eller as the Soldiers swept the podium. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent, 39, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, passed away June 25th after a battle against terminal cancer. He was a decorated member of the Service Pistol team and his last assignment was as the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the International Pistol team. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Fort Benning community said goodbye to one of its own Thursday.

In a ceremony at the Main Post chapel, Soldiers, Family members and civilians gathered to pay their final respects to Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent, who lost his courageous battle against a terminal illness June 25.

Sargent, 39, was a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit for more than five years. He was a decorated member of the Service Pistol platoon as a member of several championship teams and earned several accolades including the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and the President’s Hundred tab. He also was the lead instructor in numerous close quarters marksmanship training courses, which raised the combat readiness of thousands of Soldiers.

In 2010 he was named the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the unit’s International Pistol platoon, tasked with preparing Soldiers in their pursuit of the 2012 Olympic Games while they simultaneously train Soldiers and showcase the Army.

“What I admired most about Jason was his caring leadership and his utmost consideration for others,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “I personally selected him to lead. He had the ability to draw the best out of people who already thought they were the best.”

Born in Bar Harbor, Maine, Sargent enlisted in the Army in 1993 after graduating from Ellsworth High School of Ellsworth, Maine, in 1990 and studying professional aeronautics at Embry Riddle University. His initial assignment was at Fort Rucker as an aerial observer with the 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment. He also served in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division and at Fort Carson with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment before his first assignment with the USAMU. He served in the Army Reserves before returning to active duty and the USAMU in 2008.

In 2003, Sargent volunteered to serve a combat tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Combined Joint Task Force-180 CJ3 Aviation NCOIC.

Sargent, who loved to fly planes and was an avid golfer, leaves behind his wife Cindi and three sons: Nicholas, 15; Andrew, 13; and William, 5.

“Sgt. 1st Class Sargent was a true and loyal friend, and he loved his family more than anything,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson. “He would go out of his way to help you if you needed it. “He was a true ‘Mainer’-his goal was to retire back to Maine with his family.”

During his military career Sargent earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and President’s Hundred Tab.

“Although his time on this Earth was cut short, his impact on each of us will last the rest of our lives,” Hodne concluded. “Let us live by Jason’s example, let us make each day count, and let us live with a sense of the profound impact we can all have on each other.”

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit place the casket of Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent on a belt at Lawson Army Airfield in preparation for his final flight home to his native Maine. Sargent, 39, passed away June 25 after a courageous fight against a terminal illness. He is survived by his wife Cindi and three children: Nicholas, Andrew and William. (U.S. Army photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson (middle), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, won the individual championship at the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championship. Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover (left), USAMU, placed second and Marine Cpl. Luis Esparza (right) came in third. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Despite fielding a team without its full arsenal due to deployments to Afghanistan, Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit showcased the skills and capabilities of the Army at the 52nd iteration of the Interservice Pistol Championship June 12-17.

Every service of the military was represented at the week-long event, braving the intense southern heat to be tested against the best the military has to offer.

Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, USAMU, was crowned champion after dominating the field, winning every day’s aggregate and breaking the record for overall individual aggregate for the match, besting the record he set in 2008. It is Henderson’s seventh individual championship and the third time he has broken the match record.

“This is a true testament to being the best overall pistol shooter (in the military),” he said.

“It’s a week-long, it’s all four guns-it’s tough. It means a little more to me than shooting against civilians at the nationals. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it feels good to be the best in the military. My job is to train other Soldiers so to be the best among them, it’s kind of cool.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, U.S. Army Marksmanship unit, fires at a target June 16 at Phillips Range during the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. Henderson won the overall individual championship and was also a member of the team champions, U.S. Army Blue. He set a new match record and won his seventh title at the competition. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

Henderson’s overall total was 3554-194x, breaking the record by two targets. He won the .22-caliber, .45-cal., centerfire and service pistol aggregate titles as well as shooting nine high match scores to add to his hardware.

Henderson’s teammate, Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover, took home a second-place finish after scoring a 3529-160x, a new personal best. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Esparza rounded out the top three after scoring 3514-168x.

U.S. Army Blue, made up of Soldiers from the USAMU, won the overall team championship with a score of 4643-202x. Team members consisted of: Henderson, Grover, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson, Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks, Staff Sgt. Jean-Noel Howell, and Sgt. Benjamin Lanzotti. The team won every team match during the competition, giving the Army a clean sweep during the week.

“Even though we are missing some guys, everyone still stepped up and did what they needed to do,” Henderson said. “It’s pretty impressive and shows their determination. It’s that strength we always talk about as Soldiers that drives us. The Army expects us to be the best and my teammates rose to the challenge.”

Two Marine Corps teams rounded out the top three: USMC Scarlet, with a 4590-177x, and USMC Gold, which scored 4454-132x. The South Carolina National Guard Blue team won the post/station championship for smaller teams.

Shooters compete with four different calibers of pistol, shooting one gun a day in individual and team matches. It makes it important that the competitors are proficient in a broad array of pistols and enables the competition to crown the best of the best.

The championship allows the best pistol shooters in the military the opportunity to come together and discuss new techniques to further enhance their services marksmanship capabilities.

“As we are part of a joint force that has been engaged in combat operations for nearly 10 years and a joint force that may remain engaged in combat operations for the foreseeable future, it is important to know that the marksmanship training provided to all of our fellow servicemembers will help shape the course of future battles and propel our nation to future victories,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

Hodne told those who participated in the championship that they represent the very best pistol shooters amongst the entire joint force and that they represent a network and a capability.

“If you combine the very best as a capability built within a network, this group represents an incredible amount of potential energy to increase the marksmanship readiness of our joint force,” Hodne said.

The Interservice Rifle Championships are next on the schedule, slated for July 19-26 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. It will be the 50th anniversary of the prestigious competition.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson (right), U.S. Army Marksmanship unit, and fellow competitors fire at targets June 14 at Phillips Range during the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. Henderson won the overall individual championship, his seventh.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen compete at the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. The best pistol shooters in the military come together annually to test their skills against their peers and learn new techniques to further enhance their services marksmanship capabilities. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, Sgt. Joe Hein and Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail, all from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stand atop the podium after finishing 1st-3rd in Men’s Prone Rifle at the 2010 U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships. The three Soldiers are all vying to make the Olympic team for the London Olympics in 2012 and will compete during the ISSF World Cup USA May 14-22 on Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Years of dogged determination and unwavering support has Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft on the brink of being nominated for selection to the U.S. Olympic team that will compete in the London Summer Games in 2012.

The rifle instructor/shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit has garnered two silver medals in World Cup competition thus far in 2011 and has earned enough points to reach the threshold for making the Olympic team, something that he has sought since getting a taste of it once before.

Uptagrafft, who began shooting competitively 34 years ago in Spokane, Wash., made the U.S. team and competed in the 1996 games held in Atlanta. More understanding of the Olympic experience after a 30th-place finish, it was almost a sure-bet that Uptagrafft would become a regular on Team USA for multiple Olympics.

The sport of shooting can be measured by tenths-of-a-point and is ripe with hungry competitors striving to reach their goals, and he came up short qualifying for the next three games.

“I was pretty close to making the 2000, 2004, and 2008 teams but fell short,” Uptagrafft said. “From 1984 to 2004, there was a three- or four-day tryout process–you shoot well at the tryout and you were on the team. In 2008 the selection process started to be weighted more toward international success, as one slot per event was available to a shooter who won consistently on the world stage.”

Some would call it a career and transition into other opportunities but Uptagrafft displayed the strength of a Soldier, knowing deep down that he still wanted to scratch that Olympic itch. The past two years that focus and determination has led him to medal in multiple World Cup events and his return to the world stage in Olympic competition is near completion.

“He’s definitely a contender to medal in the next Olympics,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Moore, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the International Rifle platoon. “As long as I have known him he has been driven. In this sport its all about perseverance.”

Moore has known Uptagrafft since they were college teammates at Texas A & M University back in the 1980s. He said a lot of his recent success is due to his work ethic and engineer’s mind-something that enables him to tinker with his rifle and stay ahead of the pack.

“He designed and manufactured his own action and build of the gun-he’s always on the cutting edge,” Moore said. “He is dialed in right now and focused on reaching his goals.”

Being a member of the USAMU is an advantage not many shooters have. Two fellow Soldiers of the platoon earned gold medals in World Cup competition last year and are among other Soldiers aiming to make the 2012 Olympic team. That kind of daily competition and camaraderie is vital to the success of Uptagrafft.

“Training with my International Rifle teammates is like shooting a world cup every day,” he said. “At one point last year there were four U.S. shooters ranked in the top six in the world in Men’s Prone. Two of them are teammates of mine-Staff Sgt. Mike McPhail and Sgt. Joe Hein. They each won a World Cup last year. Every day I go out on the firing line to train I’ve got these guys to test my skill-level against. They push me constantly, never letting me get complacent.”

The next World Cup is being held in a venue very familiar to Uptagrafft and his USAMU teammates-Pool Range Complex on Fort Benning, the same range where they train every day. The world’s best will be on the post and the match is on track to be the largest World Cup ever on U.S. soil with coveted Olympic quota slots on the line.

“I seem to do really well at Ft. Benning, so I would like to continue that trend and have another solid world-class performance,” Uptagrafft said. “I’m not one to predict medal colors because I have no control over the other shooters. If I do my job I’ll be in contention for a win.”

Upon completion of the match Uptagrafft will begin preparation for a scheduled deployment to Afghanistan and the war on terrorism. Soldiers from the USAMU deploy on a rotational basis to assist forces deployed in Afghan National Army marksmanship training efforts and present a marksmanship train-the-trainer program designed to foster consistency in marksmanship instruction, enhance the overall capability of the ANA, and ultimately, support the transition as the ANA stands on its own.

“I am excited to deploy to Afghanistan, to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I’ve got 34 years of shooting and coaching experience that I will bring to our mission in Afghanistan. We also help in the fight by training U.S. Soldiers both at home and abroad on how to be better marksmen, and by developing, testing, and building better small arms weapons platforms for our Soldiers.”

There are many people Uptagrafft credits for his successful shooting career, but none more than his wife Sandra. A pistol shooter on the U.S. National team, she is a reservist in the Navy and recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

“She is my biggest supporter,” he said. “She gets it: the stress and travel and time required to be among the best. She understands about being a competitive shooter and what that takes. (She) also just got back from Afghanistan, so she understands that too.”

The ISSF World Cup USA competition will commence May 15 at the USAMU’s Pool and Phillips Ranges. Uptagrafft will compete in Men’s Prone Rifle, slated to be held May 21-22 at Pool Range. For the complete schedule and information on the event, go to www.issf-sports.org or www.usashooting.org.

Eric Uptagrafft competes in the 50m Rifle Prone at the Munich Olympic Shooting Range during Day 3 of the 50th ISSF World Shooting Championship. The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier is on track to make the 2012 Olympic Team.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Two Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will compete on the USA Shooting Team at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup May 4 to 8 in Alicante, Spain.

Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson and Sgt. Kisha Makerney will both shoot in R3 Mixed 10-meter Air Rifle Prone and R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone. Both are members of the newly created Paralympic platoon within the USAMU.

With over 240 athletes from 46 federations, this event is the largest ever IPC Shooting World Cup.

Athletes will compete in 12 different IPC events-the same events that will be contested in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Much like able-bodied competition, the Paralympic Team needs to win quotas in order to compete in London.

Some slots are allotted based on the total number of minimum qualifying scores a country has, but it’s often a gamble.

Quota places are in high demand and will make a gold medal even sweeter.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, presents Cadet Robert Hull, North Georgia College and State University, with the trophy for overall individual champion of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship Feb 24 at Phillips Range. Hull, a corporal in the Georgia National Guard, dominated the field, winning the Excellence-in-Competition match as well as earning the coveted bronze Distinguished Rifle Badge during the match.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A cadet from North Georgia College and State University dominated the field at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championships Feb. 23-24 at Easley Range.

More than 70 Soldiers and Cadets from Fort Benning and area ROTC units competed under the tutelage of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in two individual matches and a team match to determine the top rifle shooters on post. Fort Benning is the only Army installation to host its own marksmanship competition.

Cadet Robert Hull posted an overall score of 306-6x to blitz the field. Hull, a corporal in the Georgia National Guard, scored a superb 178-4x in winning the Excellence-in-Competition match, clinching the overall title.

1st Sgt. Michael Sage, 2nd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, came in second place overall with a score of 259-3x. 1st Sgt. Erick Ochs, 2nd Bn., 19th Inf. Regt., placed third with a score of 256-3x. A team from NGCSU won the team championship, clearing the field by 85 points. The team members were Hull, Cadet Jacob Freeman, Cadet Casey Jemelka, and Cadet Weston Lee. A second team from NGCSU came in second and 2nd Bn, 330th Inf. Regt. rounded out the top three.

In the first match of the event, Maj. David Schultz, 2nd Bn, 330th Inf. Regt., won in the open class with a score of 112-1x. Staff Sgt. Robert Buller was the high score in the novice class, as well as overall for the match, with a score of 131-1x. Hull won in the cadet class with a 128-2x.

Soldiers were afforded the opportunity to earn EIC points in an effort to obtain their distinguished rifle badges, which are more prominent than normal qualification badges and eligible for wear on their uniforms. Seven Soldiers earned enough points to earn their coveted bronze distinguished pistol badge: Sage, Ochs, Hull, Jemelka, Staff Sgt. Brian Fyffe, 2nd Bn., 54th Inf. Regt.; Staff Sgt. Bret Richardson, 2nd BN., 29th Inf. Regt.; and Staff Sgt. Micah Smith, Martin Army Community Hospital.

The matches are designed as both a competition and a training event. They serve to train and support the war fighter and prepare local shooters for the U.S. Small Arms Championships, scheduled to be held in late March on the same ranges.

The U.S. Small Arms Championship is slated to be held Mar. 18-26. There are a limited number of slots still open for prospective competitors. Go to www.usamu.com for more information on how to register.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers compete during the Excellence-in-Competition match Feb. 24 on Easley Range. The match was part of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship, hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Feb. 23-24. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers fire from the prone position Feb. 23 during the first match of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's Easley Range.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Amongst the fog, smoke and sunrise, Soldiers compete in the rifle Excellence in Competition match March 21 on McAndrews Range. The match was one of a slew of rifle matches conducted during the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship competition in the military. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- More than 300 Soldiers from across the Army formation descended on Fort Benning March 19-28 to take part in the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the ‘All-Army,’ the preeminent marksmanship training and competition event the military has to offer.

Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, Camp Bullis, Texas, won the overall individual championship, his third championship in a row. Winning the title is a significant accomplishment but the ultimate goal of the event is to raise the overall combat readiness of the Army.

“The All-Army Small Arms Championship not only provides the training every Soldier needs to excel in marksmanship, it also provides a means in which to test it among their peers as well as some of the best shooters in the world,” said Moore. “When we all signed up to be a Soldier we volunteered to take on innumerable challenges and new experiences. The All-Army should be one of those experiences for every Soldier. Come out with a desire to learn and do your best and it will be a great time.”

Hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Soldiers competed in rifle, pistol, and combined arms matches. The long-range championship was held after the conclusion of the rifle/pistol week and competitors shot at targets 800-1,000 yards downrange. The training and competition is like no other Soldiers receive in the military, said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s words, ‘Upon the fields of friendly strife are sewn the seeds that on other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory,’ put this one-of-a- kind training event in the proper context,” Hodne said. “The seeds have been sewn here at the All-Army; the responsibility now lies with those Soldiers who took part, to incorporate what they learned into the training of their units. Their efforts will bear the fruits of victory in Afghanistan, Iraq, or wherever the requirements of national security may take us.”

The field of Soldiers was the highest in 18 years. Superb weather welcomed Soldiers from Alaska, Guam, South Dakota, Florida and everywhere in between. While a number of wily All-Army veterans such as Moore found their way back to Fort Benning, a large contingent of first-timers embraced the challenges and uniqueness of the championship.

“This is the best thing in the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Byler, 1-335th Infantry Brigade, Division East-First Army, Camp Atterbury, Ind. “Marksmanship is a perishable skill. Soldiers should really make it a point to come here for this event. It’s great.”

Byler came with seven others from his unit on their first trip to the All-Army. They spent two weeks on Fort Benning late last year taking part in a Close Quarters Squad Designated Marksman course conducted by the USAMU. Between the advanced training they received at the course and competing here all week, they are more confident than ever in their marksmanship ability.

“I prefer service rifle but it’s cool to shoot some pistol, and the run-and-gun stuff is an absolute blast,” said Byler, an 18-year Army veteran. “You don’t get to do that anywhere in the Army. We made a lot of good friends here and got a lot of good pointers on shooting from guys who have been here before. We’ll definitely be bringing the team back again next year.”

Soldiers were split into four main categories: novice, open, pro and cadet. Winners received plaques, coins, guns and had their names permanently engraved on trophies. The overall high novice shooter for the week was awarded a Secretary of the Army M1 Garand Trophy Rifle and the top pistol shooter won a Secretary of the Army pistol built by the gunsmiths of the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop.

Five Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets earned scholarship money provided by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. A new award was added to the program this year-the Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley award, given to the cadet with the highest aggregate score of the two Excellence in Competition matches. Cadet Matthew Ray of the U.S. Military Academy earned the distinction as being the first cadet to earn the trophy.

The Col. (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Excellence in Marksmanship award, given to the Soldier in the novice class who achieved the highest aggregate score of the two EIC matches, was won by Staff Sgt. Matthew Waechter, 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard.

“The competition is designed to test the entire depth of a Soldiers shooting ability,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, Maneuver Center of Excellence. “No matter where you ended up, participation in this event makes the Army that much stronger. For a competitive marksman, consistently applying the fundamentals and achieving success on the range translate to achieving success on anything that you do, whether on the battlefield or other walks of life.”

The following Soldiers were honored at the awards ceremony that brought the successful event to a close: Service Pistol Champion-Moore

Service Rifle Champion-Staff Sgt. Matthew Waechter, 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard Combined Arms Champion-Cadet Matthew Ray, U.S. Military Academy Long Range Champion- Sgt. 1st Class David Perdew, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 44th Chemical Battalion, Illinois National Guard High Drill Sergeant-Sgt. 1st Class George Pickowicz, Regional Training Center-East, Fort Dix, N.J.

• High Cadet-Ray
• High Novice-Perdew
• High Active-Duty Soldier-Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.
• High Active Duty Soldier (E1-E4) – Spc. Kevin Kelley, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Benning, Ga.
• High Reservist-Moore
• High Reservist (E1-E4) – Spc. Benson Munyan, 2nd Battalion, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, Fort Douglas, Utah High
• National Guardsman-Perdew High National Guardsman (E1-E4) – Pfc. Jason Parsons, 507th Engineer Bn., Michigan National Guard

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- A Soldier dodges obstacles while shooting his rifle on one of four combined arms courses at Krilling Range. More than 300 Soldiers from across the Army competed in the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships here. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Byler, 1-335th Infantry Brigade, Division East-First Army, competes during the combined arms match March 25 at Krilling Range. Byler, along with seven other unit members, took part on their first U.S. Army Small Arms Championship this past week. "It's the best thing in the Army," Byler said. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, Maneuver Center of Excellence, presents the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship overall individual champion's plaque to Master Sgt. Russell Moore, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, March 26 at the awards ceremony. The Army Reservist claimed his third title in as many years. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Nine Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit are gearing up to compete in an International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup series event in Sydney, Australia. Competition kicks of March 23.

750 shooters from 68 counties are making the trek Down Under to shoot at the combined World Cup event, pitting the best in the world from rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting disciplines.

Shotgun shooters Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Jeff Holguin are slated to compete in double trap. Shooting in Men’s Trap is Staff Sgt. Ryan Hadden, and Sgt. Vincent Hancock will compete in Men’s Skeet.

Richmond, the current world champion and number-one ranked double trap shooter in the world, has already qualified for nomination to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. He earned a bronze medal in the year’s first World Cup last month in Chile.

After months of training, the road to the 2012 Olympics begins in earnest in Sydney for members of the International Rifle team. Rifle shooters Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, Sgt. Joe Hein and Sgt. Matt Rawlings are set to compete in their first international match of 2011.

Pistol shooter Sgt. Brad Balsley will be competing in the Men’s Rapid Pistol, looking to build upon a successful 2011, his first year competing on the grand stage of World Cup competition. Thirty-four Olympic Quota places, the “entrance tickets” to the 2012 London Olympic Games, will be assigned to the top performers during this World Cup Stage.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, gives instruction to a junior shooter from the Scholastic Clay Target Program March 11 at Hook Range. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A dream that began in 2000 is closer to becoming reality for a Soldier from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond won a bronze medal in Men’s Double Trap at the 2011 Chile World Cup March 3 and with the points he earned in the match, he exceeded the threshold required to be nominated to the U.S. Olympic team for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“It is an unbelievable feeling knowing that I have successfully reached the line in the sand,” Richmond said. “This has been a long time coming for me since I was a competitor in the last selection process, coming up just short for the 2008 team.”

Richmond has been there before but ended up on the other side of the line. He was making a good run for the 2008 team but one bad day of shooting along the way cost him one of two spots on Team USA that were eventually earned by two of his comrades in the USAMU, Sgt. Glenn Eller and Sgt. Jeff Holguin. Eller went on to win the gold medal.

“It was somewhat of a bitter sweet experience for me seeing my two teammates compete in the Olympics without me; however, we could not have sent a stronger team to the games,” he said.

“I learned a lot of lessons from that experience and have trained to help prevent them from happening again. More specifically I have gained the confidence and knowledge to overcome the pressures of competing on the international level.”

The milestone does not guarantee Richmond a spot on the team. If another shooter moves past him in points earned in international competition, then that shooter would earn the automatic slot. Richmond, currently ranked number-one in the world, is well ahead of those chasing him but has no intentions of taking his foot off the gas.

“From this point forward my goals really do not change,” he said. “Anytime I am competing at a world-level competition I have my sights set on the gold medal.

“The only thing that will change is we will start catering my training to the Olympics by running different situations and perfecting my equipment and mental state that I will use for the Olympic Games, assuming I will be named to the team this fall.”

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires on a target March 3 during the finals of the Double Trap match at the Chile World Cup. (Photo by Ricardo Vidal Crisostomo)

Ask any athlete the secret of their success and undoubtedly they will all answer that it is the support they received along the way. Richmond, a native of Williamsport, Pa., said he has many to thank and the added bonus of being a Soldier allows him to have the benefit of being supported by not only his god-given family but also his Army family.

“Without the support of the USAMU and the team, these achievements would be impossible to reach,” he said. “It is a great advantage to work every day with Olympians and world champions. Every day I step on the line I am reminded by the level of teammates that I have which only makes us as a group stronger. It is also a huge advantage that when competing overseas we still work as a group and push each other so we all succeed.”

“I have a long list of individuals that I credit my success to, starting with my family,” he continued. “Without them investing time and money into what was once a family hobby there is no question that I would have never gotten these great opportunities. I have had many coaches over the years: Bud Greevy, Dan Carlise, Dean Clark, Dan Vitchoff and Bob Duvall. Each one of these coaches has had their own foot print in my success and will continue to train with me until we reach our ultimate goal of an Olympic medal.

“And last and most important I would like to mention is my wife and son. They are the ones who have patiently stood by and accepted this demanding and hectic lifestyle. They have sacrificed the most on this equation of supporters and they have their sights set on an Olympic gold medal.”

While the success on the line cannot be underestimated, it is not forgotten that he wears an Army Combat Uniform every day and not a Team USA shirt. This will ring true when this fall, with or without that Olympic slot wrapped up, he is scheduled for deployment with fellow USAMU Soldiers.

“I am excited to deploy this fall,” he remarked. “I actually have planned this into my training plan no matter the outcome of my position on the Olympic team or not. I think this is a great opportunity for me to have this experience prior to competing in the Olympics. I look forward to serving in a combat zone with my brothers in arms.”

“I am extremely proud of Staff Sgt. Richmond, not only for his tremendous accomplishments in showcasing the Army in support of recruiting and accessions, but also his personal courage in volunteering to contribute in this unit’s important marksmanship training effort in Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

Richmond’s next match will be at the second World Cup event of the year in Sydney, Australia at the end of the month, where he looks to put more distance between himself and those chasing him.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. Robert Price joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit late in 2010 as a new Paralympic shooter. Severely wounded while deployed to Iraq in 2007, Price is committed to meeting the high standards set at the USAMU while showcasing the Army to America's public. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Despite sustaining serious injuries in Iraq, which included the loss of part of his right leg, Sgt. Robert Price wanted to stay in the Army.

He refused to believe that his disability would prevent him from continuing to serve and he looked for any avenue available to continue his relished role as a noncommissioned officer.

Sgt. Kisha Makerney had similar goals. Even though she lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, she persevered through the rehabilitation and was resolute to staying in the Army to serve as an inspiration for other Soldiers.

In fact, she volunteered for and served a second tour in Iraq,, being told that she was the first female amputee ever sent to battle.

As if by fate for these two noncommissioned officers, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit with the assistance of the World Class Athlete Program was in the process of building a ground-breaking Paralympic section, thus creating a unique opportunity for wounded veterans deemed able to continue to serve on active-duty to demonstrate the strength of our Soldiers in Paralympic competition.

The personal triumph of each of these NCOs and their manifestation of the notion of ability over disability led to job offers with the USAMU for both. As Price and Makerney joined the prestigious unit’s ranks and stood alongside Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson, USAMU’s pioneer paralympic shooter, the Army reached a monumental moment in history.

While continued service for disabled veterans is not new, particularly in the special operations community, granting these wounded warriors the opportunity showcase the best of Army Soldier skills and connect America’s Army to the American public is. These Soldiers will also share their mastery of marksmanship fundamentals required at world-class levels with Soldiers and units across the force through USAMU’s marksmanship training program.

“These proud veterans exhibit ‘a strength like no other’ each and every day,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “They will directly raise Army combat readiness through imparting their skills in marksmanship instruction. More importantly, they will serve to inspire generations of Americans as these wounded warriors will epitomize the triumph of the human spirit.”

USAMU submitted a concept plan to Headquarters, Department of the Army, which seeks permanent authorizations to hire select wounded veterans to serve as paralympic shooters and marksmanship instructors. As an interim solution, WCAP agreed to assign those selected and attach them for duty at USAMU.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers Sgt. Kisha Makerney (top) and Sgt. Robert Price take aim during training at the USAMU's Pool Indoor Range. The two noncommissioned officers are members of the ground-breaking Paralympic section of the USAMU, a unique opportunity for wounded veterans deemed able to continue to serve on active-duty. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

REFLECTING
Price has always led from the front. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was operating a forty-foot boon arm on a Buffalo vehicle as part of a route clearance team in northern Baghdad on Jan. 14, 2007 when a cigarette stand they were approaching detonated, sending copper slugs through the crew compartment of his vehicle.

Price was rushed to Balad and then Landstuhl before being flown back to the U.S. He settled at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was set to begin a grueling, seven-and-a-half-month long rehabilitation for a right leg below-knee amputation.

“I met a lot of good people that helped me overcome my injuries,” he said. “I also found out that my rehab made me a better person by wanting to help others out. Once I completed all of my rehab I was found fit for duty and was a squad leader for other wounded Soldiers. This gave me a chance to help repay the people that helped me through my injuries and also help others that are in a similar situation.”

Price became aware of the USAMU after attending a training camp the unit hosted for Soldiers competing in air rifle at the inaugural Warrior Games last May in Colorado Springs. He competed in air rifle, archery and seated volleyball. He also had the honor of carrying the torch for the Army during the opening ceremonies of the games. It left lasting memories and motivation to keep serving in the Army.

The Warrior Games also left lasting memories for Makerney. The Fort Towson, Okla., native lost her left leg in a motorcycle accident just four months after returning home from a deployment to Iraq in 2005. The front tire blew out and she lost control of the bike, severing her left leg below the knee among other major injuries. The accident shattered bones but it didn’t shatter her drive and determination to keep living and serving.

“My Warrior Game experience was truly amazing,” she said. “The camaraderie was unbelievable. Everyone overcoming their injuries to compete, to represent their military force-everyone’s spirit was so fierce; you would almost forget anyone had ever been injured.

“I am happy to say that losing my leg has, so far, been the best thing that has ever happened to me. And what I mean by that is that it’s made me a much stronger person, I learned true faith, and it has helped to develop me into the woman I want to be and to be able to help others.”

COMPETE AND INSPIRE
The bar is set high for all Soldiers of the USAMU and winning is expected. The new Soldiers are relishing the chance to compete and embracing the challenge of upholding the USAMU standards.

“I expect the USAMU’s Paralympic team to be the pinnacle of Paralympic-style shooting throughout America and eventually the world, just as the rest of the USAMU’s team’s are” said Sgt. 1st Class Bill Keever, handpicked by the commander and sergeant major of the unit to be the NCOIC of the new section.

Earlier this month, Makerney and Price competed in their first competitive match, joining Olson in Colorado Springs at the Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships. Most athletes must not only deal with their fellow competitors but their own raw nerves, something that even the top athletes in all sports have to cope with.

But after going through the physical and mental rehabilitation they had to endure, competing in a shooting match was one of the most painless activities that Makerney and Price have had in years and their strength was on full display–Makerney won a gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed event Feb. 13 and Price, in his first competitive match ever, came in fifth.

“I have always said, one of my favorite places to be is behind a rifle,” Makerney said. “The USAMU is full of champions so my expectations are to soak in all of the wisdom, knowledge and training so that I can go on to compete and be successful.

“But I also want to be able to help other injured Soldiers or civilians, to give them hope that no matter what comes your way, whatever bad things might happen to you, with determination and faith, you can rise above it.”

Aside whatever accomplishments the team earns this year, the Soldiers have already succeeded by becoming an inspiration for others. The landmark team is sure to be a motivation for others who have dreams to continue serving and showcasing the strength of the Army.

“If I was talking to a wounded Soldier right now in the hospital and he or she was worried about their military career being over I would have to tell them to never accept defeat,” Price concluded. “With a positive mind and a positive attitude you can overcome any obstacles that life throws at you.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson is the pioneer Paralympic shooter for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Olson, seen firing on a target at the unit's Krilling Range, inspired the concept for a new Paralympic team at the USAMU, enabling Wounded Warriors a chance to continue serving in the Army. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. Kisha Makerney won a gold medal at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships in February, her first competition since joining the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit late last year. Makerney is part of the landmark USAMU Paralympic section, another opportunity for wounded Soldiers to continue serving on active-duty. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit competed in their first competition of 2011 at the Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Leading the way was Paralympic shooter Sgt. Kisha Makerney.

Competing in her first match as a member of the USAMU, Makerney won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed event with an overall score of 1301.4. She shot a personal best 598 out of 600 on day one only to do one better on day two with a 599.

This was the first match for the newly-developed USAMU Paralympic team. Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson finished third in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed and second in the 50m Rifle Prone-Mixed. Sgt. Robert Price took fifth in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed match, his first competitive shooting match ever on this stage. Price, along with Makerney, came to the unit in late November.

The field had representatives from seven countries with four Olympic Medals, more than 25 World Cup wins and numerous world records among the shooting athletes making a bid for championship titles.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker brought two silver medals back home to Fort Benning with him. Parker, a three-time Olympian, scored a perfect 1200 in the Men’s Prone Rifle match before being edged out by fellow Olympian Matt Emmons in the final. USAMU teammate Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft earned a third-place finish in the match, finishing one point behind Parker. Parker also garnered a second-place finish in the 3×40 match with a score of 2449.

The USAMU team of Uptagrafft, Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail and 1st Lt. Christopher Abalo won first place in the Men’s Prone Rifle team match.

The championship is held every year in February and provides a unique opportunity for athletes from all over the world to compete in a high-level competition during the winter months. Additionally, it exposes Junior and Development Team athletes to international-style conditions at an earlier age. 

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher Wins MMA Soldier of the Year

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, a service rifle shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, was selected as the Military Marksmanship Association Soldier of the Year for 2010.

Outgoing MMA president Col. (Ret.) Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr. made the announcement at the MMA Annual Membership Meeting February 4 at the Pool International Shooting Complex. Hoidahl presented the Soldier of the Year Award to Gallagher – a .45- caliber pistol donated by the Smith and Wesson Corporation.

A Prescott, Ariz native, Gallagher had a remarkable year on and off the range. She was a member of the team’s victorious 10-man team at the Interservice Rifle Championships in July, setting the stage for bigger things to come at the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio a few weeks later. Gallagher became the first servicemember in 23 years to win the National High-Powered Rifle Championship, establishing 11 new national records along the way.

She won the championship despite minimal preparation for the matches. Gallagher spent the majority of 2010 participating in Soldier of the Year contests, beginning at the unit level and going all the way to the Best Warrior Competition, the culmination of a year-long test to recognize the Army’s Soldier and NCO of the Year for 2010. At the annual Association of the United States Army meeting Oct. 24, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston announced that Gallagher was the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year.

“I want to thank the MMA for all that they do,” Gallagher said. “They supported me throughout the year as I went to all of the Soldier of the Year boards. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates and all of the Soldiers in the unit. The USAMU is without a doubt the best unit in the Army.”

The MMA’s objectives are to provide a link to the history of the USAMU, host ceremonies and social events, and support the goals and objectives of the USAMU. It also presides over the hall of fame voting. The MMA now boasts more than 600 members.

Gallagher has served with the unit since 2008. She has been awarded and earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, Distinguished Rifleman Badge, President’s Hundred Tab, Schutzenschnur badge, and the Accession Support Brigade Soldier of the Quarter and Soldier of the Year, Fiscal Year 2010.

Besides being named Army Soldier of the Year, she was also named Soldier of the Year in 2010 for Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Accessions Command, and Accessions Support Brigade. She is currently training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The MMA 2010 Soldier of the Year nominees were: Staff Sgt. Travis Tomasie from the Action Shooting team; Staff Sgt. Robert Park from the Service Pistol team; Shotgun team member Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond; Sgt. Joe Hein from the International Rifle team; and from the Custom Firearms Shop, Spc. Thomas Marshall.

Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher Wins MMA Soldier of the Year

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regt., took home the top prize.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)-  Soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment and Cadets from North Georgia College dominated the field at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships Feb. 9-10 at Parks Range.

Hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, more than 60 Soldiers and Cadets squared off in three individual matches and two team matches to determine the top pistol shooters on post.

Fort Benning is the only Army installation to host its own marksmanship competition.

Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regt., took home the top prize with an aggregate score of 520-32x, displaying consistency throughout the entire match. Shooting in the novice division, he won the final match to secure the championship.

Coming in second was fellow Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Jeramy Smith. Smith, the top shooter in the open division, scored a 502-22x. Smith had the high score in the Excellence-in-Competition match.

Placing in third place was the high cadet, Cadet Erik Carlson of North Georgia College and State University. He had a final tally of 492-17x and won the first match of the championship.

NGCSU swept both team matches to win the overall team championship, the second consecutive year they have done so. Team members were: Carlson, CDT Casey Jemelka, CDT Robert Hull, and CDT Jacob Freeman. 75th Rangers came in second and a second team from NGCSU finished in third.

Soldiers were afforded the opportunity to earn EIC points in an effort to obtain their distinguished pistol badges, which are more distinguished than normal qualification badges and eligible for wear on their uniforms. Six Soldiers earned enough points to earn their bronze distinguished pistol badge: Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Rademacher, 75th Ranger Regt.; Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick, USAMU; Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman, U.S. Army Combatives School; Freeman and Hull, NGCSU; and Maj. David Schultz, 2nd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regt.

The matches are designed as both a competition and a training event. They serve to train and support the war fighter and prepare local shooters for the U.S. Small Arms Championships, scheduled to be held in late March on the same ranges.

The MCoE Combat Rifle Championship will be held Feb. 22-24. The U.S. Army Small Arms Championship is slated to be held Mar. 18-26

Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships

Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Soldiers compete in a rifle match consisting of a variety of distances and shooting positions during the 2010 All-Army Small Arms championships. The 2011 All-Army will be held March 19-26 at Fort Benning and hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, will host the 2011 U.S. All-Army Small Arms Championships March 19-26.

The competition is open to all Soldiers of any rank in the entire Army formation, including West Point and college ROTC cadets, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen. The 2010 championships set a record for attendance.

The All-Army Matches consist of Small Arms Firing Schools, Excellence-in-Competition Matches, rifle and pistol matches, and special combined-arms combat matches. Champions will be awarded All-Army Trophies and all Soldiers can earn EIC Marksmanship Badges, which are permanent-wear Army awards as described in Army Regulation 600-22 and have precedence above the standard qualification badges. The most coveted awards given out are Secretary of the Army Trophy M-1 Garand Rifles.

“The ‘All-Army’ is designed to test the entire depth of a Soldier’s shooting ability,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “To succeed in the U.S. Army Small-Arms Championships, Soldiers must effectively employ their individual weapons at short and long ranges. Doing so with precision while under the stress of competition will challenge even the most experienced of shooters.”

Soldiers will compete in separate Cadet, Novice, Open and Pro classes based on their competition experience. Soldiers will fire M-16 or M-4 service rifles at distances between 25-500 yards and M-9 pistols between 7-35 yards.

“One of our most basic skills required as a Soldier is marksmanship,” said Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, last year’s overall individual champion. “Take away our small arms and what are we? The All-Army Small Arms Championships not only provides the training every Soldier needs to excel in marksmanship, it also provides a means in which to test it among their peers.”

There are special category awards and trophies also for High Drill Sergeant, High Novice and high enlisted Soldier, Guard, and Reserve (E1-E4). Cadets enrolled in an Army ROTC program are eligible for scholarship money.

Battalion-level and up teams compete for team awards and unit recognition. All Soldiers will receive advanced marksmanship instruction and training materials to conduct Train-the-Trainer clinics upon return to their home station.

“All Soldiers will receive training from the absolute best shooters and marksmanship instructors in the world prior to the start of the match program,” Hodne said. “This sort of competition serves to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness as all Soldiers will leave the ‘All-Army’ as more capable marksman, no matter where they find themselves in the overall standings.”

At the matches, coaches and noncommissioned officers-in-charge of the USAMU Service Rifle and Pistol teams will scout, identify and invite selected Soldiers to compete at the Interservice Championships and the National Matches later this summer. Soldiers selected to represent the Active Army are funded by the USAMU.

“I feel every commander and Senior NCO should come to this event,” Moore said. “They need to see the relevance of true marksmanship training and see that this can be conducted in a safe and fun environment.

“No other Army event brings together so many MOS’s, branches, and components in one place, nor does any other event support the individuals and teams like the All-Army.”

For additional information, to register and check out the match bulletin, visit the USAMU website at www.usamu.com or contact Michael Behnke, the USAMU chief of competitions, at (706) 545-7841 or michael.behnke@usaac.army.mil.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers compete in the two-mile run portion of the pistol assault team match at the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships. The 2011 All-Army, the premier marksmanship competition in the military, is slated to be held March 19-26 at Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

WASHINGTON -- Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stands with Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army Vice Chief of Staff, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston Monday after being named the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year by Preston during the Association of the United States Army annual meeting. Gallagher and 23 other Soldiers and noncommissioned officers competed in the 2010 Best Warrior Competition at Ft. Lee Oct. 18-22. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- A Soldier with 21 national rifle shooting records added one more trophy to the case Monday: the U.S. Army’s Soldier of the Year.

Sgt. Sherri Gallagher’s young life has been one of high achievement. Now the 26-year old rifle shooter/instructor for the Army Marksmanship Unit is the first female to win the Army’s Best Warrior competition.

“This is such an honor – I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” Gallagher said moments after the announcement here Monday. “Any one of us could have won the competition. I learned so much from everybody out here and loved every minute of this experience.”

Named the winner by Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston at the Association of the U.S. Army awards luncheon, the three-year veteran bested 11 other Soldiers representing the Army’s major commands during the competition Oct. 18-22 at Fort Lee, Va.

“The reason I was successful is the training my sponsor, Sgt. 1st Class David Steinbach, developed for me,” said Gallagher, a native of Prescott, Ariz. “He pushed me so hard that I was ready for everything during the competition. Nothing came as a shock and my confidence was really high. I wish that I could share this with him because it truly was a team effort.”

Her preparation was tested at every level during the week at Fort Lee. Following a board led by SMA Preston Oct. 18, competitors were tested on their knowledge in a written exam and essay. Three days of field exercises Oct. 20-22 was next. The candidates conducted urban orienteering Wednesday and each led a squad through simulated battle operations that included engaging insurgents, tending wounded Soldiers on the battlefield, and a stress shoot while moving under enemy fire Thursday and Friday.

Steinbach said it wasn’t difficult preparing Gallagher. A Soldier that soaks up training like a sponge is extremely motivating.

“She’s pretty easy to train. For every bit you put into it, she will give you that much back and more,” Steinbach said. “I tell people that training her was as easy as using a claymore mine; just pull a trigger and she’ll do all of the work.”

Work was the order of the day for Gallagher at Fort Lee during Best Warrior. Though small in stature, she demonstrated the drive and determination it takes to be a U.S. national rifle champion.

“The amount of preparation they put into every lane was amazing,” she said of the experience. “Every event was so professional, above and beyond what I was expecting.”

One event Gallagher was expected to ace, of course, was M4 rifle qualification.

“It was faster-paced, quick, reactive shooting, but all shooting’s the same,” she said, “Keep your sights aligned and you’re good. “I’m always more comfortable with a gun in my hand.”

Gallagher’s quest began after being named the U.S. Army Accessions Command Soldier of the Year in May at Fort Knox. Ky. In July, she won the Training and Doctrine Command Best Warrior competition at Fort Lee, sending her to the Army event.

In between preparing for numerous boards and Soldier competitions, Gallagher became the first U.S. military shooter since 1987 to win the National High-Power Rifle Championship in August. She was only the second woman ever to win, following in her mother Nancy Tomkins’ footsteps.

WASHINGTON -- Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher and her mother, Nancy Tompkins, celebrate Gallagher being named Army Soldier of the Year Monday at the Association of United States Army annual meeting. Gallagher and her mother are the only women to ever win the National High-Power Rifle Championship. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

Gallagher’s family is legendary in U.S. shooting competition.

“My family is always there for me – we are really close,” Gallagher said. “Being named Best Warrior was that much more special since my mom was there sitting next to me today. I am who I am today because of my family. We have so much fun and live life that way.”

Being assigned to the AMU was another benefit to her path to Army Soldier of the Year, she said. With a little more than 100 Soldiers assigned to it, it represents teamwork and success. This year alone the unit has produced multiple national and world champions who are also U.S. Olympians. Army Soldier of the Year becomes a unique accomplishment in a unit known for high achievement.

“My Army family is awesome,” Gallagher said.

“My teammates on the service rifle team have always had my back. The entire unit went out of its way to support me in any way they could. Even the leadership at Accessions Support Brigade and Accessions Command would call me and offer help. The whole experience was just fantastic.”

As a unit that falls under USAAC, Gallagher is used to representing the Army all over the nation. One of the marksmanship units’ main missions is promoting Army service and connecting America’s Army to the American public.

“She connects with people in a way that’s immediate,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, AMU commander. “Sgt. Gallagher possesses a unique combination of skill sets and character traits. She easily stands out because she is truly ‘one of a kind’ and we simply knew that she had the potential to earn the prestigious title of Army Soldier of the Year.”

This week begins a year of Gallagher representing the Army as its best enlisted Soldier. Next week, however, it’s back to training: Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., before attending Warrior Leaders Course soon after that.

“How great is the Army?” she asked. “I just got to spend a week with some of the most talented people this Army has to offer, and in a few weeks I get to jump out of an airplane. Nothing is better than being a Soldier.”

FORT LEE, Va. - Sgt. Sherri Gallagher assesses a mock casualty during the warrior skills lane at the U.S. Army Best Warrior Competition here Oct. 21. Gallagher was named the Army Soldier of the Year at the Association of the U.S. Army award luncheon Monday in Washington D.C. (U.S. Army Accessions Command photo by Forest Berkshire)

FORT LEE, Va. - Sgt. Sherri Gallagher departs the rifle range after qualifying during the U.S. Army Best Warrior Competition here Oct. 21. Gallagher was named the Army Soldier of the Year at the Association of the U.S. Army award luncheon Monday in Washington D.C. (U.S. Army Accessions Command photo by Forest Berkshire)

(Forest Berkshire contributed to this story)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.--The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit inducted three new members into the unit Hall-of-Fame Oct. 16 during the 54th USAMU Reunion. Pictured are (left to right): Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, USAMU commander; Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Laurence "Red" Mosely, 2010 inductee; Lt. Col. (Ret.) Boyd Goldsby, 2010 inductee; Master Sgt. (Ret.) William O. Harden, 2010 inductee; and Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Thomas Fuller, ceremony guest speaker. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- More than 300 Soldiers, civilians and Family members, past and present, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit gathered together to celebrate the USAMU’s 54th birthday Oct. 14-16.

The Military Marksmanship Association, the alumni association of the USAMU, hosted the reunion to afford past members of the unique unit time to reminisce with fellow former shooters and gunsmiths, as well as meet the current USAMU Soldiers and personnel.

The USAMU is the only unit of its kind in the Army. Home to 23 Olympic medalists, more than 40 World Champions, and the most competent gunsmiths in the world, the USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness.

USAMU commander Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne presided over the 2010 Hall of Fame induction ceremony Oct. 16. Sgt. Maj (Ret.) Thomas Fuller was the guest speaker and presented the new inductees with their medals and plaques. Inducted were: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Boyd Goldsby; Master Sgt. (Ret.) William O. Harden; and Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Laurence “Red” Mosely.

“What is truly unique about the USAMU Hall-of-Fame distinction is it is an award given by the voting of every member of the MMA,” Fuller remarked. “Every man and woman in this unit is one of the best shooters on the planet. Their toughest competition is from the other Soldiers in the unit. So when these men and women select among themselves those to honor, you better believe that they are deserving of it.”

The three newly-elected members collectively served more than 120 years in the Army as Soldiers and civilians, and represent 85 years of service to the USAMU, Fuller said.

“I am so lucky to have served with this great unit for most of my military and civilian career,” said Mosely. “I have been awed by (past Soldiers’) performance and am still awed by what I see from the new shooters and young shooters.”

The Hall-of-Fame ceremony was the highlight of the weekend, but other fun and festivities were had by all. Former team members got acquainted with Soldiers currently serving in the unit at team dinners on Thursday. It wouldn’t be the USAMU without some good old fashioned competition, so a round-robin rifle, pistol and shotgun match was held during the day Friday.

Staff Sgt. Armando Ayala, a current member of the service rifle team, was elected to the Running Target team Hall-of-Fame for his years as a member of the now-defunct Olympic-sport team.

“The lineage of greatness this unit has produced is a testament to everyone here,” Fuller concluded. “That is a privilege of belonging to something greater than yourself.”

FORT BENNING, Ga.--More than 300 former and current members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit gathered on Fort Benning Oct. 14-16 to celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the USAMU. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Former and current Soldiers and Civilians of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, along with members of the Military Marksmanship Association, will celebrate 54 years of unparalleled success at a reunion Oct. 14-16.

The reunion honors all shooters, staff and support personnel who contributed to the success of the unit. The USAMU was formed in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to raise the standards of marksmanship throughout the Army.

The unit has won 23 Olympic medals, 41 World Championships, and over 300 National and team championships. The unit also boasts the world’s best gunsmiths and hours of dedicated research and development.

Attendees will commence the event with an open house at unit headquarters as well as section “get together” dinners. A round-robin rifle, shotgun and pistol competition will be held on the 15th followed by the annual MMA membership meeting and election of new officers.

On the 16th, sections will induct members into their respective halls of fame prior to the induction of three new members into the USAMU Hall of Fame. A barbecue will close out the weekend.

The MMA’s objectives are to provide a link to the history of the USAMU, host ceremonies and social events, and support the goals and objectives of the USAMU. It also presides over the hall of fame voting. The MMA now boasts more than 575 members.

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Three Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit are competing in the prestigious International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup Finals Shotgun in Izmir, Turkey.

Leading the way is Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond. Richmond, the number one-ranked shooter in Men’s Double Trap, is coming off his gold-medal winning performance at the World Championships in Munich. He also won a gold medal at the first World Cup event of the year in Acapulco, Mexico.

He will be joined in Double Trap by teammate Cpl. Jeff Holguin. The 2008 Olympian, currently ranked fourth in the world, earned two bronze medals at 2010 World Cup events in Acapulco and Dorset, England.

2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Sgt. Vincent Hancock will also represent the Army and the USAMU in Izbir. Hancock won a bronze medal in Men’s Skeet at the Lonato, Italy World Cup in June and will be competing in his third consecutive World Cup final.

The ISSF only invites the top shooters in the world to compete in the exclusive World Cup finals. It is traditionally the last competition in the international shooting season. Four more USAMU Soldiers will compete in the season-ending World Cup Finals Rifle and Pistol to be held in Munich next month.

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Service Pistol team won the National Pistol Championship overall team championship. Team members were: (front) Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover; Staff Sgt. Robert Park; and Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks. (back) Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson; Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson; and staff Sgt. John Ennis.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit completed one of the unit’s most successful runs in recent years at the 2010 National Rifle and Pistol Championship, winning multiple individual and team championships, setting national records, and upholding the unit’s reputation as the “Home of Champions.”

Accomplishing the unit’s mission to enhance the Army’s recruiting effort and raise the Army’s combat readiness takes up a lot of the Soldiers time, so the USAMU Soldiers’ intense desire to train to win enabled them to prevail at Camp Perry.

“Our expansive mission of supporting the war-fighter limits the amount of time available to prepare for the National Championship,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Ward, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the service rifle team

“When the team is able to come together and train, everyone is extremely focused on the task at hand.”

The crowning achievement for the unit was finishing first in all of the major team competitions at the championships. The USAMU Service Pistol’s Blue team started things off by winning the “Coming Through the Rye” trophy as the top four-man pistol team, winning the title for the second time in the unit’s history.

Soldiers from the International Rifle team followed that up by winning the prone any sight team championship during the smallbore matches, defending their crown from a year ago. Soldiers from the Service Rifle team completed the sweep, winning the “Dogs of War” trophy and the coveted National Trophy Infantry Team match.

Much of the team’s success is credited to teamwork, Ward said. Soldiers helped each other out during training sessions, communicated well during the matches, and, as is always the case at the USAMU, the Custom Firearms Shop provided the direct support that enables the USAMU to stand tall above the rest.

“I attribute much of our success to the professionals in the Custom Firearms Shop and loading facility who went the extra mile in ensuring that we had the best equipment possible,” said Ward.

Individually, USAMU Soldiers stood out amongst the huge field of more than 6,000 competitors throughout the six-week period in July and August.

Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher persevered against one of the toughest field of competitors in the history of rifle competitions to win the national high-powered rifle championship. Gallagher set a new national record in the process with a score of 2396-161x, beating out a ten-time champion, a four-time champion, and the defending champion.

She is the first service member to win the championship since 1987 and only the second woman ever to do so—her mother was the first. Gallagher won eight individual matches, seven aggregate championships and set four other national records over the course of the week.

Staff Sgt. Shane Barnhart swept the field during the smallbore matches, winning both the national three-position and prone championships, the second consecutive year a USAMU Soldier has accomplished the incredible feat and only the third shooter ever in the history of the matches. It was the fourth time he won the three-position championship.

“I have been close to winning the prone before, but this year I was hungry for it,” Barnhart said. “I worked my butt off during the entire nationals. I never let up.”

“Being only the third person in history to double up on the championships feels amazing. This motivates me to really train hard to make the Olympic team and World Cups.”

Staff Sgt. Robert Park led the way for the Service Pistol team. Park won the prestigious President’s Pistol Trophy for the second time and finished in third place overall at the National Pistol Championship, his first time making the podium. He was a member of three team championships and won three other individual titles, including the overall service pistol champion during the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Trophy Pistol matches.

Soldiers are primed for a busy fall season conducting marksmanship training for Soldiers preparing to deploy. Combining the unit’s performance at the nationals with their sheer dominance in the Interservice competitions, the training those deploying Soldiers will receive will undoubtedly come from the best.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit fire on their targets from 600 yards away during the National Infantry Trophy Rifle team match Aug. 6. The USAMU won the match, soundly defeating 41 other six-man teams. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Sgt. Lawrence Cleveland (left) and Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks (right) compete during the National Trophy Team Pistol match July 18 at Camp Perry. It was the first national championships as members of the USAMU for both Soldiers they fared exceptionally well. Cleveland won the Excellence-in-Competition match and Franks was a member of the first place team at the nationals. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

USAMU Soldiers Return Home With Multiple Shooting Titles

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA --(Ammoland.com)- Staff Sergeant Shane Barnhart with the Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) based in Fort Benning, Georgia, claimed his first Prone Championship title and fourth 3-Position Championship at the NRA Smallbore Championships held July 22-29 at Camp Perry near Port Clinton, Ohio.

Barnhart, from Phenix City, Alabama, became only the third person to win Camp Perry’s Three-Position Championships and Prone Championships in the same year. His teammate Joseph Hein accomplished this feat last year and Lones Wigger Jr. did it once in 1963 and again in 1973.

After clinching the 3-Position Championships with a score of 2358-126X, Barnhart got off to a slow start in the Prone Championships before coming back strong to take first place with a 4790-355X.

Camp Perry’s infamous wind wasn’t the only challenge Barnhart faced in the Prone Championships.

“I knew going into Any Sight that I had Abalo and Kemp, both very fine shooters, to keep up with,” Shane said of his fellow shooters.

1LT Christopher Abalo of Glendora, California, also on the USAMU, took the Prone Championship’s silver medal with an aggregate of 4786-355X. Charles Kemp from Mobile, Alabama, rounded out the top three and was awarded bronze as well as High Civilian and High Senior with a 4786-338X.

In the 3-Position Championships, Corland, Ohio’s Amanda Luoma claimed silver along with the titles of Woman Champion, Junior Champion and Civilian Champion by shooting a 2349-113X. Megan Lee of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, took the bronze and Intermediate Junior Champion title with her 2343-93X.

Amanda McMullin from Pomona, California, shot her way to the 2010 Woman Champion title in the Prone Championships, finishing with a 4780-313X aggregate.

The National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program conduct the National Matches at Camp Perry each summer. Participants range in experience levels from novices to Olympic-level shooters, and include civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. The NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships are open to everyone; NRA membership is not required.

For more information about the National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry or other competitive shooting events or programs, visit www.nrahq.org/compete or call (703) 267-1450.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is presented a Trophy Rifle by Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU, after winning the individual championship at the 49th Interservice Rifle Championship. Green won six individual titles and was a member of three first-place teams. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Service Rifle team braved the heat and stiff competition to uphold the Army’s reputation as the military’s best marksmen and came out on top at the 49th Interservice Rifle Championships.

With their accomplishment, the USAMU enabled the Army to complete a sweep of all Interservice marksmanship championships in 2010-Soldiers and teams from the USAMU previously won the shotgun and pistol Interservice competitions, as a team and individually.

“We know that the Army expects us to be the best,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“The USAMU’s Service Rifle section has maintained a cumulative string of victories at the Interservice Rifle Championships since 1995, when the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop introduced the accurized M16A2/A4, which replaced the M14, as the USAMU service rifle for competition.”

The USAMU won the coveted 10-man Interservice Rifle team championship match. Team shooters were Sgt. 1st Class Lance Dement, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley, Staff Sgt. Tyrell Cooper, Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, Staff Sgt. Scott Grant, Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, Spc. Kevin Trickett, Spc. Augustus Dunfey, and Pfc.

Amanda Elsenboss. Coaches were Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick and Staff Sgt. Walter Craig, while Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Ward and Staff Sgt. Daniel Peters were team captains. Cooper was the high individual shooter during the match with a score of 497-21x.

USAMU Micholick won the Marine Corps Infantry Trophy team match. Micholick was the captain and Staff Sgt. Armando Ayala coached the winners. Shooters were Sgt. 1st Class David Steinbach, Staff Sgt. Tobie Tomlinson, Grant, Dunfey, Trickett and Elsenboss.

USAMU teams also won the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General Match and the 1,000 yard team match in both the service rifle and match rifle categories, setting a new match record in the service rifle category.

Individually, Green was the big winner during the week. He won six championships, including the overall individual championship, his second time winning the prestigious title. He also won the Coast Guard match, the Marine Corps match, the 600-yard match rifle, the 1,000 yard match rifle, and the match rifle individual long-range championship.

Two newcomers to the USAMU service rifle team had outstanding results at their inaugural interservice championship. Steinbach won the Excellence-in-Competition match with a score of 488-14x. He also won the Air Force match. Elsenboss won the individual long-range championship with the service rifle, scoring a 394-10x.

Ward won the 1,000 yard service rifle match, and Gallagher won the Navy match and overall high woman to round out the individual accomplishments.

The importance of the USAMU’s gunsmith’s efforts to enhance the performance of the M16 should not be understated, said Hodne. That expertise and the lessons learned went into the unique Squad Designated Marksman Rifles designed by the USAMU to enhance the lethality of the warfighter.

“The Army continues to make history in Interservice Rifle competition,” Hodne concluded.

“I am extremely proud of our noncommissioned officers, Soldiers and civilians. The Army is the undisputed champion in all aspects of Interservice marksmanship competition because of the capabilities that are unique to this distinct unit.

“With an unbeatable combination of our Shooter/Instructors, our gunsmiths, our ammunition test personnel, and our coaching staff, the Army has been viewed by the other services as the team to beat for several years running.”

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors fire on their targets during the 10-man Intereservice team championship match July 27. The Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won the match and swept every major award at the 49th Interservice Rifle Championships, giving the Army victories at every Interservice marksmanship competition in 2010. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires on a target July 27th during the Interservice Rifle Championships. Green won the overall individual championship and the USAMU Service Rifle team swept every team match on their way to the championship. Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick looks on as the coach of the 10-man team. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- Staff Sgt. Scott Grant, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires during the 49th Interservice Rifle Championships. The USAMU Service Rifle team won every team match during the week-long competition pitting the U.S. military services against one another in a friendly-yet-intense marksmanship training event. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- Team Coach Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, shouts instructions to Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley (left) and Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick (right) as they shoot from 600-yards prone during the 10-man Interservice team championship match July 27. The USAMU Service Rifle team won the match and swept every major award at the championships. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

Army Pistol Shooters Win Big At National Pistol Championships

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit swept the team awards and fared exceptionally well individually at the 2010 National Pistol Championships and Trophy Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

U.S. Army Blue won both the National Pistol Team championship as well as the National Trophy Team Pistol championship, defeating the top civilian and military teams in the country.

Team members were Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson, Staff Sgt. Robert Park, Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover, Staff Sgt. John Ennis, and Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks. Individually, Park led the USAMU with one of his best performances ever at the nationals.

He claimed first place in the Civilian Marksmanship Program Warm-up match to starts things off and continued the hot shooting as the week progressed.

He won the Distinguished Revolver match and placed third overall in the National Pistol Championships, his first time earning a place on the winner’s podium. At the National Trophy Pistol matches Park cleaned up, winning the overall individual pistol championship and the prestigious Presidents Pistol match for the second time of his career.

This all came just weeks after winning the Interservice Pistol championship at Fort Benning for the first time. Park’s USAMU teammate Henderson also had a tremendous week at Camp Perry. Henderson, the defending National Pistol champion, stated things off by winning the NRA Preliminary Pistol match and then went on to win the National Trophy Individual Pistol match and the General Patton Trophy for having the highest aggregate score of the NTI and National Trophy Team Pistol matches. Staff Sgt. John Ennis won the National Centerfire championship with a score of 885-44x.

He was in the running all week to make the podium at the National Championships and finished in fourth place overall. Sgt. Lawrence Cleveland, competing in his first national match, won the Gen. Mellon and Military Police Corps trophies after shooting a 291-10x in the National Trophy Team Match.

Army Pistol Shooters Win Big At National Pistol Championships

Army Pistol Shooters Win Big At National Pistol Championships

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Robert Park (middle), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires downrange June 17 during the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships. Park won the overall individual championship and was a member of the U.S. Army Blue team, the overall team champions for 2010. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Army prevailed once again as Soldiers with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit dominated the competition at the 51st Interservice Pistol championship matches held here June 14-18.

Staff Sgt. Robert Park II, USAMU, won the overall individual championship for the first time in one of the closest competitions in the history of the 51-year-old event.

Park tallied a score of 3515-182x, beating the USAMU’s Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, the two-time defending champion, by one point and fellow USAMU Soldier Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks by two points. Park was also a member of the first-place winning team U.S. Army Blue, giving the Army and the USAMU a clean sweep.

“This is a big deal for me,” the champion remarked. “This is one of the ones I really wanted to win. I’ve come in second twice and third a few times and it’s a lot of prestige for a military guy to be the best shooter there is in the military. It gives me something to stand on when I teach my marksmanship to Soldiers.”

Park is one of the USAMU’s top marksmanship instructors and is slated to deploy this fall to Afghanistan as part of a cross-functional team of USAMU Soldiers training Afghan National Army Soldiers on the fundamentals of marksmanship. He feels that competitions like these are critical to the overall mission of the USAMU and the military as a whole.

“This match is all about learning how to better instruct and better put these skills in Soldiers hands, especially with the war,” Park said. “It’s very important. We’re one force. We’re the United States military and its one fight. We compete and we want (the Army) to win but when it comes down to it we’re all trying to do one thing and pass these skills to combat Soldiers.”

More than 100 marksmen representing all services competed in the annual event, which promotes a friendly yet fierce competition that also acts as the ultimate training event. It allows servicemembers to share techniques, develop new ideas and enhance the overall combat readiness of the military.

Shooters compete with four different calibers of pistol, shooting one gun a day in individual and team matches. It makes it important that the competitors are proficient in a broad array of pistols and enables the competition to crown the best of the best.

“As we are part of a joint force that has been engaged in combat operations for the past nearly 9 years, and a joint force that will remain engaged in combat operations for the foreseeable future, the training provided to all of our fellow Servicemembers will help shape the course of future battles and propel our nation to future victories,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

Besides winning the overall championship, Park also won seven other individual titles, including the 2700 aggregate and .22-caliber individual aggregate championship. USAMU Soldiers Staff Sgt. Timothy Barber (centerfire), Franks (.45-cal) and Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover (service pistol) won the other individual aggregate titles. The USAMU’s Sgt.
Lawrence Cleveland won the Excellence-in-Competition match.

The high shooters from each service were recognized as champions and won a pistol for their accomplishment. Park won for the Army. The other winners were: Marine Cpl. Luis Esparza; Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Bartel; Airmen Col. Mark Hays; and high guardsman/reservist went to Army Reservist Master Sgt. Robert Mango.

Members of the first-place winning U.S. Army Blue team were Park, Grover, Henderson, Cleveland, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson and Staff Sgt. Jason Sargent. U.S. Army Grey took second place and U.S. Army Reserve Team Black earned third place. The South Carolina National Guard team won the post/station championship for smaller teams.

Called the “Home of Champions” and putting their reputation on the line time after time against the best the nation and the world has to offer, the Soldiers of the USAMU continue to excel and hone their talents that they ultimately pass off to Soldiers headed to harms’ way.

“We won the team championship and we won all of the individual matches that could be won here at the Interservice Pistol matches,” Park concluded. “The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit service pistol team is the best in the nation. I think we proved that here.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- The high shooters from each service were recognized at the awards banquet June 18 and given a pistol for their accomplishment. The winners were Staff Sgt. Robert Park, Army; Cpl. Luis Esparza, Marine Corps; Lt. Cmdr Matt Bartel, Navy; Col. Mark Hays, Air Force; and Master Sgt. Robert Mango, high reservist/guardsman. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors compete June 15 in the 51st Interervice Pistol Championships, held all week at Phillips Range. The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit carried the Army to victory as U.S. Army Blue won the team title and Staff Sgt. Robert Park won the overall individual championship, his first. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Timothy Barber, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires during the service pistol team match June 17 at Phillips Range, the site of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championship. Barber and his USAMU teammates on U.S. Army Grey won the match, edging out their USAMU counterparts on U.S. Army Blue. Barber also won the centerfire individual championship. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Army Reservists Master Sgt. Robert Mango (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson (right), fire during the service pistol team match as Lt. Col. Alan Toler looks on June 17 at Phillips Range, site of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships. All three were members of U.S. Army Reserve Team Black, which won two team matches during the week and finished in third place overall. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, Spc. Joe Hein and Sgt. Michael McPhail, all from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stand atop the podium after finishing 1st-3rd in Men's Prone Rifle at the 2010 U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships. Hein won the event and medaled in two others. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won five national championships and a combined 14 medals during the 2010 U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Fort Benning’s Pool International Range Complex.

Spc. Joe Hein got very comfortable atop the podium stand after winning three medals in rifle shooting during the competition. Hein won in Men’s Prone Rifle, beating out two teammates for the gold with a score of 1299.4 to win the national championship.

The USAMU’s Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft scored a 1297.9 for the silver medal while Sgt. Michael McPhail tallied a 1294.6 for the bronze medal.

In Men’s Three Position Rifle, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker won the gold medal after an impressive score of 2449.5. Hein got the silver in this event, scoring a 2440.4 and Spc. Matt Rawlings shot a 2440.0 to win the bronze medal. Hein earned his third medal, a bronze, in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event.

On the pistol side of the competition, the USAMU’s trio of Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski, Cpl. Brad Balsley and Pfc. Greg Markowski cleaned up after winning seven medals among the three of them.

Szarenski continued his dominant 2010 season after winning two gold medals at the national championships. He won in Men’s Air Pistol with a score of 1257.4 and Men’s Free Pistol with a score of 1196.8. He had already won four medals, including two gold’s, in World Cup competition this year and still has chances at a World Cup event and the upcoming World Championships to add to his total.

His teammate, Markowski, won two silver medals after finishing behind Szarenski in the same events, scoring 1249.7 in air pistol and 1187.8 in free pistol. It was Markowski’s first time competing in the national championships and he has set the bar high after the successful week.

To close out the medal count, Balsley went three-for-three in events he entered, winning gold and two silver medals. He won the national championship in Men’s Rapid Fire with a score of 1360.8, beating out the closest competitor by 20 points. He came in a close second in both the Centerfire and Standard Fire matches.

Across the pond in Lonato, Italy, Sgt. Vincent Hancock won a bronze medal in Men’s Skeet at the Italy World Cup event. The 2008 Olympic Champion started the final round in fifth place but had a strong final to medal at the event, earning points toward another possible Olympic slot on Team U.S.A. for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Brad Balsley, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, competes in the final round of the Men's Raid Fire Pistol match during the 2010 U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships. Balsley won the gold as the International Pistol team collectively won seven medals during the competition. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski and Pfc. Greg Markowski, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, compete in the Men's Air Pistol final June 15 at Pool Indoor Range during the U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships. Szarenski won the gold medal and national championship, and was followed by Markowski. They duplicated their effort in Men's Free Pistol a few days later. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.- Staff Sgt. Timothy Barber, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires during the service pistol team match June 17 at Phillips Range, the site of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championship. Barber and his USAMU teammates on U.S. Army Grey won the match, edging out their USAMU counterparts on U.S. Army Blue.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A fourth different Soldier from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won the day’s individual championship on day four of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships.

Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover took home first place in the service pistol category with a score of 873-27x. He was followed by USAMU teammates Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson with an 870-39x and Staff Sgt. John Ennis with an 867-31x.

In the team match, U.S. Army Grey pulled out their first win of the week. Team members were Ennis, Staff Sgt. Timothy Barber, Staff Sgt. Adam Sokolowski, Sgt. Patrick Franks, and Sgt. 1st Class Damon Baxter, all from the USAMU. Their counterparts on the U.S. Army Blue team took second.

Today’s Excellence-in-Competition match concludes the competition. An awards banquet tonight will honor the week’s winners and crown the 2010 overall individual and team champions for 2010.

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Sgt. Patrick Franks, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stands with the Marine Corps Trophy after winning the individual .45-cal championship at the 51st Interservice Pistol Championship June 16. (Photo by Mike Badger)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- One champion won for a second day in a row and another new champion was crowned after day three of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships.

Sgt. Patrick Franks, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, won the .45-caliber individual championship, his first after posting a score of 886-48x. He was followed by USAMU teammate Staff Sgt. Jason Sargent, who shot an 879-46x. In third came Staff Sgt. Robert Park II with a score of 879-41x.

The U.S. Army Reserve Black team won the day’s team championship, their second title in as many days. They scored a collective 1160-48x, beating the U.S. Army Blue team by a single point. The USAR Black team members are Lt. Col. Alan Toler, Master Sgt. Robert Mango, Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson and Staff Sgt Jonathan Rosene.

Today is the final day of the individual and team aggregate competition. Competitors will be shooting with the service pistol of their choice. Tomorrow there will be an excellence-in-competition match to conclude the championship.

FORT BENNING, Ga.--U.S. Army Reserve Team Black won the centerfire team championship June 15 at the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships. Team members are: Cpt. Patrick Sleem, Staff Sgt Jonathan Rosene, Lt. Col. Alan Toler, Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson, Master Sgt. Robert Mango, and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Spencer. (Photo by Mike Badger)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)-  Through two days of the 51st Interservice Pistol Championships, four events have been decided and four separate champions have been crowned.

On day one, the .22-caliber championships were decided. In the individual category, Staff Sgt. Robert Park II, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, took the trophy with a score of 895-59x, just beating out teammate Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson, who scored 895-51x. The USAMU’s Sgt. Patrick Franks placed third with a score of 891-50x.

The U.S. Army Blue team won the team .22-cal championship with a score of 1186-63x. Team members consisted of Wilson, Park, Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson and Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover, all from the USAMU. U.S. Marine Corps Scarlet team took second.

On day two, the competitors moved on to the centerfire matches. The USAMU’s Staff Sgt. Timothy Barber won the individual championship with a score of 885-37x. Park came in a close second with an 883-48x while Wilson had an 881-41x to come in third.

The team match concluded the day’s events and the U.S. Army Reserve Black shot an 1166-42x to beat the field. Team members consisted of Lt. Col. Alan Toler, Master Sgt.

Robert Mango, Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson and Staff Sgt Jonathan Rosene. U.S. Army Blue took second place.

Day three takes the shooters to the .45 and day four will have the service pistol championship. The overall individual and team champions will be decided after the conclusion of the service pistol championship.

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.-- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson (left) and Staff Sgt. Robert Park II (right), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, compete in the 2009 Interservice Pistol Championship. Henderson was the overall individual champion, edging out his Army teammate Park. The 2010 Interservice Pistol championships are scheduled for June 11-18 at Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- The best pistol shooters the Department of Defense has to offer are set to converge on Fort Benning this summer for the 51st Annual Interservice Pistol Championships, scheduled for June 11-18. Training and competitions are open to individuals and teams of the Armed Services of the United States, Reserve Components, and military academies and commissioning program.

The Army pistol team, made up of Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, won the service pistol team championship in 2009 and is primed to defend the title on its home turf. Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, USAMU, won the individual championship last year and is among the favorites to claim the title as the best pistol shooter in the military for 2010.

“The Interservice Pistol championship is a great opportunity to showcase the best service pistol marksman in the DoD,” said Cpt. Gavin Rice, operations officer, USAMU. “Service members have the opportunity to validate all of their training and hard work in a shoulder-to-shoulder competition.”

Besides the top marksman from the USAMU, the Marines, Navy and Air Force annually send their finest sharpshooters to represent their respective services. The shooters will compete in center fire, .22- and .45-caliber matches, as well as an Excellence in Competition match. An awards banquet will close out the week.

While the bigger teams are training for top honors, smaller posts, stations, divisions and states are encouraged to send their teams to Fort Benning to compete.

“While the service teams shoot it out for the championship, smaller teams can also win awards and take home some bragging rights of their own,” said Michael Molinaro, USAMU spokesman.

“Marines enjoy sending their smaller station teams and beating up on the competition. We’d like to see posts, bases and stations such as Fort Benning, Fort Campbell, Lackland or Norfolk send teams and be represented during the match.”

The week-long event not only is a chance for the competitors to bring out the best among one another but also share techniques that can be spread across the entire military, enabling it to be even more lethal than it already is.

“Competitions like this one foster an appreciation and respect amongst services as everyone continues to contribute to the Global War on Terrorism,” Rice concluded.

For additional information, to register and check out the match bulletin, visit the USAMU website at www.usamu.com under “competitions” or contact Michael Behnke, the USAMU chief of competitions, at (706) 545-7841 or michael.behnke@usaac.army.mil

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Capt. Juan Guerrero, Company C, Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, trains Mar. 30 inside Pool Indoor Range. Guerrero, who suffered severe injuries to both legs while deployed to Iraq in 2007, is training with Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit on the air rifle in preparation for the inaugural Warrior Games that will be held May 10-14 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Some of today’s wounded warriors have lost limbs, feeling in their arms or legs, or the use of both eyes but they haven’t lost the feeling of inspiration, motivation or commitment to succeed while still serving their country.

Wounded Soldiers from around the Army came to Fort Benning and the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Mar. 29-Apr. 1 to learn from the military’s best shooters in preparation for the inaugural Warrior Games. Air Rifle and Pistol are among the athletic events wounded, ill and injured service members from all branches will compete in at the inaugural games May 10-14 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I’m really excited to get out there and see what this is going to be like because I guarantee it’s not going to be like anything else that I’ve ever done in my career,” said Staff Sgt. Rachelle Renaud, 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. “I am really looking forward to it.”

The Warrior Games provide a focal event to empower the incorporation of athletics into military wounded warrior programs, and provide an opportunity to introduce Paralympic sports to injured service members. Warrior Games is an effort to inspire recovery, capitalize on physical fitness and promote opportunities for growth and achievement among wounded troops.

“What we have to do with our service members is inspire them to reach for and achieve a rich and productive future, to defeat their illness or injury, whatever lies in their way, to maximize their abilities and know that they can have a rich and fulfilling life beyond what has happened to them in service to their nation,” said Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commander, U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command.

The Soldiers attending the training camp relished the chance to meet new Soldiers and break away from their sometimes grueling rehabilitation schedules. They want to look forward to something other than another doctor’s appointment. Renaud said that it’s easy for Soldiers to feel alone and start down a narrow path of darkness, but the notion of the games shows that people are inspired to help them.

“It’s so easy to isolate yourself then think that nobody understands,” said Renaud. “But a lot of people do understand.”

A veteran of two deployments to Iraq with the 720th Military Police Battalion, Renaud endured severe pain in her back that led to a double lumbar fusion on her spine. She hasn’t regained the feeling in her left leg but still has the spirit to compete and overcome her injuries.

“(The Warrior Games) has inspired me. One of the things, as far as my routine, that has changed is that instead of just going home and doing nothing, I’m motivated to go out and go exercise, go to the gym—go do something to prepare. It really distracts from everything else that is going on. It’s that moment when I don’t have to think about anything.”

USAMU Soldiers taught them the intricacies of the air rifle and pistol, as well as proper marksmanship fundamentals. Some of the Soldiers who attended the week-long clinic chose to compete in shooting events because they are good at handling a gun or have an affinity for shooting. All of them agreed that the chance to meet Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors in the same condition that they are has them motivated to get to Colorado.

“The challenge to compete with these other Soldiers who have gone through similar experiences and have overcome all of the difficulties that I have been able to overcome is very exciting,” said Capt. Juan Guerrero, C Co, WTB, Fort Sam Houston.

Severely injured in both legs from an explosively-formed projectile while on a patrol south of Baghdad in 2007, Guerrero understands that there may be Soldiers wary of competing with their injuries but offers some sound advice.

“They may think they aren’t going to be able to do it, but until they try it, they won’t know for sure. One of the things as a Soldier is that you have to try it first. If you try it and succeed, then you go on from there. If you try and you fail, you try again.
“It’s a long process, but eventually, you’ll get to the point where you’ll be able to do stuff you didn’t think you could do, just like I did.”

As the week progressed, the anxiousness and enthusiasm to get on with the games was evident. There was no mention of treatments or appointments, just encouragement and excitement. There was a practice match and they rooted for each other. With the games still more than a month away, the intent of the games seems to already be working.

“It’s an honor to be here and amongst a lot of these guys,” Renaud said. “I’m so humbled by them. They have seen it all and it’s a great experience—very uplifting. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope everyone enjoys their time and gets the most out of this.”

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Wounded warrior Soldiers conduct a practice match under the tutelage of Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Apr. 1 at Pool Indoor Range. They are training for the inaugural Warrior Games, slated to be held May 10-14 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Spc. Joe Hein, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, instructs Staff Sgt. Kenny Griffith, Warrior Transition Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, on proper positioning with an air rifle Mar. 30 at Pool Indoor Range. Griffith was among 16 Wounded Warriors who came to Fort Benning to get rifle and pistol training from the experts of the USAMU in preparation of the Warrior Games, an inaugural event being held May 10-14 at the Olympic Training Center. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers from various Warrior Transition Units throughout the Army converged on Pool Indoor Range to train for the upcoming Warrior Games in May at the Olympic Training Center. They received instruction from Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit on Air Rifle and Air Pistol, among the events servicemembers will be competing in at the games. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Ray Arrendondo, coach of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's International Pistol team, gives some instruction to Sgt. Robert Price, Warrior Transition Unit, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, Mar. 31 at Pool Indoor Range. Price was among a group of Wounded Warriors from the Army who came to Fort Benning and the USAMU to train in Air Pistol and Rifle in preparation for the Warrior Games to be held in May. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com .

FORT BENNING, Ga.-- Col. Charles Durr, chief of staff, Maneuver Center of Excellence, stands with Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, 2nd Battalion, Small Arms Readiness Group, Camp Bullis, Texas, after presenting Moore with a Secretary of the Army M1 Garand Trophy Rifle for winning the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Individual Championship Feb. 27.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. - -(AmmoLand.com)- Close to 300 Soldiers from all elements of the Army descended on Fort Benning Feb. 20-27 to take part in the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships, the preeminent marksmanship training and competition event the Army has to offer.

Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, 2nd Battalion, Small Arms Readiness Group, Camp Bullis, Texas, withstood strong competition and unpredictable weather to win the 2010 Overall Individual Championship, his second in a row. Moore and his teammates claimed the top team prize after a week full of pistol, rifle, long-range rifle and combined arms matches.

“Everybody should come here. I feel it’s a Soldier’s duty to come here and test their capability, test their mettle against their peers,” said Moore, who works at Fort Sam Houston as a Department of the Army civilian working with combat medic trainees. “Hopefully everybody here takes the spirit of the event for what it truly is, which is a training event, where somebody can come and learn depth and relevance to their trade of being a rifleman first.”

Soldiers were given hands-on marksmanship instruction by the hosts of the competition, the Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, with the intent of using those lessons learned in instruction and in competition to bring back to their units for dissemination.

“At the USAMU, we use the phrase ‘Competition to combat’ to describe the phenomena of taking lessons learned through competition to enhance the capability and lethality of the Soldier in combat,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “The All-Army is designed to be the ultimate train-the-trainer event for marksmanship; the implications to raising the Army’s overall combat readiness after an event such as this one are enormous.”

The overall individual winners of the main categories were awarded Secretary of the Army M1 Garand Trophy Rifles. A 1911 pistol built by the USAMU gunsmiths was awarded to the overall pistol champion. Teams were given plaques to display back at their units headquarters and numerous prizes were awarded to the second and third place awardees in all categories.

Five Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets earned scholarship money provided by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Two Soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Marc Sheehan, 209th Regional Training Institute, Nebraska National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Jason Godel, 2nd Bn., SARG, earned their Distinguished Rifleman’s badges, the highest honor one can reach in rifle marksmanship.

A new award was added to the mix this year—the Col. (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Excellence in Marksmanship award. It was given to the Soldier in the novice class who achieved the highest aggregate score of the two Excellence in Competition matches. Sgt. 1st Class Graham Faris, C Co. 2-29 197th Inf. Regt., Ft. Benning, Ga., earned the distinction as being the first Soldier to win the award.

During the closing ceremony, Hodne reminded the Soldiers who competed that while the seeds have been strewn at the All-Army, it is now up to them to incorporate what they learned to take back to their units.

“The lessons learned on the fields of friendly strife are helping our Soldiers accomplish their missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere,” Hodne concluded.

The following Soldiers were honored at the awards ceremony that brought the successful event to a close:

• Service Pistol Champion—Moore
• Service Rifle champion—Army Reservist Staff Sgt. John Buol, Army Reserves Career Division-Region 10
• Combined Arms Champion—Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Tubbe, 1st Special Forces Group
• Long Range Champion—Sgt. 1st Class SFC Charles Hodson, HHC 40th MP Bn
• High Drill Sergeant—Sgt. 1st Class Richard Clark, Regional Training Center-East
• High Cadet—Cadet Sean-Paul Adams, North Georgia College and State University
• High Novice—Tubbe
• High Active Duty Soldier—Tubbe
• High Active Duty Soldier (E1-E4) — Spc. Matt Jones, Martin Army Community Hospital, Ft. Benning, Ga.
• High Reservist—Moore
• High Reservist (E1-E4) — Spc. Michael Martin, D Co, Small Arms Readiness Group, Ft. Douglass, Utah
• High National Guardsman—Sgt. Andrew Garza, C CO, 1-184th, California NG
• High National Guardsman (E1-E4) — Spc. Evan Messer, 817th Eng Co., N. Dakota NG

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers compete in the two-mile run portion of the pistol assault team match Feb. 22 at the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships. While cadets from the U.S. Military Academy won the pistol assault team match, Army Reservists of the 2nd Battalion, Small Arms Readiness Group, Camp Bullis, Texas won the overall team championship. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Soldiers compete in a rifle match consisting of a variety of distances and shooting positions, Feb. 23 on McAndrews Range during the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Soldiers shoot at targets 800 yards away during the long-range portion of the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships Feb. 25 at Maertens Range. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Soldiers fire the first rounds of the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships downrange Feb. 21 at Parks Range during pistol match one. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Mr. J.B. Hudson, civilian marksmanship program, presents a scholarship for $2,000 to Cadet Sean-Paul Adams, North Georgia College and State University, Feb. 27. Five ROTC cadets earned scholarship money after competing in the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com . The U.S. Practical Shooting Association is a nonprofit membership association affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation, which is comprised of approximately 67 nations.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit deployed to Afghanistan Dec. 11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Soldiers will train Afghan security forces on marksmanship fundamentals. Soldiers have deployed before to instruct U.S. personnel but never indigenous forces. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit set out on a historic mission for the unit, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Dec. 11 to train Afghan security forces in marksmanship proficiency.

It is the first time in the history of the prestigious unit that Soldiers will work in concert with indigenous Soldiers. The USAMU offered its marksmanship training capabilities to the military leadership in Afghanistan for as long as they need it, and having this persistent marksmanship training presence for the Afghani Soldiers falls right in line with President Obama’s intent of increasing the ability to train competent Afghan security forces and help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans.

“This unit is ideally suited for this type of mission,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “Our Soldiers – the best Shooters, gunsmiths, and marksmanship instructors in the world – will enhance the overall readiness of forces executing counterinsurgency in Afghanistan through a marksmanship train-the-trainer program. In this way the USAMU will make an invaluable contribution to the war effort.”

An array of Soldiers from the various shooting disciplines within the USAMU and the custom firearms shop will make up the cross-functional teams that will deploy on a rotational basis until their mission is accomplished. The USAMU is the only unit of its kind in the Army: providing support to Army accessions and performing at the highest level possible in competitive shooting, to include the Olympics, while also training thousands of Soldiers every year.

The dedication, professionalism and expertise of the USAMU showcase the best of Army Soldier skills that instill positive impressions of the Army all over the country as they connect America’s people to America’s Army; they will take those same values with them to train the Afghan forces.

“This deployment is consistent with the depth and breadth of the USAMU mission,” said Sgt. Maj. Martin Barreras, the unit’s senior enlisted advisor. “On any given day, USAMU Soldiers could be executing such disparate missions as training Afghan security forces, instructing Soldiers throughout the entire Army on marksmanship fundamentals,, improving weapons and ammunition through research and development for the Warfighter, coaching junior shooters at various high school clinics, and winning a world championship in China, all simultaneously.”

This is not the first time that Soldiers from the USAMU have deployed in harm’s way. A cadre of Soldiers deployed to Vietnam in 1968 to serve as sniper instructors for American forces, providing sniper training and the know-how of the USAMU gunsmiths, the most competent in the world. Members of the custom firearms shop developed and tested the M21 sniper rifle, which was successfully used in Vietnam. The Army’s current M24 sniper system is also a product of the USAMU.

The USAMU has had an indirect impact on the global war on terror since its initial stages by training Soldiers from units throughout U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, as well as National Guard Soldiers preparing to deploy for the first time. They have also conducted numerous train-the-trainer missions for drill sergeants, who subsequently use the tools they learned to train basic trainees set to fill the ranks after graduation.

In 2003, the USAMU sent a team of Soldiers to Iraq to train officers and noncommissioned officers from the 1st Armored Division on marksmanship fundamentals. While there have been boots on the ground previously, this mission is unlike any other for the unit.

“I’m extremely proud of how the USAMU Soldiers and civilians execute their wide-ranging mission, from supporting Army recruiting and accessions, to supporting the Warfighter through marksmanship training and small-arms research and development initiatives,” Hodne remarked. “This historic undertaking by the Soldiers of this unique unit demonstrates yet another facet of the tremendous capability that resides within it.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- LTC Daniel Hodne, commander, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, talks with one of his Soldiers moments before Soldiers from the USAMU boarded a plane headed for Kuwait. USAMU Soldiers have deployed to Afghanistan for the first time since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, and will instruct Afghan security forces on marksmanship fundamentals.

About USAMU:
The USAMU’s mission is to raise the standard of marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness throughout the Army by sharing knowledge gained from competing and winning in national/ international competitions, research and development and advanced training programs while enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort through an active public information and public relations program. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com . The U.S. Practical Shooting Association is a nonprofit membership association affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation, which is comprised of approximately 67 nations.

USA Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –-(AmmoLand.com)- USA Shooting is pleased to announce that pistol shooter Keith Sanderson (San Antonio, Texas) and shotgun shooter Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.) have been selected as the 2009 USAS Athletes of the Year.

These athletes were chosen based on the USAS Athlete of the Year Nomination and Selection Procedure, which is a points system that rewards performance in major competitions.

Sanderson, a 2008 Olympian, earned the Male Athlete of the Year honor after an outstanding World Cup season in 2009, winning an unprecedented three medals on the ISSF World Cup circuit. Sanderson captured the gold at the Beijing World Cup, silver in Changwon, Korea and bronze at the World Cup Munich in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event. Sanderson also grabbed fifth place at the Milan World Cup. In addition, Sanderson finished in third place at the 2009 Rifle/Pistol Fall Selection Match at Fort Benning, Ga.

For the third consecutive year, four-time Olympian Rhode was selected as the USA Shooting Female Athlete of the Year. A four-time Olympic medalist, Rhode shot her way to two World Cup medals this year, claiming the silver in San Marino and the bronze in Munich in the Women’s Skeet event. Rhode was also the 2009 National Champion and finished in first place at the 2009 Shotgun Fall Selection Match, earning a spot on the 2010 World Shooting Championship team. Rhode also finished seventh at the 2009 Shotgun World Championships.

Sanderson and Rhode were selected as the overall USAS Athletes of the Year, but USAS also recognizes the Discipline Athletes of the Year, who earned the highest number of points in each discipline.

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) member Michael McPhail (Darlington, Wis.) was the top male athlete for rifle, while Jamie Beyerle (Lebanon, Pa.) won the honor for women’s rifle for the fourth year in a row, and USAMU member Josh Richmond (Hillsgrove, Pa.) had the highest number of points for men’s shotgun. Sanderson is also the Male Athlete of the Year for pistol and Rhode is the Female the Athlete of the Year for the shotgun discipline. A female pistol shooter was not chosen this year as there were no female pistol shooters who met the minimum point requirement.

McPhail had an excellent year in the Men’s 50m Prone Rifle event, capturing two bronze medals on the World Cup circuit, as well as the silver medal at the World Cup Final. McPhail also finished in fifth place at the World Cup Changwon and was the 2009 National Champion in Men’s Prone.

Beyerle, a 2008 Olympian, won the 2009 World Cup Final bronze medal in Women’s 50m 3 Position Rifle. She finished fourth at the World Cup in Milan and was the 2009 National Champion. She also claimed second place at the Rifle/Pistol Fall Selection Match.

Richmond captured the gold medal in the Men’s Double Trap event at the 2009 World Cup in Munich, Germany. He took home the bronze at the San Marino World Cup and finished fifth at the World Cup in Minsk. Richmond was also the 2009 National Champion and finished fourth at the Shotgun World Championships. Most recently, Richmond won the 2009 Shotgun Fall Selection Match, claiming a spot on the 2010 World Shooting Championship team.

The overall athletes of the year will be submitted to the U.S. Olympic Committee for consideration for the 2009 USOC SportsMan and SportsWoman of the Year awards, which have been presented annually since 1974 to the top overall male and female athletes within the U.S. Olympic Family.

For more information on these athletes, please visit www.usashooting.org.