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| Early to Rise….
(continued) As shooters finished, they turned their score cards in at the main tent. For those who shot well, they were immediately presented a bronze, silver or gold medal that was specially printed for the event. Of course, the top shooter won an M1 Garand, which was presented at the Awards Ceremony later in the day, after all the relays were done. Throughout the day and well into the evening, staff was whatever it took to keep the Match running smoothly, and the participants often didn't get to see all the things that happen behind the scenes. For example, Director Gary Anderson and Deputy Director Orest Michaels are out on the range throughout the day. The director does more than just meet and greet, addressing various shooting protests and concerns require immediate attention. Later in the day, he spent his time working on his presentation for the Awards Ceremony where two new awards will be dedicated. A lot goes on that the shooters don't see. For example, up in the tower overlooking the entire camp, a range control officer tracks a boat out on the lake. If the boat comes too close, the match will temporarily halted. It is an amazing view from 60 feet up, and during the rapid fire relays, you can see the bullets splashing into the waves of the lake. For an unsuspecting recreational boater, it would be quite a sight indeed. |
 A soldier brings in his score card  A watchful eye |
 The view from the tower |
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The in-between times also allows for some
exploration, and Camp Perry has its share of
interesting places. Over at the warehouse,
shooters were picking up their allotments
of ammunition and filling out papers to
purchase M1s. This year, the CMP actually
loaned out 275 M1 rifles to competitors
(although it should be pointed out that "loan"
soon became "purchase" as almost every
loaner rifle was snapped up by happy
marksmen). Another popular place is Commercial Row. Shooters and spectators move from building to building, and as much time is spent in friendly annual reunions and storytelling as in bartering for equipment and supplies. As afternoon stretches into evening, the grills are fired up and a barbeque dinner is served. According to Patricia Seifert, adjacent to the Garand Registration center off Lawrence Road is the "wailing wall." This is where the scores are posted, and as stated by the 22 year volunteer of the National Matches, competitors come to gnash their teeth and bewail their fates. A moment should be taken to view the stones that mark each range, for each one is named after a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. |
 A busy afternoon at the warehouse
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 The crowd gathers outside the Camp Perry auditorium |
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The awards ceremony was scheduled to begin
first at 6:00, then 7:00, then 7:45 pm--postponed
to allow the last relay to be completed and the
afternoon's final competitors to find their way
to the auditorium. It is a packed house--a colorful
mix of civilian and military, young and old, dressed
up and dressed down. It is also an impressive display of awards, with some trophies dating back a hundred years. During the ceremonies, as well, two new trophies--the John C. Garand and the "Col. Bill" Deneke awards--are dedicated (see the related stories on the Garand (click here) and Deneke (click here) trophies). The ceremonies end before 11:00 pm, yet there is still some work left to do. That includes a detail to move the trophies back into the CMP offices. Gary Anderson headed to his office one last time, still pushing forward, already discussing next year's event. |
  Debrah Gardner and Tammy Will take turns |
