A little history first. About 7 weeks ago I get a phone call from a former Marine, Chad Mercer that now works for the Dept of State. He tells me of this recent wounded warrior shoot where he meet a very special Marine. While im on the phone another call comes in from another former Marine also US Dept of State, Matt Jacques. They both tell me that they were recently blown away by the story of this recently wounded Marine scout sniper, Aaron Howell. Aaron was injured in Afganastan in April loosing both his legs and 8 of his fingers. Ironicly he still has his triggerfinger on his right hand and a thumb on his left hand which makes it possible for him to shoot. Both of these guys were amazed by this Marines ability to stay positive and overcome the setbacks. Anyway they tell me that Aaron was offered a rifle by FN and that he stated that he didnt need one as he had a rifle on order from GA Precision, A M40A1 Spec build. Sure enough a check of the orders located Aarons rifle in the back awaiting final bedding and finish. Both these Marines also wanted to make sure that the rifle was paid for for Aaron so we set up a plan for guys wanting to donate to call and help Aaron out. We also discounted the rifle significantly. inside of 4 weeks the rifle was finished and paid in full. Ok, here is the great part. Matt contacts the Sgt Major of Weapons Training Batalion Quantico and fills him in on Aarons story and the rifle. The Sgt Major, approves Range #4 Quantico to be open for Aarons use for as long as he wants on Saturday Nov 6th. Range #4 is the 1000 yard High Power Range for those that have never been there. So more plans were made, Matt contacted Eagle Industries who donated a Drag bag/mat. Center Mass who donated a real nice shooting stand that his wheel chair will fit under as well as a roller bag that it fits in with gear. The Quantico shooting club presented him with a lifetime guest pass to their club with a real nice plaque, the OIC of the Sniper Instructor school a really neat mug, opener and Sniper patch. An Austrailian sniper a neat rage folder and patch. Tony (Nomad) a Data book. Another former Marine Rob snuck me Aarons MST 100 and we got it mounted prior to my trip on the 4th.
So Fast Forward, I arrive on the 4th and meet up with Eric Reid (former GAP Smith and current instructor at the USMC PWS) on the 5th Eric and I take the rifle to the PWS and with prior approval from the OIC . We were allowed to fire and Zero the rifle in the PWS Test Shed where all the M40's have been tested for the past 30+ years. With Eric pulling butts and myself and Gsgt Packmann running the M40A1 through its paces to get it zeroed, The rifle turnes a 1 5/8" Group at 300 meters. Eric and I fill out a USMC Log book and its official Aarons M40A1 is officialy ready to go.
Next Morning we all meet at the 300 line on range #4 we all set up the gear, mount the rifle in the shooting stand and wait for Aaron to arrive. There are 30-40 people there. Lots of Former and current snipers. Ed Land, Jack Field. Guys from the Quantico Shooting club. Aaron has no Idea that his rifle is here, that the range is his and the group of people are here to honor him. At just after 9:00 Rob pulls up and Aaron along with his Mother make their way out to the line. He looks a little confused as he thinks he is comming to watch the club shoot F Class. As he is wheeled up next to me his eyes fixate on the lone M40A1 rifle on the line. I put my hand on his shoulder and say. "Some Clown from Missouri dropped this rifle off on the range this morning and said a guy named Aaron Howell would be by to shoot it" He continued to stare at it for a few seconds and Matt jumped in and introduced me as the Clown in question. Guys I cant desribe how good I felt at this very moment. Matt and a bunch of the others spoke and presented Aaron with kit and there condolences. The rest of the day was spent with Aaron shooting from 300 to 1000 yards. This Kid (24 Years old) can still shoot and shoot real well. rarely did he throw one out of the 10 ring. He shot over 200 rounds and loved every minute of it.
Below are random pictures of the weekend.
Aaron is a True Warrior, Great American and and Inspiration to all that meet him.
So Fast Forward, I arrive on the 4th and meet up with Eric Reid (former GAP Smith and current instructor at the USMC PWS) on the 5th Eric and I take the rifle to the PWS and with prior approval from the OIC . We were allowed to fire and Zero the rifle in the PWS Test Shed where all the M40's have been tested for the past 30+ years. With Eric pulling butts and myself and Gsgt Packmann running the M40A1 through its paces to get it zeroed, The rifle turnes a 1 5/8" Group at 300 meters. Eric and I fill out a USMC Log book and its official Aarons M40A1 is officialy ready to go.
Next Morning we all meet at the 300 line on range #4 we all set up the gear, mount the rifle in the shooting stand and wait for Aaron to arrive. There are 30-40 people there. Lots of Former and current snipers. Ed Land, Jack Field. Guys from the Quantico Shooting club. Aaron has no Idea that his rifle is here, that the range is his and the group of people are here to honor him. At just after 9:00 Rob pulls up and Aaron along with his Mother make their way out to the line. He looks a little confused as he thinks he is comming to watch the club shoot F Class. As he is wheeled up next to me his eyes fixate on the lone M40A1 rifle on the line. I put my hand on his shoulder and say. "Some Clown from Missouri dropped this rifle off on the range this morning and said a guy named Aaron Howell would be by to shoot it" He continued to stare at it for a few seconds and Matt jumped in and introduced me as the Clown in question. Guys I cant desribe how good I felt at this very moment. Matt and a bunch of the others spoke and presented Aaron with kit and there condolences. The rest of the day was spent with Aaron shooting from 300 to 1000 yards. This Kid (24 Years old) can still shoot and shoot real well. rarely did he throw one out of the 10 ring. He shot over 200 rounds and loved every minute of it.
Below are random pictures of the weekend.
Aaron is a True Warrior, Great American and and Inspiration to all that meet him.
