This is the first in what I hope will be a well received series here at In Effect. In an attempt to break away from the standard band interview I will be covering some stories and topics that hopefully appeal to some of you in the hardcore/punk world. First up is “Grandpa” Nick who you might remember as the lead singer for Fit Of Anger. FOA started in the late 1980’s, had a well received demo tape, appeared on the New Breed Cassette Compilation, made the rounds at CBGB’s and a lot of other shows in the Northeast and had a re-recording of their best songs released a few years ago on New Found Hope Records. Nick and I grew up on the same block and basically discovered hardcore music at the same time. I hadn’t seen Nick in a few years when I ran into him by chance at a garden center on Long Island in the summer of 2011. It was a little hard to recognize him with his Grizzly Adam’s beard and Mets hat (remembered him as a Yankee fan) but it was him. We caught up for a few minutes but before we left he gave me a business card for “Project Appleseed" and told me to research them online since it was something he was involved in. I looked them up and after a few phone calls with Nick I could tell this was something that he had a lot of passion for. Fast forward a few months and when the idea for doing this website got rolling I immediately thought about doing this interview with my old friend. Read on…

IE: Start off by telling us what Project Appleseed is for those of us who have never heard of it before.

Nick: Project Appleseed is a history and heritage organization with an excellent rifle marksmanship program. Project Appleseed has a simple mission statement, “To save a nation, one rifleman at a time.” We start by teaching the events of April 19th 1775, Paul Revere’s ride, Lexington and Concord. We do this in order to incite the American citizens of today to get involved in our Constitutional Republic. When you hear the historic story in detail by an Appleseed orator it sends a message that our heritage was formed by amazing people who knew what they were about. The Provincials of the American colonies were of English lineage, and they got involved in the cause of the revolution because they felt they were being governed as such as, a conquered people. They were tired of being governed from across the sea by the King and the Parliament. The History helps to re-teach us vital lessons about liberty. The history demands us to reevaluate where we have come from, so that we keep liberty on the mind as we move into the future. The founders put it all on the line in 1775, we owe it to them. In fact we owe it to all who have given in liberty’s name.

The rifle marksmanship is excellent. Project Appleseed teaches the fundamentals to shooting rifles. Field positions, the six steps to firing the shot, natural point of aim, trigger control, breathing cadence, sling use, sight adjustments using inches, minutes, clicks and much more. You must attend to see how much we offer. After all, rifle marksmanship is an American heritage we should all celebrate, use it or loose it.

IE: How did you first find out about Project Appleseed?

Nick: Back in June of 2009 I took a little trip about six hours to upstate NY to attend a Project Appleseed event in New Bremen, NY. I discovered it online and felt a road trip into the mountains to shoot guns and learn about liberty was in order. I must admit I truly did not understand it all at my first event, so I felt compelled to attend another in Elbridge, NY a few weeks later. I met good people and it felt right, so I got involved.

IE: What were your initial thoughts when you first went to a meeting?

Nick: Well I really did not know what to expect, but I went with an open mind and a teachable attitude. I knew there would be a rifle shooting course, but I was not sure on the details. The in depth history might have went a bit over my head the first time, but the useful message was well delivered. I kept asking myself what is this all about? By the end of the weekend I was amazed at the strength and honor of the course and the integrity of the instructors.  I definitely wanted to know more, you know, We Gotta Know!

IE: How often are Project Appleseed meetings, and how often do you go?

Nick: Project Appleseed events go on all year long. At some rifle ranges we have an event once a month. At other ranges we will host an event every two to three months apart. I go as much as possible because our message needs to get out. “Woe to you oh earth and sea for the time is short!” Remember, we are a movement of the people, for the people.

IE: What is a regular meeting like? Bring us through the day and the events.

Nick: An Appleseed event is a weekend long event. Two eight hour days give or take a few minutes. We start the first day, usually a Saturday at 8:00 AM, registering the patrons who are attending. Then we call to order the day with an introduction of what Project Appleseed is, and what we are not. We introduce the scheduled itinerary of skills and history we will teach during the weekend. Then we go into a detailed briefing of safety rules and regulations. Only after these things are completely understood by all attending do we move on. The rest of the morning the instructors demo and explain one skill at a time. Letting the students shoot a live string of fire after each demo so that instructors can address that fundamental skill. Then on to the next demo. We break a few times each day to hear the story of Paul Rever’s ride, Lexington and Concord. This is where we try to awaken the sleeping patriot in you. 

IE:  Do you get a "community" like feeling kind of like when we used to attend hardcore shows when we were younger?

Nick: Yes, I do feel a community like feeling at Project Appleseed events. With some it is just on the surface and with others it can be a deeper sense of fellowship. Some instructors and I have become good friends, I guess you can say birds of a feather flock together.

IE: How many states is Appleseed in now?

Nick: Appleseed is a national movement, we are in every state of our Union. This has been achieved by the hard work and dedication of all the volunteer instructors that believe in the program. Thanks to all of them for their  time and effort.

IE: What are the demographics of the Project Appleseed membership?

Nick: Our demographics are quite diverse if you take into account that we are a national organization. Appleseed is an open society to all who are interested in learning the history and heritage of America and the birth of our Constitutional Republic based in the idea of liberty. This idea unites many types of people from diverse backgrounds. Liberty is unconditionally understood by more individuals than given credit for and is a great uniter. Many different types of people have passed through Appleseed either as instructors or patrons. Their backgrounds have been different, their political views have been different, their religions and or ethnicity have been different. The glorious thing is they all have learned something about America, rifle marksmanship and themselves.

IE: What is your "title" and what are your responsibilities?

Nick: I am a Project Appleseed Instructor, with Shoot Boss credentials. Instructor responsibilities cover a wide range of duties, like being an orator that tells the historic story of April 19th 1775. Instructors give demonstrations and explain the proper shooting positions and shooting techniques to rifle marksmanship. Instructors work the firing line as Range Safety Officers always making the firing line safe to Appleseed standards. There is the duty of Line Boss who is in charge of the firing line commands. Shoot Boss is a bit higher up the chain of command. A Shoot Boss can set up and run sanctioned Project Appleseed events. A Shoot Boss administers and manages the event as a whole and makes sure the whole event is up to Appleseed standards. Of course there are a ton of behind the scene things that are not always visible to the public or even to instructors.

IE: Some opponents of Appleseed have referred to the group as a militia and some go as far as to say the group is anti-government. What is your response to this?

Nick: Project Appleseed is a history and heritage organization with an excellent rifle marksmanship course. Appleseed is not a militia but a body of citizens exercising their God given rights as stated by the founders of the United States of America in the documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of our Republic. So, it might be said that Project Appleseed is more pro-government than the opponents you mention. When you do for the cause of righteous there is no fear.

IE: Have you seen or heard about people who have other motives for joining Appleseed and could be in the group for the wrong reasons. How does the group handle these situations?

Nick: Project Appleseed is a nonprofit teaching organization. We have a lot of different type of people that pass through our events. Not everyone has the same understanding of what Project Appleseed is about in truth. This is why at every event we send a clear message on what Project Appleseed is about, and what we are not about. When we encounter the type of person that puts forth their own personal agenda over the message of the program we try and educated them. If they refuse to understand they are asked to leave, and or excused of their duties.

IE: What are you up to these days outside of Project Appleseed?

Nick: Well, I am a family man and am interested in raising my wife and I’s children into mindful adults. Other interests include staying physically fit and morally straight, I am a God fearing man. I played rhythm guitar for a jass swing band a few years back. I like old movies too, like “Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, “Paths of Glory”, “The Grapes of Wrath”, “White Heat”, “All Quiet on the Western Front”, and many more. Hunting and camping are a big part of my life. I like to slow cook pork ribs until the meat starts to fall of the bone!

IE: If you had to name a few bands and the specific albums that helped influence the creation of your old band Fit of Anger which would they be?

Nick: In no specific order, Carnivore’s first album, Black Flag “My War, Agnostic Front “Victim in Pain”, Suicidal Tendencies first album, The Mob “We Come to Crush”, Bad Religion “Suffer”, Bad Brains “Rock for Light”, The Dead Kennedys “Frankenchrist”, Misfits “Legacy of Brutality”, Circle Jerks “Golden Shower Hits”, GBH “City Baby’s Revenge”, Cro-Mags :The Age of Quarrel”, Minor Threat, DRI “Dealing With It”, COC “Animosity”, Social Distortion “Mommy’s Little Monster”… these albums are all hardcore thrash from the 1980’s. This was the mainstay of what was drilled into my head as a youth…and they wanted to know why I could not sit still in school...

IE: That’s all I got, anything else you wanted to add?

Nick: I would like to say hello and thanks to all my friends from the past. I often think of them and remember the times we lived. Even though we are now apart, I never forget. I am loyal to those who knew me best and am glad to say so. Until we meet again, Bless, strength, and honor…

For more info go to: APPLESEEDINFO.ORG