On Friday August 2nd members of the ECEF arrived at Camp Stasa for the first All State Militia Family Camp-o-rific weekend. We set up camp and got the fire going. As Scoobie had to work back home that night Scrappy was left to her own. When I had called around 11 pm she told me that BR and Lou and Lee were there. Lee also brought his 2 boys. Since I wasn't there for Friday night I will leave that to Scrappy's corner.

I arrived back at camp around 10 am Saturday and was promptly informed by Scrappy that I was on kitchen detail. So I restocked the campfire and made us some eggs and bacon. Man that was good!!! As the morning went on others arrived and set up their camps. was turning out to be a great weekend.

A little note here; Mike W. we hope all is well with you, but, if it is expect an earful from scrappy!!!

As we were gearing up for the 2-miler we were informed that "Mr. .50" would be there. Big fun brewing!!before we started the march Rick from Eaton county showed up. He is a new member we hope to get qualified soon. We went on the hike with gear and everyone made it in good time. One dedicated member even made it in 22 minutes!!! I had one small EQ failure, an ALICE clip on my canteen failed. Goes to show why we need to train and why it is important to make sure the equipment you buy is good stuff.

Around this time Chuck Wagon arrived with 2 children in tow. Glad to see them here!! Also Mr. .50 arrived with his daughter. So great to see kids being taught that guns are safe tools in the right hands. We all took turns shooting the .50 BMG. Man that was fun. It was now time for some CCW class's down range so we decided it was grub time. After some Militia burgers and dogs cooked up by Chuck Wagon we had a "classroom" on fireteam movements and the word of the day.

We set up in 2 3 man teams and bounded through the woods to an area "webespect" (word of the day) there was an enemy position. We then lined up for and flanking charge with cover fire. B team moved in the frontal position while A team moved to the right flank. At the signal we all opened fire (simulated of course). After a predetermined amount of time B team held fire while A team charged through the enemy position. A team set up defensively while B team charged through. At this time B team leader discovered a "secondary enemy position" and informed A team to position and charge immediately. Both A and B team left 1 member back to cover the 1st position while the remainder of A charged across the flank. B followed. We then withdrew to the first position to mop up and look for anything of interest. It was discovered that there was a position in the air that needed to be checked. A team leader "the lightest person" climbed the ladder to check the observation platform. All clear was given and we did a ACE check of all units. This was a great exercise and every thing went very well. We are all learning to work together as a team!!!

We moved back to camp and had INTEL that there were trip wires in our path. A team leader moved his team into a wedge with team leader on the path. After moving roughly 400 yds a wire was discovered across the path. The signal was given to all and we continued back to camp.

At this time BR and Scoobie spent some time down range fixing the back stop that had been taking a beating. After some sweating and a honorary purple heart for being wounded in the line of duty the old shotup upright was removed and a new one installed. This is a good fix but more intensive work needs to be done before winter.

By now it was getting dark and some members had to leave. We said good-bye to Chuck Wagon and his guest's and Mr. .50 and his guest. Hope to see Mr. .50 again soon!!! A few members staying the night had brought some tracers. Talk about a night show!! big fun seeing .308 at night. We then gathered around the fire for marshmallows and some chat sessions. Everything was discussed. It was a great time. The kids had fallen asleep and a few of us decided for a night op. Lee and BR had moved out with Lou mounted on the Militia bike. ( note; Lou did a great job painting the bike in camo colors. looks great!!)

Scoobie geared up late and headed across the field to try some OPFOR moves. Lou and scoob spotted each other around the same time. Scoob then continued across the field hoping to spot BR and Lee before they spotted him. I spotted them 2 after I was past and stealthily continued until I was at the end of the field concealed in the ditch. When they came around the corner I had them! We had a little discussion then were Lee stated that they had thought I was Lou going across the field on the bike!!We continued down the road and made our turn to return. Before we got to the corner we saw Lou's light momentarily. With out a word spoken the 3 of us made for cover. Lou came around the corner and turned the light on. He shone the light right on Lee but couldn't see him for the camo cover. Lou also stopped less the 5' from BR!!! we went totally undiscovered. Not to say Lou isn't sharp but we were well concealed in the dark. Lou pedaled away and we continued walking toward camp. Lou then got us!! We were looking but didn't see him until it was to late.

We all got back to camp and had a debrief session on the night ops and other fireside chat. The stars were beautiful and the night so quiet. We turned in for the night completely exhausted from a very full day.

We woke Sunday to clouds and more eggs and bacon on the fire. We could hear thunder in the distance so most who stayed made a quick "bugout". All of course except those with small children!! Telling to inquisitive boys to do something quickly when there are woods and holes in the ground to play in is no easy chore. After breaking camps some went down range to site in some weapons. The rain held off and we enjoyed an early afternoon of chat and debriefing of the weekend. The ECEF then headed for home knowing that next year the annual Militia Family camp-o-rific campout will be just as fun!!!

Hope you can all be here next year and if not then come on out for a regular training!! Its fun and most importantly...its needed by all Patriots in these times!!!