With Mods' OK

[beaucoup ammo]

Since a few folks asked me to let them know how this turned out, I offer the following. It concerns "How To Tell Someone They Are Too Old To Shoot." If you plug that into Forum Library it might bring up the thread.

My wife and I had "Joe" over to eat after a terrible day at the range that saw him fail to follow the range bosse's commands during a target change.

He has been aware for some time that his safety methods have been slipping and compromising the well being of others. He told me on the way home that perhaps the time had come for him to stop going to the range..the only activity left that he truely enjoys.

This was a perfect time to bring up the subject. It was also do or die time, as the range people, while understanding and fond of "Joe", had told me something had to be done or he was out.

I explained he was very astute in making the observation..and said he was smart for him to see it coming as others his age (WW2 Vet) continued while putting others in harm's way. Made him feel good about himself.

Long story short: "Joe" is able to continue shooting at the range providing I am with him at all times. Essentially, I am responsible for him. He realizes the situation that place me in..respects it, and has sworn to follow my instructions to the letter.

I hope it works out as this is his one activity that brings any pleasure out of life.

 

[DMK]

Growing old is a sad thing and it's hard to see it happen someone you love.
Kudos to you for doing the right thing. I know how hard that is. It makes you feel bad either way.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Good for you! I'm happy somebody is willing to take the time to let him enjoy himself.

I have a neighbor, 84 years old, who was a tank driver for Patton. He's absolutely fascinating to talk to.

 

[Biker]

Thumbs up and good on you. Way awkward place to be in for all involved. At least the old guy still gets to shoot and retain his pride.

Biker

 

[Polishrifleman]

Great work and what a blessing that the situation arose the way it did. "Joe" really does have his whits about him.

Are there any other THR's in the San Antonio area that are members or frequent your range? You might consider somehting of a "Joe" swap so your commitment does not become a hinderance. What you are choosing to do is very honorable and you should not be put in an unfortunate situation do to your nature.

Good luck to you and "Joe".

 

[kingpin008]

Good for you, and I'm glad Joe doesn't have to give up his range time. It's gotta be a hard thing for him to admit to himself that he's slipping, but in accepting help he did the right thing.

I have a similar situation with my dad. He's older (in his 70's), and was never brought up to be familiar with guns. He wants to go shooting with me sometime, but I'm just not comfortable. When I've showed him my guns in the past, and let him actually handle them (unloaded) there's been all sorts of muzzle/trigger discipline issues, and it makes me generally uneasy as to his ability to be safe. He's even said so, that he doesn't feel confident enough to be safe all the time, and that it only takes once for an accident to happen.

I guess the point is, it's tough getting old..for all concerned.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Kudos to you sir. A WWII veteran deserves our respect and gratitude and you have shown him both. You have likewise earned the same from me.

But what do I know...

 

[4v50 Gary]

You're doing good Beaucoup Ammo. I remember one day at a public range where we were all amazed that in the middle of a course of fire, an old man starts walking up to his target, intent on changing it. Naturally, we automatically ceased fired (we all stepped away from our benches too) while the rangemaster attempted to call him back over the PA system. Being deaf, he didn't hear a thing and another rangemaster went over to chew him out. Guys like that need someone an escort to the range.

 

[griz]

Thank you B. Ammo for doing the right thing for what sounds like a good person. As someone who will be an old fart one day (if all goes according to plan ) it's good to hear that there are people out there that will treat me as well as I could hope for.

Thanks again, Griz

 

[elrod]

beaucoup ammo, in my book you are a class act! The old vet gave the rest of us the freedom to enjoy whatever form of recreation we choose. My hats off to you. There is no easy way to tell someone that they are no longer competent to do a task, be it shooting, driving, or even walking unaided. Again, thanks for caring, and especally thanks to ALL those who served our country!

 

[pharmer]

BA, talk about paying back Karma. When it's your turn, you will reap the benefit of your present actions. Good on you. Joe

 

[beaucoup ammo]

"Joe" is 88. Served in France during WW2 and again saw combat in Korea. He has two (2) Purple Hearts.

His realization could not have come at a better time as I was at the end of my rope as to how to approach the topic. He has been making mistakes off and on for the past year.

I've been driving him for quite a while, as he knew his driving was bad and handed me the keys one day. It takes real guts to put the safety of others above your freedom of mobility.

Anything I do for "Joe" can never equal the satisfaction I get from his first hand accounts of combat against the Germans in hip deep snow. How to dig in and fortify yourself with tree limbs and brush. Going up against 10,000 Koreans when it's below zero and you're outnumbered 20 to 1..and this is first hand.

No one wants to see him deprived of this last enjoyment.

Thanks for the good words!

 

[iiibdsiil]

Good for you man! Helping people with handicaps can sometimes be a hassle, but they deserve a quality of life, and you are a good man for helping him continue to have that.

 

[Mr White]

Boucoup, You da man!! Very commendable what you're doing for Joe.

When I see an old man, bent over, walking slow, driving even slower, taking forever in the checkout line, ..., I don't get annoyed. I try and think of him when he was in his prime. Perhaps he was a Marine fighting his was up Mt Surabachi, Maybe he was in the 101st holding the line at Bastogne. Maybe he was an Navy AA gunner at Midway. (Maybe he was an accountant who was never even in the Service, but I don't think of that possibility)

 

[hksw]

I commend you on your stepping up to take the responsibility and time of ensuring the safety of those who need it from both sides.