What our TMA Postal Matches mean to me

[Hanshi]

[RobD]

wow!  old guys really DO know stuff!   :lol  

[Muley]

You finally got your Christmas present Hanshi. You're not a kid anymore. None of us are, but that's no reason to not still want what we asked for as kids.

[Maven]

Watchoo been smokin' Hanshi?

[Ohio Joe]

I've got this book, (Earliest Years Plus Volumes I & II - 1939 - 1941) that was put out about the founding and development of the NMLRA, and a big part of what they offered back then and a way to keep in touch with their membership was Postal Matches.  I'm sure the NRA is much the same story for an older organization that's been around a long time.

One of our first orders of business here at the TMA during our founding was our Postal Matches, and we've had them every since, which IMHO is a testament to our TMA members, who are the finest folks around as far as I'm concerned and I thank each and every one of you who have supported this long standing program.  

[Winter Hawk]

Glad I missed out on whatever it was that happened, wherever, and I DON'T want to know.  But we all need second, third, fourth, and so on chances.  Lord knows I often have needed them!

I was tickled to see the TMA Postal Matches available.  I don't get out to shoot with other folks much, never have been in a position to go to rendezvous or anything like that.  Well, that's a little misleading; when I lived in Oregon in the late '80s I shot with the Forest Hills Black Powder Brigade and had a whole lot of fun on the monthly trail walks, but that was only for a short time before I went back to Alaska.  I have been shooting the NMLRA  Muzzleblasts postal shoots but those have ended now, so I really look forward to seeing who I need to beat out for last place here....

~WH~

[sse]

so I really look forward to seeing who I need to beat out for last place here....

When the postal matches first started I inaugurated a "basement award' for the shooter who came in last.  It was an ugly looking object, given to me by the first President of the TMA, and made the rounds being passed from one to the other each month.  It is said to have mortified some of them into shooting better so they would never have to gaze at it again, it was that bad.  One could get nightmares.

Then at some point, we lost track of it and I tried to back track and find who was the last one saddled with it, but it never turned up.

[Ohio Joe]

:happy  

[Uncle Russ]

so I really look forward to seeing who I need to beat out for last place here....

When the postal matches first started I inaugurated a "basement award' for the shooter who came in last.  It was an ugly looking object, given to me by the first President of the TMA, and made the rounds being passed from one to the other each month.  It is said to have mortified some of them into shooting better so they would never have to gaze at it again, it was that bad.  One could get nightmares.

Then at some point, we lost track of it and I tried to back track and find who was the last one saddled with it, but it never turned up.

I remember that!
That thing hung around for quite awhile, I never did get to see it, and it was said to be indescribable by those who had the misfortune of "earning" it.

Often wished it would show back up, but everybody claimed innocence and it is no longer what it once was.
To bad!

Glad to have you on board Winter Hawk, looking forward to some good times once this weather breaks.

"First to finish last"....gotta remember that one Joe!

Uncle Russ...

[Ohio Joe]

I remember hearing about that "basement award" but don't recall ever seeing it. I do recall we had a lot of fun with it when a person earned it.

[Ohio Joe]

Winter Hawk, keep an eye on your mail box - I mailed your target packet this morning!  :lt th

[Winter Hawk]

Thank ye kindly.  My entry form & funds are likewise.

~WH~

[Muley]

I'm afraid i'll have to pull out of the shoots. Sorry greyhunter.

I have too many medical problems to continue hunting and if i'm not hunting there's no sense in owning a gun anymore. I've sold out all I have related to guns and hunting.

I'm going to live out my years fly fishing and taking it easy.

Have a good shoot guys.

[Riley/MN]

I'm afraid i'll have to pull out of the shoots. Sorry greyhunter.

I have too many medical problems to continue hunting and if i'm not hunting there's no sense in owning a gun anymore. I've sold out all I have related to guns and hunting.

I'm going to live out my years fly fishing and taking it easy.

Have a good shoot guys.

Man, I am sorry to hear that Pete.

[sse]

Here is the first letter happily transferring the 'award' for the first time...