Competition shooters take aim at Camp Perry

PORT CLINTON — People from across the country came to Camp Perry Monday for another round of national shooting competitions.The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Matches at Camp Perry, a National Guard training facility in Port Clinton, are a series of national rifle matches, pistol matches, the NRA national pistol championships and more."These matches have been fired here since 1907 and attract the finest shooters from across the nation who come for trophies, records and for some just an opportunity to shoot at Camp Perry, the most revered marksmanship venue in America," said Judith Legerski, the chair of the program's board of directors.This year will mark the final time the NRA will host a championship at Camp Perry during the national matches. It has chosen to move its event to Indiana. Legerski, however, said new and varied CMP matches will continue at Camp Perry.But before the 2019 matches can begin the program hosted a first shot ceremony attended by more than 100 people on Monday.Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman, who lost both of his legs in a training accident, parachuted into the camp with the American flag that will be raised for the entirety of the competition.He spoke to the audience about the message he promotes though his parachuting events, "it's not the disability … it's the ability."Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman, the first double-amputee to re-enlist in the Army, speaks to the crowd Monday at Camp Perry for the opening ceremony of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's National Matches."We are so lucky to be Americans and have freedom on our side, but it comes at a price," Bowman said. "A price our warriors pay each and every day. They've sacrificed their lives for our country … My tragic story is just one of many for veterans."Another veteran who knows his fair share about service is CMP's vice chair E.C. "Cris" Stone. Stone completed Army airborne, ranger and jungle schools. He was awarded for his service in Vietnam and Iran before retiring.Civilian Marksmanship Program's vice chair, E.C. "Cris" Stone, fires the first shot to kick off the program's National Matches at Camp Perry on Monday.While he was a young cadet at West Point, he came to Camp Perry for the first time to shoot in the All Army Matches. He returned Monday to fire the ceremonial first shot of the national matches."My first time here was as an 18-year-old and I have been awe and respect of all the heroes who have walked these grounds ever since," Stone said. "Shooting the first shot is an especially big honor for me."Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterDana Bowman, a double-amputee and Army veteran, parachutes into Camp Perry Monday with the flag that will be raised during the Civilian Marksman Ship's National Matches.Dana Bowman, a double-amputee and Army veteran, lands at camp Camp Perry Monday with the flag that will be raised during the Civilian Marksman Ship's National Matches.Dana Bowman, a double-amputee and Army veteran, lands into Camp Perry Monday with the flag that will be raised during the Civilian Marksman Ship's National Matches.Ohio National Guard soldiers work together to keep the flag Dana Bowman, a double-amputee and Army veteran, parachuted into Camp Perry Monday off the ground.Civilian Marksmanship Program's vice chair, E.C. "Cris" Stone, was honored to fire the the first shot for the program's National Matches at Camp Perry on Monday.Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman, the first double-amputee to re-enlist in the Army, signs autographs Monday after he parachuted into Camp Perry for the opening ceremony of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's National Matches.Ohio National Guard soldiers raise the flag that Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman parachuted into Camp Perry Monday for the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches.Ohio National Guard soldiers raise the flag that Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman parachuted into Camp Perry Monday for the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches.The crowd at Camp Perry for the first shot ceremony of the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches stand at attention as the flag is raised.Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman, the first double-amputee to re-enlist in the Army, greets fans Monday after he parachuted into Camp Perry for the opening ceremony of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's National Matches.Retired Army Sgt. Dana Bowman presents fellow veteran and Civilian Marksmanship Program vice chair, E.C. "Cris" Stone, with a coin Monday at Camp Perry before stone fires the first shot of the National Matches.A cannon is fired Monday to signal the end of the first shot ceremony and the beginning of the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches at Camp Perry.Ohio National Guard soldiers work together to keep the flag Dana Bowman, a double-amputee and Army veteran, parachuted into Camp Perry Monday off the ground.The crowd at Camp Perry for the first shot ceremony of the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches bow their heads for the pray before the ceremony.