Photo By Cpl. Rashaun X. James | Retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. William H. Jones prepares to reload his shotgun while...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The sounds of boastful banter and exploding shotgun shells filled the air at Cherry Point’s Skeet Range, June 8. Clay pigeons shatter into splintered fragments and congratulations and playful jabs are given out as freely and often as the ammunition being fired. For retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. William H. Jones it’s more than just another day at the range, it is the continuation of a hobby and passion that has gained him significant notoriety and respect among his peers.
Recently, Jones became the 50th inductee into the Armed Forces Skeet Association Hall of Fame. According to the AFSA Hall of Fame candidate criteria, members are those who have distinguished themselves by a high degree of proficiency in the sport of skeet shooting and/or by major contribution to the promotion and welfare of the AFSA.
Jones’ first taste of skeet shooting began when he was introduced to the sport in 1969 while serving at the Pentagon.
“My friends were skeet shooters,” Jones said. “As much as I liked shooting already, I thought I’d give it a try.
Jones has competed in registered competitions for 17 of the 25 years he has been a skeet shooter. He has challenged shooters in dozens of armed service and National Skeet Shooting Association competitions.
In 1982 Jones set the World Military Skeet Shooting high overall record when he scored 548 out of 550 points. After 28 years, the record still stands.
“When I actually set the record I had no idea I had done it,” Jones said. “A few days later I received a phone call informing me. I thought that was pretty amazing.”
Even after being inducted into the hall of fame, Jones continues to compete and hone his skeet shooting skills two to three times a week. Close friends, like Cherry Point Skeet range safety officer Fred Schnibben, speak highly of both Jones and the shooting community he has become a part of.
“He’s a heck of a nice guy in addition to his accomplishments,” Schnibben said. “The skeet shooting community is a really amazingly small community, and many people get their families involved in it as well. Both him and his wife compete and are usually up there in the winnings.”
Jones’ wife, Shirley Jo Neely, has become an avid shooter as well even beating her husband on occasion. She is just one of the many people Jones has helped to get involved with the sport.
“I had never handled a shotgun before Bill started teaching me to shoot skeet,” Neely said. “I really enjoy shooting now. Bill is very deserving of the honor he’s received. He’s a fantastic coach.”
Jones has not chosen to merely bask in the light of his achievements but is dedicated to helping others new to the sport. He also has no plans of quitting his beloved hobby either.
“I’d like to see everyone come out and give this a try,” Jones said. “If the veterans don’t foster this to the younger generations we might as well just hang it up. I’m going to try to keep doing this as long as the good Lord is willing to let me.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2010 13:02 |
| Story ID: | 51841 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 394 |
| Downloads: | 157 |
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