March Airman prepares for marksman competition

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kevin Mitterholzer

The competition is drawing near and practice is becoming ramped up for the competitors of the 2015 National Rifle Association National Smallbore Rifle Championships.

This is the case for Staff Sgt. Rodger E. Scrivner, communications specialist, 452nd Communications Squadron, March Air Reserve Base.

“For me, right now it’s all about preparing for the competition,” said Scrivner. “I’m just trying to improve my mental focus and really just iron out all the little details that will be important once the competition is here.”

The competition takes place from July 9-22 in Bristol, Indiana. Competitors from all over the world enter the competition every year.

“I’ve been entering small competitions here and there in order to try and prepare myself for the big competition,” said Scrivner. “Sometimes it’s hard to compete with the other guys because all they do is practice shooting. It’s their job and they get more expensive and better equipment because of it.”

Staff Sgt. Scrivner has always had an interest in shooting and going to firing ranges but it wasn’t until recently that he really started to focus on it.

“I took an 18 year break,” said Scrivner. “Then I decided to try and get back into it when a guy mentioned to me that there was an Air Force team.”

For Staff Sgt. Scrivner shooting has become one of the main focuses in his life. He practices at the shooting range multiple times a week and even does mental exercises at home.

“My wife said I better start bringing home some medals and trophies because of all the time I spend shooting and just thinking about competing,” said Scrivner. “I just hope to represent the Air Force the best I can, and maybe beat some Army guys.”