What is a Berger Sharpshooter?

[Cole Bluesteele]

The Berger Sharpshooters Posse was formed in April, 2011 for two very important reasons.  First to remember our friend, Joe Berger and second to experience our western heritage as it really was.  As the Union army had the famous Berdan Sharpshooters, we in Texas now have the Berger Sharpshooters in his honor. 

Joe Berger was our friend and as the owner and operator of Jacob's Plain Gun Club  was always supportive of our western action shooting an activity he introduced at the Jacob's Plain Gun Club in 1996. A native of Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the army at 18 after high school.  He served in Panama, Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Fort Sill and the University of New Hampshire ROTC.  It was while serving in Vietnam that he met and Married Sandy Lane.  Their union led to 38 years of marriage and many great adventures.

Joe loved the military and his service to his country.  After twenty years of service the Bergers retired to Greenville, Texas.  There Joe opened La Chateau Restaurant Downtown, built Jacob's Plain Gun Club, started Centennial Security Services and Security Guard Academy.  Joe's service to his community did not end with his military career.  He was the Director of Hunt County Youth Outdoor Days, Past Master Masonic Lodge, Past President of the United Way of Greenville, Past President of the Greenville Downtown Business Association, Lifetime member of the NRA, member of the American Legion and the VFW, member of Ducks Unlimited, volunteer with the 4H of Hunt County and a 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan and Aikido.

His courage was evident to all who frequented the Gun Club.  He never let this battle with cancer slow him.  He worked at his range right up until his death.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to talk with him during those days can attest to his strength of character.  We will never forget the image of this frail man cheerfully waiving to us as he rode his tractor, cutting the grass in preparation for one of his "cowboy matches."  He was one of a kind and is missed by all his "Berger Sharpshooters."

The setting for our matches is named Lane Town in honor of Joe's wife, Sandy, whose family has owned the 170+ acres since the 1840's.  We remain forever in debt to Joe and Sandy for providing us with a place where we can enjoy friendships and our Second Amendment rights.

[Major 2]

No finer honor can be bestowed, than be remembered in the higest regard by the friends he made.

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Thanks, Cole. It gives a deeper meaning and understanding. Appreciate it.