Junior Shooting Sports

Duane Ellsworth Post 129 of The American Legion in Queen Creek, Arizona sponsors the Junior Shooting Sports Program, a comprehensive gun safety education and marksmanship initiative designed for youth of all abilities. This program emphasizes safety, education, enjoyment, and competitive skill development through structured instruction and competition.

The Junior Shooting Sports Program utilizes .177 caliber air rifles for all activities, making it an accessible and safe introduction to marksmanship for young shooters. The program welcomes both male and female participants and actively encourages disabled youth to join, as competitive shooting creates an equal playing field for all competitors regardless of physical ability.

Post 129 currently supports the Queen Creek High School JROTC Marksmanship Team by providing experienced coaches and comprehensive program support. The QCHS JROTC marksmanship team competes in local, regional, and national competitions, including JROTC-sanctioned events and American Legion marksmanship championships. The team has achieved outstanding results, including:

• •1st Place Overall Team at the Tombstone JROTC Marksmanship Competition (September-October 2023)
• •1st Place Team at the Skyline HS Rifle Competition (January 2023)
• •Multiple individual placements and awards at regional championships

Youth interested in participating should contact Duane Ellsworth Post 129 directly or reach out to their local Legion post, Sons of The American Legion squadron, or Auxiliary unit. The program is open to youth seeking to develop marksmanship skills in a safe, structured environment with veteran mentorship and professional coaching.

The American Legion Post 129 is headquartered in Queen Creek, Arizona and serves the local community through its various youth programs and veteran support services. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month.