2025 PFC Ronald McNeil Memorial Rifle Match - Match Recap

Match Director Luke Jeter organized this event in honor of the VMI classes of ’65 and ’66, dedicating it to the memory of their classmates who were lost in the Vietnam War.

Luke put on a challenging and fun match of 13 stages and 153 rounds. Each stage had a whole page bio on a hero that brought their sacrifice to the forefront of your mind.

All proceeds went towards a scholarship to a VMI cadet, class of '28 - Sophia Lurey. Luke was able to raise a remarkable $11,054 for Sophia.

Please join us in congratulating our top finishers:

First Place and Top Junior: Jackson Boyer

Second Place: Brian Blevins

Third Place: Ron Verran

Top Lady: Ruth Soucie

Top Senior: Dave Ostrowske

Top Production: Cody Veach

Meet The Match Director: Luke Jeter

How did you first get involved with shooting?

I started shooting early, around 7 or 8 years old, with my grandfather and uncle. In high school, I got involved in CMP and NRA High Power before transitioning to shotguns. Eventually, I found my way into the Precision Rifle Series. I've now been active in competitive shooting for over 30 years.

When did you begin your role as Match Director?

In 2022, when PRS launched its Rimfire Series, there weren't many venues on the Atlantic Coast. Chris Lockhart and I saw an opportunity and started Central Virginia Precision Rimfire. We began hosting matches at Black Bear Shooting Club and Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club.

When did you host your first Memorial Match?

We hosted our first memorial match in May 2023. It was also one of the first 2-day rimfire matches we ran.

How have you seen the Memorial Match evolve over the years?

It's grown significantly in just a few years. We had to switch venues to accommodate the rising number of competitors. I think that speaks to how much our community values what this match represents - we come together to honor our fallen and give back.

What inspired you to create a match that honors our country's heroes each year?

In 2009, I had the opportunity to visit my great-uncle Ronal McNeil's grave at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. He was with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge. While there, I learned that a young Belgian boy and his grandmother had adopted his grave. They placed flowers on holidays and birthdays, ensuring he was never forgotten. That kind of reverence of our fallen isn't something I see often at home. I knew then I wanted to do something meaningful - it just took time to find the right event to carry that mission forward.

You've built a successful junior program. What advice would you give other Match Directors who want to increase junior participation?

Juniors are the future of the sport. At my local club, we have more members over 90 than under 30 years old. I was fortunate to have great mentors as a young shooter. With a background in 3P, I've coached NJROTC rifle teams, and that experience helped me build my junior program. Today, about 10% of my competitors are juniors.

My advice: Never miss a chance to invite a kid to the range. Make time for new and junior shooters. On match day, squad them with experienced shooters. When designing your COF, make it fair for the middle of the pack - so new and junior shooters can stay competitive and have fun. And comp their match fees - it makes a difference.

Do you plan to host another scholarship match next year?

Absolutely. The PFC Ronald McNeil Memorial Rifle Match will continue as a scholarship match. In our first year, we awarded $500 scholarships to two junior world team members. Last year, we gave $1,000. This year, we raised and donated over $11,000.

Our current criteria focus on ROTC students at Virginia Military Institute with financial need, but we're looking to expand that to include any ROTC student facing financial hardship.