Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Competition Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • Springfield M1A Match
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship 101
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • Instagram Links
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    End of Navigation Section

Rifle Competitor Julie Klusmeier Plans Wedding Around CMP Air Gun Matches

April 25, 2022

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Rifle Competitor Julie Klusmeier Plans Wedding Around CMP Air Gun Matches

“My dad likes to say that ‘shooters are weird,’ and I think he is right about that,” said Julie Klusmeier Landis, an air rifle competitor from Cincinnati, Ohio. “That makes me think of the Dr. Suess quote, ‘We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.’ Though most people apply this to romantic love, it can also be applied to friendships.” 

Julie and Mark on wedding day
Julie and her husband Mark purposely planned their wedding around her air rifle competition schedule. Mark and Julie met online, with marksmanship always known as a priority in the relationship. 

Julie began in marksmanship when she was 16 years old and has since created a network of experiences and lifelong bonds with her fellow competitors.

“I really enjoy competing and getting to see all my friends and making new friends,” she said.

Marksmanship and the relationships she’s built through the sport have become so central to her life that nothing can keep her from them – not even her wedding.

Julie shooting
Julie began her air rifle career as a junior and has remained dedicated to the sport into adulthood.

After getting engaged to her now husband, Mark, Julie knew right away that timing was essential. Through all the preparation and difficult decisions that come with wedding planning, creating a ceremony around the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Monthly Air Gun Matches was, in Julie’s mind, an easy choice to make.

“I planned my wedding around the match, in part, because I have shooting friends who I was inviting, and I didn’t want them to have to choose between the match and my wedding,” she said. “And because I wanted to shoot the match too!” 

Group photo on Julie's wedding day
Julie said some of the friends she’s made through air gun traveled the farthest to attend the wedding.

As the 27 year old began to make arrangements, she soon realized the time of year she was hoping to get married in was right in the middle of the competition season. She quickly got her hands on a CMP match schedule and eliminated the days that wouldn’t work, which ultimately narrowed down certain wedding details as well.

“Knowing the match dates actually did help as there were several venues I looked at that only had match days available, so they were easily crossed off the list,” she said.

After rejecting venue after venue that conflicted with the Monthly Matches, she admitted that her mom was surprised at just how serious Julie was about getting the date right. Her mom, though understanding, had doubts that Julie was going to stick to her original plan of competing so close to her wedding.

“When Mom realized that I was actually going to go to a match the week before my wedding, she kept telling me I was crazy and that I would end up not wanting to do that match,” Julie said. “She was wrong! I did go, and I had fun!”

Though some thought the decision to organize her wedding around air gun competition was peculiar, Mark was always supportive of the idea.

“His concern was that at the end, we were married and happy,” she said.

Julie with group of friends posing in standing position
Julie poses with a group of her air rifle friends at her wedding reception.

She and Mark settled on a wedding date of Sept. 25, 2021, in Julie’s hometown of Cincinnati. The date landed a week before the September Monthly Match at Camp Perry – just a few hours north. She admitted that though she tried to stay focused on the match on competition day, she found her mind wandering to those last-minute wedding details. The distraction ended up serving as a training session in mental focus and competing under pressure.

“Every time I recognized I was distracted, I took a moment to breathe and refocus on the competition and what was happening in that moment,” she said. “It was difficult, but it was rewarding.”

Her strategy worked, with Julie marking a fourth place finish overall in the 60 Shot Rifle Match.

After competition was over, all that was left to do was marry the love of her life. She didn’t incorporate marksmanship into her wedding, wanting to keep the festivities traditional, but her friends joked about coming to the wedding wearing their thick, leather shooting jackets and pants – although none actually went through with the idea.

Julie rests between shooting
Julie competes in national-level events each year, including USA Shooting’s Winter Air Gun.

“To my slight disappointment,” Julie joked.

The wedding may have been traditional, but Julie and Mark’s relationship blossomed from a modern-day romance that began online. From the start, Mark was fully aware of Julie’s interest in shooting sports. She used several pictures of herself shooting within her dating profile page and fashioned her username after the make and model of her air rifle. While Mark hasn’t had experience in shooting, he’s shown endless support for Julie’s passion and has even attended a few CMP Monthly Matches when able. 

Mark has kept busy with passions of his own since the two have been together, finishing grad school to become an architect and now working hard to remodel the couple’s home. Julie says once they have more free time, she plans to take Mark out to the range and teach him the fundamentals of the sport. She also hopes to raise a family of young rifle competitors, just as she was.

Julie has been involved with marksmanship since 2011 when she joined a youth smallbore program at her local club, the Fairfield Sportsmen’s Association. Luckily for her, a club member had started a youth air rifle team that same year and offered the new program to some of the smallbore athletes. Thus, began her journey into air competitions.

Julie smiles at competitor next to her
Garnering friendships on the range is a common trait of the air gun community.

She continued with the sport as a hobby through her high school and college years. Although she wasn’t on any scholastic teams, it didn’t stop her from traveling and competing three weekends each month – and sometimes more. She has even competed in the National Junior Olympics and has gone on to fire in other national-level events, including USA Shooting’s annual Winter Airgun event.

“After graduation, I continued with as many matches as I could. I still traveled about every other weekend for competitions,” she explained. “Once I met Mark, we actually arranged our date nights around the nights I knew I needed to either be out of town or needed to get a good night sleep for a match the following day.”

When she aged out of the junior programs, she became an instructor to the younger generation instead. She also used her downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many matches were cancelled, to earn her National Rifle Association instructor certification.

Julie with award medal
The month following her wedding, Julie earned the silver medal at the October Camp Perry Monthly Match.

As COVID restrictions began to reduce, Julie resumed competing at as many matches as possible, like the CMP Monthly Matches and the CMP Aces Postals program, which is designed to be fired from an athlete’s home range. Her involvement in competitions has not only provided her an outlet for her ambition but has also been a great source of notable connections in her life.

“I have found many lifelong friends in the shooting sports,” she said. “It speaks volumes that of the guests of my wedding who were not family, my shooting friends came the farthest by far – some from Michigan, one from Maryland, and one from mid-Kentucky.” 

Though not acknowledged exclusively during her ceremony, Julie’s wedding can be celebrated as a testament to the unique relationships that inevitably seem to form within the field of marksmanship athletes.

“I’m not quite sure why the bonds of friendship grow so strong in the shooting community, but I know they do,” she admitted. “I always find it a little strange that I have such good friends that I see maybe eight to 10 times a year, if that many, and we can all just pick back up where we last saw one another.”

She also remarked how rivalries in other sports can turn bitter, while those within the shooting sports move more toward admiration for their opponents.

Julie on smallbore range
Now that her wedding is done, Julie hopes to someday teach Mark and their family about shooting sports.

“We generally say we are competing ‘WITH’ not competing ‘AGAINST’ our fellow shooters,” she said. “This fosters a sense of community and respect even outside of one’s particular team.”

As it turns out, those weird shooters know a thing or two about the value of human ties – whether romantically or not. Like marriage, being a marksman is a lifelong commitment, both on and off the firing line.

“The camaraderie of the shooting sports is truly a unique and indescribable situation,” she said. “I can’t really describe how much my shooting friends mean to me.”

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

2 Replies to “Rifle Competitor Julie Klusmeier Plans Wedding Around CMP Air Gun Matches”

  1. Lenny says:
    May 10, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    Congratulations and good luck to both of you.

    Reply
  2. Emme says:
    May 3, 2022 at 3:15 pm

    Congratulations Julie. It is so cool.
    Best wishes to your marriage.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

The mission of the Civilian Marksmanship Program is to promote firearm safety and marksmanship training with an emphasis on youth. Our vision is that every youth in America has the opportunity to participate in firearm safety and marksmanship programs.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2022 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.