Folks:

Having my typing capability diminished by 1/10th, due to slicing my left ring-finger fingertip today with one of my hunting knives, this will be short because it's just a tad difficult to type at the moment. Some Super Glue and a finger cot seem to be keeping the blood in at the moment.

I'm leaving on my safari in the morning. I will be driving to Chicago and parking my wheels at Kathi's house -- she was gracious enough to both waive her usual commission AND give me free parking at her and her husband's house, both of which saved me a chunk of money on my travel arrangements.

As nearly all of you know, and maybe some of you newer folks don't, this safari is a gift to me from MANY of the fine folks here at AccurateReloading.com as their way of expressing their thanks to me for serving my country, during my tour of duty in Iraq during OIF1. I left home 23 Jan 03 and returned to American soil on 14 Feb 04 -- the nicest Valentine's Day I've ever had.

I paid for my airfare, on this trip, and that's it. If I mention names, I know I'll forget someone and it is not my intention to insult anyone by omission -- but I have to mention at least a few folks. There was at least one VERY sizeable "anonymous" donation, Saeed kicked in my Cape buffalo, Ray pulled a gazillion strings behind the scenes to bring it all together... the Judge raffled off a beautiful rifle to pay for my zebra and an impala... and so many of you kicked in major chunks of cash to make this happen -- raffles, donations (Melody gave me some of her Long Grass shooting sticks), and just all SORTS of things, from so MANY of you, as your way of saying "thanks for serving."

Well, let me tell you, it's people like YOU who make me proud to do it. And Saeed? I know you're not American, and I don't wear a United Arab Emirates uniform -- but without you, this site would never have existed, people who are friends today would never have met were it not for you, and dreams -- like the one you've helped make happen, my friend -- would not have come true for so many... most especially, for "me."

It's been a long day of last-minute errands, "massive" packing, and racking my brain to think of what I might have forgotten. Frankly, I'm physically beat and mentally exhausted at the moment -- but, before I go to bed tonight, as soon as I post this, I wanted to say "thank you, everyone -- thank you to those of you who made this safari happen for me.

Thank you, my AR friends. Thank you.

Russ

Russ,

Have a great hunt. Funny, I cut my finger quite deeply the day I was leaving for my second safari. Shoot straight and keep you powder dry.

Regards,

Terry

Russ,
You have a great time over there. Bring back a bunch of stories and photos.

Thank you for your service!!!!

Phil

Keep that finger clean and have a great time. Bring back PICS!! Of course they never compare to the lasting memories you will carry with you from now on.

Good Luck,

Perf

PS: I am leaving Sunday for Cote d'Ivoire. Good to share the continent with you.

I hope you have a great hunt and many memories.
Now I just gotta get myself over there some day.

Russell what unit were you with? I went over to Iraq the 2nd of march 2003 with the 101st Airborne.

Russell,
Go and have the time of your life. May the buff be long of horn and hard bossed. As Ray once said, "leave your give a shi**er at home" and enjoy the African sun, bush, and stars.

I can't speak for all here, but for myself, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, effort, sacrafice, dedication and life given to the duty of our country.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.

Good hunting and enjoy.
Coues

Russ,

Have a great hunt and enjoy your time in TZ.

Hog Killer

Have a GREAT time ... bring home good pics, good stories, and wonderful memories!

Have fun,take heaps of photos

Travel safe, and have a great hunt!

A well deserved trip!

Enjoy your hunt, Russell.

How's your Mom doing nowadays?

Russ,

Shoot first and ask questions later. And don't wait until you can see the whites of their eyes before the follow up shot.

Good luck!

Good hunting and enjoy every minute from the great sunrises to the great sundowns and sundowners. Keep well.

Russ:

It's an honor to have you in our midst, and I'm excited that you're finally going to become infected with the African hunting bug. Soak it all in and have a great time!

Your letter and your service to this country speaks volumes about you. Thank you. Hope you have a great hunt.

Good luck and have a great hunt!! Thanks for your service to our country.

Give em hell buddy. Look forward to the return post and photos.

Russell ----- Sometimes dreams do come true, enjoy your hunt as much as I did last year. Give Pierre' a big hardy hug and Annelli a kiss from me. Tell Twiga, Singoree, Moses, Abdul and the other boys Hi from one of your AR buddies, whom you have never met, except through daily visions with this wonderful site of Saeed's. Africa will welcome and awe you all at the same time, take lots of notes and pictures, because when you get back, there is no way you can remember it all without them. Good luck and good shooting.

Git-r-done, Russ!

Dave

Russell,

Best wishes for a great safari.

Russell,

Please have a great time!

Regards,

Mark

Russell,

Have a great time!!! I'm very happy for you!

-Bob F.

Good luck, and thanks for all you do for our country.

Russell
He must go -- go -- go away from here!
On the other side the world he's overdue.
'Send your road is clear before you when the old Spring-fret comes o'er you,
And the Red Gods call for you!
Shoot Straight
Doyle

Russel, Have a great hunt. Tell Pierr'e and Anneli I said hello. Since you cut your finger you have to ask Pierr'e what happened to his finger when he was cutting firewood with a hatchet I gave him!!!You guys will look like twins! Tell Mosses to cook something special for you, he makes great pizza! Good luck! Joe

Russell,

I think what you are going to owe everyone is some great photos and better stories. Have fun and be safe.

Congrats,

Redlander

Hi Russ:

Have a great Safari... shoot straight and bring home the bacon and pics....

Many of us are traveling with you in our hearts and dreams...

Regards.... Jim P.

Russ, the very best to you! Enjoy, you have earned it!