I am pleased to report that PROJECT SWORD IS DONE!!! Mission completed!!!
Thank you to all our donors!
I can best summarize our combined actions by the following:
* Cost to post on Leverguns.com... $ 0.00
* Cost for a First Class stamp... $ 0.41
* Average out-of-pocket donation from forum members... $ 20.00
* The Total Amount we raised for this great cause... $ 1,110.00
* The great feeling you get from participating in this... PRICELESS!
Without you and your support, this "crazy idea" never would have gotten off the ground. But not only did it fly, 48 of us pulled together and we reached the stars!
Within 24 hours of the first posting, as the pledges from you fine folks were pouring into the website & PayPal, it quickly became clear we would easily exceed the $300.00 minimum target that was set. Within another 48 hours, some snail-mail donations started to arrive and we had enough funds and more pledges to not only buy Jeremy (JReed) the personalized USMC NCO Sword for his dress uniform, but his chosen charitable organization would also greatly benefit by our generosity. Half a dozen members, who asked to remain anonymous, also contacted me privately to advise "If there was any shortfall", they would make it up. That wasn't needed, but you know who you are, and thank you for making that kind offer.
It's pretty amazing when you realize these donations came from all over this great country, including one from across the pond in the UK! And with the holidays upon us, it's typically a tough time of year to ask people to donate to yet another cause -- but you did! So many "Project Sword" letters arrived in the mail that my local mailman had to ask "Hey, what's this thing all about?" When I told him the story, he was totally blown away that most of us have never met JReed before, but we only "know him" from his postings on Leverguns.com. My mailman is a shooter and ex-military, and he wanted me to send his thanks too. He also said "It proves what I've seen over and over again, that gun owners and shooters are some of the BEST people you will ever meet!" Amen to that!
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Without further adieu, here is the HONOR ROLL of all the Leverguns forum members who contributed to Project Sword:
Ysabel Kid, WCF3030, Tycer, Thunder50, stormspotter, Sixgun, Sheepman Dave, Rusty, RKrodle, rjohns94, pricecw, pharmseller, Papa, oldgerboy, Old No7, Old Ironsights, neil mitchell, Mnfolk75, Modoc ED, Mike D., Mark Wilson, kimwcook, Junior, jd45, Jayhawker, j schott, Hobie, Haycock, Hagler, gon2shoot, Gamekeeper, engravertom, dr walker, don Tomás, Dewight, DerekR, danthegunman, cutter, crowkiller, canonsix, C. Cash, Bosco, Bigahh, azoil, Andrew, 86er, 2ndovc, 1894 and 1886.
(Yes, they are listed in reverse alphabetical order... Just because too few teachers in school ever chose that option!)
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For those who have not seen the excellent USMC NCO Swords on the Marlow White website (www.militarysabers.com), below are a couple of pictures from that site. The quality of these "certified" swords (from WKC in Germany) is outstanding! I have to tell you, I saw a cheap import NCO Sword within the last week, and it was horrible... Whereas the Marlow White swords are like a fine Winchester or Marlin, the cheap sword I saw was like, well... Well, you wouldn't want Jeremy or any other Marine carrying one, that's for sure!
Jeremy's 32" NCO Sword is now on order and it will have a very special "personalized" laser-etching that he chose -- but you'll have to wait for him to show us that after he takes the pictures. Due to the significant amount of $$ we raised, I made an executive decision to include a padded sword case with the purchase, to properly protect & preserve this special heirloom for Jeremy and his family.
Please be a little patient as we wait for Jeremy to post some pictures of his new NCO Sword, as the company quotes "up to 10 days for etching" and "up to 6 days" for delivery. But I would expect Jeremy to have the sword within 2 weeks time.
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In addition to the sword purchase, I am also pleased to report that a check for $446.00 is being mailed to Fisher House Foundation Inc. on Monday morning, from all of us at Leverguns.com.
Jeremy had previously selected this charity "If there was any excess..." as they helped his family and young son Evan once before. I have to tell you, I was VERY IMPRESSED after browsing this organization's website (www.fisherhouse.org). What they do for our veterans and their families is outstanding!
Their mission is this: "Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide 'a home away from home' that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury."
* The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facilities or have transportation available. There are 38 Fisher Houses on 18 military installations and nine VA medical centers. Five more are now under construction or in design or planning. Houses can accommodate 16 to 42 family members in 8 to 21 suites.
* During the year 2006, their highlights included: Families served = > 10,000; Average length of stay = 12-14 days; Average stay (for combat casualties) = 45-60 days; Average occupancy level = 90%; Average cost per day to veteran or family = ZERO.
* All the above saved the veterans' families more than $10 Million Dollars in lodging costs, plus food and transportation!
* Since 1990, Fisher House has offered 2,500,000 days of lodging to more than 110,000 proud veterans and family members.
Wow... What more can I say...
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Well, I think that just about wraps this up, except for a few more thank you's...
Thank You to Jeremy, for humbly accepting our gift and gratitude for his service to our country. Wear the sword with pride, and pass this act of kindness along. (And don't forget to post the pictures of your sword and dress blues!) I'm not a Marine, but I hope you'll allow me to say to you... Semper Fi!
Thank You to Hobie, for allowing all these "off topic" posts and for using sticky's where needed. Thanks also for the support and ideas you offered me by e-mail. Tight groups to you!
Thank You to the Leverguns Honor Roll Members for without you this never would have happened. Good shooting to all!
As for me... I have thoroughly enjoyed the richness of this experience. Without trying to sound too sentimental, my dear Father (a WWII Vet of the 4th Fighter Group) is approaching his meeting with Our Lord (the last few weeks have been pretty tough...) and this project has been a bright spot which has brought me immense joy and personal satisfaction. That's all the thanks I need...
Thank you for allowing me to serve you.
God Bless You, America and our Military!!!
Old No7
for all participants, for all those who serve. Many thanks to you for leading the charge on this project. You've done your dad proud I think. 
