Giving Thanks

I just realized I hadn't done so. My mother would be appalled. So, copying Sebastian, I'd like to thank everyone involved in getting us to Blackwater to shoot Para-USA's guns and IPCC's ammo:

Thanos Polyzos, CEO of Para-USA - the guy who signed off on the idea and had his factory build us a run of really cool pistols. We're not worthy! We're not worthy! But we're very appreciative!

Kerby Smith, Director of Communications for ParaUSA. Sorry about the t-shirt joke, Kerby!

Todd Jarrett, who put together and taught the course. He even tried to get us time on the Blackwater track driving their cars, but I told him it was OK that hadn't worked out. If he'd pulled that off, I'd have to worship him as a God.

Michael Bane, who sent his film crew for DRTV and The Shooting Gallery, and who was, I think, responsible for the idea in the first place.

Patrick Harlan, Internet Marketing Specialist for Crimson Trace who supplied us with laser grips. Seriously - buy some Crimson Trace grips. You will be AMAZED. They'll do a lot to teach you what you do wrong.

All the folks at Blackwater USA. Sorry about the sink. And next time, do you think you could open the Pro Shop for us? I just want to see what Blackwater sells in their Pro Shop. Shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles? Backpack Ninjas? Sharks with frikken laser beams on their heads?

All the folks at Blackhawk, who supplied us with SERPA holsters and rigger's belts, shirts and goodies, and the bus that took us to and from Blackwater. You'll be getting a knife order from me soon, and possibly an order for another SERPA holster.

Dan Smith of International Cartridge Corporation, who supplied us with all our ammunition needs. I'm sorely disappointed that we sent him home with some full cases. But mostly I'm just sore.