Gentlemen...

I got a special offer from a PH in Africa, that is both generous and fantastic...

Mr Pieter Kriel of Hunt Africa Safaris:
http://www.huntinginafrica.co.za/

has made an offer in appreciation of our Veterans Service, but also as an offer to thank the large number of Americans that have utilized his business's service.

Pieter has PM'ed me, and what he is offer for Two 24 Hour Campfire forum, is his services for FREE

the parameters are

1. The Veterans would be responsible for their airfare to and from Africa.

2. After that, EVERYTHING ELSE is on Pieter!

That would include a 7 day hunt, along with the fees for two to three heads of game!!!

For any taxidermist needs, can either be worked out in Africa or back stateside...

This generous gift would be worth thousands of dollars in Savings...

I'd like to Thank Pieter personally for making such a generous offer available to our Service Personnel serving in Harms Way, or have returned home safely after doing so...

Hunting AFRICA is a dream for a lot of guys... and here is a Golden Opportunity for that dream to come true...

So here it is to be presented to the forum...

Feel free to contact either myself or Pieter for more details..

Best regards
Seafire

WOW!

Way to go Pieter!

Very generous offer!

Got to agree...

I'd throw my hat in the ring, but even with such a generous offer, I still couldn't afford it...

Excellent Pieter!

That is awesome!

Fantastic! Bear

Thank you Pieter! Outstanding!

What a generous offer!!!

I'm not a Veteran but being that the only cost is airfare I'd be happy to donate some airline miles. Especially, to someone who meets the qualifications as set forth.

David

Well if this isn't a aprils fools joke, my hunting partner and I have 8 combined deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003...would be a dream come true.

Regardless of who gets to take advantage of such a tremendous offer, sounds like Peter is on stand up guy!

-Mike

Not an April Fools joke.

Then a heartfelt thank you to Peter on behalf of veterans everywhere. I don't know that simply doing our jobs is reason enough to deserve such an amazing opportunity but it certainly humbling to see someone raise their hand and offer to do something so selfless for others.

what a wonderful offer, and what a fantastic opportunity for a couple of vets.

I am 'in' for this project. Just let me know when.

^

Wow! that is fantastic. This should make someone's dream come true. It sure would mine if I could afford it.

just off the cuff, what would air fare to S. Africa cost?

Pieter is a great PH and a great person. Whoever gets to go will have a wonderful hunt. Thanks Pieter for being who you are.

That is fantastic!! Being a veteran myself it is great to see others offer opportunities like this. In my opinion, there isn't enough thanks going around to make up for their services. I will bow out letting those who endured more than I have take up this offer.

Mannlicher, as for airfare, I booked mine last Novemeber for $1850.

Thank you to all for the kind remarks. A small token considering what the armed forces do for all of us and our freedom.

We are still beating out the details but I am already getting excited as this is going to go big.

From the outset I may sometimes be out of reach for a month or so when hunting in Zimbabwe as there are many places we have no reception for emails. Hang in there we will get back to you.

Seafire and I will be communicating on a regular basis and we are busy setting up the rules and regulations so we can make this work. One idea is for the participants to bring along a significant other, or not? Perhaps we can all decide together on a few rules.

Any members have suggestions as to what should be taken into consideration to determine an ultimate winner(s) and if they should bring along an accomplice?

Pieter

I'm with BYC in trying to pitch in for the airfare. This is amazing Mr. Kriel!

I might know one deserving fella. He is a Morturary Affairs guy, and although he isn't out kicking in doors, his job is to identify remains, and honor our fallen by cleaning them up, and presenting them back to their families so that they have something to bury. The job is hard on him and he suffers with chronic nightmares from the kinds of things he see's daily while over there.

I know another guy from the same unit that is a full blown hero in my mind. We had a huge VBIED blow up one of our FOB's there last year. This FOB was very close to where our FOB was. This man grabed a medical pack and ran to the med shed. He gave blood moments before volunteering to fly out to the bomb site in order to load aircraft with wounded. He helped save dozens of lives that night.

Both of these guys love the outdoors, and I don't believe that either one has ever been to Africa.

Maybe we need to make a list of troops to submit here, and a little about their story, and then vote to send the two chosen?

Pieter,

Thank you very much for this wonderful offer. If I could make it this year I would be throwing my hat in the ring. Hope to see you again in a couple years anyway.

Thanks and God bless you.

Charles

What a generous offer!! Two BIG thumbs up for Pieter, and our Vets!!

14-year vet here, myself.

Eric

5K for the two of them.......

A very generous and honorable thing to do. Nice job there PK.

1. You may want to also include active duty as well as veterans.

2. Africa first timers.

My 2 cents worth.

As Pieter is kind enough to think of this and offer his services, maybe the Fire can help with the $5K tickets.

If the organizers had access to a 501c3 entity to use as a dedicated pass through, the contributions could be tax deductible.

Publicity will help sell the idea and get it off the ground.

The selection process will probably be the hardest, and that will have to be carefully constructed to find the right ones to go.

Sounds like a good project and a lot of work.

DF

Good idea. Too bad the airline fees are so steep for donating miles.

Pieter,

I greatly respect and commend you for this action. I have worked with Jobless, homeless vets in a VA contract program since 2006. I wish the project well and would also contribute to an airfare defraying project.

Best,
Dai

That may be high I just booked 2 tickets to SA about a month ago for $3600

Gentlemen...

Pieter and I are hammering out the details on how we are going to conduct this...we spoke on the phone for an hour yesterday..

once we get a final draft, the first step is to have it all approved by Rick Bin, since this is Rick's Web site..

sadly all who would love to go will not be able to...believe me, I think Pieter and I are both on the same page, that we wish we could do it for every deserving veteran on the forum..

sadly, logistics and cost on Pieter's end is prohibitive and my time on this is going to be given as a service with respect to all of you guys..

I am going to approach a couple of forum members who have been assisting in the background for the other Veterans project first to be a Committee for judging who will be the recipients of this 'gift' from Pieter...

for the logistics consideration, the time from that this will take place in will be in August 2013...

Pieter indicated that it will take too much time to get it all done before August of this year... he also indicated that August would be the best hunting month... and he is graciously taking that time to do this... right in his prime hunting month...

another sacrifice of his to ensure this to be a trip of a lifetime to the winners..

Pieter would like this to be open for the recipients to be able to bring their spouses along....

it will also be roughing it style hunting...out where the game is.. and around the campfire at night, instead of hanging out at the lodge...it is felt that would maximize the experience...

so if folks have some physical restrains, that should be considered..

we are still in the process of developing this... so please be patient..

I'll try to get updates posted as soon as possible, as the wheels turn on this..

best regards
seafire..

wow !

thanks guys. i am a vet, and would sell plasma to get the airfare up if needed.
i'd love to go, and am still in great health. count me in to go.

thank you very much for your kindness guys.

"it will also be roughing it style hunting...out where the game is.. and around the campfire at night, instead of hanging out at the lodge...it is felt that would maximize the experience..."

That is great! Pieter - wow - just wow! What an incredible offer.

I have no idea how to choose from all the veterans - completely random drawing perhaps?

Guy

Guys, I grew up as a military Dependent...plus spent my time in the service...

it wasn't until recently that I have even heard, much less embraced the concept of Active Duty guys to be considered the same as Veterans...

I grew up with the concept, your first day at the induction center, you were automatically a veteran...

so for guys interested in this.. if you are on active duty... you're a veteran.... same as any person who is back in the civilian world...

its got to be democrats that are putting this into people's heads that you aren't a veteran until you're off active duty..

you served or Serve... you are a vet..

( sorry for the soap box rant, but who ever is telling you guys serving now on active, aren't veterans next.. needs to be taken in a dark alley and 'straightened out'...)

Couldn't agree more!

Wow - thank you Pieter and Seafire!!! You guys are what make coming home to the USA all about. Each you gives something each day to this country, that somebody deployed or stationed overseas, is waiting to get home and experience. Thank you for your generous support!

You might consider giving preference to enlisted over officers if you choose to select active duty. They're probably less likely to be able to swing the trip themselves.

Outstanding & Thank You for the generous offer. Pm sent also.

Any further development on this? I have a few vets eager to submit their request...

It's going to take a while to agree on the rules, how judging should take place and what the format is going to be. I am standing on the side and Seafire is doing all of this in his spare time at no cost.

I'll have a word with Seafire and maybe we can do a monthly update. One of the rules we are thinking about is that anyone entering must be a signed up member of this forum. How about a few suggestions for rules from your side?

Thanks for the interest.

Pieter

Great offer, Thanks Peter and Seafire...

Update on this...

We have gotten our panel to serve as Judges for this contest..
Myself, Pieter and 3 other forum members..

We haven't decided if we are going to make their names known yet... however each is both a distinguished and well established forum member of the campfire.. and anyone whose been around here for a while will know them....

Per Pieter's request, the contest looks like it will involve someone writing a short essay of 300 minimum, 500 maximum word essay of why they desire to go to Africa...

Pieter has also wanted to insist that spouses attend.. for that 'family' appeal...after all this is a trip of a life time for many...

Contestants must be military veterans.. however understand, we consider those still serving on active duty as veterans...just those on active duty, must remember that they have to clear with the military and government that they will be allowed to travel to Africa to be able to participate.. that is their responsibility to clear that with the military....

also understand, it is the responsibility of the contest winners to arrange for their travel to and from Africa... once there, Pieter and his firm will take care of the rest of the details ( within reason of course)...

This trip will take place in 2013... and remember it is south of the equator... so while it is spring here, they are entering fall...

We will get this up and running hopefully in the next couple of weeks.. just give us a little patience...

we are coordinating this from points as far apart as South Africa, oregon and a few "garden spots".. a little further east...

My apologies to those that have been PMing me about this, and I haven't had a chance to get back to them, with solid info, as there wasn't any solid info' agreed to as of yet...

thanks to all
Best regards
john chr.
seafire

I would love to be on that list. But...
Skip me. I have too much on my table right now with raising my daughter by my self and going to college. I'll get there after graduation and when my daughter is old enough to know I'm not leaving her if I'm gone for a week or better yet when she is old enough to go with me.

I am honored that you are offering such a great opportunity for our veterans. Sounds like there is already some promising prospects.

Who ever goes, have a memorable experience and post results. you deserve it!

I am a veteran but not as deserving as others so I decline participation. But I would gladly contribute to airfare.

Nobody asked my opinion, but I think one criteria for qualifying hunters should be that the person(s) cannot afford to do it on their own. That would maximize the impact and enjoyment.

This is am amazing offer thank you Pieter! The men and women of this forum never cease to amaze me with their generosity, understanding, and compassion for one another, not to mention the tribute you all pay to Veterans. Thank you once again!

Seafire you are all over it and all of us Vets thank you!

Rob

PS Pieter I really like your idea of including the vets spouses. All too often they are forgotten about and they are just as deserving if not more so than the Vets. When everyone is in the field training or deployed they are the ones keeping things together at home which a lot of times is much harder than what the Vets are going through. Even if they are not hunters I am sure they will greatly enjoy the sightseeing and opportunity to see another country and share in the overall experience with their spouse.

The Time Is HERE!

From June 20th to Aug 1st 2012, the Contest is Open

Details to follow on post below!!

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL APPLICANTS

OKAY FOLKS! IT'S SHOW TIME!!!

The contest is open to any and all veterans, whether serviing actively now or former service members.

Rules are simple...

in a 500 WORDS or less brief "essay" ( for lack of a better word) tell us why you'd love to go to Africa for a once in a life time hunt.

We have 4 serving judges, plus Pieter who is donating all of this ( minus airfare to Africa).... the judges consist of 3 fellow veterans, and one other high profile and well known forum member whom has been to Africa to hunt...Pieter himself is also a veteran by the way...

please email your "why I want to go to Africa" essay to an email account I set up just for this occasion: [email protected]

this will give all that desire to participate, 6 weeks to be able to come up with and submit your essay...

for anyone who cares to donate "Air Miles" for those vets that will be winning contestants in our contest here, we will be open for that and any donations they desire to contribute also...

best of luck to each contestant...

thanks to my fellow judges for their time on this...

and a Big 24 Hour Campfire THANK YOU to Pieter for making this wonderful offer!

best regards
john chr.
seafire

Essay? Gee can't you ya give the vets a break and make it multiple choice?
Good luck to all the vets and thanks for your service!

Even though i'm a vet, writting has never been my forte so i'll watch from the sidelines. Good luck to whomever wins this safari!!

A brief essay was Pieter's Idea... as it would be useful for marketing for his company on future advertisements..which is a good idea from his perspective...

however gentlemen, this isn't going to be based on an essay from an English Composition point of view...just let us know why ya would love to go...

If it is going to be a one in a lifetime adventure.. then say so..

that is sort of why you have a couple of veterans and then a pair of guys who have either been there, or in Pieter's case lives there...

don't let those rules intimidate you, if you don't consider yourself Ernest Hemingway or William Shakespeare...

This is just Awesome of you guys. I hope whoever you pick as the winner appreciates all the thought, time and effort that goes into this adventure.

well Guys, so far we have ONE contestant that has submitted a short piece on why he'd love to go to Africa....

so I look forward to hearing from some more of our veterans...

cheers
seafire

Where do we send our piece on why we'd like to go to Africa? I didn't start at the front, so might be there, but thought I'd have to wade through 6 pages of stuff.. thanks.. will check back tomorrow..

Ghost, send it via email at

[email protected]

best regards
seafire

Thanks.. have a guy in PA I'm running this by, as he's been tied down with a disabled kid for 28 years, but the kid died, so he's now free to travel some. Is a custom gun maker, and a vet..

Has this been cast in stone? Let's not limit this to married vets, there are many vets that are single for whatever reason and deserving.

a single vet is not going to be handicapped by this at all...

just FYI..

an update... we now have 4 contestants...

personally I am glad I am not the one and only decision on this one...If I was a rich guy, all 4 contestants would be going on this trip... or one like it... each one with Pieter tho...not another PH Guide...

so for each of those that want to toss their hat into the ring.. please don't be shy...

thanks
seafire

Well Gentlemen...

we now have 10 contestants in the Contest...

and personally I am thankful and appreciate the time and support of my panel of judges for this...

the more entries we get, the definite harder time it gets to pick one more deserving than than the other...

We have 10 very fine gentlemen that have submitted an entry for this once in a life time opportunity...

I would personally like to thank each for their service to our country, but also for taking time to submitting an entry to our contest..sponsored by Pieter here...

a salute to each and best of luck on being the winner...

there are some guys I really stand in awe of...

I'd like to let the Campfire know that we have decided to extend the contest deadline for this great opportunity to September 1.

We are hoping it will give an incentive for those veterans that have been on the fence about 'throwing their hat in the ring' will decide to do so...

right now we have 12 contestants...

If you are thinking about it guys... NOW is the time to act...

an short on essay on why you'd love to go on this trip, doesn't have to be any sort of fancy masterpiece...just tell us your desires...

Best of luck to each one of our contestants and best of luck to any that chose to enter during this 30 day contest extension..

I signed up on here I think 5 or 6 years ago but have only made one post in that time. I have been posting over on Accurate Reloading. Had actually forgotten my log-in here but have spent hours lurking and reading on here.
I was in the Army as a 13Bravo. I spent a year in Camp Casey, Korea. After that I was in the 101st in 2/320th FA. For the uninitiated our motto was (Balls of the Eagle). I deployed with them to Iraq in March 2003. Although Africa has been my dream since I was a kid I feel there are other Veterans more deserving than I am. I feel this will be a great experience for someone. and its very generous of you too offer it. I look forward to seeing the hunt report and pictures

Who is more deserving. They don't mention any requirements in your service. As I told an old Marine, who'd been stationed on an island in WW2 helping get planes landed, and ready to go back out, we all had out job, each one was important. If he hadn't been there, some Marines who need air support might not have gotten it. also, if not in a combat area (probably 99% of military never were/are, during Vietnam only 10% of the Army went there, and only 10% of that was combat/infantry)so only 1% of the Army really saw any combat duty. 90% of the Army especially, is support. clerks, mechanics, truck drivers, etc. IF everyone who wants to signs up, STILL only 2 going to be picked, and might not be you.

SIGN Up, let Pieter and seafire decide. This , someone else is more deserving. Well, even if true, they might not sign up. I thought we'd have 100s of people by now, but last look, wasn't all that many. Let the other guy worry about his credentials, you sign up and worry about yours.

I sent in my story a few days ago, changed my forum name recently.
-Luke

I would apply,but I am trying to scrape up enough money to pay for my funeral when I die.

i heard that if obammer wins re-election, there'll be new taxes on that.

Too bad I only just now saw this. A young Marine I know would have been a great candidate.
Best wishes to the lucky winners and thanks to Seafire and Pieter for their hard work in organization and donation of time and talent.

Mark

So who won or did you guys not choose yet?

I've been wondering that too!

It's all right here you guys are snoozing
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...nners_For_the_Veterans_Hunt_#Post7064976

My bad, I thought they would be posting the results in this thread.

I'm not an Expert but being that the only price is air travel I'd be satisfied to offer some commercial airline kilometers. Especially, to someone who satisfies the credentials as set forth.

Thanks Pieter and Seafire.
I'm sure my fellow vets will enjoy this.


(Wish I'd seen it in time)

there are additional costs including insurance, passport fees, firearm and ammo costs, motel and food expenses. Additional might include airfare from nearest airport to ATL or DUL.

this is a big undertaking and I will do my part to help.

Mannlicher: I took myself and my god grandson to RSA last summer,for $3700 for the two of us... prices can vary depending on who you go through, or don't. I did mine directly with the airlines.WE were met by Pieter at Joburg and transported from there.

Not sure why this thread is still a sticky in this forum. If I'm not mistaken, this trip occurred long ago. Let it die please.

You're mistaken, it hasn't occurred , yet..

If that is the case, my apologies.

Incredible. While I still couldn't afford, I sure hope some of our finest are able to . . .