This project came about through the cooperation of several individuals and companies who focused on a single goal - to support our fighting servicemen in a significant way as once again, as a nation, we combat the forces of oppression.

In 2004, Morgan Hill, California realtor Mary Ellen Salzano learned of material deficiencies affecting our fighting men in Iraq in letters from a very special U.S. Marine - her son.

Mary Ellen discovered there was a particular need for better gun cleaning tools! The G.I. cleaning kits were difficult to use and attracted grit in the hostile Iraqi enviroment. M-16s do a great job when clean, but it can be time-consuming and inconvenient (to say the least) to keep them that way.

Mary Ellen enlisted the help of a friend, Judy Kritikos, an active member of the South Valley NRA Members' Council. Judy subsequently contacted the California NRA Members' Councils Volunteer Regional Coordinator, Mike Schrader.

Mike spread the word throughout his organization and to other volunteer networks. The response was impressive as many wanted to help. Even NRA staff began to get involved when NRA 'field reps' and Friends-of-NRA dinner committee persons passed the hat.

The end result of this initial, unofficial effort was to send about $5000 worth of bore snakes, cleaner and Nomex fire gloves to Mary Ellens son's division (Nomex gloves are used in handling the metal parts of amored vehicles and patrol boats).

Eventually, Jim Kochheiser, president of the Fresno-Madera NRA Members' Council, would advance the concept to the 'next level' in bringing together the right mix of companies and non-profit groups to properly support this fine program. It was at this stage that Jim received a letter from Paul Payne, the Program Administrator for the California NRA Members' Councils - the group from which so much unofficial support had originated. Paul, who is also Liaison to NRA's Executive Vice-President (that's Wayne LaPierre), voiced strong approval, stating:

"...The idea of providing our troops with an easy and effective method of maintaining their firearms is clearly a noble and worthwhile effort... I am proud to lend my support to Project Bore Snake and urge NRA Members' Councils, volunteers, and members, to consider assisting in this effort..."

• Hoppe's Gun Care Products - to supply the needed "Snake Kits".

Mike Haas

• AmmoGuide.com - website space, labor and expertise. Mike Haas, AmmoGuide author and president of the West Contra Costa County NRA Members' Council personally designed and built the Project Bore Snake website in about a week.

• East Fresno Kiwanis Foundation - 501(c)3 non-profit financial intermediary service.

Actual shipping and handling is donated by Jim and his family from their family business location. On the left, "Snake Kits", packed and ready to go! On the right, Jim and his family.

Jim Judy Karen

And now, because of Project Bore Snake, you can help too!