The Marine Corps Museum

Today I met my husband at the range to try out his new pistol and mine now that the slide lock has been removed.  Good times. Removing that tiny little piece made a huge difference in my shooting. I was able to grip the gun like I needed, like I had been used to before switching to the M&P.

Then we headed off to the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico. My family has gone several times, but I never was able to make any of those trips. I should have prioritized my time.  What an amazing place.

When I walked in the very first thing I saw on the wall was this...

I love helicopters. I always have. My dad loved airplanes and he took me and my brother to airports and airshows every chance he got. He loved the jets. I can not count the number of times I have seen the Blue Angles, good memories. Jets are awesome, but for me there is something about a helicopter. I can't get enough of that sound. I like them all, but my very favorite is the UH 1 Huey.

This is the UH 1E. There is a plaque describing the heroic efforts of Captain Stephen W. Pless and his 3 man crew.  They rescued the crew of a downed U.S. Army Chinook in Vietnam.

This exhibit highlights the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.  We walked into a room where it was mighty cold.  We heard the sound of gun fire all around us as the sky lit up. These two are having a conversation. The Marine on the radio is calling in support and while the other Marine is trying to take care of the his wounds.  The guy on the radio says, "Hey, how bad is it?"  The other Marine says. "Ah, nothing more than a bee sting."

My new favorite rifle. Number 10, the one in the middle.

My favorite exhibit was the one depicting The Battle of Belleau Wood.  The first part has a large map, but the map is digital.  I can't quite describe the animation, but it was impressive how they were able to show the battle and how the advancing Marines didn't fair so well in that part of the battle.  The next part has a large movie screen.  I stood there watching the battle when all of a sudden I heard some kind of explosion and then a blast of air came over my body. It's to simulate the feeling of the blow back. 

I was absolutely fascinated by this display.

And of course, I have a thing for snipers.

I highly recommend a trip to see what the Marines have been up to for the past 237 years and if you give me a call.  I would gladly accompany you.