Why anyone would ever pick a fight with Marines is beyond me. I mean, who wants to go toe to toe with gun-toting martial artists with the most lethal technology on Earth? Any American that has spent any significant time on a Marine base knows that the country's defense is in good hands.

I’ve had these thoughts before and I had them reinforced again when we visited Fork Union Military Academy this weekend where the 22nd MEU put on a show during its Community Outreach Day. They flew in with with style in a Super Cobra, a CH-53 Super Stallion, a Huey, and a V22 Osprey. The Marines off loaded lots of cool equipment for display. The students from Fork Union Military Academy as well as poolees in the Delayed Entry Program had the opportunity to talk with these American Heroes.

We couldn’t have had better role models. Not surprisingly, these Marines were sharp. My favorite part though, as I looked on with a little envy, was when two Marines from the MEU put on a martial arts demonstration, using their training from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). The Marine Corps has been teaching more advanced moves than when I was on active duty. It was impressive — even more so considering the Marines were green belts still moving up in the MCMAP system. GySgt Rose, the recruiter here in Harrisonburg, is a brown belt instructor, and I think everyone made a mental note never to pick a fight with him, which is the point of MCMAP when you think about it.

Here are some videos and pictures from Saturday:

Andrew looking through the scope of a sniper rifle.

Justin manning the 50 Cal.

The Fitness Platoon in front of the V-22

22nd MEU's Website: Link

I’d like to say “thank you” to the 22nd MEU for their professionalism and for the inspiration they provided for the young men and women following in their footsteps. It was appreciated more than they know.

Semper Fidelis.