WASHINGTON -- Nineteen civilian leaders from across the country participated in the Marine Corps Executive Forum in the National Capital Region, May 1.
Since 2006, community leaders have participated in the event to strengthen the relationship between Marines and communities across the country, and to learn what the Marine Corps is all about. The executive forum is held five times a year. Four are held in the National Capital Region and one in Southern California.
“The Marine Corps Executive Forum is a unique opportunity for us to showcase our best assets — the Marines themselves — and demonstrate what we do,” said Col. Annita Best, MCEF program director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication. “It’s also an opportunity to show them our appreciation for what they do by supporting the Marine Corps in their respective communities.”
The leaders included chief executive officers, physicians and law enforcement officials. They joined Marine Corps leaders for a question and answer session in the Pentagon, rode in an MV-22 Osprey above Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia with members of Marine Helicopter Squadron One and learned Marine Corps history at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. They also learned the basics of eating meals ready-to-eat, and conducted live-fire training at MCB Quantico.
"If I was going to replicate any organization it would be the Marine Corps," said Captain Douglas Durham, Metro Transit Police Department. "I want to replicate the success, cohesion and efficiency of the Corps."
After the events of the day ended, the MCEF participants joined Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., for a reception in the Home of the Commandants and an evening parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.
“It’s so important to understand what Marines do and it’s a privilege to see everything up close,” said Kathleen Del Monte, President of McEnroe Voice and Data. “I will walk away with a deeper respect for the men and women giving their lives for my country.”