MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Six Marines from the combat center competed against some of the best shooters the military has to offer during the 3rd Annual Midwestern Armed Forces Memorial Match and National Rifle Association High Power and Mid Range Regional Championships in Byers, Colorado April 29 through May 2.
This year’s match was re-designated the Remembering the Brave – Midwestern Armed Forces Memorial Match.
The Combat Center Marines shot in 17 matches, all named for fallen service members. The team took third overall, beating the National Guard and the All Marine teams in the 1,000 Yard Line Any Rifle/Any Sight Navy Seal Danny Dietz Memorial Team Trophy Match.
The Marines also claimed their share of individual awards. Cpl. Brian Sampson was the overall winner for the 600 Yard Line Any Rifle/Any Sight Staff Sgt. Sam Holder Memorial Trophy Match, and Sgt. Sam Lynn took fourth in the 600 Yard Line Service Rifle Lance Cpl. Tommy Slocum Memorial Trophy Match.
“We competed against some of the best civilian and military competitors in the U.S., and in a few cases, the world,” said Staff Sgt. James Baker, the team’s coach. “I have to say this competition was unlike any other that we have been to. What made this match different was Gold Star Families were present to award the trophies.”
“It is a different feel and humbling experience when the mother and father of a fallen Marine, soldier or sailor is there to tell you ‘good job Marine’ and ‘we are still proud of each and every one of you,’” he said.