By JULIA LeDOUX
jledoux@insidenova.com
It’s the equivalent of turning a Marine loose in a toy store.
The 29th Modern Day Marine Military Expo, sponsored by the Marine Corps League, took Quantico by storm this week. The highly anticipated event drew thousands of attendees and provided Marines, members of other U.S. and allied armed services, and civilian defense officials with an up-close look at the future of Marine Corps equipment and systems.
“My legs and my arms,” one Marine said after completing 25 “atomic pushups” on the TRX Suspension Training device.
Representatives from more than 400 companies exhibited products that support all of the ground, air and sea operations of the nation’s expeditionary forces.
Among other highlights of the event were pavilions that spotlighted Marine Corps aviation and the United King-dom’s defense industry. Groups like the USO and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund were also on hand to share with attendees how they support America’s service men and women.
Royal Marine Damian Todd spent time taking in the sights and sounds of the expo while raising money for the upcoming “gumpathon” that benefits the Semper Fi Fund and Help for Heroes. The two charitable organizations provide support for injured military personnel returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I came up with this crazy idea about 13 years ago to run across America to raise money for injured military person-nel,” said Todd.
The gumpathon will start in New York next April and will pass through Prince William County before finishing in mid-June in Los Angeles. Todd said the journey will cover four time zones, three deserts and 10 mountain ranges.
For more information on how you can participate in the gumpathon or make a donation, visit thegumpathon.com.
The expo also featured special demonstrations in which ground robotics manufacturers presented the real-time operations of their equipment over the Robotic Rodeo Demonstration Course.
Miliary editor Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718
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