DUMFRIES, Va. (September 21, 2010) – The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will receive a donation of $250,000 from Oshkosh Defense, a leading provider of military vehicles and technologies. Oshkosh Defense’s gift ensures significant advancement in the foundation’s effort to raise $105 million to complete the Marine Corps Heritage Center, including its centerpiece the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Semper Fidelis Memorial Park.
John Bryant, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager of Marine Corps Programs, will present the donation to Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas, president and chief executive officer of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Community Outreach Reception.
“Throughout history Marines have had powerful stories to tell, and we wanted to help ensure their experiences, sacrifices and accomplishments will be seen and heard for years to come,” Bryant said. “We look forward to the expansion of this deserving museum to further honor the brave Marines of every era.”
“Oshkosh Defense’s generous donation is invaluable in taking us one step closer to completing the Marine Corps Heritage Center,” said Lt. Gen. Christmas. “The Marine Corps has 235 years of history, and the National Museum of the Maine Corps helps share its history, culture and values with visitors, and preserve it for future generations.”
The museum opened in November 2006 and has welcomed more than two million visitors to date. The final elements to complete the museum, part of the Heritage Center, will include over 80,000 additional square feet and will feature additional historical galleries; a large-screen theater; a permanent art gallery and artist studios; a performance space; classrooms; and a display storage gallery for many artifacts currently not accessible to the public. The additional space will allow the museum to expand its public programming, continue sharing the history of the Marine Corps post Vietnam, and provide visibility and protection for much more of the permanent collection. As the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park expands, it will include a water feature to commemorate the Corps’ nautical tradition and an additional network of paths will extend throughout the wooded grounds adjacent to the museum.
“The people at Oshkosh understand the tremendous importance of this project, and their vital support will advance the foundation’s vision of a multi-dimensional, world-class facility for visitors of all ages to learn about the Marine Corps,” added Lt. Gen. Christmas.
Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Securing the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center is the foundation’s current primary mission while continuing to provide program support for the Corps’ historical, museum, and educational activities.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit oshkoshdefense.com.
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