MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Heads high, backs straight and rifles at sling arms, the Marine Corps Historical Company arrived at Camp Talega here July 17 for a five-day training cycle on the base.
Active-duty Marines, veterans and history enthusiasts make up the nonprofit organization. Donations from various museums keep the company marching.
Like a reserve unit, the company gathers for the public when called upon to boast their authentic World War II and Vietnam uniforms, and to provide static displays of original equipment used in wars.
"We go beyond the museums. We bring the museum to you," said retired Gunnery Sgt. Thomas E. Williams, the group's director.
"I have points of contact nationwide and if finances permit, we'll provide a historical presentation and expose our traditions - using real-life uniforms and equipment," Williams added.
While the organization provides educational insight, it also claims ties with the movie industry.
"We help publicize movies like Windtalkers. We go out to movie premieres and introduce the public to actual equipment used in movies they just saw," said retired Sgt. Maj. Robert C. Burns, the company's associate director.
The company's five-day training cycle, which ended Sunday, consisted of a traditional Marine Corps week of reveille, PT, classes, chow, close-order drill with M1 rifles, more Marine Corps history classes and "taps" to end a hard-day's work.
While some troops volunteer to rekindle esprit de corps, others live for every re-enactment of history.
"This is my hobby - my job," said Dan B. King, a company member. "I've never served, but I love it. I've worked with the History Channel and also helped out with 'Windtalkers.' I love learning about the Marines."
Facing a busy slate of cross-country commitments, Williams and his charges are uncertain when they'll return to Camp Pendleton - but he's confident they will.
"This organization came to life in 1994 and we're trying to give a better understanding of what the Marine Corps is all about. We'll be back, but I want to visit as many recruiting stations as possible - to educate our future Marines," Williams said.