The following article was written by a guest writer, Matt Koetting. We appreciate him sharing the information about the Marine Recon Challenge and photos of the 1911.

Before the sun rises and the marine layer lifts on May 21^st several two-man teams will embark on the arduous yet somber expedition that is the 8^th Annual Marine Recon Challenge. Each rucksack will be draped in a neon air panel bearing the name of a fallen brother. This is the ceremony that Reconnaissance Marines have developed to honor the brotherhood, namely those who only walk beside us in spirit.

The competitors will compete on land and sea, a route carefully selected to include the worst terrain Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton has to offer. An open-ocean fin leads to steep elevated trails along firebreaks and ridgelines, and a series of events will test the jack-of-all-trades proficiencies and undying spirit of each team. The event culminates in a ceremony and dinner; the whole event is a union of contributed planning and support led by the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF), Brother Recon, and the active duty cadre of Reconnaissance Training Company.

In support of the 8^th Annual Recon Challenge, this 1911 project was born. A Sig Sauer TTT chambered in .45 ACP, conveniently procured in another deal set the base, and support came in from a number of contributors. John Williams III, the owner of DDC Firearms in Fullerton, CA is known for quality precision rifles, he is a well-known go-to Gunsmith for the Marine Recon and Scout Sniper community on the West Coast. Officer Matt Bolton of the Glendale, CA Police Dept., also a Marine Scout Sniper from 1989 to 2000, collaborated with Pelican to donate two Pelican cases, one for the range and one for display (the pistol was meant to get some real use after all). Erik Little, a Reconnaissance Marine from 1985 to 1993, and owner of Rafter-L Combat Leather in Buffalo, WY donated custom leather emblazed with the MRF logo, including a holster, magazine pouch, and belt. Rob Griffin (Owner) and Chris Bridge (Manager) of West Coast Ammo in Temecula, CA provided the Cerakote finish – black and gold befitting the Recon tradition.  The Recon “Jack” inlaid in the Magpul grips incorporates the Marine Combatant Diver, Naval Parachutist Insignia, and the skull, paddle, and knife. “0321” is the Military Occupational Specialty designation of the Marine Reconnaissance Man. All photos and editing were generously donated by Josaphat Orozco (prof. photo website), also a Marine Scout Sniper and owner of Target Indicators.

The Recon Challenge custom 1911 pistol will be raffled off at the MRF Awards dinner and ceremony following the Recon Challenge on May 21, 2016. You need not be present to win, however the transfer must be completed through an FFL in compliance with state and federal laws. ALL proceeds from the raffle will go to supporting the Marine Reconnaissance community and their families. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $25.00 (bulk discounts for multi-ticket purchases) at the MRF website.

Pistol build and Article by:

Staff Sergeant Matt Koetting

OIF/OEF Vet, Purple Heart Recipient, and transitioning Reconnaissance Marine (10+ years). A dedicated advocate for Veterans entering the civilian workforce with purposeful and engaging employment. He can be reached at matthew.koetting@carryonalliance.org