Like children in a candy store, wonder and excitement shone from the eyes of the wounded warriors as they scanned the tables of foreign and domestic weapons at Marine Corps Base Quantico’s Range 7 at on Oct. 17, 2013.

Personnel from the FBI, Wounded Warrior Regiment and Gunny’s BBQ united to provide injured Marines with an opportunity to fire more than two dozen weapons ranging from machine guns to sniper rifles during an event that included a familiarization fire and lunch.

“As a retired Marine, I had six combat deployments and could have easily been one of these guys,” said Dennis a member of the FBI Explosives Unit, whose name is being withheld to preserve anonymity. “We want them to know that we appreciate what they did and the sacrifices they made.”

Screams from bullet-struck steel targets echoed across the range as one participant after another shot various weapons including a grenade launcher, a M1 Garand Rifle and a Thompson Submachine Gun.

“I just try to do what I can to keep going, no matter what my condition,” said James Davis, participant from King George County. “This [event] helps me spend time around Marines and feel good about living every day and getting past all this stuff.”

According to one coordinator, the event provided more than just a morale booster for the wounded though.

“[Through the event, the wounded Marines] can also learn about a career and what opportunities may be available when they transition from active duty,” said Bob Critcher, outdoor recreation program manager, Wounded Warrior Regiment. “We also try to incorporate some active duty staff with the wounded warriors so they get to know them.”

Around noon, the group of around 30 paused to eat afternoon chow which was supplied compliments of Michael Baldwin, CEO Gunny’s BBQ.

“[Being a Marine,] I’m empathetic to those who can’t do the things that I can do,” said Baldwin. “I’m giving back.”

Many people made investments to make the event possible, and those investments didn’t go unnoticed.

“We can’t thank them enough for spending their time and ammunition to let us fire these weapons,” said Davis. “It helps us strengthen our own individual recovery.”

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil