Chicago Marines

05/29/2026

The Tiltrotor aircraft turned 38 this month.

On May 23, 1988 the V-22 Osprey, the world's first production tilt-rotor aircraft, made its debut at Bell Helicopter Textron's Arlington, Texas, facility.

Now it’s one of the primary aircraft of the Marine Corps.

Videos by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole and Staff Sgt. Alexander Henninger

05/25/2026

Memorial Day, we remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion. May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and love of country carried by those who gave everything for the freedoms we hold today. We carry your legacy, your sacrifice, your names, with us. You will never be forgotten.

“We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

05/15/2026

Living by the core values of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment.

A Downers Grove South graduate and member of the Marine Corp stepped up to assist a man he met during a snow storm

05/09/2026

Rolling into this NROTC season with an incredible group of young men and women.

First to be awarded: Barbara Schuessler, soon to be Downers Grove South High School graduate, 2026 NROTC recipient, but most importantly a future Marine Corps Officer.

Congratulations and Semper Fidelis!

05/01/2026

Finish the phrase:
“One Mind, ___ ______“

U.S. Marine Corps students with Martial Arts Instructor course 74-26 engage in a sparring match during the MAI course free sparring event on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 29, 2026. Squads implemented techniques learned throughout the MAI course by engaging in head-to-head combat, utilizing various weapons as part of the curriculum to become MAI’s. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Chancellor Reynolds)

03/31/2026

The second week of March, Chicagoland had some visitors from San Diego. These visitors were the brass band from Marine Corps Band San Diego that we call “Hot Brass”. These talented musicians shared their love of music and performing with local high schools and universities.

If you are interested in performing as your career, visit the link in our bio.

If you are a local band director interested in having one of our many talented band ensembles perform at your school, send us a DM and we can get you on the schedule during the next Chicago Band Tour.



U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Band San Diego perform at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Illinois, on March 10, 2026. Marine Corps Band San Diego, brass ensemble “Hot Brass”, toured the Chicagoland area playing at various venues and schools. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dalton J. Payne)

03/21/2026

Nothing less than excellence

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a raid on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Mar. 2, 2026. The raid simulated employing Marines to rapidly capture and control objectives essential to operations. During the operation, the 11th MEU was underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by CTR Moises Rodriguez, CTR Madison Santamaria)

03/20/2026

Training in unique environments

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, participate in dry-fire and maneuver training in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 28, 2026. The training was held to increase combat effectiveness in preparation for exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

03/19/2026

Travel and Adventure

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, load a Bandvagn 206 all-terrain carrier with gear during exercise Cold Response 26 in Setermoen, Norway, March 11, 2026. Service members from 2nd Marine Division and allied partners participated in a full-scale live exercise designed to test operational readiness, improve coordination, and synchronize integrated operations, enhancing mission efficiency in cold-weather conditions. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Xavier Alicea)

03/11/2026

The San Diego Marine Corps Brass Band to Perform in Chicagoland

The acclaimed 10-member San Diego Marine Corps Brass Band will deliver a dynamic performance at various locations throughout the week, a few of which are free and open to the public. The events will be followed by 30-minute Q&A sessions with the band members, offering insights into life in the Marine Corps Band and employment opportunities.

The performances will feature a diverse repertoire of musical styles, including New Orleans style/Second Line, Rock, Pop, Funk, Jazz, and Latin music. These concerts are unique opportunities for the community to experience the exceptional musicianship and versatility of this renowned military ensemble.



About the San Diego Marine Corps Band

The Marine Band San Diego has a rich history of providing musical support for military ceremonies and fostering community relations. Officially formed in 1921, this band has a rich and illustrious history of performing across the globe. Playing in over 350 events annually, the band is comprised of various ensembles, including a concert band, marching band, and the brass band performing at this event. Their performances showcase the discipline, professionalism, and dedication that are hallmarks of the United States Marine Corps. The San Diego Band plays a vital role, representing the Marine Corps to the public and inspiring patriotism and esprit de corps through their music.