The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has announced a donation of $10 million from Lockheed Martin, the world's leading global security company. The 10-year Lockheed Martin gift will expand the Museum's Education and Community Outreach Programs, as well as add a large-screen theater to the Museum complex. The gift significantly advances the Foundation's efforts to raise $85 million for the completion of the National Museum and Marine Corps Heritage Center in Quantico, Virginia.

Robert J. Stevens, Lockheed Martin's Chairman, President, and CEO said, "Our nation needs a strong Marine Corps, one built on a rich heritage dating back before our nation was born. This project will combine Marine Corps heritage with professional development to address the most challenging issues we face today. We are pleased that our commitment to the National Museum of the Marine Corps will support the completion of this important resource for the Corps and the nation."

"We are deeply grateful to Lockheed Martin for its exemplary generosity and social responsibility," said LtGen Ron Christmas, USMC (Ret), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. "This wonderful gesture will help the Foundation to fulfill its vision of bringing forth a multi-dimensional, world-class facility to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from across our Nation, time and time again."

Retired Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, now a project manager for Lockheed Martin, helped announce the contribution. He noted, "Tradition, values, and heritage mean Marines understand our history and how we can build on that history to continue to be the world's best fighting force. It helps Marines be creative, innovative, and adapt to changing world situations."

The Museum depicts America's history as seen through the eyes of Marines since the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775. Contributing to the professional development of Marines, Lockheed Martin is also sponsoring the Foundation's popular "An Evening with..." lecture series, with distinguished speakers addressing current world topics with students of the Marine Corps University, business and community leaders, and members of the public.

The addition of the large-screen theater will help expand the visitor appeal and educational impact of the Museum through the screening of action-oriented films themed on the Marine Corps and the corresponding history of our nation.

Related plans for project completion include: installation of interactive exhibits that will fully chronicle the contributions of the United States Marine Corps from its 1775 founding to the present day; the construction of a memorial park and chapel offering visitors opportunities of remembrance and reflection; completion of the National Museum structure; and the implementation of visitor programs focused on education. To see plans and video illustrating expansion of the Marine Corps Heritage Center, visit www.MarineHeritage.org.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

About Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

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.

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SOURCE: Marine Corps Heritage Foundation