The MV-22 Osprey lands on the infield of the Arlington Park Racetrack May 17 during a raid demonstration by infantry Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. The Marines were flown in on the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, the Marines exited the aircraft set-up security and waited for the MV-22 Osprey to land and pick them up. - The MV-22 Osprey lands on the infield of the Arlington Park Racetrack May 17 during a raid demonstration by infantry Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. The Marines were flown in on the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, the Marines exited the aircraft set-up security and waited for the MV-22 Osprey to land and pick them up.

Lt. Col. Sidney McGraw launches the honorary first pass to Chicago Slaughter wide receiver Dontrell Jackson before the Chicago Slaughter-Wisconsin Wolfpack Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill. McGraw, 45, is the executive officer of Marine Air Control Group 48, the command element of the inaugural Marine Week Chicago. The weeklong event, which concludes today, is an opportunity for Chicago citizens to meet the men and women of the Marine Corps and learn about its history, traditions and value to the nation. - Lt. Col. Sidney McGraw launches the honorary first pass to Chicago Slaughter wide receiver Dontrell Jackson before the Chicago Slaughter-Wisconsin Wolfpack Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill. McGraw, 45, is the executive officer of Marine Air Control Group 48, the command element of the inaugural Marine Week Chicago. The weeklong event, which concludes today, is an opportunity for Chicago citizens to meet the men and women of the Marine Corps and learn about its history, traditions and value to the nation.

Sgt. Joshua P. Ott, 24, a martial arts instructor trainer based out of Quantico, Va., answers a question for Alexandra T. Leach, 22, a biology-major from Gurnee, Ill., during a self defense class at the Martial Arts Center of Education, University of Chicago May 14. The class consisted of 15 techniques and was given to three sororities from the university. - Sgt. Joshua P. Ott, 24, a martial arts instructor trainer based out of Quantico, Va., answers a question for Alexandra T. Leach, 22, a biology-major from Gurnee, Ill., during a self defense class at the Martial Arts Center of Education, University of Chicago May 14. The class consisted of 15 techniques and was given to three sororities from the university.

Gen. James L. Jones,national security advisor and 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps, left, and James Jaskey, national commandant of the Marine Corps League,right, converse during the pre-dedication saturday in the reception room at Navy Pier. - Gen. James L. Jones,national security advisor and 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps, left, and James Jaskey, national commandant of the Marine Corps League,right, converse during the pre-dedication saturday in the reception room at Navy Pier.

Tom Schaefer, a native of Arlington Heights, Ill., looks at the M16A4 service rifle as Staff Sgt. Javier Delatorre, platoon sargeant, 2nd Battalion 24th Marines, Chicago, explains the properties of the weapon at Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Ill., May 15. There was a weapons and vehicle display as well as the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms Jazz Ensemble. - Tom Schaefer, a native of Arlington Heights, Ill., looks at the M16A4 service rifle as Staff Sgt. Javier Delatorre, platoon sargeant, 2nd Battalion 24th Marines, Chicago, explains the properties of the weapon at Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Ill., May 15. There was a weapons and vehicle display as well as the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms Jazz Ensemble.

Master Sgt. Marcos Estrada, native of South Side Chicago, overcame many obstacles as a youth to get to where he is today. 'The Marine Corps got me out of the neighborhood,' said Estrada. 'It gave me my first chance at a successful life.' - Master Sgt. Marcos Estrada, native of South Side Chicago, overcame many obstacles as a youth to get to where he is today. 'The Marine Corps got me out of the neighborhood,' said Estrada. 'It gave me my first chance at a successful life.'

Maj. Shawn D. Haney, 37, talks about the importance of communication with students from the YMCA's Black and Hispanic Achiever's program May 16. The event, part of Marine Week Chicago, also allowed the students to learn about different aspects of life in the Marines Corps. - Maj. Shawn D. Haney, 37, talks about the importance of communication with students from the YMCA's Black and Hispanic Achiever's program May 16. The event, part of Marine Week Chicago, also allowed the students to learn about different aspects of life in the Marines Corps.

Robert Puhalovich, Director of Business Development for Navistar, looks inside the Strategic Tactical Accessory Repository High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle May 15 while Master Sgt. Kenneth Nero, Marine Corps Systems Command, explains some of the inner workings of the vehicle.The Marine Corps set-up displays all around Navy Pier to allow Chicagoans to come out and see firsthand what the Marine Corps capabilities are. - Robert Puhalovich, Director of Business Development for Navistar, looks inside the Strategic Tactical Accessory Repository High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle May 15 while Master Sgt. Kenneth Nero, Marine Corps Systems Command, explains some of the inner workings of the vehicle.The Marine Corps set-up displays all around Navy Pier to allow Chicagoans to come out and see firsthand what the Marine Corps capabilities are.

Patrons and retired Marines share stories and information on Marine Corps traditions at a traveling display at Chicago O'Hare International Airport May 13, 2009. The exhibit was placed in the airport's high traffic areas as part of an informative and interactive part of Marine Week Chicago. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard/Released) - Patrons and retired Marines share stories and information on Marine Corps traditions at a traveling display at Chicago O'Hare International Airport May 13, 2009. The exhibit was placed in the airport's high traffic areas as part of an informative and interactive part of Marine Week Chicago. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard/Released)

Sgt. Jeremy Owens, an armored vehicle mechanic with California-based 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, punctures a hole in the earth to make way for the bases of a chain-linked fence as part of a project with the Windy City Habitat for Humanity in Chicago’s South Side. - Sgt. Jeremy Owens, an armored vehicle mechanic with California-based 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, punctures a hole in the earth to make way for the bases of a chain-linked fence as part of a project with the Windy City Habitat for Humanity in Chicago’s South Side.