Honoring Marine Scout Snipers: A Deep Dive with Tim Parkhurst on On The Range Podcast

Rick Hogg and Mark Kelley host a special episode of On The Range Podcast featuring Tim Parkhurst from the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation. Explore the legacy of Marine Scout Snipers and learn about their mission to build a memorial.

On The Range Podcast with combat veterans Rick Hogg from War HOGG Tactical and Mark Kelley from Kelley Defense had an opportunity to listen more about the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation. With our background in U.S. Army we've seen the impact of great training and the importance of remembering those who've served. That's why we were pumped to sit down with Tim Parkhurst, President of the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation, alongside my co-host Mark Kelley from Kelley Defense, for a special episode of On The Range Podcast. We recorded this one live at Cancon South Carolina 2025, diving into the storied past of Marine Scout Snipers and the foundation's efforts to keep their legacy alive. If you're into military history, veteran support, or just want to learn about the unsung heroes of the Corps, this episode is a must-listen. Mark and I bring over 60 years of combined experience in military and law enforcement, and Tim's insights added a whole new layer to our chat. Let's break it down.

Setting the Stage at Cancon: Why This Conversation Matters

We kicked off the episode amid the buzz of Cancon South Carolina 2025, a spot where gear enthusiasts, trainers, and vets come together to share knowledge. It's the perfect backdrop for talking about heritage and innovation in the firearms world. Tim Parkhurst joined us to spotlight the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit that's all about preserving over a century of sniper history in the Marine Corps. As Tim explained, the foundation is a legal subsidiary of the USMC Scout Sniper Association, which has been around for 28 years, but this dedicated arm was launched about 1.5 years ago to focus on building a memorial. With no existing monument for these elite warriors, it's high time we honor them properly. Mark and I shared our own stories from the field, emphasizing how sniper skills have shaped modern tactics. This isn't just nostalgia—it's about inspiring the next generation of responsibly armed citizens and pros to get 1% better every day.

Tracing the Roots: The Origins of Marine Scout Snipers

Tim took us back to the beginnings, starting in 1918 during World War I. That's when the first formal Scout Sniper school fired up at Quantico, Virginia, training over 450 Marines in that year alone. They used purpose-built rifles like the 1903 Springfield topped with an A5 Winchester optic, and even had a Canadian captain leading the charge as the senior instructor. Before that, things were more informal—think Chief Gunner Henry Pearson Crowe running a Scout Sniper school for the 8th Marine Regiment in 1941. By World War II, official schools popped up at Camp Elliot in California and New River in North Carolina. Tim highlighted table-of-organization platoons, like the one on Tarawa led by Lt. William Hawkins, who earned a Medal of Honor. That platoon racked up incredible honors: another Medal of Honor, a Navy Cross, and 15 Silver Stars in just 72 hours of intense fighting. It's stories like these that the foundation is unearthing and preserving, showing how Scout Snipers have been pivotal in every major conflict since.

The Foundation's Core Mission: Preservation and Memorial Building

At the heart of our discussion was the foundation's mission to safeguard this heritage. Tim stressed that there's no memorial yet for Scout Snipers, despite over a century of service. "There isn't one for scout snipers... it's been over a century and it's time to honor those guys," he said. They're working to change that by building one at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, specifically in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. Why there? It's on the highest elevation point, offering a symbolic overwatch position, and it's near where it all started. The memorial will feature a QR code linking to a growing roster of names and histories. So far, they've identified about 200 Scout Snipers killed in action (KIA) from a master list of over 3,000, with the active duty population historically around 300-400. That's a staggering KIA ratio, underscoring the risks these Marines faced. The foundation verifies names using strict criteria: service in a sniper platoon, graduation from a MOS-producing school, or combat duty as a Scout Sniper. This ensures accuracy and respect for the legacy.

Key Marine Scout Sniper Figures and Unsung Heroes: Stories That Inspire

We couldn't talk Scout Snipers without mentioning legends like Carlos Hathcock and Jim Land, or the three Medal of Honor recipients: one from World War I, Lt. Hawkins from World War II, and Dakota Meyer from more recent conflicts. Tim's advisory board includes heavy hitters like Major General James Hartzell, historian Colonel John T. Hoffman, and Jake Wood from Team Rubicon. These folks are helping guide the foundation's research and outreach. Tim shared how fundraising for the memorial has opened up a treasure trove of history, turning him into a de facto historian. "We're finding more names... of scout snipers who eventually were killed in action... at least 200 now that we've identified... that's a huge number," he noted. Mark and I tied this back to our experiences—Mark's 31 years in law enforcement, including SWAT, and my Special Ops deployments—highlighting how these stories motivate better training and preparedness. It's not just about the past; it's fuel for today's tactical training and personal growth.

Fundraising and Ways to Get Involved: Grassroots Support in Action

Tim was candid about the challenges: they need around $2 million for the memorial, with the site purchase alone costing about $110,000 for a Rally Point monument spot. Maintenance will be covered perpetually by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation through an endowment. No big six-figure donors yet, but grassroots efforts are making headway. "Without ever having a major six-figure donor, just grassroots by selling these things, we'll be able to raise that money to get that started," Tim said. They've got cool products to help: a limited-edition (762 units) 4:1 scale M118 7.62 sniper cartridge replica flask—precision-machined aluminum, holds 1.12 ounces, serialized with the inscription "Remember the Sacrifice and Honor the Legacy." There's also a decanter, t-shirts, hats, coins, and personalized brick pavers (three lines, 20 characters each) that will surround the memorial. Donations are easy via scoutsniperheritage.org, and they're gearing up for events like the Marine Corps 250th birthday bash at the rebuilt Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on November 10, where they'll have a tent. If you're a vet, history fan, or just want to contribute, this is a straightforward way to make a difference.

Tim's Personal Journey: From Service to Stewardship

We got personal with Tim, learning about his 25-year Marine Corps career from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Married for 33 years, he served briefly as a Scout Sniper in the early 1990s, including ops like Enduring Freedom and Desert Storm. He talked about the profound impact on his leadership style and understanding of the human condition, crediting his exceptional teammates. "The excellence of teammates," he reflected, shaped who he is today. This passion drives the foundation's work to collect artifacts, stories, and increase awareness. Mark shared parallels from his dignitary protection days, and I added insights from combat zones where sniper overwatch saved lives. It's a reminder that behind the gear and tactics are people who've sacrificed immensely. For anyone in firearms training or concealed carry, these tales reinforce the value of discipline and readiness.

Pro tips from the chat: Dive into history books on Scout Snipers for motivation, support veteran orgs like this one, and incorporate overwatch drills into your range time to build that 1% better edge. Keep a training journal to track progress, just like we do in ops. If you're building your skills, start with dry-fire practice and consider how heritage informs today's tactics. The foundation's work bridges past and present, making it relevant for LEOs, military, and civilians alike.

Aligning with Our Podcast's Ethos: Empowerment Through Knowledge

This episode fits right into what On The Range Podcast is about, sharing real talk on gear, training, and rights. At War HOGG Tactical, we're committed to excellence, and partnering with folks like Tim and the foundation amplifies that. Mark and I have tested limits in high-stakes environments, so we know reliable info matters. Check out the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or ontherangepodcast.com. For more, join our OTR "CREW" on Patreon for bonus content, live Q&As, and ad-free access. It's a community for those serious about growth.

Final Thoughts: Legacy, Support, and Moving Forward

Wrapping up, our time with Tim at Cancon was a powerful reminder of why we preserve history. The Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation isn't just building a memorial—it's ensuring stories of bravery endure. From World War I origins to today's efforts, it's about honoring sacrifice and inspiring action. "It's all the way in the back... on the highest point of elevation. So, nice overwatch position," Tim said of the site, capturing the essence perfectly. Head to scoutsniperheritage.org to donate, grab merch, or learn more. Be 1% better every day, support our vets, and keep the conversation going. Stay safe, and see you On The Range.