Shoot Your Shot

Photo By Cpl. Caden Phillips | U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Munger, with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, prepares to shoot his rifle during the 2022 National Matches on Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2022. Participants compete in six-man-teams, each shooter firing a timed 100-point aggregate using national match M-16 A4 service rifles. Rifles are fired from the 200, 300 and 600 yard lines in both sitting and standing positions. The National Matches, also called the “World Series of Shooting Sports,” have been a tradition on Camp Perry since 1907; more than 4,500 participants compete annually. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caden Phillips)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

09.15.2022

Story by Lance Cpl. Averi Rowton 

2nd Marine Division

Early on, Lance Cpl. Matthew Munger was introduced to shooting when he joined the Maspenock Rod and Gun Club during his freshman year in high school. From then on, shooting firearms became a regular part of his life. Munger’s father, who was a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI), was one of many Marines in his lineage, but one that taught him the most about marksmanship.

“My dad was a PMI so he taught me almost everything I know…while we lived in Hawaii, we couldn’t go and shoot so he would buy us bb guns to clear rooms inside the house and play around like that…I think growing up with fond memories like that is what got me into this sport.”

Not long after checking into his first unit, Munger’s squad leader gave him the opportunity to participate in the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition. Munger enthusiastically took the chance to reminisce on a childhood memory; replying with a yes, Munger was ready to embark on a two-week competition.

Medalists were then invited to compete in Quantico, Virginia for the Marine Corps championships. Munger placed 10th and was awarded a silver medal. During the competition, he competed against Amanda Elsenboss, an international shooter and the first woman to win the President’s Rifle Match. Munger would tie with Elsenboss.

“This is someone who always dominates any competition she goes to. She’s an insane shooter.”

Munger's performance at the competition led to him being invited to shoot for the Marine Corps summer shooting team. Over the following months shooting for the Marine Corps, Munger competed in over five competitions across the country and helped teach numerous people about marksmanship.

“If you’re interested in shooting or joining the Marine Corps shooting team, don’t be afraid to get out there and pick up a weapon. Participate in local competitions, some people even take leave to compete in competitions outside of the Marine Corps. To put it simple, just start shooting.”

• Date Taken: 09.15.2022
• Date Posted: 09.15.2022 15:13
• Story ID: 429406
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US
• Hometown: CAMP PERRY, OHIO, US
• Hometown: DAUPHIN ISLAND, ALABAMA, US
• Hometown: EWA BEACH, HAWAII, US
• Hometown: NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS, US
• Hometown: QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US