FLC Alum, Bob Maguire – founder of the Marine Corps Sniper School – WOW!

I was first introduced to FLC in 1948 as a camper, then a CIT in 1953, followed by JC and then finally Counselor. My duties consisted of being the rifle instructor and sailing instructor as well as a cabin counselor for Cabin 11. My last year of involvement with FLC would be 1958 when I graduated from Duquesne University and was commissioned in the US Marine Corps.

 It was at FLC that I first learned marksmanship. While attending La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, LI, from 1950 to 1954, I competed on the varsity rifle team which won two national scholastic championships that led to my acceptance at the US Naval Academy where I was captain of the Plebe rifle team in 1955. An academic deficiency in marine engineering led to my transfer to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. As a member of the varsity rifle team, I was named to the 1958 NRA Intercollegiate All-American Rifle Team. Upon graduation, I was commissioned in the Marine Corps and planned to be a pilot, but my shooting skills led to my being appointed to the Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol Team. My job was to represent our country in national and international shooting competition. During the next several years, I won numerous awards which then led me to my final shooting assignment as a founder of the Marine Corps Sniper School.

So what I learned at FLC was very impactful on my career and I am very thankful to FLC for developing my marksmanship capabilities. I am now 77 years old and retired. There is a trophy in my collection, awarded by the NRA for winning the National Summer Camp Individual Marksmanship Championship in 1956. I would like to present this trophy to FLC with deep appreciation for what you did for me. Mr. Phil Confer, his son, (who went to Princeton University), and my counselor, Johnny Bright, have been in my thoughts for years. God Bless them.