This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Not yet four years old, the National Infantry Foundation is hitting its stride. Having spent our first few years mastering the steep learning curve of operating a unique, world- class attraction, the Foundation is now able to work harder on its goal of becoming financially strong.


Key in that effort was the 10-month opportunity to sell the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar, a commemorative coin approved by Congress and produced by the United States Mint. The Foundation worked hard to spread news of the coin to every Soldier, veteran and loved one across the country. The effort included a direct mail campaign, advertising in newspapers around the country and heavy use of social media. Response was strong and passionate. At the end of the program, the Mint sent the Foundation a check for more than $2 million, which was applied to the remaining bank debt related to construction of the museum.


At the same time, the nation’s economy began seeing improvement after several very challenging years. Our supporters, both locally and nationally, were once again able to reach deep and make significant donations to help us operate this magnificent facility. Three organizations made large donations, and in return received recognition throughout the year. Dozens more joined our exclusive 1775 Society annual membership program. We saw an increase in donations at the door, too. Without an admission fee, we depend heavily on the generosity of our visitors.


While it sometimes seems we spend an inordinate amount of time on fund raising, we never forget the reason we are here. The museum exists to honor the American Infantryman and to remember the countless sacrifices he and his loved ones make to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. It is your continued support that will allow us to fulfill this sacred trust.


This Report to the Community illustrates some of our successes over the past year and documents our stewardship of your generous donations. Please make a point of visiting the museum soon to see for yourself what an asset it is to our great community.


LTG Carmen Cavezza U.S. Army, Retired Chairman, National Infantry Museum Foundation


Ben F. Williams, Jr. President, National Infantry Museum Foundation


’ve visited over a thousand historic sites in America. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is at the top of the list.


I


COMMEMORATIVE PAVERS Loved ones trav- eled from across the country for paver dedica- tion ceremonies on Heritage Walk. About 4,000 granite pavers line the walkway, honoring Soldiers, veterans and those who support them.


hqipcc London, Ohio


TRAIN DISPLAY The museum is now home to a World War I-era locomotive that was once part of Fort Benning’s light rail system. It carried troops and supplies to the post’s outlying ranges until 1946.


About the Museum


The 190,000-square-foot National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center chronicles the history of the American Infantry from its formation in 1775 to the present. On display are thousands of priceless artifacts telling the stories from Bunker Hill to Baghdad. In addition to six era galleries, there are galleries dedicated to those who support an Infantryman, training at Fort Benning, and recipients of the Medal of Honor. There are galleries honoring distinguished Rangers and graduates of Officer Candidate School.


The Soldier Center includes elements that make the museum a modern-day attraction for visitors with diverse interests, such as an IMAX Theatre, combat simulators, the Fife and Drum restaurant and the Soldier Store, operated by Ranger Joe’s, an iconic name in the military retail field.


The 200-acre campus includes an authenti- cally restored World War II Company Street and a parade field and stadium for weekly graduations of Fort Benning trainees. The flag-lined Heritage Walk features custom engraved granite pavers purchased to honor loved ones. The Memorial Walk of Honor is home to dozens of monuments and memo- rials.


The $100 million National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center opened on June 19, 2009.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90