voLumE 10, IssuE 2 mARcH 2012 1,000,000 Inside this issue: visitors, and counting...!

Black Knights and 2 The National Infantry Museum VIPs visit museum and Soldier Center celebrated its one-millionth visitor on March 20, Infantry Grads 3 2012, two-and-a-half months shy of receive fi rst coins its third anniversary. The distinction went to the Sturdi- 2012 Gala plans 4 vant family of Birmingham, Alabama. announced 13-year-old Thomas Sturdivant had convinced the family to make Historic Columbus 5 a spring break trip to the museum. salutes city/post The young military buff had been connection here once before with his father and (continued on page 2) Reunion planners 6 discover what museum offers Coin Sales Off to Brisk Start Spring Fling Film 6 The sale of the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar is off to an im- Fest free for kids pressive start. Four weeks into the program, the Mint reported that 157,700 coins had been sold, representing more than Registration open 8 half of the 350,000 maximum number of coins the Mint is authorized for Summer Camp to strike and issue. The proof version of the coin Benning -- the higher quality coin with the highly polished surface -- has been the best seller so far. The special edition Defenders of Freedom set, which encases the coin in a custom folder and includes commemorative dog tags, is nearly sold out. More than 42,000 of the maximum A PUBLICATION 50,000 of that version have been purchased. OF THE The coins will be available until December or NATIONAL until they are sold out. If all coins are purchased, INFANTRY the National Infantry Foundation will receive $3.5 CSM Brian Hamm presents a coin to one of the graduates of F Company, FOUNDATION million. • Read more about the coin on page 3 • 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment. PAGE 2 THE INFANTRY HERITAGE LETTER Game Day Draws Crowds and VIPs

The Army Chief of Staff, the Army’s TRADOC Commander, a team of football players and new Infantry graduates converged on the museum on a single Friday in March. West Point’s Black Knights football team had traveled from New York to hold their first ever spring scrimmage away from the academy. The players’ started Game Day by attending a graduation of Infantry Soldiers at the National Infantry Museum. Afterward they filled up on protein and carbs at a mid-morning brunch in the Grand Hall. Next, a tour of the museum and finally, the bus ride back to Doughboy Stadium to suit up for the 2 p.m. kickoff. (continued on page 7)

Museum docent Owen Ditchfield tells one group of National Infantry Foundation executives welcome cadets about the heroes honored in the Hall of Valor. Army Chief of Staff GEN Ray Odierno and MG Bob Brown to the museum.

and an awesome surprise.” 1,000,000th Visitor Thomas and his father visited the museum in May (continued from page 1) 2010 with a Boy Scout group led by a retired Infantry officer. Jim, a Birmingham attorney, served as an of- couldn’t wait to bring the rest of the family. ficer in the Army JAG Corps. He first heard about the Thomas and his parents, Jim and Susan Sturdi- museum when it opened in June 2009. vant, and 19-year-old brother Daniel, were given a “I heard years ago this place was something else, bag full of gifts including IMAX and combat simulator but it really is something. Everything is great, from passes, a Fife and Drum restaurant gift card, a gift the exhibits to people working here,” he said. certificate for a commemorative paver on Heritage Thomas even had the chance to reunite with Walk and more. National Infantry Foundation Presi- docent Taylor Reynolds from his tour two years ago. dent Ben Williams and Executive Vice President “I remember my favorite part of the museum last time Greg Camp presented them with a 2012 Infantry that I visited was the Vietnam jungle exhibit. It was so Soldier Silver Dollar. hot in there and seemed so real,” said Thomas. “This is a big day for us,” Williams said. “It’s a real Thomas attends Pizitz Middle School in Birming- accomplishment to reach the million-visitor milestone ham; Daniel is a student at Vestavia High School. in less than three years. And the family that hap- The Sturdivant family was visiting Callaway Gardens pened to walk through the doors at the right time is and made a day trip to the museum and Fort Ben- the perfect embodiment of our mission. The father ning. is a veteran, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see the “This was a perfect way to spend Spring Break,” middle schooler attend one of the service academies. Susan said. “My son just told me this was one of the We’re proud to have them here.” best days of his life, next to Auburn’s national cham- Thomas was a little concerned the planned visit pionship.” wouldn’t happen. “When we were walking up to the Thomas may get yet another chance to visit the museum I saw everyone standing there and we museum. The goodie bag the family received includ- thought there may be some type of malfunction and ed a free session at the museum’s Summer Camp could not go in,” said Thomas. “But this is very cool Benning. PAGE 3

National Advisory Board GEN Ed Burba, Chairman GEN John Abizaid Infantry Graduates Receive First Coins LTG Jerry Bates MG J.B. Burns The 2012 Infantry Secretary of Army Bo Callaway Soldier Silver Dollar was Judge Aaron Cohn MG Paul Eaton released for sale on Febru- GEN Larry Ellis ary 16. The following day, MG Carl Ernst the program was launched LTG Tom Fields at a graduation of Infantry GEN John Foss Soldiers. Each graduate Mr. Joe Galloway LTG Dave Grange was presented a coin by an Mrs. Richard Hallock active duty or retired com- GEN William Hartzog mand sergeant major. Afl ac GEN Jay Hendrix CEO Dan Amos was guest MG Lincoln Jones speaker at the graduation. A new grad shows off his coin to a proud relative. GEN George Joulwan Afterward, graduates, fami- GEN Buck Kernan SMA Richard Kidd lies and members of the community enjoyed patriotic music by the Central MG Will Latham High School Symphonic and Jazz Band, grilled burgers on the lawn and LTG John LeMoyne had the opportunity to be among the fi rst to take home one of the limited MG Ken Leuer edition silver dollars. Within 24 hours, the museum’s gift store had sold out GEN Jim Lindsay its fi rst shipment. GEN Bill Livsey “We’re extremely pleased with how well the Secretary of Army John Marsh GEN Barry McCaffrey coin is selling,” said National Infantry Founda- Honorable Bob Poydasheff tion President Ben Williams. “But we still have COL Ralph Puckett a long way to go before we can call it a victory. Mr. Tom Rabaut Now we have to make sure the word gets out to LTG Ben Register every single active GEN Bill Richardson duty or retired U.S. Gov. Tom Ridge GEN Norman Schwarzkopf Army Infantryman COL Mike Sierra in the world.” LTG Mike Spigelmire Coins can be LTG Mike Steele purchased on the MG William Steele Mint’s website at Mr. Mat Swift www.usmint.gov/ Mr. Fred Taylor Mr. William Turner B.B. Craig, associate catalog. A limited Mr. Jim Weaver director of sales and supply is avail- LTG Sam Wetzel marketing for the United able in the Soldier MG Jerry White States Mint, shows off Store inside the MG Walt Wojdakowski his Infantry blue tie dur- museum. LTG John Wright ing graduation ceremo- BG Jim Yarbrough nies Board of Directors LTG Carmen Cavezza, Chairman Above: Command sergeants Dr. Frank Brown major -- both active duty and Mr. Tim Farmer retired -- leave the fi eld after Mr. Sam Friedman handing out the Infantry Sil- Dr. Jack Goldfrank ver Dollars to graduates. Mr. Julius Hunter COL Robert Jordan Dr. Eddie Obleton Left: Afl ac’s Dan Amos Dr. Robin Pennock posed with graduating Sol- Mr. Jack Pezold diers. The Fortune 500 CEO Mrs. Jean Puckett Dr. Carl Savory said he was “humbled” by the Dr. Robert Wright opportunity to speak to them. PAGE 4 Buffalo Soldiers Continue Tradition of Giving

The Buffalo Soldiers, a motorcycle group honoring the legacy of the famous African-American units estab- lished by Congress in 1866, made another donation to the National Infantry Museum this year. The group has delivered a check every year since the museum’s opening. 1775 Society Gala Plans Announced “Benning Beginnings” is set for Saturday, Aug. with a look back at the 1920s – a decade when the 18! This year’s black-tie gala will focus on Fort Ben- close relationship between the post and the Valley ning’s early years as a new resi- was cemented forever. dent in the Chattahoochee Valley. Members of the Museum’s pres- It was in 1922 that Camp Benning tigious 1775 Society receive two moved to its current location from complimentary tickets to the gala. The the temporary one off Macon Road. evening will include a cocktail recep- The War Department made it a tion, silent auction, dinner and dancing. permanent Army post and changed Tickets are also available to the the name from Camp Benning to general public for $150 each. To Fort Benning. With this in mind, the purchase tickets or for more in- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center plans formation, contact Jane Bayer at 706-685-2604 or to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Fort Benning [email protected].

THEIR MISSION IS TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY. OUR MISSION IS TO SAY THANK YOU. Now is the time to join the mission! Yes, I want to help the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center continue to honor our Soldiers. My tax-deductible gift is enclosed. Please make checks payable to National Infantry Foundation.

$25 $50 $100 $250 $500 Other

NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP EMAIL

Please charge the designated amount to my credit card. CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE

OPTIONAL I wish to give my gift in honor of/in memory of: Please send acknowledgement to: PAGE 5 Historic Columbus Celebrates City/Post Ties

Few military towns in America can boast the Close to 300 people from Columbus, Fort Ben- same kind of kinship Columbus has had with Fort ning and Phenix City attended the luncheon in the Benning for nearly 90 years. That relationship was Grand Hall of the National Infantry Museum and the subject of this year’s “Celebrate Columbus,” a Soldier Center. Lunch included local favorites like fundraiser for Historic Columbus. “Country Captain” and pecan pie, and a silent auc- Guest speaker Dave Stieghan, Infantry School tion of artwork by local artists. historian, entertained the crowd with a story about the creation of Coca-Cola. John Pemberton, a chemist who is credited with inventing the popular soft drink, was a Confederate Soldier in the Civil War. In April of 1865, during the last battle of the war being waged in Columbus, he was wounded by a sabre. It was here, after the war, that Pemberton became preoccupied with formu- las for pain killers and remedies, Construction at Fort Benning in 1926. The new ultimately quadrangle is seen in the upper left of the picture. inspiring him to develop the recipe for Coca- Hold your next event at the A table of CB&T and Synovus employ- Cola. National Infantry Museum ees and guests enjoy the “4th Annual Celebrate Columbus: the Spirit of Fort Visit www.itsyourday.com or Benning” luncheon. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com for ideas and inspiration!

Infantry School Chief and Wall Street Maverick Awarded OSMs

Infantry School Commandant Col (P) Walter Vinnie Viola, a former Infantryman and for- Piatt thought he would be the one handing out mer Chairman of the New York Mercantile Ex- awards at a recent Infantry Call for the 198th In- change, is presented the Order of Saint Maurice fantry Brigade at the museum. But National Infan- by Infantry School Commandant Col (P) Walter try Association Executive Director Dick Nurnburg Piatt and Viola’s former commander and mentor, and MG (Ret) Bill Steele turned the tables by pre- GEN John Abizaid. Also joining Viola on his tour senting him with the highest level Order of Saint of the museum was another former Fort Benning Maurice for his contributions to the Infantry. commander, just-retired LTG Ben Freakley. PAGE 6

Reunion Friendly Network Discovers New Treasure

What better place to hold a military reunion than President Ben Williams presented RFN President in a town where so many military members have at Paul Spiewak with an Infantry Silver Dollar during least passed through? As more and more veterans their luncheon at the museum. from all corners of the country discover the National Infantry Museum, the museum’s Events Department is juggling requests to hold reunions here. RFN At the invitation of the Columbus Convention and President and Visitors Bureau, the Reunion Friendly Network of Founder Paul Hollywood, Florida, recently brought a busload of Spiewak shows reunion planners from several states to tour Colum- off the Infantry bus. The planners were instantly impressed by what Silver Dollar the area offers. Five groups have already booked re- presented to union activities at the museum over the next couple him by NIF of years. President Ben In appreciation, National Infantry Foundation Williams.

IMAX Hosts Free Spring Film Fest SPRING FLING

Are you looking for something fun to do during spring break with SCHEDULE your children or grandchildren? The museum is offering a free 3-day movie series at the IMAX Theatre. The 2012 Spring Fling Film Fest Tuesday, April 3: will run Tuesday, April 3 through Thursday, April 5. There will be two 9:15 How to Train Your Dragon daily show times at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. All fi lms are rated PG. 11:15 Howl’s Moving Castle Admission for the digital showings is on a fi rst come, fi rst seated basis. The concessions stand opens at 8:30 a.m. and will include Wednesday, April 4: special items like the Snack Pack (popcorn, fruit snack, and a 16 oz. 9:15 Despicable Me drink) for $4 and a Box Lunch (hot dog, chips, and a 16 oz. drink) for 11:15 Howl’s Moving Castle $5. The IMAX theatre plans to have a larger scale program this sum- Thursday, April 5: mer for students on break. Last year, both were a great success and 9:15 James and The Giant the museum plans for a larger crowd in 2012. For more updated infor- Peach mation please visit the IMAX blog at http://blog.patriotparkimax.com. 11:15 The Never Ending Story

visit us as www.nationalinfantryfoundation.com and on these social media sites! PAGE 7 Heritage Walk Pavers Exceed 4,000 A couple hundred more commemorative pavers were dedicated at a ceremony on Presidents Day, bringing the total number of granite markers on Heritage Walk to 4,066. Loved ones traveled from as far away as Cali- fornia to attend the dedication, which featured remarks by Larry D. Holling- sworth of DRS Technologies. Paver dedication ceremonies are held four times a year, on Presi- dents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. If you’d like to have a paver placed before the next dedication, your order must be received by April 15. Don’t forget: Moth- er’s Day and Father’s The Patriot Guard has generously attended Day are perfect occa- Family members make pencil every paver ceremony held at the museum over sions for this unique etchings as keepsakes and to the past three years, lining a portion of Heritage gift! Call Lauren Pastwik share with others who couldn’t Walk with American fl ags. at 706-685-5813. attend the ceremony. Game Day (continued from page 2) After referees fl ipped the new 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar at centerfi eld, the “Infantry” team wearing gold and the “Armor” team in black entertained a full house of both Soldiers and civilians from the commu- nity. For those keeping track, Armor won 20-14. Head Coach Rich Ellerson said the trip to Georgia wasn’t so much about football as it was about expos- ing his students to Army life distinctly different from what they’re used to. “Their vision of the Army is based on campus life at West Point,” he said. “Today, they received a snapshot of the Big Army.” One of the cadets touring the museum said the trip gave them a chance to “connect with Soldiers.” Also touring the museum on March 9 were Army Chief of Staff GEN Ray Odierno and TRADOC Com- mander GEN Robert Cone. Odierno noted that the museum was an excellent refl ection of two of the tenets of his command: to promote professionalism in the Army, and to educate families about the critical jobs their loved ones hold. GEN Cone brought yet another VIP to the museum that day: Paul “Buddy” Bucha, a retired Army captain, successful businessman and recipient of the .

NIF Chairman LTG (Ret) Carmen Cavezza presented Chief of Staff GEN Ray Odierno with a framed 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar in front a Bradley fi ghting Have you joined the NIA? vehicle that was used by visit www.infantryassn.com Odierno’s troops in Iraq. The National Infantry FOLLOW THE INFANTRY HONOR THE SACRIFICE PRESERVE THE LEGACY Foundation was established in 1998 to honor our nation’s Infantrymen, past, present and future, and to preserve their legacy. The Foundation, in Summer Camp Registration Underway partnership with the U.S. Army, Summer Camp Benning returns this year in full force with four scheduled weeks is committed to sharing their for campers ages 9-15. The five-day camp will be broken into four sessions that will legacy through the National take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. daily. Each session costs $150 which includes a Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park. t-shirt, workbook, dog tags and lunch. Military and Early Registration discounts are available at $125 per session. Early registration ends on April 30. The museum project is sponsored, in part, by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Session One (June 11-15) and Session Four (July 23-27) are open to all camp- content of this newsletter does not neces- ers. This entry level camp teaches the history of the Infantry. Campers will be able to sarily reflect the position or policy of the Government and no official practice using muskets, re-enact a battle, interview Vietnam veterans, try MREs and endorsement should be inferred. write letters to deployed Soldiers. Session Two (June 25-29) is open to returning campers. Level II takes concepts and skills learned in the previous session to focus on more team-oriented tasks. NIF STAFF Campers will take multiple morning trips to Fort Benning to visit the Airborne School, Combat Simulators at Harmony Church and . Ben Williams The newest addition Executive Director to Camp Benning is Ses- COL Greg Camp sion Three (July 9-13) for Executive Vice President advanced campers. This Mark Balsinger Level III course is centered IMAX Director on the theme “Heroes and Leaders.” It is intended for Jane Bayer Assoc Director of Development older students as more ma- ture themes are presented Vickie Benton for campers to examine the Director of Events hardships Soldiers face and Cyndy Cerbin endure through leadership. Director of Communications Classes are filling up quickly, so sign up today! Laura Jefferson Accounting Manager For more information, call the Camp Benning Hotline Mike McCabe at (706) 685-5814. 2011 campers re-enact the Battle of Antietam. Dir. of Information Technology

Lauren Pastwik Director of Sales New Stadium Signs Welcome Infantry, Armor Randy Sherrer Director of Planned Giving All those young Soldiers arriving at the parade Lora Warren field behind the museum for graduation each Director of Volunteer Services week will probably feel another shot of pride

Lisa Ezzell when they see the new signs that have been Office Manager hung on the back of the press box. The three signs represent Fort Benning’s Sonya Bell relatively new moniker, the Maneuver Center of Admin. Services Manager Excellence. In the middle sits the Maneuver Cen- ter of Excellence logo. On the left is the Infantry School logo and on the right, the insignia for the Armor School. The signs were placed on Mon- day, March 5. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center welcomes and honors all Soldiers NATIONAL of all branches. INFANTRY FOUNDATION 1775 Legacy Way Columbus, Georgia 31903 An employee of Mike Morris Signs hangs the new 706.653.9234 Infantry, Armor and MCoE logos on the stadium. nationalinfantrymuseum.com