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1775 Society

The 1775 Society is a distinguished membership group dedicated to supporting the National Infantry Museum Foundation’s mission of honoring Soldiers—past, present, and future.

Driving the Mission Forward with the National Infantry Museum 1775 Society

Members provide essential financial assistance for the museum’s operations and are integral to its ongoing success. Additionally, the 1775 Society hosts the annual Salute to Soldiers black-tie Gala and Silent Auction each August, offering members exclusive opportunities to engage with the museum community.

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1775 Society Membership Levels

Explore the exclusive membership levels of the 1775 Society, each designed to honor your commitment to preserving the legacy of the National Infantry Museum. 

1775 Society Level

$1,000

  • Infantry Heritage Newsletter subscription
  • Subscription to Impact, the quarterly 1775 newsletter
  • Museum event early registration
  • Museum event reserved seating
  • Recognition on donor kiosk, museum website and Columbus and the Valley annual report
  • Heritage Walk paver discounts – 50% discount (up to three total)
  • Two complimentary tickets to the annual Salute to Soldiers black tie gala and silent auction
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Patriot Level

$2,500

  • Infantry Heritage Newsletter subscription
  • Subscription to Impact, the quarterly 1775 newsletter
  • Museum event early registration
  • Museum even reserved seating
  • Recognition on donor kiosk, museum website and Columbus and the Valley annual report
  • Heritage Walk paver discounts – one free and 50% discount (up to three total)
  • Aflac Soldier Duck
  • Four complimentary tickets to the annual Salute to Soldiers black tie gala and silent auction
  • Two Giant Screen Theater passes for a year with complimentary small popcorn and drink
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Liberty Level

$5,000

  • Infantry Heritage Newsletter subscription
  • Subscription to Impact, the quarterly 1775 newsletter
  • Museum event early registration
  • Museum even reserved seating
  • Recognition on donor kiosk, museum website and Columbus and the Valley annual report
  • Heritage Walk paver discounts – two free and 50% discount (up to three total)
  • Aflac Soldier Duck
  • Six complimentary tickets to the annual Salute to Soldiers black tie gala and silent auction
  • Two Giant Screen Theater passes for a year with complimentary small popcorn and drink
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Freedom Level

$10,000

  • Infantry Heritage Newsletter subscription
  • Subscription to Impact, the quarterly 1775 newsletter
  • Museum event early registration
  • Museum even reserved seating
  • Recognition on donor kiosk, museum website and Columbus and the Valley annual report
  • Heritage Walk paver discounts – four free and 50% discount (up to three total)
  • Aflac Soldier Duck
  • 10 complimentary tickets to the annual Salute to Soldiers black tie gala and silent auction
  • Two Giant Screen Theater passes for a year with complimentary small popcorn and drink
  • Heritage Hall, Patriot Hall and new Courtyard rental discounts
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1775 Society Annual Gala and Silent Auction

The National Infantry Museum’s Annual Gala and Silent Auction is a distinguished black-tie event hosted by the 1775 Society each August. This signature fundraiser features a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and dancing, with a unique theme each year that guests eagerly anticipate. The event plays a crucial role in supporting the museum’s mission to honor the legacy of the United States Army Infantry.

National Infantry Museum’s Bi-Annual Donor Appreciations

The National Infantry Museum’s bi-annual donor appreciation events are heartfelt gatherings designed to honor and thank the museum’s generous supporters. These exclusive events provide an opportunity for donors to connect with the museum’s mission, enjoy engaging presentations, and witness firsthand the impact of their contributions.

National Infantry Museum Chairman

LTG (R) Tom Metz, Chairman

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Thomas F. Metz serves as Chairman of the Board for the National Infantry Museum. With nearly 40 years of commissioned service in the U.S. Army, General Metz brings unparalleled leadership experience, including commanding over 120,000 coalition troops during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (2004-2005).

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, General Metz served in key leadership roles worldwide, from platoon leader to commanding III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas. His final assignment was as Director of the Joint IED Defeat Organization, overseeing a $4 billion annual budget to counter strategic threats.

General Metz holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and has taught at West Point. He is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff and War Colleges, and his numerous awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Ranger Tab.

Learn More About The Board of Directors

Recognizing Our Valued Members

Explore the distinguished members of the National Infantry Museum, organized by membership level. Each name represents a valued contributor dedicated to supporting the museum’s mission and preserving the legacy of the United States Infantry.

1775 Society Level Members

  • Mr. and Mrs. Rick Alexander
  • Mr. and Mrs. Dan Amos
  • Mrs. R. Wayne Andrews
  • Mr. and Mrs. Rick Anthony
  • Mr. Tom Arthur
  • Mrs. Champ Baker Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball
  • Miss Sandra Jo Barclay
  • LTG (Ret) Jared Bates
  • Dr. and Mrs. Gary Bayer
  • Mr. and Mrs. Josh Beard
  • Mr. and Mrs. Billy Benton, Jr.
  • Mrs. Susan Berry
  • Mr. and Mrs. James Blanchard
  • Mr. and Mrs. William Blanchard
  • Mr. and Mrs. George Boyd, Sr.
  • GEN (Ret) David Bramlett
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Johnny Brooks
  • GEN (Ret) Arthur Brown, Jr.
  • GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Edwin Burba, Jr.
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Bill Carty
  • LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Carmen Cavezza
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Rob Choppa
  • Mr. and Mrs. Bret Coffman
  • Mr. and Mrs. Don Corbin

1775 Society Patriot Level Members

  • Mr. and Mrs. Brian Abeyta
  • Phyllis and Newt Aaron
  • Mr. and Mrs. James Balkcom, Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Pablo Bermudez
  • Mr. Richard Bickerstaff, Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jim Buntin
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Greg Camp
  • COL (Ret) John D’Agostino
  • Emory University, Goizueta Business School
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Dan Fuhr
  • Dr. and Mrs. Jack Goldfrank
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Hargrove
  • Mr. and Mrs. Ken Henson
  • r. and Mrs. Jim Hillenbrand
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. William Huff
  • BG (Ret) and Mrs. Pete Jones
  • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Chuck McClure
  • MG (Ret) James Musselman
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Edward Northrop
  • Dr. Robin Pennock
  • Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins
  • Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Rossi
  • The HON and Mrs. Bill Rumer
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Shinkle
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Thayer
  • Mrs. Jill Warlick
  • LTC (Ret) Richard Wood
  • Mr. Richard Wright
  • Mr. and Mrs. James Yancey

1775 Society Liberty Level Members

  • GEN (Ret) and Mrs. John Abizaid
  • Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baker
  • Mr. and Mrs. Steve Butler, Jr.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jake Flournoy
  • James G. and Kathryn A. Hillenbrand
  • Mr. and Mrs. Tony Link
  • Mrs. Jean McKee
  • MG (Ret) and Mrs. Peter McVey
  • LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Tom Metz
  • GEN (Ret) Robert RisCassi
  • George and Ann Swift Family Foundation
  • Mr. Philip Thayer
  • The HON Judy Thomas
  • Mr. and Mrs. Wright Waddell
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jim Weaver
  • Mrs. Katherine Corn Wilson
  • Mr. and Mrs. Bill Woolfolk III

1775 Society Freedom Level Members

  • Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cheves
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Ray Kauffman
  • Mr. Don Jones
  • GEN (Ret) Buck Kernan
  • GEN (Ret) William F. Kernan
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kurtz
  • Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lumpkin III
  • Mr. and Mrs. Warner Neal
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pezold
  • COL (Ret) and Mrs. Ralph Puckett
  • Pritzker Military Foundation
  • Dr. and Mrs. Carl Savory
  • GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Hugh Shelton
  • Dr. and Mrs. Maurice Solis
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Preserve the Legacy, Support the Mission

Why Join the 1775 Society?

Becoming a member of the 1775 Society means aligning yourself with a community dedicated to honoring the brave Soldiers who have shaped our nation’s history. As a member, you’ll play an integral role in supporting the National Infantry Museum’s mission while gaining exclusive benefits:

  • Exclusive Access: Invitations to premier events like the Annual Gala and Silent Auction.
  • Legacy Preservation: Help preserve and celebrate the history of the U.S. Infantry for future generations.
  • Special Recognition: Be acknowledged among a distinguished group of supporters who share your passion for patriotism and history.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join the 1775 Society today and take pride in your role as a guardian of history and honor. Your support ensures the museum continues to educate and inspire visitors from around the world.

Join Now and Make an Impact