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 [Click HERE for tickets] each August, offering members exclusive opportunities to engage with the museum community.
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
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
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
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
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
1775 Society Chair
JOHN SHINKLE
A native of Columbus and a graduate of Georgia State University, John Shinkle began working at Stifel in 2006 and now serves as the Branch Manager in Columbus, LaGrange, and Warner Robins locations.
He is a passionate advocate in his community, John is the Director of the Columbus State University Athletic Fund, Vice President of the Fred Haskins Commission, Chairman of the Finance Committee at Trinity Episcopal Church, and is on the Board of Trustees of Columbus State University. John recently completed his second term on the Board of Directors of the National Infantry Museum Foundation.
John’s past affiliations include Board Director of the Ronald McDonald House, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus and Phenix City, two-term President of the Columbus Country Club, Chairman of the Columbus Sports council, Chairman of the Columbus Convention and Visitor Bureau, and Chairman of the Charter Review Commission.
John is an honorary member of the Columbus State University alumni association and has been awarded the Man & Youth Award by the Boys and Girls Club. He was also a recipient of the Herbert Greene Golden Cougar Award.
John and his wife, Linda, have two grown daughters and two adorable grandchildren.
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 Freedom Level Members
- GEN(Ret) and Mrs. John Abizaid
- Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Allen
- Mr. and Mrs. Dan Amos
- Mr. and Mrs. Steve Butler, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cheves
- MSgt(Ret) and Mrs. Kenneth Couture
- Mrs. Carol Dingman
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dyer
- Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Edwards
- Mr. and Mrs. David B. Erickson
- Mr. and Mrs. John Flournoy
- Mr. John Hargrove
- Mr. Don Harmon
- Mr. and Mrs. Don Jones
- COL(Ret) and Mrs. Ray Kauffman
- Mr. and Mrs. Tony Link
- Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lumpkin III
- Mrs. Jean McKee
- Mr. and Mrs. Walter Miller
- Mrs. Kristy Mitchell
- Mr. and Mrs. Warner Neal
- Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Norris
- Mr. Sunny Park
- Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pezold
- COL(Ret) J.N. Pritzker
- Mr. David G. Ross
- Ms. Margaret Salter
- Dr. and Mrs. Carl Savory
- Mr. and Mrs. Austin Suggs
- Mr. and Mrs. Brad Turner
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Weaver
- Mr. and Mrs. Troy Woods
1775 Society Liberty Level Members
- Mr. Paul Benneche
- Mr. Pete Benvin
- Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Fotheringill
- Mr. and Mrs. James Hillenbrand
- COL(Ret) and Mrs. Robert Hoidahl, Jr
- Mr. and Mrs. Sean Knox
- Mrs. Hildagine Manio
- LTG(Ret) and Mrs. Tom Metz
- Dr. Robin Pennock
- GEN(Ret) Robert RisCassi
- Mrs. Joan Redmond
- Mrs. Richard Smith
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Turner
- Mr. and Mrs. Will White
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Woolfolk III
1775 Society Patriot Level Members
- Mr. and Mrs. Newt Aaron
- Mr. and Mrs. James Balkcom, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baker
- Mr. and Mrs. Pablo Bermudez
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Buntin
- Mr. Cody Burrage
- COL(Ret) and Mrs. Greg Camp
- Mr. Raymond C. Crouse
- Dr. and Mrs. Jack Goldfrank
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hecht III
- Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Howard
- Mr. and Mrs. William Huff
- BG(Ret) and Mrs. Pete Jones
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones, Jr.
- LTG(Ret) and Mrs. Ken Keen
- Mr. Dallas Krapf
- Mr. and Mrs. Chuck McClure
- MG(Ret) and Mrs. James Musselman
- Dr. Robert M. Patton
- Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins
- Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Sampson
- Mr. and Mrs. John Shinkle
- Mr. Cody Shipman and Ms. Mary Hayes
- Mrs. Gary K. Troyer
- Mr. Richard Wright
- Mr. and Mrs. James Yancey
1775 Society Level Members
- Mr. and Mrs. Brian Abeyta
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Accordino
- Mr. and Mrs. Rick Anthony
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Arch V. Arnold, III
- Mr. Tom Arthur
- Mr. Charles Ball
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Daniel R. Barnett
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Jared Bates
- Miss Sandra Jo Barclay
- Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Beard
- Mrs. Susan Berry
- Mr. and Mrs. Don Beck
- LTG (Ret) Paul E. Blackwell, Sr.
- Mr. and Mrs. James Blanchard
- GEN (Ret) David Bramlett
- Mrs. Johnny Brooks
- GEN (Ret) Arthur Brown, Jr.
- GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Edwin Burba, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Ed Burdeshaw
- Mr. Robert David Carreker
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Bill Carty
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Carmen Cavezza
- Mr. and Mrs. Matt Cheves
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Rob Choppa
- Mr. John O. Chubb
- Mr. and Mrs. Don Corbin
- Mrs. Lovick Corn
- Mr. Time and the HON Charmaine Crabb
- LTC (Ret) and Mrs. Jim Creek
- Mrs. Owen Ditchfield
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Jerry Dodson
- MG (Ret) and Mrs. Patrick Donahoe
- Mr. Glenn Dubis
- Mr. Jason Ernest
- MG (Ret) and Mrs. Carl Ernst
- Mr. and Mrs. Chris Eysel
- Mr. and Mrs. James Ferrell
- Mr. and Mrs. John Flory
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Feighner
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Harold Fields
- Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner Garrard
- Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Garrard
- Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Gibson
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Mary Godlove
- Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goldfrank
- Ms. Sharon Gridley
- Mr. Jeffrey Gunter
- Mrs. Richard Hallock
- GEN (Ret) Carter Ham
- Mr. Kevin Harcourt
- Mr. Alan Harp
- Mr. and Mrs. Seth Harp, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher, Jr
- Mr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher, III
- Mr. and Mrs. Ken Henson
- Mr. Emil W. Heugatter
- Mrs. Roger Hewitt
- Mr. and Mrs. Comer Hobbs
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Hank Holcomb
- COL (Ret) John M. House
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Hurt
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Irvin
- Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Johnson
- Mr. Richard Jones
- Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Jordan
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Michael A. Kelso
- Dr. William P. Kendall
- Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey Kennon
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Rockey Kmiecik
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Cole Kingseed
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Guy LaBoa
- Mrs. Earle Lasseter
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Chris Lewis
- Dr. and Mrs. David Lewis
- CPT (Ret) and Mrs. Al Lipphardt
- Mr. and Mrs. Rob Marion
- GEN (Ret) and Mrs Barry R. McCaffrey
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Steven McClaflin
- Mrs. R. Scott McGurk
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Jeff Mellinger
- Mr. Kenneth Miller
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Money, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Alex Naik
- Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Newman
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Jack Nix
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Edward Northrop
- Mrs. Carol Norton
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Dick Nurnberg
- COL (Ret) Bob Offer and Dr. Carole Rutland
- Mr. and Mrs. Dan Parker
- Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pease III
- LTC (Ret) and Mrs. Mac Plummer
- Mr. and Mrs. James Poole
- Mr. William Porter
- Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Price
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Privette
- Mrs. Jean Puckett
- Chaplain LTC (Ret) Anthony Randall
- Mr. Kurt Fitz Randolph
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Andy Redmond
- Mr. and Mrs. Matt Redmond
- Mrs. Jeanne Ritter
- The HON and Mrs. Bill Rumer
- Mr. Scott E. Rutter
- COL (Ret) Don Sando and the HON Julia L. Sando
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sanders
- Mr. and Mrs. Dicky Saunders
- Mr. and Mrs. Claude Scarbrough III
- BG (Ret) Gene Schmidt
- Mrs. H. Norman Schwarzkopf
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Scrantom
- Dr. Jack Sherrer
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Silverstein
- LTC (Ret) Bruce Silvey
- LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Gary Speer
- COL (Ret) Robert St. Clair
- Mr. and Mrs. John Stacy
- MG (Ret) and Mrs. William Steele
- Mrs. Kathleen Stilwell
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. John Strange
- Mr. and Mrs. Eric Strother
- Mr. and Mrs. Mathews Swift
- LTC Ralph Talbot
- Mrs. Mary Terry
- Mr. and Mrs. John Thayer
- Mr. Tim and Dr. Ticknor
- Mr. and Mrs. Phil Tomlinson
- Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Townsend
- Mr. and Mrs. James P. Trotter
- Ms. Lois Tryon
- Mr. and Mrs. John Walden, Jr.
- CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Fred Weekley
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. Ronald West
- Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wilensky
- Mr. and Mrs. Ben Williams
- Mr. Richard Wilson
- Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Wilson
- LTG (Ret) Leonard Wishart III
- MG (Ret) and Mrs. Walt Wojdakowski
- Mr. and Mrs. Joel Wooten
- COL (Ret) and Mrs. William R. Venable
- Mr. John Yancey and Ms. Melody Goodwin
- Mr. and Mrs. Tom Yanoschik
- Mrs. Deborah Yates
- Mr. L. Meredith Yoe, Jr.
- Mr. Daniel Zaner
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.