The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center will cut the ribbon on a new gallery Friday, March 8, at 2:30 p.m. Rotating exhibits in the new gallery will feature hidden treasures from the museum’s vast collection and traveling exhibits from other institutions.
The inaugural show, Al Reid’s Portraits in Leadership, highlights some of the artist’s 33 years of work. Reid began his career as a graphic illustrator at Fort Benning and later served as Resident Artist and Exhibits Specialist for the National Infantry Museum, where was instrumental in the completion of dozens of exhibits and created nearly 40 works of fine art. His portraits line the halls and auditoriums of many buildings on post and in several U.S. Army museums. Reid retired in December 2018.
Paintings selected for the show highlight a common theme of leadership. Among the subjects included in the show are General Omar Bradley, the youngest and last of only nine U.S. commanders to be promoted to the rank of five-star general; Eugene Bullard, a Columbus native and the first African-American combat pilot; Colonel Rick Rescorla, a Vietnam veteran who later helped save thousands of lives during the collapse of the World Trade Center; Colonel Ralph Puckett, whose display of extraordinary valor earned him a spot in the Ranger Hall of Fame’s inaugural class; and Captain Frank G. Lumpkin Jr, a prominent local citizen who was an integral figure in transitioning the armored force into its own Combat Arms branch. In addition to the portraits, displays will highlight some of the leadership characteristics of the individuals portrayed.
The public is invited to a brief ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, for the dedication of the new gallery. The artist and some of his local subjects will be in attendance.
The museum has also begun work on the next exhibit for the new gallery, marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day.