Infantry Soldier Coin Launch & Celebration | Friday, 17 February 2012 | National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning/Columbus, GA Georgia

The National Infantry Foundation is excited to finally offer the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar for sale! Please join us for the launch event Friday, February 17. The newly minted coins will be presented to a company of newly minted Infantrymen at their graduation at 9 a.m. Aflac CEO Dan Amos and United States Mint Associate Director B.B. Craig will be guest speakers for the event. 

We’ll have patriotic music and grilled burgers and, of course, the coin for you to buy and take home! Be sure to share the following flyer with all your friends:

Click to enlarge | Follow the coin on Facebook to learn more!

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The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way | Columbus, GA 31903 | 706.685.5800

Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Donate Online

National Infantry Foundation Seeks Communications Assistant

The National Infantry Museum has an opening for a Marketing and Communications Assistant. This position requires 30-40 hours per week, including occasional nights or weekends.

The ideal candidate must display excellent written and oral communication skills and a commitment to organization and accuracy. Experience in graphic design, marketing, and web development/content management is required.

Primary responsibilities and tasks:
• Assist with website maintenance, including blog posts and calendar updates. Assist developers and senior staff with site updates and enhancements
• Maintain museum’s social media outreach, including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, FourSquare, etc.
• Monitor outside media and internet for museum-related content
• Maintain online event calendars
• Create and maintain content for digital monitors and signage

Other responsibilities and tasks:
• Assist with the creation of content for brochures, promotional materials, emails, presentations, direct mail, newsletters, annual reports and special events
• Assist with creation of press releases, presentations, scripts and other content as directed
• Assist Director in promoting museum activities with local, regional and national media
• Organize and maintain contact lists, files and records
• Basic photography of museum events
• Respond to inquiries from the public
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience creating and/or managing a professional website
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic print and graphic design; knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Excellent skills in grammar, writing and communication
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, computer science or closely related business field
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with staff, volunteers, the media, outside vendors and the general public

Application, deadlines, and compensation:
Submit cover letter and resume to:
Cyndy Cerbin
Director of Communications
National Infantry Foundation
1775 Legacy Way, Suite 220
Columbus, GA 31903

or ccerbin@nationalinfantryfoundation.org

or by fax to 706-653-8368.

Please, no phone calls regarding this position.

This position pays an hourly rate, commensurate with experience and skill level.

Letter to the Editor: "An Unexpected Christmas Gift" | National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning/Columbus, Georgia

This letter appeared as a letter to the editor of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer today, 4 January 2012:

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS GIFT

Every year, Santa and the Conductor will
periodically stop by during our run of The
Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience

Saturday, Dec. 17, two grandmothers, one great-grandmother and five grandchildren dressed in their finest PJs (the children, not the grandmothers) arrived at the Infantry Museum promptly at 5 p.m. All were excited about the crafts, a visit with Santa and a viewing of “The Polar Express,” only to learn that we had arrived one day early. (As hard as we try, grandmothers are not perfect!)

As we stood in the lobby pondering what to do, what should appear but a wonderful “elf” disguised as an Infantry Museum volunteer. She gathered our entire little group and began a historical journey that all could understand. We traveled through time, stopped to have pictures made first in a tank and then in front of a lovely Christmas tree with packages underneath. Little ones learned of the thanks we owe our military past and present. Amazed at each scene, with amazing attention, they heard her every word. 

Upon completion of our “dream travel through time,” we left for dinner and returned at 6:30 for viewing of "The Polar Express." The sight of little ones in big glasses was something to behold, each reaching for a snowflake or a golden ticket as it appeared closer to their eyes. 

No crafts and only a close-up look at Santa’s chair and a wonderful view of history made understandable to a child’s mind by an elf … well, we could not have asked for a greater Christmas gift for our entire family. A ticket punched by a “real” conductor has become a cherished keepsake for each grandchild. 

The Infantry Museum is such a great gift for our entire community. And a special thanks to our special elf – it was not by accident that she appeared just for us!

Janet C. O’Neal 

Columbus

Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. O'Neal, and thank you to all our dedicated volunteer staff who strive to make every visit memorable.

Start your new year right by donating your time and talents to the National Infantry Museum! To volunteer today, contact Lora Davis Warren: (706) 685-5810 | lwarren@nationalinfantryfoundation.org

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The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way | Columbus, GA 31903 | 706.685.5800

Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Donate Online

p.s. (The "Infantry Museum Elf" has requested to remain anonymous, but visit the National Infantry 

Museum and you may get to experience your own personal adventure with her!)

National Infantry Museum Holiday Gift Guide: Patriotic Presents for Any Price | Fort Benning/Columbus, GA Georgia

This Christmas, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is the perfect place to find a truly unique gift for the patriot in your life. Consider these gift ideas, all of which help support our mission to honor Soldiers and keep their history alive:

Some of the "Culinary Treasures" in the book

Unique Items from the Soldier Store
Operated by Ranger Joe's, our Soldier Store has a large selection of clothing, books and collectibles relating to the museum, the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence, and the U.S. Army Infantry & Armor branches.

The latest addition to their stock is our brand new cookbook, "Culinary Treasures for the Queen of Battle," featuring 700+ recipes from military families and veterans from around the world! (Details | Email)
Price: $30


Timeless Dedications
Honor a loved one with the gift of a Heritage Walk Paver, the custom-engraved granite stones which run Heritage Walk, the flag-lined walkway that connects the front of the museum to the parade field. Military or civilian, living or deceased, a paver is the perfect way to immortalize a loved one by making them a permanent part of this amazing facility.

New editions to Heritage Walk are unveiled at
dedication ceremonies held throughout the year

Price: $250 (tax-deductible), with discounts for active duty military personnel and Friends of the Museum; includes a miniature replica for display in your home or office. (Paver Video | Email)

For a similar tribute on a larger scale, the National Infantry Museum is filled with opportunities to dedicate benches, trees, and Founder's Circle stones – which wrap around the base of the Heritage Walk flags – to commemorate an individual or organization.

Price: Beginning at $1,000 (tax-deductible), contact us for details. (Founder's Circle Video | Email)



A Day of Fun at the Museum

In addition to our world-class galleries and touching tributes, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center offers exceptional opportunities for recreation and entertainment unlike anywhere else!

Museum Money is accepted anywhere inside the National Infantry Museum,
including the IMAX, NIM SIM Attractions and Fife & Drum Restaurant!

The Patriot Park IMAX Theatre is home to the largest screen in the region – 5 1/2 stories high, 70+ feet wide, 12,000 watts of crystal clear audio – and provides the only true IMAX 3D Experience between Atlanta and Pensacola. Showing the best documentaries and biggest Hollywood blockbusters, the Patriot Park IMAX also features an extensive concessions stand and has featured numerous premieres for new military-themed films.

Price: $10 Hollywood | $8 Documentary; discounts for military, seniors and children, no surcharge for 3D (Patriot Park IMAX Blog)

Need an adrenaline rush? Step into the action with our NIM SIM Combat Simulators! Experience the same weapons training used our military in the EST2000 Rifle Range, then assemble your team, receive your mission and engage the enemy in our authentic Humvee or Black Hawk helicopter simulators. 

Price: $8-$20 (Video)

The NIMSC is also home to the Fife & Drum Restaurant, featuring American bistro cuisine with a full service bar and daily meal specials. Price: $8-20, featuring a wide selections of sandwiches, salads and entrées for any price point (and don't forget to save room for chef's delicious creme brulée for dessert!)

If you'd like to treat your friends and family to the entire museum experience, Museum Money is now available! Available in denominations of $5, $10, $25 and $50, Museum Money can be used at any location inside the museum or put towards any National Infantry Foundation programs, including pavers and memberships.
Price: Face value ($5 | $10 | $25 | $50); purchase yours today at the IMAX Box Office, inside the NIMSC Lobby.

Friends of the Museum & the 1775 Society

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is the largest privately-funded military museum in the country. By becoming a Friend of the Museum, you pledge to help us continue our mission: honoring the service and sacrifice our Soldiers. Residents of the Columbus & Fort Benning communities also get a sense of civic pride, knowing they are directly responsible for the success of this locally operated, world-renowned facility.

Price: Active Military, $25 | Retired Military/Educator, $35 | Family, $50 | Patron, $300 (tax-deductible)

Last year's gala, "Thanks for the Memories: A Bob Hope Tribute to our
Vietnam Era Veterans," featured a silent auction & world-class entertainment

The next tier of our membership program is the prestigious 1775 Society. In addition to providing monetary support to the museum’s operation, they host our annual black tie gala.

Price: 

1775 Level, $1,000

Patriot Level, $2,500

Liberty Level, $5,000

Freedom Level, $10,000
(tax-deductible)

The museum relies on your direct contributions to help keep history alive

Planned Giving & Sponsored Donations

Shopping for the person who has everything? Consider a gift to the National Infantry Museum in honor of that special person. Your donation helps the National Infantry Museum honor Soldiers every day.

Donations can be made once or scheduled as pledged payments over time. You can give in your own name or use your gift to acknowledge another individual or company/organization. Download our form to send your payment by mail or donate online right now!

Price: Gifts of all sizes are welcome! (tax-deductible)

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The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way | Columbus, GA 31903 | 706.685.5800

Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Donate Online

A Soldier knows his mission is to protect our country. At the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, we believe our mission is to say thank you. This holiday season, Be a Part of the Mission at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/NationalInfantryFoundation/OnlineDonation.html

Ways to Brighten a Soldier's Season | Patriotic Holiday Tips from the National Infantry Museum, Columbus, Georgia

At the National Infantry Museum, the mission is to honor Soldiers. Looking for ways to show your support for our military men and women during this festive season? Try one of these ideas:

• Invite a Soldier who can’t go home for the holidays to come to your house for a big home-cooked dinner.

• Find a World War II vet and record his memories. He’ll feel proud and honored. The median age for a WWII veteran is 85. Let’s make sure their stories are not lost.

• Know of a Soldier who’s deployed? Find out what his family needs for the holidays and lend them a helping hand. If you're in the Fort Benning area, Benning MWR has a great list of programs to assist the morale and welfare of our local military families.

• Write a thank-you card to a Soldier, and place it on the Gift of Freedom tree at the National Infantry Museum. If you’re not local, mail it to us and we’ll hang it on the tree for you! (see address below)

• The next time you see a uniformed Soldier, take a moment to simply say, “thank you for your service!” It will mean more than you can guess.

As we enjoy another season of giving, please remember to honor those who have given all for freedom.

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The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way | Columbus, GA 31903 | 706.685.5800

Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Donate Online

A Soldier knows his mission is to protect our country. At the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, we believe our mission is to say thank you. This holiday season, Be a Part of the Mission at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/NationalInfantryFoundation/OnlineDonation.html

Support Your National Infantry Museum Today! | Holiday Donation Drive & Gift Ideas | Fort Benning/Columbus, GA

A Soldier knows his mission is to protect our country. At the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, we believe our mission is to say thank you. This holiday season, we invite you to be a part of the mission with a tax-deducible donation.

WHO WE ARE
Operated by a private, non-profit 509(a)1 organization – the National Infantry Foundation – the NIMSC houses an outstanding collection of military artifacts and interactive exhibits unlike any other. Our success is measured by the response of our visitors: in under three years of operation, we're closing in on our millionth visitor and were recognized for Outstanding Achievement at the 17th annual Thea Awards, the most prestigious honor in the themed entertainment industry.

Summer Camp Benning, one of our
most popular programs, is just one
example of your donations in action

WHAT WE DO
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center opened in June 2009 with one mission: to honor Soldiers past, present and future. The NIMSC operates with three primary goals in mind:

• Education, explaining the role of the United States Army throughout history to the general public and Soldiers in training at Fort Benning;
• Recreation, providing the most unique opportunities for learning and fun in the community, including the region's only IMAX 3D experience and the NIM SIM Combat Simulators;
• Preservation, honoring all Soldiers by depicting their legacy of service and sacrifice.

As a privately-funded organization, the National Infantry Foundation relies entirely on your generous support to keep history alive.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is holding a year-end donation drive as we prepare for all the exciting opportunities that await in 2012, including special event programming and gallery expansion. 
Remember, all contributions to the National Infantry Foundation are tax-deductible; what better way to close out this year than with a charitable contribution to honor Soldiers at this world-class facility? You can DONATE ONLINE TODAY or send your check along with this printed form to: 

The National Infantry Foundation

1775 Legacy Way, Suite 220

Columbus, Georgia 31903

The NIMSC is also a great place to purchase truly unique holiday gifts for all ages! From memorial pavers to cookbooks, we offer ways to provide lasting tribute or just one day of family fun. Throughout the month of December, we'll be highlighting different gift ideas as well as reviewing what your support did for us in 2011 and providing a sneak preview of what lies ahead in 2012.

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The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way | Columbus, GA | 706.685.5800

Homepage | Facebook | Twitter | Donate Online

A Soldier knows his mission is to protect our country. At the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, we believe our mission is to say thank you. This holiday season, Be a Part of the Mission at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/NationalInfantryFoundation/OnlineDonation.html

MILITARY MATTERS: National Infantry Museum volunteers | WTVM.com, 30 November 2011

MILITARY MATTERS: National Infantry Museum volunteers - WTVM.com - News Leader 9, Columbus, GA

Check out this report by WTVM's Chuck Leonard about our fantastic volunteers, then contact Lora Warren to learn how you can sign up: lwarren@nationalinfantryfoundation.org | 706-685-5810