The Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army recently received major gifts via the estates of two World War II Army veterans—a $1 million gift of LTC Mary Bateman Connell (USA-Ret.), a 99-year-old retired Army nurse, and $100,000 gift of a 95-year-old Army veteran whose name is being withheld at this time.
“Receiving these gifts was a very pleasant surprise,” acknowledged Rachel Hartmann, the Capital Campaign’s Senior Director for Major and Planned Giving, “and it’s an honor to know these individuals made purposeful provisions in advance to support the National Army Museum through their estates.” According to Hartmann, 2013 was a good year for the planned giving program, which gained six new members. Another four members have joined in first months of 2014.
“Some Museum supporters name us in their estate unbeknownst to us and we don’t have the opportunity to personally express our gratitude,” Hartmann continued. “We will always respect donors’ wishes if they prefer to keep their plans private, and we also enjoy the opportunity to work with our planned-giving donors and their personal advisors and welcome them into theLegacy Society.”
The Legacy Society is a recognition program to thank and honor individuals today for the future support they will provide to The Army Historical Foundation and the Campaign for the National Army Museum. COL David Mitchell, (USA-Ret.) is one of the newest members of the Legacy Society. At a meeting in March, Mitchell explained to Hartmann that he had made regular donations to the Campaign and started thinking further ahead with his estate plans. Mitchell added, “I reflected on what served as the basis in shaping my career and my adult life, and it was clear: my alma mater, Ohio University, and the U.S. Army.” Mitchell studied journalism at Ohio University and went on to serve three years in Vietnam. After Vietnam, Mitchell had a career as a civil servant and served as a civil affairs officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
During a recent meeting with Hartmann, COL Donald R. Werner (USA-Ret.) expressed that he also had included the Museum in his estate plans. Werner served two years in the Marines and then enlisted in the Army. Werner explained that he joined the Army for the GI bill benefits and the training. It turned out that he loved the Army and he stayed. “I served over 30 years in the Army and the Army was very good to me,” Werner added. “Now is my time to give back.”
There are several ways to get involved:
Gifts by Will or Revocable Trust – Name The Army Historical Foundation in your will through a bequest provision.
Qualified Retirement Plans – Designate The Army Historical Foundation as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets.
Gifts of Securities – Transfer stock to The Army Historical Foundation.
Gifts by Life Insurance – Designate The Army Historical as owner/beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
Charitable Remainder Trust – Create a trust that provides a fixed or variable income to meet your specific needs, at the termination of which all remaining assets are passed to The Army Historical Foundation.
Retained Life Estate – Give a remainder interest in your personal residence, farm, or vacation home to The Army Historical Foundation.
