Last week, Dr. John F. Hillen III made a $50,000 contribution to the National Army Museum in remembrance of his father, retired Lt. Col. John F. Hillen, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 72. The donation will be credited in the form of a one-star circle of distinction that is reserved for donors of $50,000 to $99,000.
John Hillen’s donation was also featured in the August 29, 2011 Fay Observer by Henry Cuningham.
Hillen is the current President and CEO of Sotera Defense Solutions and believes that the army gave his father a new life.
Hillen’s father grew up in New York City and joined the Army ROTC program at the City College of New York the same time Future Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell attended. Both father and son attended ROTC summer advanced camp at Fort Bragg. Hillen’s father taught at the Fort Bragg’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
Hillen received an ROTC scholarship and studied at Duke University. He then spent 12 years as an Army officer. In 2005, Hillen became an Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs.
The Army Historical Foundation is collecting donations for the museum to be built in Fort Belvoir, Va. The museum is scheduled to open on June 14, 2015 – the Army’s 240th birthday — to the public. Currently, the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps all have museums but there is no such place for the Army.
Approximately, $155 million will be needed to open the museum on that date. $60 million has been raised so far, according to Fabian.
Located on a 41-acre site, the 181-000 square foot museum will have its ground breaking ceremony next spring or summer. The museum blueprint contains three galleries, an education pavilion, a veterans hall and an Army theater.
Ground is scheduled be broken spring or summer 2012 on a 41-acre site on the northern part of the Army post. The 181,000-square-foot museum will be on the post ground but outside the security perimeter.