News Releases

Bradley Takes Command of Last 100 Yards Ramp

25-ton Bradley M2A2 from Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom lifted into place

Press Contacts: Cyndy Cerbin (706) 653-9234 Download PDF (24K) Requires Acrobat Reader Other news releases

A crane lifted it more than 20-feet into the air, and gently lowered it to its place of honor on the Last 100 Yards ramp, the new museum's signature exhibit. The walls of the museum will be built around it.

Columbus, Georgia – June 1, 2007: The new National Infantry Museum's first artifact has moved in.

It's a 25-ton Bradley M2A2, the fighting vehicle that carried Infantrymen across thousands of miles of desert in both the Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom.

A crane lifted it more than 20-feet into the air, and gently lowered it to its place of honor on the Last 100 Yards ramp, the new museum's signature exhibit.

The walls of the museum will be built around it.

The Bradley suffered extensive damage in combat with the 1st Battalion of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 4th Infantry Division. BAE Systems, which manufactures the Bradley, donated the cost of restoring the vehicle.

"When I first saw it, it was full of holes," National Infantry Foundation President MG Jerry White said. "But thanks to the fine work of BAE Systems, the Bradley looks brand new."

"We're very proud of our success," said BAE Vice President Andy Hove, who traveled to Columbus for the event. "However, we are more proud of the men and women in uniform who protect our way of life. Our contributions to the NIM are a small token of our commitment to the freedoms we enjoy in this great Nation."

The Bradley will help tell the story of the Infantry's role in the desert wars. It will sit at the end of the Last 100 Yards ramp, where iconic battles of America's past and present will be depicted.

The National Infantry Foundation is conducting an $85 million fund raising campaign to build a new National Infantry Museum and Heritage Park on 200 acres linking Columbus, Georgia, and Fort Benning, the Home of the Infantry. The world-class facility will honor the 231-year legacy of valor and sacrifice of the Army’s largest branch, the Infantry. The project includes a museum, parade field, memorial walk of honor, authentic World War II Company Street and 3-D IMAX Theatre. For more information, visit www.nationalinfantryfoundation.org.

Other news releases.