Donor Spotlight: Ben A. Martinez, Jr.

World War II Veteran Ben A. Martinez, Jr. has shared his passion for telling the story of World War II through his generous contribution of 7 named theater seats within the Solomon Victory Theater, which honor the legacy and service of his loved ones.

Ben, a pharmacist with a BS Degree, enlisted as an Army Air Corp Cadet, but opted to go to the Medical Administrative OCS (MAC) and then “Battalion Surgeon Assistant School.” Assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, he replaced one of two doctors in a Battalion Aid Station and he feels that he and the army found a “niche” in one another.

Since 2009 he has generously donated named theater seats in honor of himself, his remarkable brothers, John, José and Urban “U.B.”, who all served in WWII, as well as family members William G. Wegmann and John W. Waters. He most recently named a seat in 2013 in honor of life-long friend and P-51 pilot Frank Roark, whom Ben considered his “protégé.” Ben says that he “picked up the habit” of being generous from his father, who had a strong sense of family life and was “always giving.” Ben also supports the Museum through his continued Patriot Circle membership, sponsorship of our annual Victory Ball fundraiser and support of the Museum’s education programs. He enjoys attending the live shows at the Stage Door Canteen, and is a regular at the Victory Belles performances.

You too can play a role by honoring your hero in the Solomon Victory Theater. This year marks the 5-year anniversary of the opening of the Solomon Victory Theater, with more than 900,000 visitors viewing the 4-D Beyond All Boundaries since opening in 2009. Available nowhere else in the world, this unique, multi-sensory cinematic experience has appealed to the broadest possible audience and has changed the way that people learn about the war.

Please contact Lauren Bevis, Donor Relations Manager, at 504.528.1944, ext. 316 or lauren.bevis@nationalww2museum.org for more information. There are only 142 seats left, so be sure to order your special tribute today!

Post by Lauren Bevis, Donor Relations Manager