The Legacy of
Duty. Honor. County.
The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation preserves the legacy of one of America's greatest military leaders — supporting education, leadership awards, and the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia for generations to come.
60+
Years of Service
1962
Founded in Norfolk, VA
7
Commemorative Award Programs
Who Was General MacArthur?
General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent American military leader born on January 26, 1880. He graduated from West Point and rose to become Chief of Staff and Division Commander of the 42nd Rainbow Division, earning two Distinguished Service Crosses and six Silver Stars. He is best remembered for his island-hopping campaign in the Pacific Theater during World War II and his famous promise — "I shall return" — during the Philippines campaign. After the war he oversaw the occupation of Japan, and his bold execution of the Incheon assault is recognized as the turning point of the Korean War.
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About The Foundation
Our Mission
To commemorate the life and achievements of General Douglas MacArthur, particularly as they relate to his credo "DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY" and its relevance to future generations of Americans.
- To support the conservation of the General Douglas MacArthur papers and artifacts.
- To support programming at the MacArthur Memorial.
Our Vision
The General's Requirements for the MacArthur Memorial
- FREE to Everyone.
- Open to Everyone.
- A Place for Open Discussion.
The Foundation's Five Star Goals to best support the MacArthur Memorial
Curation
Restoration
Preservation
Presentation
Education
Why Norfolk, VA?
In 1962, General Douglas MacArthur executed a deed of gift in which he gave the City of Norfolk his personal papers and the artifacts of his life. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation was established in 1962 to commemorate his remarkable life and legacy and to provide supplemental support for the MacArthur Memorial, a museum he established with the City of Norfolk to house and display his collection.
Since then, in line with his hopes that the museum would also preserve and share the stories of men and women who served with him, the collection has grown to include artifacts and archival collections that tell these incredible stories.
The City of Norfolk owns the collection and staffs and operates the MacArthur Memorial. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation supports the MacArthur Memorial's stewardship of the collection and provides funding for conservation, exhibits, and educational programming, in addition to encouraging scholarship and providing leadership awards.
For over 60 years, the stability of this relationship between the City of Norfolk and the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation has ensured the evolution of the MacArthur Memorial into an internationally recognized museum, research, and education center - comparable to a presidential library.
This unique partnership in the heart of downtown Norfolk, is committed to preserving and presenting the story of General MacArthur and the stories of the millions of men and women who served with him. To date, with the support of the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial has welcomed nearly 5.5 million visitors and annually provides 120,000+ patrons with free programming.
Meet our Executive Director Major General Joseph Reynes
Joseph Reynes, Major General, USAF (Ret), Executive Director, General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Currently serves as the Executive Director of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and as a Member of Advisors to Epirus in addition to being a Regional Director for the National Association of Certified Directors. After 35 years of active-duty service, Maj Gen (ret.) Joseph Reynes, Jr. served as Vice President of Staff Operations at USAA for four years, delivering a complete upgrade of all computer systems and inventory update. Prior to that, he led U.S. efforts for SOSI to restore Balad SE Air Base and deliver the first Iraqi F-16s. Maj Gen Reynes served as the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Headquarters Allied Joint Forces Command Brunssum, Netherlands as his final active duty service. General Reynes entered the Air Force in 1978 after graduating from the USAF Academy. He graduated from undergraduate pilot training in 1979 and the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1984 and has more than 3800 flight hours in fighter aircraft. His commands include the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kansan Air Base, South Korea; 53rd Test and Evaluation Group at Nellis AFB Nevada; 53rd Wing at Elgin AFB, Florida; 51st Fighter Wing Oscan AB South Korea and Detachment 2 9th Expeditionary Task Force Iraq. General Reynes has also held several positions at the Pentagon, including F-16 program element monitor and military assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense. The General was later appointed by Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen as the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense. In addition, he has served as Air Combat Command’s Deputy Director for Requirements and Inspector General. He was also selected to serve as the CENTCOM Commander’s Executive Officer for General Franks and General Abizaid. Later, he served in Iraq as the ACCE Director, Director of Strategic Engagement and Senior Air Commander Iraq. Prior to his final assignment, General Reynes served as the Joint Forces Command J-7 Director for Joint Experimentation and simulation analysis under Gen Odierno.
The Team
Joseph Reynes
Maj Gen(Ret)
Executive Director
Barbara Rossen
Executive Assistant
Our Board of Directors
Julia Ranspach
Marketing Specialist
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Tony Atwater, PhD
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Gary D. Bonnewell
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Nancy Deal Chandler
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William J. Davis, COL, USMC (Retired)
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Ted Dey
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Richard G. Diamonstein
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Thomas R. Dickson
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Courtney Doyle
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Tim Faulkner
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Robert E. Garris, Jr.
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Henry U. Harris, III
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James Harvey
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Jack Kavanaugh, RADM, USN, (Retired)
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Kevin Y. Kearney
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Frederick W. Kirschbaum
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Timothy J. Lockhart, CAPT, USNR (Retired)
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Mike McClellen
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Joseph T. McFadden. Jr.
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Andrew S. McKinley, RADM, USCG (Retired)
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Jennifer F. Minks, COL, USAF (Retired)
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Juan M. Montero, MD
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Keith C. Naumann, CAPT, USN (Retired)
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Rodrigo L. C. Romulo, MD
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Peter T. Underwood, COL, USMC (Retired)
Honorary Directors
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Wesley Clark, GEN, USA (Retired)
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William M. Gershen
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Michel Maisonneuve, LTG, Canadian Forces (Retired)
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Robert Nardelli
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Rebecca Beach Smith
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Robert M. Stephenson
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William G. Whitehurst
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Barclay Winn
Directors Emeritus
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David R. Goode
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Hank Hendrickson
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Patrick W. Herman
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Mary Louis Lehew
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Richard D. Roberts
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Byron E. Tobin, Jr., RADM, USN (Retired)
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James Wofford
Latest News and Updates
In September 2025 our Executive Director was invited to speak and participate in the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Incheon Landing. As many understand the Incheon Landing was a bold and decisive turning point in the Korean war. The Foundation and the city of Incheon signed a MOU to further share and participate in the commutations in the future. We look forward to working with the city of Incheon in the future!
Photos from Incheon Visit
On September 2, 2025 staff retold the story for the 80th anniversary of the remembrance and reflection of World War II of the surrender of Japan.
Commemorative Award Programs
One of the goals of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation is to provide provision of awards annually to several commemorative programs. Provision of awards are given to the most outstanding junior officers selected by the U. S. Army, to the outstanding cadets at military schools and colleges, for the best essays on leadership at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, for the best papers on joint operations at the Joint Forces Staff College, to the best ROTC battalions as selected by the U.S. Army and scholarships to the outstanding third year cadet at Old Dominion University and at Norfolk State University.
Coveted Awards are Presented Annually for Leadership and Excellence.
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Awards given annually to the most outstanding junior officers selected by the U.S. Army.
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Awards to the outstanding cadet at military schools and colleges throughout the U.S.
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Awards given to outstanding ROTC third years cadets from local colleges, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, and Old Dominion University.
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Awards for the top ROTC battalions as selected by the U.S. Army.
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Awards for writing essays to top selected papers from the Joint Forces Staff College.
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Awards for best essays on leadership for the Army Command General Staff College.
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Awards to top three winners of essays Virginia Secondary Schools for Virginia History Day.
Join the MacArthur Committee
The MacArthur Committee brings together individuals from across the country who believe leadership, service, and history matter.
By joining the Committee, you help preserve the legacy of General Douglas MacArthur while supporting educational programs that inspire present and future generations of leaders. Committee members play an important role in strengthening community engagement, advancing preservation efforts, and ensuring that leadership rooted in duty, honor, and service continues to endure.
Preserving History. Inspiring Leadership.
Why Join the MacArthur Committee?
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Support preservation and restoration initiatives
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Promote leadership education for youth and the public
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Receive exclusive updates and invitations
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Join a community committed to service, history, and impact
Be part of something lasting.
Join the MacArthur Committee.
After joining, members receive updates, invitations, and opportunities to engage with our mission.
No military background is required. Committee membership is open to anyone who values leadership, education, and service.
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone.”
- General Douglas MacArthur
Support the Mission Through a Charitable Contribution
Charitable contributions to the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation directly support the preservation, conservation, and exhibition of the MacArthur Memorial’s historic collections.
Donations also help fund essential building renovations to safeguard artifacts, educational programs that cultivate leadership and historical understanding, and awards recognizing individuals who exemplify General Douglas MacArthur’s values of duty, honor, and service.
Whether through Committee membership, a donation, or both, your support ensures that General MacArthur’s legacy continues to educate, inspire, and endure for generations to come.
Heritage Walk
Since 1962, the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation has been dedicated to preserving the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of General Douglas MacArthur. Through the Heritage Walk, the public is invited to take part in this sacred responsibility by purchasing an engraved memorial brick, creating a permanent tribute that honors service, remembrance, and history while ensuring the preservation of the MacArthur Memorial for generations to come.
The Heritage Walk is a commemorative brick walkway located beside the MacArthur Memorial’s Visitor Center. Each engraved brick becomes a permanent part of the Memorial grounds, honoring an individual, family, veteran, organization, or message of remembrance.
Engraved memorial bricks are available in two sizes and represent fully tax deductible contributions in support of the Foundation’s mission.
• Four by eight inch engraved brick for a contribution of two hundred fifty dollars
• Eight by eight inch engraved brick for a contribution of five hundred dollars
To purchase an engraved brick, please complete the Heritage Walk order form. Full details, engraving guidelines, and submission information are available in the brochure above.