Tennessee Pass Ceremony Marks 57 Years

VOLUME 46 2016 NUMBER 2 ASSOCIATION MONUMENTAL MEMBER SPEAKS OCCASION An addition to the historic Thompson Park AT WWII overlooking the city of Watertown brings the history of the 10th Mountain Division MEMORIAL into the midst of its largest civilian community. A gathering of some-200 MOTHER’S DAY citizens on July 1 dodged rain drops from a moving storm front to dedicate the North OBSERVANCES Country Honors the Mountain monument, which includes three bronze reliefs, Norman Burkey (Desc 85-C) each depicting a part of the Division’s Through AWON’s (American WWII history. Local residents, businesses and Orphans Network) activities, we became organizations raised more than $400,000 connected with the Friends of the WWII to erect the monument. At left, WWII Memorial. That organization is planning veterans Bill Millette, Bill Morrison and Al several events to mark the end of WWII. Soria check out the new monument. For Their first event was at the WWII Memorial the full story, please see Page 7. on May 8, 2016, to mark the anniversary of PHOTO BY GIL PEARSALL VE Day. Since it coincided with Mother’s Day this year, they thought it would be good to have someone talk about their mom. TENNESSEE PASS CEREMONY MARKS 57 YEARS They contacted AWON and since we live within easy travel distance to Wash- Tommy Thompson (Desc 86-F) the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. guard, with music presented by the Lake ington, D.C., I was eager to volunteer for PRESIDENT, 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION FOUNDATION Wreaths provided by Chapters from County High School band. this assignment. Their arrangements were For the 57th consecutive year, a Memo- around the USA were laid at the base of Following the Memorial Day ceremo- rial Day ceremony was held at the Tennes- SEE MEMORIAL TALK ON PAGE 4 the monument. The Canon City High ny, a luncheon was available at the Ski see Pass Monument on May 30, 2016. School JR ROTC provided the color Cooper Lodge. Members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, National Assn of the 10th Mtn Div, were responsible for setting up the event, which drew an estimated 400 people. It is traditionally held to honor our fallen comrades and also those who have left us since the war’s end. Keynote speaker was LTG Lawson W. Magruder III, US Army (Ret.). A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin in 1969 as a Distinguished Military Gradu- ate, he launched a 32-year career in the US Army, from which he retired in Sept, 2001. Magruder served twice with the 10th Mountain Division, first as Assistant Division Commander for Operations and then as its Commanding General. He concluded his career as the Deputy PHOTO BY DESCENDANT SUSAN BATHELT-JACKSON OF VAIL Commanding General and Chief of Staff 10th Mountain soldiers assembled at Tennessee Pass for the 2016 Memorial Ceremony. of US Army Forces Command, the Army’s These men together served in 10 conflicts and at one time or another served in the 10th largest command and the land compo- Mtn Div or mountain regiments. From left to right: LTC (Ret) Drew Ornelas (Somalia/ nent for Homeland Defense. He is the Afghanistan); Robert E. Blunt (WWII, 86-H); CPT (Ret) Darren Amick (1/87 Afghanistan/ highest-ranking officer commissioned Iraq); LTC (Ret) Clark Wingate (WWII 87-L and Korea); Devin Brzezinski (Haiti 514 Maint. from the University of Texas at Austin’s Co, 548 S & S Bn.); SFC (Ret) Paul Vertrees (Cold War 1/87 Infantry, 8th Inf Div, Germany and Norman Burkey (Desc 85-C) Army ROTC program and is a member of Army Reserve); LTC (Ret) John Russell (Vietnam, Desert Storm, 10th DISCOM and HQ 10th). PAGE 2 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2 President’s Message POSITIVE EVENTS AND

Editorial material and photographs should be clearly marked with the sender’s name and address. No photographs will be returned unless specifically requested. All materials should be sent to Felicity Hallanan, Blizzard Editor, 95 Zahler Tract, Sandy Creek, NY 13145, or by e-mail to blizzarded@ EFFORTS HIGHLIGHT gmail.com. Opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the magnificent soldiers of the 10th and do not necessarily conform to accepted journalistic standards. Editor reserves the right to rewrite, renegotiate or refuse materials submitted for publication. Questions? Contact the editor at 315-387- ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES 2929 or by e- mail. Subscription rate for non-members: $20. per year. BOARD OF DIRECTORS The National Board of Directors shall be composed of the following: Chairman of the Board, Galen Jackman of the 10th Mountain Division and its National President, National Senior Vice President, National Secretary, National Treasurer, all PRESIDENT (MG RET., 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION [LI]) associated units, and is an opportunity Chapter Presidents, the Blizzard Editor, the Executive Director, the President of the 10th Moun- A hearty greeting to all members of for us to expand our Association mem- tain Division Foundation, the President of the 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc., and the 10th Mountain Division Association two voting members at large who may be appointed at the option of the President. The number bership. of directors may be increased or decreased in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorpo- and Descendants. I hope your summer Because the last “Return to Italy” trip ration. (Article IV, Section 2, National Bylaws, National Association of the 10th Mountain Divi- has gone well so far. I’d like to report was such a success, the Descendants sion, Inc.) on a variety of very positive events and are organizing a “mini” return trip in The National Executive Committee shall consist of the President (Committee Chairman), Senior efforts in which your Association, the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Blizzard Editor, the Executive Director and two members at the summer of 2017. If you are interest- large, if needed, to be appointed by the President. The Executive Director shall assist the President Foundation, and the Descendants have ed in participating, please contact Steve in the administration of this committee. (Article VII, Section 1, National Bylaws, National Associa- and will be involved. Coffey, President of the Descendants tion of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc.). First, on July 1st, the Fort Drum (see this edition). President Executive Director Michael Plummer (10th LI) Chapter executed a superb unveiling The Association will host the Interna- Galen Jackman (10th LI) David Pavey (10th [LI]) Liaisons ceremony of the “Honor the Mountain” tional Federation of Mountain Soldiers 750 Summerwind Drive PO Box 39 10th Mt. Div. Descendants Union Hall, VA 24176 Natural Bridge, NY 13665 Statue in Thompson Park at Watertown, (IFMS) next Fall in the North Country. Steve Coffey NY. The community turned-out for the OTHER NATIONAL OFFICERS 1630 York Mills Lance Jim Redmore, our Vice President, is our Senior V.P. Reston, VA 20194 ceremony and LTG (Retired) Jim Camp- representative to the IFMS and is orga- Steve Coffey (87-F Desc) Chairman of the Board Tenth Mt. Div. Foundation bell capped the official remarks with 1630 York Mills Lane Michael Plummer (10th LI) nizing our effort in conjunction with the Tommy Thompson Reston, VA 20194 121 Paddock Street an excellent speech honoring the 10th Fort Drum Chapter. This is an excellent Watertown, NY 13601 133 South Van Gordon Street Mountain Division, Fort Drum, veter- opportunity for us to reinforce our rela- Vice President Suite 200 Chaplain Lakewood, CO 80228 ans, and the local community. I want tionships with mountain soldiers from James Redmore (10th LI) Dr. Larry Fields (Desc 85-HQ) 25851 Crowner Rd to thank Mike Plummer for his vision, around the world. More information 6300 Deane Hill Dr. 10th Mt. Div. Living History Carthage, NY 13619 Knoxville, TN 37919 Gil Pearsall for his leadership in mak- will be forthcoming as we work the de- Group ing the vision a reality, all those who Secretary Webmaster David Little (HON) tails of this event. Mark Forman (10th LI) Aldea (Dee) Clairemont-LaParr 1198 Thornbury Place worked as a part of the project, and all We have made good progress on 1604 Ridge Rd 5377 Stewart St. Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 of those who contributed financially. I managing our membership database. Leavenworth, KS 66048 Lowville, NY 13367 hope all of you get the opportunity to Denver Public Library Dave Pavey, our new Executive Direc- Art Director visit Watertown and see this outstand- tor, and Rich Babbitt, our Treasurer, Treasurer Robert J. Wiebel (Assoc/Hon) Resource Center Rich Babbitt (10th LI) 4690 Decatur Circle Keli Schmid ing monument. have worked through all the names in P.O. Box 157 Melbourne, FL 32934 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway This July, we will say farewell to Tom- our data base. As you might imagine, Houghton, NY 14744 Denver, CO 80204-2731 my Thompson, our Foundation Presi- with PCS’s, retirements, other reloca- Presidents Emeriti dent. Tommy has done an outstand- Blizzard Editor Earl E. Clark (87-HQ-1) Resource Center Liaison tions and deaths, we had a lot of wrong Felicity Hallanan (Assoc) Hugh Evans (85-A, C) Dan Whittemore ing job in leading the Foundation. The addresses which impacted “Blizzard” 95 Zahler Tract Dean Carmichael (110-SIG) 3131 E. Alameda Ave, Unit 408 Foundation has been very supportive mailings, membership cards and mem- Sandy Creek, NY 13145 John Duffy (86-HQ-2) Denver, CO 80208 of 10th Mountain Division soldiers and bership renewals. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE families, both past and present. Over Although we still have a few outliers, the past decade, the Foundation has Arizona Mt. Rainier Sierra Nevada we are in much better shape. We re- Jeannie Geuras (Desc) Chris Loewy (Desc) Val Rios (Desc) provided $133,000 to the KIA Scholar- cently sent out new membership cards 6102 Greentree Lane 3937 Corliss Ave N 6816 S. Maple Austin, TX 78745 Seattle, WA 98103 ship Fund, $170,000 of scholarship aid to members. If you have not received Fresno, CA 93725 to descendants of 10th Mountain WWII yours, please contact us through the Armadillo Metro New York Karen Case (Desc) Folded into Upstate NY Southeast veterans, $93,000 to wounded warriors website, and we’ll make it right. My Folded into Washington, DC 30 Caudill Road Midwest of the 10th Mountain (Light Infantry) thanks to Dave and Rich for their hercu- Enola, AR 72047 Patty Larocca (Desc) Division, and $50,000 to the “Honor the lean efforts so far. 1151 Parkside Court Southern California Big Sky Carol Stream, IL 60188-3974 Yandell Bishop (Desc) Mountain” Statue. Great job, Tommy! Finally, Felicity Hallanan, our “Bliz- Larry Wilson P.O.Box 638 I want to welcome John Russell as zard” editor, is leading our effort to so- P.O. Box 3 New England Seal Beach, CA 90470 Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Robert A Linscott (Desc) our new President of the Rocky Moun- licit, receive, share, and archive person- 10 Pelczar Rd. Delaware River Valley Dracut, MA 01826 Upper Peninsula tain Chapter. John attended our recent al soldier stories from their experiences Barbara Catterall (Desc) Folded into Midwest EXCOM (Executive Committee) and in the modern 10th Mountain (LI) Di- 3003 Cricket Circle North Central Edison, NJ 08820 VACANT Upstate New York brought the good news that the 1st Bat- vision from reactivation to the present, William Morrison talion, 157th Infantry of the Colorado including Iraq and Afghanistan. Our Fort Drum Northwest Mike Plummer Bruce Wagstaff 341 Wormer Rd. National Guard would be “re-patched” Social Media conversations indicate 121 Paddock Street 7703 SE Martins Voorheesville, NY 12186 and aligned with 86th “Mountain” IBCT this is of high interest. Stay-tuned for Watertown, NY 13601 Portland, OR 97206 of the Vermont National Guard The more information on our website. RoadRunner Utah Golden Dragon Rebecca (Becky) Joyce (Desc) Ron Sawdey 1/157 comes with a rich history in the Welcome home to all of our recently Pete Tingstrom 1010 Arabela Road 2016 Emerson Ave. 118 S Kainalu Dr Tinnie, NM 88351 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish Ameri- returned 10th Mountain Division units Kailua, HI 96734 can War, WWI and WWII. It saw 511 from deployment. We will continue to Rocky Mountain Lower Michigan John C. Russell (HHC, 10th Washington DC days of combat in Sicily, Salerno, and keep our deployed soldiers and their Robert Lafean (Desc) Mtn Div [LI] Ret.) Kim Hudyma (Desc) Anzio, and participated in the libera- families in our thoughts and prayers. 714 Lakeview PO Box 1613 103 Bodnan Road Port Huron, MI 48060 Palmer Lake, CO 80133 Millersville, MD 21108 tion of Dachau. This expands the family Climb to Glory! 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 3 UNIT PHOTOGRAPHS ARE A KEY FEATURE AT RESOURCE CENTER

Keli Schmid, Archivist Felicity Hallanan carrier since WWII? (I still have the edi- 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION RESOURCE CENTER BLIZZARD EDITOR, ASSOCIATE tion of “Newsweek” magazine with a The 10th Mountain Division Resource Center at Denver Public Library Calling all veterans of the 10th Moun- photo of the flight deck covered with maintains extensive collections of morning reports, correspondence, artwork, tain Division (Light Infantry)! 10th choppers.) diaries, photographs, films, and oral histories, all which help tell the story of What’s that? You hadn’t thought that • Next year will mark the 25th anni- the 10th Mountain Division in World War II. today’s 10th already has veterans? Well, versary of relief provided by 6,000 Divi- One of my favorite collections within the Resource Center is that of unit let’s see now ... the 10th Mountain Di- sion soldiers who helped an estimated photographs. vision was reactivated on 13 February, quarter-million homeless people after Most units within the Division were photographed at Camp Hale, Colorado, 1985. That would be over 30 years ago. Hurricane Andrew. Who was a member in the summer of 1944. Soldiers wearing their best and standing their tallest How many years in the military and of Task Force Mountain? gathered for group shots shortly before they all transferred to Camp Swift, then in retirement after does it take for • Operations in Somalia and heroism Texas. one to be considered a veteran of the of members of the 10th are highlighted Though typically a serious endeavor, some men couldn’t resist letting their military, whatever branch? For some it’s by the film “Black Hawk Down.” Were devilish side show, like these cooks in the picture below who joined the 86th a term of two to three years, then out and you one of the members of Task Force Infantry, 2nd Battalion Headquarters by peeking through the window. on to other interests. For others it may be Ranger (2nd Battalion, 2-14th Infantry) You can view the collection of unit photos online at http://digital.denverli- 20 years and then, again, out to a second and others for whom those events have brary.org. In the search box near the top of the page, enter the keywords 10th and these days likely a third career. And provided a lifetime of memories? Mountain Division Unit and click the search button. On the results page you for several, it can be as many as over 30 • In the early days after the Division’s will see a small version of each unit photo. Click on it to see a larger version, years; even then there is the likelihood of reactivation on a frigid winter day in an and use the slider bar just above the larger version to zoom in for detail. Any- yet another career after the U.S. Army. old hangar at Wheeler-Sack Army Air- one who has been identified will be listed in the summary below the image. So, again, where are the veterans of the field, the field was so small, especially As with nearly all of the items in the Resource Center, these unit photos have 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)? the runways, that initial deployments been generously donated to us over the years. Unfortunately, the identities of As an aside, the LI designation origi- meant driving to then-Griffiss AFB in the soldiers in the photos weren’t always known. nally intended to single out the Division Rome, N.Y., to fly out — remember, this And here is where the Resource Center can use your help. Are you able to for its ability to respond quickly and with was through Lewis County, sometimes in positively identify any of the unidentified soldiers? Do you have a unit photo little heavy equipment to crises around the winter. available for donation? Some of the units we are missing are 85th Infantry, the world is much ignored these days A parade in those days called for rein- Companies D, H, I, M; 86th Infantry, Companies D, H, M, Med; 87th Infantry, by the Army’s most-deployed Division. forcements of a band from Ft. Devens, Companies D, E, H; and 605th FA Battalion, Battery C. When the 10th is needed, it goes. Mass., to make up a large-enough con- You are welcome to download low resolution images from the Denver Pub- And it has gone — to Iraq during Des- tingent for the ceremony. When soldiers lic Library website, and if you are interested in purchasing a full-size reproduc- ert Shield-Desert Storm, south Florida assemble for parades of any sort, it’s tion photo, we can do that, too. after Hurricane Andrew, Somalia to lead SOP to sing the “10th Mountain Divi- Please contact Keli Schmid at 720-865-1812 or send an email to kschmid@ Operation Restore Hope, Haiti lead- sion Song” — you know, “We are the 10th denverlibrary.org with any questions or comments. ing Operation Uphold Democracy, as a Mountain Infantry, with a glorious his- peacekeeping force in Bosnia, and since tory…” — but who wrote it? Someone 11 September, 2011, in numerous opera- must know, and someone certainly de- tions supporting the Global War on Ter- serves credit! ror in Iraq and Afghanistan — in all, 39 • Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq deployments to date. began some 15 years ago. Again, it’s time As of this writing, the Division troops to write down some of that, at least when are still deployed in those two countries, people feel they are able to do so. If you including Headquarters in Afghanistan, were a part of any of them, indeed if you as well as in South Korea, Africa, Central are among the many who have deployed America and Europe. and deployed again, those of us who stay In short, it is time and then-some to behind, and many others, need to know. ensure that these operations are record- Association unofficial historian Doug ed and remembered. It can’t be done Schmid (Page 7) has been hard at work without the help of the people who made on research to back up stories of the his- and are making them happen. That tory. But in order to continue to support means any of you who are reading this, what you have done and are doing, we Some men couldn’t resist letting their devilish side show, like these cooks in the or who know of a fellow veteran or friend need the input of others. We are compil- picture who joined the 86th Infantry, 2nd Battalion Headquarters by peeking or neighbor who has served with the 10th ing ideas about what to do once those through the window. since its reactivation. stories are received, whether in this pub- There are stories to be told! lication, Facebook or other locations. The Denver Public Library Western History/Genealogy Department • The 20th anniversary of the opera- So at this point, we’d just like to know 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204-2731 tion in Haiti is just past. Who remem- whether you might have a contribution. bers landing their helicopter on the USS The email is [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. Phone: (720) 865-1812. Dwight D. Eisenhower, largest Army air Please, let me hear from you, veterans operation conducted from an aircraft of the 10th Mountain Division. PAGE 4 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2

the bureaucracy surrounding her husband’s Memorial Talk death. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I do need to be clear that we would have had an extremely difficult time surviving with- impeccable, and included a car to pick us up out the help of the extended family, but there at our home. The driver delivered us right was no doubt she was our primary caregiver. to the memorial and was there to pick us up “She had to become the financial man- when the ceremony ended. Because of the ager, the keeper of the coal furnace, the grass travel arrangements, my brother and sister mower, the maintenance person. The laundry were both able to attend and participate in done with a ringer washer had to be hung out- the wreath-laying part of the program. This side in all weather, and ironed — we certainly was the first time either of them were able to couldn’t go out of the house looking unkempt. participate in this type of event. My brother just advised me that she also had It was very moving and gratifying for my a fear that the authorities would take her chil- family to be able to speak about our Mom in dren away from her. such a hallowed place. My talk about her fol- “I’ll pause briefly to read a portion from one lows below. of our most prized possessions — a letter my Anna Florence Miller Burkey mom wrote in response to a letter of condo- “Thank you to the sponsors of this event lence she received from one of our dad’s war on behalf of my brother David, my sister Anne buddies. PHOTO BY DON PALMER and myself, for the privilege of speaking our “‘Norman and I were very close. We all miss Stalwart trash-bashing crew includes, from left, David Christy with Bart, friend of the mother’s name in such an august location and him terribly. No one knows the heartache Nor- Doles Lola Szent-Gyorgyi, Amy Dole, Thayer Dole, Gary Burton, Hugh Evans, Alan Burton, occasion. man’s death caused myself and the children. Denise Taylor, wife of Henry Ehrgott, Melanie Loveland, Henry Ehrgott with Miles on “I must start with a brief side note. Being They never got used to the idea of him being back, sister Alexis Ehrgott, Diana Gant, Dan Whittemore. here today would not be possible without my away from home. There’s one thing I intend to dear friends at AWON — the American War do, raise the children as Norman would want Orphans Network. We all lost our fathers dur- them. A year can be so long without the one TRASH-BASHERS CARRY ON DESPITE FOG ing WWII. Primarily, we give ourselves permis- you want most.’” sion to talk about our dads and also about our “She certainly did all she promised. She moms. I would also add that AWON had some brought us through those difficult teenage Gary L. Burton (Desc 87-L) land (Desc 87-A), Palmer (Friend), Taylor input into the final design of the WWII Memo- years (particularly me) and all three of us were Hugh Evans (85-A, C) has asked me to (Desc 126-D), Szent-Gyorgyi (Friend) and rial. able to attend college under the GI Bill and all assume his duties reporting the results Whittemore (Desc 86-H). “Anna and her future husband Norman three of us had successful careers. of our latest “trash-bashing” activity by Hugh likes to note the interesting items were both born in 1919. Both were born into “This meant her life got easier. Until her the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the 10th found during trash pickup and award poor farming families living near Reading, death, she lived with my brother in the house Mountain Division Veterans and Descen- recognition to the persons finding the Pennsylvania. My mother had 11 sisters and she and our dad bought in 1943. I must make dants. Hugh is stepping back from report- most interesting items. I will not list all of one brother who survived into adulthood plus special mention of my brother and sister. ing, but still participating in the event. them, but they ranged from a comforter several siblings who did not. They were poor, My brother lived with her, but my sister lived We pick up trash four times a year, to a crack pipe — a sad sign of the times? but from all appearances were a happy fam- close enough to also provide special support. weather permitting, along old Highway — to a deer carcass. “Most interesting” ily. Not so much for my father’s family, which Mom’s life got easier because of the great care we will come to in a minute. My father had two she received from them. I was the son who 40 near Genesee, CO. Our first pickup this was awarded in a tie to Diana Gant, who brothers. moved away, but my wife and I contributed year started in dense fog at 44 degrees, but found four credit cards from the Agri- “Their formative years were spent during two granddaughters who my mom absolutely had the best turnout we’ve seen in a while cultural Bank of China, which were later the Roaring 20s and their teenage years during adored. My mom’s “vacations” were the two of 17 participants. Safety is always a con- destroyed, and Don Palmer who came up the Great Depression. As we of a certain age weeks our daughters spent with her each sum- cern along the roadway and greater with with a full car/house key set and a $20 bill. will recall, the depression began in 1930 and mer. thick fog, but we donned our florescent The cash we find is donated to the Tenth did not really end until the advent of WWII. “I’ll conclude by describing a bit of her per- vests and deemed it safe to proceed. Mountain Division Foundation and over Needless to say, these were difficult years, I sonal traits. She was a simple woman who On this day we had one Veteran, Hugh all the years now totals $144.56. think particularly for teenagers. lived a simple life. She never dated or worked Evans at age 92, and 15 descendants rang- We adjourned to the Buffalo Moon “They met in grade school. My father was outside the house. But, that doesn’t mean she ing in age down to 13-month-old Miles Coffee Shop in Genesee to warm up with able to go on to high school, but my mother’s didn’t have a personality. education stopped at 10th grade, primarily “She thought hiring a babysitter bordered Ehrgott, plus Bart, David Christie’s dog. debriefing, coffee, and snacks. A good because a free high school was not available. on irresponsibility and giving your child a pac- Also represented were two Burtons (Desc time was had by all. Because he was a high school graduate, our ifier bordered on abuse. She would not hear a 87-L), Christie (Desc 87-F), two Doles Our next trash-bashing date was to be father was able to gain employment and they bad word about her daughter-in-law (my wife) (Desc 10th Fndr), three more Ehrgotts July 9, followed by September 3 and Octo- began their married life in 1940. They started and absolutely hated it when her sister insisted (Desc 85-K), Gant (Desc 86-H), Love- ber 22. Plan to join us! their married life living in half of a small farm- on telling her the latest off-color joke. house shared with my father’s parents plus his “She was a very wise woman. My father, younger brother and wife — in other words, at the insistence of his parents, was brought her mother-in-law, who we would say today, home from Italy in the late 40s. Until her certainly had her issues. mother-in-law died, our mom allowed her to “I was born in 1940, my brother in 1941 and tend to our father’s grave on Memorial Day. my sister in 1943. Due to my father’s employ- “She was a strong woman — the day she ment, they were able to purchase a house in was diagnosed with cancer, she quit smoking a nearby small town in 1943. By the way, it did cold turkey after a 30-plus year habit. have an inside bathroom, but also, just in case, “Most of all she, like many others in her po- an outhouse. sition, was a war hero. But, most importantly, “Despite the fact that he had three children she was my hero, my family’s hero and we and was employed in a defense plant, my fa- were blessed to be raised by such an awesome ther was drafted in 1944, was sent to Italy in woman. Thank you, Anna Florence Miller Bur- January, 1945, with the 10th Mountain Divi- key. sion, and was killed instantly by an artillery “I thank you for the opportunity to share a shell on March 12, 1945. bit about her life.” “So there was our mom, devastated by her Ed. Note: Norm is an active member of the husband’s death, with three small children, a National Assn of the 10th Mtn Div, and con- 10th grade education and all of a sudden she cluding his term as President of AWON. We is the permanent head of the household. I can are proud of his participation at the National only guess how difficult it was to deal with all of WWII Memorial on such an occasion! 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 5 THE MILITARY MOUNTAINEER STATUE: 25 YEARS SYMBOLIZING THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

Doug W. Schmidt 10TH MTN DIV (LI) VET October 4, 2016, will mark the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of what has become the enduring symbol of the 10th Mountain Division, behind only the Divi- sion’s unit patch, and that is the “Military Mountaineer” statue. With the reactivation of the 10th Moun- tain Division in 1985, World War II veterans of the Division wanted to salute the next generation of Mountaineers and create a permanent link between those veterans who trained at Camp Hale and fought in Italy, and those men and women of the modern light infantry division. The result is a classic depiction of a WWII soldier reaching down from a mountaintop and extending a hand to today’s 10th soldier. The idea of a monument for the 10th Mountain Division (LI) was conceived by WWII veterans almost as soon as the modern Division was re-activated. Leading the charge were members of the National As- sociation of the 10th Mtn Div and in particular Art Thompson (86-F), chairman of gan Chapter would win. Memorial Park that was established across This summer Susan again expanded the Monument Committee. By April 1, an artist was chosen. Susan the street from Division Headquarters of her legacy with the 10th Mountain Divi- The search for an artist began in early Grant Raymond’s concept art was seen as Hays Hall. It would soon be joined in Me- sion when the “North Country Honors the 1989 with the official kick-off of fund rais- best representing the idea the veterans had morial Park by another Susan Raymond Mountain Monument” was unveiled in ing beginning at the Association’s na- of the connection between the WWII vets masterpiece. The “Fallen Warrior” and Thompson Park, Watertown, NY. It stands tional reunion later that summer. A goal of and the modern soldiers. Heading into the “Hope for the Future” monuments were as a symbol of support for the soldiers and $115,000 was set for the project and by Jan- final months of 1990, nearly 80 percent of unveiled on October 29, 2013. The former civilians that work on and call Fort Drum uary 1, 1990, the organization was nearly the funds had been collected. Current Ft. depicts soldiers at a memorial service in home, from the people of the communi- halfway to that goal. To capitalize on the Drum Chapter President, at the time Di- front of a battlefield cross, and the sec- ties surrounding the installation. competitive nature of the Division’s veter- vision Chief of Staff, COL Mike Plummer ond has two soldiers on patrol, one with Note: Doug looks forward to receiv- ans, a contest was set to see which Chap- headed the effort for today’s soldiers to his hand outstretched toward an Afghan ing any questions regarding the history of ter could get the largest percentage of its contribute as well. By mid-January, 1991, child. Other monuments and memorials the 10th Mountain Division and can be membership to donate; the Lower Michi- with nearly $100,000 gathered, the unveil- have been added since. reached at [email protected]. ing ceremony was scheduled for October 4. Susan’s attention to detail had small touch ups being made right up until the unveiling ceremony. Once revealed, the 17-foot-tall monument with its 1¼ scale soldiers did not disappoint. A small glitch during the unveiling — the tarp covering the monument became hung up — left the crowd waiting a short time to see the statue in all its splendor. As with most pieces of art, the details made the difference. One such detail was the peace symbol in the modern soldier’s rifle’s flash suppres- sor. Originally the idea of Susan’s son, who with his sister helped with the creation of the huge bronze, it was included in the monument with the approval of MG Ste- ven Arnold, then-Division Commander, who stated that “We [soldiers of the Divi- sion] are coming at peace from a different direction.” Originally set in the park on the corner of Mt. Belvedere Boulevard and Memo- rial Drive South (now Enduring Freedom Drive South), the statue was moved on March 30, 2007, as part of a larger planned PAGE 6 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2 SLOVENIA RECOLLECTS 10TH MOUNTAIN IN BOOK

Janez Kavar (BG, ret.) SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION OF MOUNTAIN SOLDIERS In Slovenia a few months ago, we got a great monograph (381 pages, big format) on Colour and Coloured Photography and Co- lour Prints on Slovenian Territory from its beginnings until 1945. An important and very recognizable part of the monograph/ book is the inclusion of color photographs from 10th Mtn Div veterans Mr. John Woodward, Mr. Cruz Rios and Mr. William Fergu- son (pages 278 to 289). I see the monograph as a collateral prod- uct of our search and cooperation on and with 10th Mountain Division presence on Slovenian soil in 1945. A page from the book is shown below.

Remains of 10th Mountain Division amphibious vehicle (DUKW) at bottom of Lake Garda, Italy. LAKE GARDA RESIDENTS WORK TO REMEMBER SOLDIERS LOST IN WWII

A current online fundraiser is water video showing it sitting near a small church and next to seeking to remember soldiers of upright about 300 meters be- COL William Darby’s monu- the 10th Mtn Div who drowned in low the surface of the water; link ment; he was killed the same Lake Garda in northern Italy near https://www.youtube.com/ day by a German 88mm artillery the end of WWII. watch?v=ucPICzIqiqA. round.” Twenty-five men and their Unfortunately and sadly, their Monument committee mem- heavy gear went down in a storm remains can never be recovered bers include Perry Doerr, Ben while their amphibious, DUKW because that section of the lake Appleby, Ron Hudnell and Rick was attempting to cross the lake bottom is very deep and very Tscherne. on April 30, 1945. Their remains muddy. “We hope,” the page contin- were found only in the last few The Department of Defense, ues, “you will help us to fund this years. And their bodies have nev- organizers write, “instills in all well-deserved and overdue me- er been found and recovered, but of us vets, active and retired, and morial monument so there will still rest at the bottom of the lake our families, too, that if we ever ﬁnally be some peace and clo- 71 years later. become a POW or MIA we will sure for these soldiers and most Further, organizers of an effort “Never Be Forgotten.” And so to importantly ... they will never be say there is not yet a memorial insure these 25, 10th Mtn Div sol- forgotten. Thank you for reading monument dedicated to these diers are never forgotten, this Go- and contributing to this memo- soldiers. Like a ship or plane that Fund-Me was created to erect a rial monument at https://www. sinks or crashes into the ocean memorial monument dedicated gofundme.com/6wu74e5g. with the loss of those on board, to these WWII soldiers. “Please kindly share and let members say their bodies, too, “The monument is currently others know about this cause. can never be recovered. under construction and should Thanks!” The DUKW is located just off be completed in 2016 and placed The effort seeks to raise $5,000. the shore of Torbole on Lake there near the lake shore not far and as of mid-June had received Garda, and there is an under- from where they perished. It is $5,200. FISHING ASSOCIATION REACHES OUT AGAIN TO SOLDIERS, YOUNG PEOPLE

Alan Avrich 17 -19 they participated in several ac- shore for a huge barbecue, awards, and area, the Gavras Center in Auburn and FAIR HAVEN FISHING ASSN. tivities, including kayaking, canoeing, to tell fish stories. Parents with Special Children, Inc. in “All Aboard FHFA” is an annual fish- swimming, fishing, and lawn games. The honored guests included 24 Fulton. Each child was given a rod and ing event for Wounded Warriors and A dinner at the American Legion was combat injured soldiers of the 10th Mtn reel to fish for the day and to take home, Kids with Special Needs held each sponsored by the Fair Haven Fire De- Div (LI) at Ft Drum in the “Soldiers in followed by a barbecue. Spring in Fair Haven, NY, and spon- partment and charter boat captains. Transition” program — the “Wounded To see more, check out the group’s sored by the Fair Haven Fishing Asso- The next day they reported to Anchor Warriors” — and 12 combat wounded Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ciation. Resort & Marina in Little Sodus Bay for veterans from the Clear Path for Veter- AllAboardFHFA. Again this year, 36 soldiers and veter- the All Aboard fishing event. Twelve ans organization from Chittenango, NY. Thanks to all of our 2016 supporters, ans and 12 special needs children were charter boats at 5:30 a.m. transported On Sunday morning, the captains including the Fort Drum Chapter of the welcomed for the 11th annual, three participants for salmon and trout action took children with special needs along National Assn of the 10th Mtn Div, and days by the community. From June on Lake Ontario, then all came back on- with a parent. The children are from the volunteers. 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 7 LIKE THE 10TH, NEW MONUMENT IS PART OF WATERTOWN Gordon Block WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES, JUNE 30, 2016 Felicity Hallanan EDITOR, THE BLIZZARD An addition to the historic Thomp- son Park overlooking the City of Water- town, NY, brings the history of the 10th Mountain Division into the midst of its largest civilian community. A gathering of some-200 citizens on July 1st dodged rain drops from a moving storm front to dedicate the monument. Local fire trucks extended their ladders to display a huge American flag beyond the 20-foot granite obelisk, as the city and Lake Ontario on the hori- zon stretched below and beyond. While weather prevented the traditional hillside concert and fireworks that had been planned for that evening, it was obvious that the new structure stands in a prime position for visitors to PHOTOS BY FELICITY HALLANAN the city’s Thompson Park to enjoy for A color guard of members of The Old Guard, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, Washington, D.C., opens the July 1, 2016, dedication ceremonies. years to come. Local residents, businesses and or- the Mountain,” which includes three the fight in Italy in World War II, then town and the American Assn of Univer- ganizations raised more than $400,000 bronze reliefs, each depicting a part of to the reactivation in 1985 and mission sity Women. to erect the “North Country Honors the Division’s history, starting the with in Somalia, and since 2001, the 39-plus “No military installation is as much deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. a part of the community as Fort Drum A fourth side of the monument is re- and the 10th Mountain Division are to served for a relief to be placed in 2035, Watertown and Northern New York,” 50th anniversary of the Division’s re- Pearsall said. “This monument was activation in 1985. built as a permanent and prominent The reliefs were designed by Colo- acknowledgement of the value the citi- rado sculptor Susan Grant Raymond, zens of Northern New York place on who worked previously on the Military their relationships with the soldiers of Mountaineers and the Fallen Warrior the 10th Mountain Division, their fam- monuments on post. For her work, she ilies and the Fort Drum civilian work- has been named an honorary member force.” of the 10th Mtn Div, a rare achievement. Former commander of the 10th Mtn The monument committee headed Div (LI), LTG James Campbell (Ret), by Gilbert H. Pearsall Jr. (LTC, Ret.) and came back to say thanks. “I was proud spurred on by Michael Plummer (COL, to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ret.) worked with the Northern New toughest soldiers and the most profes- York Community Foundation to un- sional civilians with whom I have ever dertake the fundraising campaign. The served,” he said. As far as the future of Tenth Mtn Div Foundation, Inc., played Ft. Drum, Campbell was pretty confi- a major part in that effort. North Coun- dent. “It is my belief,” he said, “that if try construction firms began work- the United States of America is involved ing on the monument earlier this year. anywhere in this world militarily, and Various civic organizations assisted in the stakes are high, the 10th Mountain Honor the Mountain sculptor Susan Grant Raymond with Minot ‘Trux’ Dole (Grandson C. Dole). site work, including Rotary, Tree Water- Division will be in the mix.” INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF MOUNTAIN SOLDIERS COMING TO THE U.S. The Fort Drum Chapter of the 10th mountain troops from mountains. a wreath-laying at Memorial Park in Mtn Div Assn is hosting the 32nd Con- nine nations: Austria, During the four-day front of post headquarters and visits to gress of the IFMS (International Fed- France, Germany, Italy, Congress, chaired by units of the 10th Mtn Div. eration of Mountain Soldiers) from Oc- Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Jim Redmore (10th Mtn Special meals are planned as well, tober 10–14, 2017. Switzerland and the Unit- Div [LI], Ret), guests will from a barbecue at the Thousand Is- In 1985, the Association became in- ed States. be based out of Clay- lands Winery and a clam bake at the ternational in scope by participating in Its main mission is: the ton and participate in a host, Harbor Hotel, to an opening and the formation of the International Fed- value of mountains and full schedule showing closing banquet. eration of Mountain Soldiers (IFMS) the need for their conser- them Fort Drum and the A General Assembly on Oct. 13 will whose objective is the quest for com- vation, friendship pro- North Country. Activities deal with business of the organization, radeship and peace. Today the IFMS motion between soldiers will include a tour of the whose members of many ages and war- represents more than 450,000 moun- and mountaineers, and cultivation Thousand Islands and the St Lawrence time experiences share a love of the tain troop veterans and active duty of memories of fallen soldiers in the River, and a day at Ft Drum including mountains in common. PAGE 8 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2

NEW ENGLAND Harris McWade (Desc 87-HQ-3) the second year in a row. Last but by no The annual Hannes Schneider Race means least, a very special thank you goes sponsored by the New England Chapter out to Patrick Kiser (Desc 87-F), who drove was held on March 12, 2016, under very all the way from his Washington, D.C., New England Chapter members at Spring lunch, seated left to right, Bonnie Beyer (Desc warm, brilliant skies and extreme “spring- home to set up his extraordinary collection 87-I), Shirley Bartlett (87-I W), John Muenzinger (87-G), Ann Merrill (126-A, 87-SVC W); like” conditions. Conditions were so of WWII European and 10th Mountain Di- second row, left, Harris McWade (Desc 87-HQ-3), Dick Calvert (86-HQ-2) and wife Millie, spring-like that Mt. Cranmore’s grooming vision mountain equipment and uniforms. Sue Hagerman (Desc 86-SVC), Carolyn Emmons (86-F W), Don Linscott (86-G); back row team opted to relocate the race course from It is truly one of the finest wartime collec- left, Warren Bartlett (Desc 87-I) and nephew Trevor Beyer (Desc 87-I), Bob Linscott (Desc its traditional location, left of the old Ski- tions we’ve seen anywhere. 86-G), Brewster Bartlett (Desc 87-I). mobile track bed, to the right side to avoid Congratulations go out to everyone who bare spots. competed and supported the New England ENG). ing upcoming events: Two New England Chapter teams, the Ski Museum’s 2016 premier fundraising New England Chapter members, de- • The 18th Annual 10th Mountain Divi- Veterans and the Descendants (a.k.a. Sem- event: scendants and guests gathered for the sev- sion Memorial Service, July 9, Lancaster, pre Avanti), and an Army Mountain War- Veterans Team: Team leader Dick Cal- enth annual Spring Luncheon at the Makris NH fare School (AMWS) team from Jericho, vert (86-HQ-2) — New England Chapter’s Restaurant in Concord, NH, on June 11 to • The 34th Annual Mount Washington VT, competed for this year’s coveted 10th oldest active skier, COL (ret.) Matt Fitzger- commemorate the life, memories and con- Climb and Memorial, August 10-11 Mountain Division Cup. After the dust set- ald (VT ARNG) and son Kiernan, Mac Jack- tributions of past Chapter President, Ches- • The Jean Dearborn Memorial Fall Lun- tled and individual race times had been tal- son (Desc 126 ENG 229 ENG) and CAPT ter H. Morley, Jr. (85-C) who passed away in cheon, October 15, Sunapee Country Club, lied, the Veterans came out on top AGAIN, (ret.) Ray Gilmore (10th Mtn Div [LI]). March, 2013. Sunapee, NH winning their sixth 10th Mtn Div Cup in Army Mountain Warfare School: SSGT Looking ahead into 2016, members • Veterans’ Day flag ceremonies, No- as many years! AMWS skiers took second Chris Wheatley, SSGT Ben Coffin, SSGT Jay can look forward to enjoying each other’s vember 5 and 13, Massachusetts National place; and the Descendants placed third. Tooley, SPC1 Brett Clairmont, SPC1 Dun- friendship and camaraderie at the follow- Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Among the non-ski-racing competi- can Domey and SPC1 Jeff Guion. tions, congratulations go out to Chapter Descendants Team: Team leader Bob members Michele Bartlett (Associate), Linscott (Desc 86-G), Steve Coffey (Desc Bonnie Beyer (Desc 87-I), Andrea Miller 87-F and President, 10th Mountain Divi- (Desc 87-I) and Linda Taylor (Associate) sion Descendants Inc.), Harris McWade who dressed up as 60s hippie skiers to win (Desc 87-HQ-3), Martha Turek (Desc 87- this year’s Fashion Show competition for M), and Patrick Jackson (Desc 126 ENG, 229

FEBRUARY 15-22, 2017

Winners of ﬁrst place and the 10th Mtn Div th Cup, from left, CAPT Ray Gilmore (10th Members of the Army Mountain Warfare 10 Mountain Division Ski In Daze Mtn Div [LI], Ret.), LTC Matt Fitzgerald School took second place: left, SSGT Jay  Feb. 15 – Veterans meet with students at the th (VTARNG, Honorary, Ret.), Mac Jackson Tooley, SFC Duncan Domey, SSGT Chris Veterans, descendants, and friends of the 10th Leadville School to share 10 Mountain Division history (Desc 126th ENG, 229th ENG), Kiernan Wheatley, SFC Brett Clairemont, SSGT Ben have reunited each year since 1975 to honor the Fitzgerald (Desc) and Dick Calvert (86-HQ-2). Cofﬁn & SFC Jeff Guion. men who served in the U.S. Army 10th  Feb. 16 – Copper Mountain Mountain Division during WWII.  Feb. 17 – Cooper Hill Daze Please join us at the 42nd annual 10th Mountain Division Ski In Daze  Feb. 18 – Cooper and Showing of “The Last Ridge”

It is a time for remembering the heroic efforts  Feb. 20 – Breckenridge

of the 10th Mountain Division in Italy and  Feb. 21 – Vail beyond; reminiscing with veterans, descendants, and friends; and, of course, doing  Feb. 22 – Keystone a whole lot of skiing. Third place winners in the Hannes Schneider Visit our website for details and updates: www.10thMtnDivSkiInDaze.wordpress.com Race weekend, left, Schneider grandson Hannes (non-racer), Martha Turek (Desc 87- or contact Denise Taylor: [email protected] M), Bob Linscott (Desc 86-G), Harris McWade 303 423 2514 New England Chapter fashion show (Desc 87-HQ-3), Schneider grandson Marcus winners, left, Linda Taylor (Associate), (non-racer). Not pictured, Steve Coffey Michele Bartlett (Desc 87-I), Andrea Miller (Desc 87-F) and Patrick Jackson (Desc 126 Sempre Avanti (Desc 87-I), Bonnie Beyer (Desc 87-I). ENGR, 229 ENGR). VOLUME 17 2016 NUMBER 2 DESCENDANTS PLAN FOR A RETURN TO ITALY IN 2017 Steve Coffey (Desc 87-F) travel partner, Intertrav, and with our hosts in Italy. The As I hope all are aware, we are planning a return to Italy current trip outline is as follows: for June, 2017, more specifically 9-18 June. 2017 10th Mountain Division Return to Italy This trip came about in part as a result of the decision Friday 06/09: Depart U.S. for Florence, Italy made to move to a five-year cycle after the 2015 trip to stay Saturday 06/10: Arrive in Florence, travel to Sienna for in synch with the 10th Mountain Division’s time in com- overnight, sightseeing and Opening Dinner bat, as well as the 1945 war’s end anniversaries. Many, Sunday 06/11: Morning: American Cemetery Program, most notably our friends in Italy, thought this was too long Tavarnuzze followed by lunch. Afternoon: travel to Liz- between visits, thus the 2017 “lite” trip version was born. zano/Vidiciatico The trip will focus entirely on the Hill Towns, the excep- Monday 06/12: Combat route orientation bus tour: Liz- tion being our traditional visit to the Florence American zano -Tole Cemetery and Memorial, and will keep optional side trips Tuesday 06/13-Friday 06/16: Hill Towns program of to a minimum. It is our hope to visit battle sites related to visits to important battle sites, to include Riva Ridge, Mt the February-April 1945 operations in more detail than in Belvedere, Mt Terminale, Mt Della Spe and others, further the past, as well as get off the big buses to see some of the points of interest, and visits with our friends in the sur- more out-of-the-way but nevertheless important sites in rounding villages the area. Saturday 06/17: Open day - Morning departure for op- PHOTO BY FELICITY HALLANAN Of course we will still enjoy the traditional hospitality tional Florence tour, afternoon departure otherwise. Fare- Maps at cemeteries help older generations explain to of our hosts and friends in the villages along the way, and well dinner in Florence younger ones. will offer non-combat activities such as the highly popular Sunday 06/18: Depart Florence for flights to the U.S. istration materials to the lists we provide in the October- cooking class to the extent possible. Those who wish to add We will be sending out “save the date” post cards to November timeframe. some traditional sightseeing to their itinerary can certainly current members of the Descendant Association, and to In addition we will continue to post updates on the ap- do so on either the front or back end of the group trip. those members of the National Association in the current propriate web sites and Face Book pages, so please keep an We are beginning the planning process now with our database. As with prior trips, Intertrav will be sending reg- eye out for those … much more to follow. ASSOCIATION LEADER BIDS FAREWELL TO HIS FATHER Val Rios (Desc 87-K) ity to the family. Grandpa Cruz, Dad’s couldn’t pay in cash so they would barter, Not for the first time, nor the last, a De- father, would on occasion leave the fam- giving dad a crate of fruit or vegetables scendant of a 10th Mountain Division sol- ily in Colton to search for work. So when in exchange for their gas. This didn’t al- dier has been called upon to deliver a eulo- Dad was old enough to drive, and maybe ways go over well with mom, who was gy for their father. The Blizzard offers this even a bit younger, he would load up the managing the bills, especially when one one, given this spring by a longtime leader Model A Ford truck with Mexican food day dad brought home two coyote pups in the Association, as a reflection of what supplies and drive to Las Vegas where his in exchange for a tank of gas. But dad had so many feel on such an occasion. grandparents Martin and Martina lived, a heart for others and tried to help when On behalf of our Mother, Conrad, Mar- but stop at the many labor camps along he could. ta and I would like to thank you for cel- the way to sell his supply of beans, torti- When Conrad, Marta and I were hav- ebrating with us our Dad’s final journey llas, rice and chilis. He would then do the ing our families, Dad would just show up home to be with our Lord. Father and son Cruz, right, and Val Rios same on his return trip to Colton and give at our houses to do whatever he could to There are many things that could be the profits to his mom for the family. help. Whether it was mowing the lawns, said about our dad, but there are two boards were the words “Cruz’s Service.” Dad was an excellent car mechanic. raking leaves, pruning, or laying tile or themes that weave in and out of his life. But it really could have read…Cruz of Ser- How many of you either gassed up or had cement, dad was there to help. He was The first, being of service. So, after fall- vice. Service to family and friends, service your car worked on by dad?! He treated just that way. When his younger sister ing in love and marrying Mom in 1951, to church and service to country. his customers with honesty and made Sally passed away a few years ago and it Dad operated several independent gas Cruz Floriano Rios Jr. was born in sure the job was done right. Some of his seemed there might not be a funeral, once stations in West Fresno (CA). Dad would Colton, CA, on December 15, 1918. He customers lived from paycheck to pay- dad heard about it, he just said, “I’ll take drive every day to work in his blue-and- was the oldest of seven children, and be- check and couldn’t pay for their gas un- care of it.” white Chevy pickup; on the white side- ing the oldest felt a certain responsibil- til the end of the month. Sometimes they SEE FAREWELL ON DESCENDANTS PAGE 4 PAGE 2 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Steve Coffey (Desc, 87-F) Quartermaster: As noted previously 10th Mountain Division Descendants we have staffed the vacant QM position. Inc. (Descendants, Inc.) continues to ful- Melanie Loveland of the Rocky Mountain fill our mission to preserve the legacy of Chapter has agreed, and the Board has the 10th Mountain Division and to give approved, to take on the position. She The Descendant Blizzard is edited by Bryan Pullen. Descendants: News, stories, announce- support to the veterans, wives and wid- will be assisted by QM Emeritus Denise ments, letters, photos etc. are most welcome — this is your Blizzard! Contact Bryan Pullen at 204 ows of the Division. As you read this issue Taylor as she learns the ropes. Look for S. 8th Street, Davis OK 73030 or email: [email protected]. of the Blizzard, please give some thought a revitalized catalog of items in the near 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION DESCENDANTS, INC. to how you might become more involved future. In the meantime, a limited num- in your Association, either by attending ber of 10th Mountain items (sorry, no OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS chapter and national events, or by volun- descendant items) are available through (* denotes Executive Committee) teering. Some of the current highlights of the “Off the Beatin’ Path” gift shop at Ft Arizona Chapter Carol Stream, IL 60188 [email protected] Descendants, Inc. include: Drum, and can be viewed via a link pro- VACANT 630.221.0989 Father: Cruz F. Rios, Jr. (87-K) [email protected] Membership: Membership renewals vided on the National Association web- Armadillo & Roadrunner Chapter Father: Richard D. Soutar (616-FA- Southeast Chapter (’10) as well as first-time memberships came site (http://10thmtndivassoc.org). (’11) HQ) The Rev. Larry Fields Phebe Davol Finance: Descendants, Inc. continues 6300 Deane Hill Drive in at a strong pace in early 2016 totaling 5675 West FM 487 Mt. Rainier Chapter (’09) to remain financially sound. Treasurer Florence, TX 76527 David Thompson Knoxville, TN 37919 almost 900 at last count in early June, on 254.793.3419 7712 39th Avenue, SW 865.588.3968 (H) a par with last year. Increasing mem- Don Perkins reported that Total Net As- [email protected] Seattle, WA 98136 [email protected] bership across all chapters remains our sets remain better than twice our annual Father: Donald B. Davol (86-L, A) 206.932.4148 Father: Capt. Marion H. Fields (85- highest priority during the coming years operating budget for the coming year. In [email protected] HQ) Big Sky (’11) Father: Hans Thompson (85-K) as we work to attract 2nd and 3rd genera- addition, the dedicated Finn-Thornton Jerald Reed Southern California Chapter (’10) New England Chapter (’09) tion descendants, as well as those of the Scholarship fund totals over $9,000 as 3750 Mtn Hiway 40 W Kathleen Finn Jones Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Sue Hagerman, Membership 10th Light veterans. We continue to ask noted. The Association will continue to 406.892.5359 P.O. Box 60 32600 Hwy 74 Space 104 [email protected] Enfield Center, NH 03749 Hemet, CA 92545 for everyone’s help to build our numbers provide financial support when possible Father: Stan Walsh (10 Med -B) 603.632.5337 (H); 603.252.7196 (C) 909.238.8553 (C) by signing up a family member or two so to projects that further our goal of pre- [email protected] [email protected] we can reach or surpass the 1,000-mem- serving and spreading the word about the Delaware River Valley Chapter (’11) Father: William A. Hagerman (86- Berkley D. Ellis Svc) Upper Peninsula Chapter (’10) ber goal we’ve set again for 2016. If you’ve Division’s history. The most recent exam- 930 N. Evans Street Sandi Engstrom North Central Chapter (’09) overlooked renewing for 2016 please re- ple of this was our contribution of $2,500 Pottstown, PA 19464 527 Vine St. 610.327.8107 Jessica Adza spond as soon as possible, and consider to the Honor the Mountain Memorial [email protected] 4112 Oakland Ave Ishpeming, MI 49849 giving a membership as a gift at any time built in Watertown, NY (http://www.hon- Father: Dr. Berkley Ellis (86-L) Minneapolis, MN 55407 949.364.0159 612.715.1265 of the year. Please contact your respec- orthemountain.com/). 10th Mountain Ft. Drum Chapter [email protected] Upstate New York Chapter (’10) tive Chapter Directors if you would like Division Descendants, Inc. is listed on VACANT Jill Hamlin Grandfather: Ernest H. Knapper to help out (phone calls, mailings). We the Donor Plaque as a result. I was able to Lower Michigan Chapter (’11) (HQ-85th) 167 Hotel Rd should also all thank Don Perkins and Wil attend the unveiling ceremony in Water- Robert (Bob) Lafean Northwest Chapter (’09) Remsen, NY 13438 714 Lakeview Ave. Marney Roddick 315.831.5506 (H); 351.725.2270 (C) Niebles for their hard work processing town and can attest to the beauty of the Port Huron, MI P.O. Box 7661 Utah Chapter (’07) these memberships so quickly and pro- new memorial and the surrounding park 810.987.1795 Salem, OR 97303 [email protected] 503.371.3326 (H) Ron Sawdey fessionally again this year. (see this edition). If you have ideas that 2016 Emerson Ave. Metropolitan New York Chapter [email protected] Annual Board of Directors Meeting: you would like to see your Association (’11) Father: Robert S. Roddick (85-K) Salt Lake City, UT 84108 The 2016 TMDD BoD meeting will be held support, please mention it to your chap- 801.582.2820 (H) Ruso Donald Perkins Rocky Mountain Chapter (’09) on 23 October, once again in Reston, Vir- ter Director, Don Perkins, or myself any P.O. Box 398717 Connie Nelson [email protected] Carl Fisher Branch 5393 W. Colorado Ave Father: James J. Sawdey (87- B) ginia. The triennial National Association time. Miami Beach, FL 33239- 8717 Italy 2017: We have begun planning Lakewood, CO 80232 Washington DC Chapter (’07) BoD meeting will be held on the 22nd in 718-651- 2995 303.935.3312 the same location. Anyone who may be for the 2017 Return to Italy trip and have 718.651.2995 Father: Marlin Wineberg (85-D) Pamela Pikla, (Membership Chair) [email protected] 3707 Red Grove Rd. interested in attending is encouraged to set the dates as 9-18 June of next year. Father: Ruso H. Perkins (87-I) Sierra Nevada Chapter (’07) Val Rios Baltimore, MD 21220 contact their chapter Director, Adrian As mentioned before, this will be a Hill Midwest Chapter (’09) 6816 S. Maple 410.335.2525 Coffey, or myself for details. Towns only itinerary and will serve as a Patricia LaRocca Fresno, CA 93725 [email protected] bridge between the 2015 and 2020 much 1151 Parkside Court 559.834. 6230 Father: Hassell G. Vass (10-AT-A) Scholarship: I’m happy to report that this year’s Finn-Thornton Scholarship of larger trips. Please see the separate write- COMMITTEES $2,500 was awarded to Charles Thomas, up (Page 1, this edition) for more infor- AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS 703.217.4931 443.570.9482 (C) grandson of Sam and Ann Thomas (87- mation on this. Grandaughter: Albert Coffey (87- F) [email protected] President (’11) Uncle: Stuart Abbott (86-L) I). Charlie will be attending the Univer- Social Media: In an effort to expand Steve Coffey Quartermaster Treasurer sity of Saint Francis as a freshman in the our use of social media applications, we #1630 York Mills Lane Denise Taylor (’08) Don Perkins - See Metropolitan Reston, VA 20194 4075 Depew Street New York Chapter above. fall. To date, we have received generous set up a Descendant Association Insta- 703.471.4370 (H); 703.902.4005 (W) Wheat Ridge, CO 80212 [email protected] 303.423. 2514 ORAL HISTORY PROJECT donations from several chapters and in- gram page that has proven to be quite Father: Albert Coffey Jr. (87-F) [email protected] Myrna Hampton dividuals. Taken together with our Asso- successful with close to 600 followers Father: Marvin E. Taylor (126-D Sierra Nevada Chapter already. For all you Instagram users, it Immediate Past President ENG) 4803 Monterey St. ciation’s annual budgeted amounts, the Val Rios Carmel, CA 93923 fund totaled over $9,000 prior to mak- can be followed at “10thmtndivisionde- (see Sierra Nevada Chapter) Descendant “ Blizzard” Editor [email protected] Bryan Pullen ing this year’s award. Those interested scendants”. We hope that this will pro- Senior Vice President 204 South 8th Father: Lt. Col. Henry J. Hamp- vide another avenue for sharing pictures Michael Kehoe Davis, OK 73030 ton, (86- HQ) in making a donation to this fund can 117 Dower Lane 580.369.5515 GOLD STAR 10TH MTN. DIV do so by sending their check to Don Per- among the members, and also wave the Strasburg, VA 22657 [email protected] DESC CHAIRPERSON 10th Mountain flag. Interestingly it con- 540.465.4185 Grandfather: Harold Sutton (85- M) Norman Burkey kins, our Treasurer, noting that is for the Son: Russell Kehoe (616-FA-HQ) 308 Colgate Dr. Finn-Thornton Scholarship. In addition, tinues to attract a large number of 10th VP, Chapter Coordinator (’10) Forest Hill, MD 21050 (LI) serving soldiers and veterans as well Vice President for Education (’09) Phebe Davol 410.638.8970 please encourage students to visit the De- Peggy Cullinane (Desc 87-F) (see Armadillo Chapter, above) [email protected] scendant web page for information and as ski industry organizations. If you have Father: Norman L. Burkey, (85- C) Secretary (’10) Resource, Denver Library (’11) an application. After all, the goal is to sup- pictures you’d like to have posted — past Adrian Coffey Abbie Kealy ON BELAY CHAIRPERSON port 10th Mountain Descendants in their trips to Italy, reunions, “throwbacks,” 6622 E. Wakefield Dr., #81 5316 Glen Falls Rd. Pamela Pikla (see Washington, D.C. Alexandria, VA 06057 Reistertown, MD 21136 Chapter) academic pursuits. SEE MESSAGE ON DESCENDANTS PAGE 3 2016 NUMBER 2 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD PAGE 3 DESCENDANT RELIVES HIS FATHER’S ITALY EXPERIENCE Keith Garrett Next stop the small community of Ronchi- (Desc John M. Garrett, Jr. 86-I) doso, a wooded area where the only structure (Blizzard Edition #1, 2016, featured an in- I remember was a church. Here we learned troduction to a descendant’s personal discov- history of the area that occurred before the ar- ery of his father’s service in Italy during WWII, rival of the 10th Mountain. As we gathered on highlighted by the son’s participation in a Re- the steps of the church, local historian Mas- turn to Italy sponsored by the National Assn simo Turchi spoke to us. of the 10th Mtn Div. In this edition, while Ronchidoso is known for a brigade of Ital- some of the author’s details have been omit- ian resistance fighters commonly known as ted due to space constraints, the story contin- partisans, and for a massacre. On Sept. 29, ues with the arrival of the tour at the Mount 1944, 68 civilians were slaughtered by Ger- Belvedere Range.) man soldiers. The killings of mostly women In Wellborn’s History of the 86th the and children were followed by the burning of movements of troops during the First Of- homes. Liberation would not come for these fensive are denoted with color coded lines, people until Feb. 20, 1945. Soldiers from the but maps convey limited information. Prior 85th’s 2nd Bn and Co L of the 86th’s 3rd Bn to our trip, I realized this fact most notably were here. In the area next to the church is a reading through the medical log book of my sign posted by the municipality of Montese Dad’s battalion. A focal point of our Return to documenting much of the history we were Italy trip was, of course, the Belvedere Range. just told. Massimo Turchi, who addressed Members of the Garrett family in the Italy Apennines, from left, siblings Madison, Keith, From Mt. Belvedere to Mt. della Torraccia our our group of descendants, is a leader of these Leasa and Dylan. trip took us into what Val Rios (Desc 87-K), efforts. On the bottom portion of this sign is a our bus captain and descendant, calls the fox- photograph of a 10th Mountain soldier who la Torraccia was growing. The foxholes and a fixation on what began at 0700 Feb. 24, 1945. holes and footsteps of our fathers. is pointing downward. A priest and another footsteps of my father were there. Many 10th Mountain descendants have As we stepped in the vicinities of those fox- soldier stand next to him. The banner which Soon our bus was on the peak of Mt. della been fortunate enough to visit Italian war sites holes and footsteps from the past, I logged captions the sign’s picture reads, “The Ex- Torraccia, the culminating objective of Op- with their fathers. I was not. Had my Dad lived my location on a handheld humation of the bodies of the eration Encore. Our time was limited. As I longer, I believe we would have made a trip to GPS. Our footsteps converged massacre of Ronchidoso.” stepped off the bus, I went straight to a guide Italy together. As it turned out, we did not. In upon those of my father and On our bus trip back to the and asked him to point in the direction of the fact, we did not even discuss the war except his brethren throughout the hotels we were given copies of attack. With outstretched arm he pointed for one brief period of time in the early 1970s. Belvedere Range. From the hill the book The Children of 1944, toward a field of chin- high grass that clearly The reasons for this sparsity of discussion are towns - Vidiciatico and Lizzano Life after mass murder-Maz- sloped downhill. This would be the way to- many, but they may be summed up by saying I in Belvedere - where we stayed, abotto 2008. This is a book of ward bloody gulch. I quickly darted that way. was not ready, and my Dad was not ready. to Mt. della Torraccia, we trav- survivor stories from another I could not hike all the way down, but In the early 1970s after reading Remount elled into the battle zones of local massacre, in Mazabotto. just enough to know that somewhere down Blue, some communications about the war the Belvedere Range. Nota- As we returned to our hotels, a there on the night of Feb. 23, 1945, my Dad, emerged between us. My Dad asked me, bly, the hill towns themselves reciprocal feeling of heart and then only 20 years of age, was in a foxhole. No “Have you ever been so tired that you couldn’t were in the battle zone, lending John M. Garrett, Jr. (86-I) passion seemed overwhelming. doubt he was contemplating what could have move?” I was somewhat startled by the ques- perspective to our daily excur- God bless the 10th Mountain for been his last night. tion — and how my dad asked it. Although he sions. helping these people, God bless my Dad for As I descended the hillside, John M. Gar- asked the question of me, his gaze made me The first site in the Belvedere Range that helping these people, and God bless them for rett’s grandson followed behind me taking think he was distally focused. Still I answered we visited was Mt. Belvedere. From our drop- introducing and reliving this history with me. pictures. Dylan, whom my Dad never met, affirmatively, “Yes, I have been pretty tired at off point on the mountain, we hiked a short Our visit to Mt. della Torraccia was near the stood on Mt. della Torraccia at the age of 20. times.” distance to the top with several people we end of our stay in the hill towns. Being one of, if After seeing this pathway, I wanted to find In a manner similar to how he asked the did not know. One was a middle-aged lady not the most important personal site for me to Hill 991 and Le Borre, so I ran in the direc- question, my Dad responded,“I have, and not much older than me, whom we learned visit, I was anxious. That afternoon our group tion where I thought they would be. I crossed I took a knee in the middle of an open field. lived in the area during the war. She did not was separated into two buses which rotated a potato field and stopped to take pictures. I When I saw the ground sputtering in front of speak English, but she wanted to convey to between two stops. One stop was Punch- was running out of time and returned toward me, I knew it was a machine gun and moved us that she was here at the time and remem- board Hill, a second offensive site; the other, the bus. There I was directed to yet another out.” His eye and head movements pierced bered what happened. Looking at us she said Mt. della Torraccia. There was no way to tell path and told to hurry in that direction.As it right through me — as though I were not “Boom! Boom!,” which we all understood. which bus would go to della Torraccia first. turned out, I believe this final path was most there. His finger pointed forward flicking up, Meaningful beyond words were her spon- As it turned out, I was on first bus to stop likely the path of the I Co attack. My first path “the ground sputtering in front of me.” Noth- taneous familial gestures, seeking us out, at Punchboard Hill, a location where the 87th was likely the direction of K Co. Both lines of ing more was said. touching hands. Regt would combat German forces soon af- attack would have begun from a common We did not discuss the war in a traditional A Mass was held on top of Mt. Belvedere, ter the conclusion of Operation Encore. The starting position at 0700 Feb. 24, 1945. sense at all. There were only a few exchang- followed by a ceremonial wreath-laying by name is an indication of what lay beyond the When our time on Mt. della Torraccia was es like this one. So much can be said in a few the 10th Mountain monument, after which First Offensive. On this particular excursion, over, I boarded the bus with my pictures, GPS words. Thankfully, I have these few discus- we lingered looking for artifacts and foxholes. it is fair to say that my anxiety to reach Mt. del- data, and a myriad of new thoughts including sions to reflect upon. And I do, many times.

I’m amazed at how much 10th Mountain time and effort to organize these events. ties and initiatives, and don’t hesitate to Message history is surfaced and discussed on this Volunteer: Volunteer to organize ac- call on any of us with your ideas and sug- CONTINUED FROM DESCENDANTS PAGE 2 page, so please visit and contribute often. tivities or suggest ideas to your chapter gestions. for example — please forward them to How You Can Help: Attend Chapter Directors or the Association Board. We As always … we all know that we are “[email protected]”. and National Meetings: At the most basic also continue to look for expertise in some losing our WWII generation at an in- Members also continue to visit and post level, we can all simply attend the chapter key areas such as membership, education, creasing pace. We receive another noon the 10th Mountain Descendants and or national meetings and other gather- and social networking to name a few. tice weekly it seems. When your chapter Friends Face Book page. This continues ings — Ski-Ins, Memorial Day at Camp Please visit the Descendant web page hosts an event, please attend if at all pos- to provide a wonderful venue for sharing Hale, National Reunion, Italy trips, etc. — (http://10thmountaindivisiondescenda sible. It’s the best way I know of to show pictures, stories, asking questions, etc. to support those members who give their nts.org) often for information on activi- our respect for them and all they’ve done. PAGE 4 DESCENDANT BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2

and said it would be okay for dad to live Farewell with them in Las Vegas and attend high CONTINUED FROM DESCENDANTS PAGE 1 school. So he began his freshman year and even played on the football team, And just last week after hearing about but he wasn’t allowed to finish as his dad’s passing, our cousin Cruz Neri told father needed him to help in the fields me that when he was a young boy and with work. Dad said he would get teary- spend the weekend with granny Rios, eyed and sometimes cry as he watched ARMADILLO my dad would often come over checking the yellow school busses, filled with chil- up on his mom. And granny Rios would dren, drive by as he worked in the cot- Phebe Davol (Desc 86-L, HQ) There were 24 attendees, including two always tell my cousin, “He (my dad) is a ton fields. He so wanted to be on one of The Armadillo Chapter held a reunion WWII Veterans, Hulin Robert (86-K) and good son ... He makes sure that we are all those busses. in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the week- Tom Jones (86-B) with his wife Betty. doing fine.”… Cruz of Service. So fast-forward a number of years and end of June 10-12, 2016. This event is host- The attendees met for dinner at the Fly- Regarding the church, dad was a dad is now a well known and respected ed by Karen Case (Desc James W. Stanley, ing Saucer Friday evening. On Saturday, faithful servant, going above and be- mechanic in the Fresno area. He is of- Sr. 86-HQ) and Dr. Ann Keese Thomas, many toured the Clinton Presidential Li- yond just being the average parishioner. fered a teaching position at a new voca- widow of Sam Terrell Thomas (87-I). brary in the morning. In the afternoon After moving from the St Helen’s parish, tional school. He accepts the position some toured the USS WWII Razorback he and mom became fully involved with and goes back to finish his high school Submarine adjacent to the USS Hoga Sacred Heart Church. Dad served as diploma at night. Then, when he is of- both on the Arkansas River. Saturday eve- an usher and in the Guadalupana soci- fered an automotive mechanics teach- ning the attendees held a lovely banquet ety for years and only retired from both ing position at Fresno City College, he is at the Copper Grill. when his hearing loss and dizziness pre- encouraged to get his Bachelors degree, During the banquet, Steve Coffey (Desc vented him from continuing. He played which he does at Fresno State. …Vires 87-F) presented Charlie Thomas (Desc an instrumental part in helping to build Montesque Vincimus. 87-I) the Finn-Thorton Scholarship. Dr. Guadalupe park just across from the Another mountain to overcome was Thomas (Widow 87-I) presented Arkan- church and when Channel 49, the local that of prejudice. The 10th trained brief- sas Traveler plaques recognizing distin- Roman Catholic tv station came into be- ly at Camp Swift, TX, just before being guished accomplishments signed by Asa ing, he once more loaded a truck with sent to Italy. He remembers going on Hutchinson, the Arkansas Governor and Mexican food supplies and with another weekend passes into Austin and see- Mark Martin, the Arkansas Secretary of gentleman traveled up and down the ing signs on some of the bars and res- State. Dr. Thomas and Karen Case (Desc valley selling tortillas, with the proceeds taurants that would read, “No niggers, James W. Stanley, Sr. 86-HQ) presented going to Channel 49. no Mexicans, no dogs.” And yet when Armadillo Descendants ready for a sail on the plaques to Steve Coffey (Desc 87-F) But the area of service for which he he would return to base, his fellow 10th a sub, back row from left, Brad and Charlie Jeannie Geuras (Desc 710-Ord Div HQ), was most proud was serving his coun- soldiers, many of whom came from Ivy- Thomas (Desc 87-I), Ray Sisneros (Desc 85- Don Perkins (Desc 87-I) and Phebe Davol. try during WWII. Dad was a member of league colleges, would treat him as a HQ, 604 FAB), Chad Jones (Desc 86-HQ), During the business meeting on Sun- the 10th Mountain Division, 87th Regi- “brother.” He felt completely accepted Don Perkins (Desc 87-I) and Steve Coffey day, the Chapter nominated Karen Case ment, Company K, and served in both by his fellow 10th soldiers, and when (Desc 87-F); front row, Phebe Davol (Desc to be next Chapter Director/Association the Pacific and European Theatres. He they were sent to Italy, he could not be- 86-L, HQ), Karen Case (Desc 86-HQ) and President. Jeannie Geuras is nominated was humbled to join such a wonderful lieve the acceptance by the Italian peo- Wanda Gilbert (Friend of the 10th). to be Treasurer for each organization. group of “boys” as he would call them, ple, especially their greeting to everyone and developed a unique and special with a kiss on both cheeks. That is also WELCOME HOME! relationship with his comrades. They probably why he fell so in love with Italy would die for each other, and many of and its people. them did. Dad understood the horror of The greatest mountains to overcome war, but believed it his duty to serve his were those of Italy — the Apennines. But country. Dad had fallen in love with Italy and its The second theme that I believe people. He returned four times, each threads Dad’s life comes from the Latin time visiting his foxhole buddy Fred motto of the 87th Regiment: Vires Mon- Palmer, who is interned at the American tesque Vincimus which means Strength Cemetery near Florence. He even told to Conquer Mountains. And whether it me that he would like to be buried in It- was literal or figurative, Dad did over- aly, but when he talked to mom about it, come a few mountains during his life- she said no! time. Mom and Dad were married for 64 The first was language and education. years. They have 10 grandchildren and When Dad entered Garfield Elementary 2 great- grandchildren. And now, most School in Colton, he only spoke and un- of all, I can see Dad sitting on the green derstood Spanish. He felt alone, isolated slopes of the Apennines of Italy, catch- and inferior. Then he said something, ing up with his foxhole buddy Fred, Mar- nothing less than a miracle, happened ion Coleman, Sergeant Felix Dunbar, about 3rd grade; he finally could under- Captain Roger Eddy and all his Compa- stand, speak and write English. It was as ny K buddies of the 10th Mountain Divi- if a new world opened up to him and he sion. There he will wait, until his lovely looked forward to Saturdays so he could bride Lucy joins him. ride the trolley to the San Bernardino Li- The song “Signore delle Cima” is an FORT DRUM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE brary to check out books that he could Italian religious song dedicated to the A welcome home ceremony was held for approximately 250 soldiers with 6th Squadron, finally read. Italian mountain soldiers of WWI and 6th Cavalry, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade,10th Mountain Division (LI). The unit Sadly, though, my grandpa Cruz WWII, the Alpini, who have fallen in bat- returned to a ceremony at Magrath Sports Complex at Ft Drum from South Korea late didn’t believe in education and wouldn’t tle but who are also, now, free. Cruz of Tuesday, June 14, 2016. They had spent the past nine months in the Republic of Korea as allow our dad to start high school. But Service ... yes you were dad, yes you were part of a rotational force attached to US Forces Korea. great-grandma Martina intervened ... Vires Montesque Vincimus. 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 9 VETERAN LEADS ATHLETES IN 2ND INVICTUS GAMES

The second Invictus Games for wounded, sick or injured service mem- ARMADILLO bers around the world Phebe Davol (Desc 86-L, HQ) to our reunions and participate in our ac- included representation World War II Veterans E. Thomas tivities. Please refer to the 10th Mountain from the 10th Mountain “Tom” Jones (86-B) and lovely wife Betty Descendants Armadillo Chapter Section Division. as well as Hulin Robert (86-K) attended of the Blizzard for a description of the re- Meeting in Orlando, the Armadillo Chapter annual reunion in union. FL, the U.S. team won Little Rock, Arkansas, June 10-12, 2016. Other Chapter news includes a vote 51 gold medals, beating Activities included a get acquainted during our business meeting to elect Kar- out Great Britain for the dinner on Friday night, sightseeing on en Case (Desc James W. Stanley, Sr. 86- highest total. Saturday and an awards banquet plus a HQ) as our Armadillo Chapter President CPT William Reynolds White Armadillo Raffle on Saturday night. representing for the 10th Mountain Asso- was co-captain of the We are blessed to have our Veterans travel ciation starting in late 2016 calendar year. winning team. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2002, he was a platoon leader with 2-14 Infantry, when he was wounded in Iraq in 2004. His left leg was amputated as a result; he competed with a prosthesis and won two gold and three silver medals, in cycling and track & field. As fellow members of his former unit have noted in Chapter news online, we want to “share Armadillo Chapter members Tom (86-B) and Betty Jones at lunch. his story everywhere — Golden Dragons ... Right CPT William Reynolds of the Line.” recreation programs across the U.S. Over Ceremonies the past decade, the Foundation has pro- CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE vided over $93,000 in support for these and support the soldiers and veterans of programs. ARMY ‘BATTLE BUDDIES’ today’s highly trained and accomplished Veterans and members of the 10th, this Division. We welcome this new mission, is YOUR Foundation! We invite your par- and your Foundation has begun to fulfill ticipation and volunteer spirit in identify- RUMOR SPREADS AGAIN it with enthusiasm. ing and developing programs that fulfill The Foundation now provides indirect the needs of today’s soldiers and their To paraphrase a longtime truism, replaced with ‘Warrior Companion,’ scholarship aid to today’s 10th Moun- families. Visit the Foundation’s web site old rumors never die, they just crop up as the term Battle Buddy is unfair and tain families through our support of the at tenthmountainfoundation.org, and again, and again. hurtful to those new soldiers who have 10th Mountain Division KIA Scholarship help us continue the mission. In 2010 a reporter with “The Stars and not served in battle.” Fund. Your Foundation has contributed As the World War Two 10th Mountain Stripes” newspaper sought to quash the The directive supposedly went on to $144,000 to the Fund since its inception. soldiers would say in farewell, “Sempre word going around that the Army had say there were “instructions requiring We also assist today’s 10th Mountain Avanti”! —Always Forward. As today’s issued a directive that soldiers would anyone witnessing someone using the wounded soldiers in their recovery efforts soldiers put the same sentiment, “Climb use the term “warrior companion” in- now outdated term … to report to their by supporting winter rehabilitation and to Glory”! Thank you. stead of the more-common “battle Chain of Command so an investigation buddy.” can be initiated.” Jeff Schogol talked with an Army “In my 15 years of service,” the source BLIZZARD SCHEDULE 2016 spokesman and with commanders and wrote, “I never thought I would see the Issue No. Period Covered Articles Deadline was told by the former that the rumor day where the ‘everyone gets a trophy’ wasn’t true, and by the latter that, if it mentality propagated by helicopter 1 January - April February 15 were, it would be demoralizing. In a moms would be fully embraced by the word, the reporter wrote, the report was Army. We are done for. If I didn’t have 2 May - August June 15 fake. this ALARACT sitting in front of me I 3 September - December October 15 Well, it’s cropped up again. Quoting never would have believed it.” a supposed directive from ALARACT To date, the “Blizzard” has neither SEND MATERIALS TO: — All Army Activities — an unnamed been able to obtain confirmation nor Felicity Hallanan, 95 Zahler Tract, Sandy Creek, NY 13145 source wrote recently that “the term denial of the entire controversy. Stay [email protected] ‘Battle Buddy’ is to be dropped and tuned. PAGE 10 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2 ARIZONA Carol J. Maywood (Friend of the 10th) encouraged to participate. Interviews The Arizona Chapter met in Scottsdale can be conducted in your own home, or on May 10, 2016, president Egils Krolls most convenient location. Bill Payant was (10th Inf) presiding. interviewed after the meeting, and Bob Members attending were Al Field (85- Shuck, Mac Mckenna and Gil Krolls have I), Mike Middlemas, Gil Krolls, Bill Payant also volunteered for Project interviews. In SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (87-K), Carol Maywood & Nancy Payant addition to having your story preserved, Middlemas (Desc). The group visited and students gain listening, writing and pre- Bruce K. Campbell (86-I, M) Rios (87-K) and Stu Chalfant (86-G). At enjoyed lunch. sentation skills that help them mature The annual summer picnic of the last count, however, there are five vets Members interested in participating and succeed in future activities. They also Southern California Chapter was to be in the chapter, along with a pretty ac- in the East Valley Veterans’ Day Parade gain a real-life glimpse into our nation’s held in mid-July at the home of Bruce and tive descendant and Friends of the 10th in Mesa Nov. 11, please contact Carol, history. Mary Campbell in San Marino. While contingent. #520.795.3511 or Gil, #520.882.7367 be- Contact information was provided for numbers are down, members attending The annual Riva Ridge and Mt Belve- fore Labor Day (Sept. 5). the ongoing Honor Flights taking vets to expect to have a traditionally good time. dere luncheon was held February 20, Guest speakers Don Dickinson and Washington, D.C. Since the last picnic, however, that 2016, at the ever-reliable Marie Calland- Barbara Hatch are advisers for the Veter- Carol advised that many banks of- membership is down by six with the er’s in San Juan Capistrano. ans Heritage Project in Arizona schools. fer special perks for veterans’ accounts. deaths of Gino Hollander, John Car- For the future, the Christmas party is Barbara founded the Project in 2009, Check with your bank for such items as roll, Phil Lieberman (38 RCT, 2 ENG-C), scheduled for December 3 at Cameron’s which is now in 24 schools. Don present- free safe deposit boxes, cashiers checks Glen Dawson, (85-HQ-1, MTG), Cuiz in Pasadena. ed his background and his reasons for and checking accounts. getting involved in the project. His father Al Field presented Newsletter #73 from was killed in WWII; his stepfather was a his ongoing efforts to record Division his- WWII pilot, killed training pilots in Korea; tory, and distributed copies to attendees. his third father-figure survived POW from The latest edition includes the story of Battle of the Bulge. He expressed genuine Vail ski resort, envisioned and developed enthusiasm for the role of the 10th Moun- by 10th Mountain veteran Pete Seibert. tain Division in WWII. Now, 64 years later, Vail is ranked #1 or Barbara shared information about the #2 in US/world. The 10th documentary successful accomplishments of students video “Climb to Glory” features Pete Seib- who participated in previous years, in- ert’s grandson, Tony, whose own obitu- cluding one female student about to ary, ironically and sadly, is also included graduate from the Naval Academy at An- in the newsletter. napolis, MD. Students and/or advisers Al also shared the story of Bob Dole’s Southern California Chapter members at a favorite restaurant in February. Front row, interview veterans, creating a videotape (87-I) first excursion to the front line, re- from left, Warren Asa, John Carroll (since deceased), Howard Koch; back row, Phil which is copied for family and sent to the placing one of five officers who had been Lieberman (deceased), Bruce Campbell & Kathleen Jones enjoyed dining at Marie Library of Congress, similar to the Veter- killed in the assault on Mt Belvedere. The Callender’s in San Juan Capistrano. ans History Project which was described newsletter also contains excerpts from at earlier meetings. “My Father’s Eyes,” the story of LT James This project takes the interview fur- Loose (86-A), hero of Pizze de Campiano; ther. The student works from the video to attack on Riva Ridge; detailed maps of UPPER PENINSULA create a written account of the veteran’s the multiple attack routes used to con- Walter R. Cook (10-HQ) hear the shelling all the time. story which is then published as part of quer Riva Ridge and Mt Belvedere; “Hale To begin news from the, now closed, The troops on the front lines would a collection of such stories in a beautiful and Farewell,” A Commemorative Book Upper Peninsula Chapter, some memo- come back to Campo Tizoro to rest and hard-cover book. Students provide the of the 10th Mountain Division;” an essay ries of WWII from the last Chapter presi- change clothing. They were exhausted. artwork, editing, and the chapter intro- by CAPT John B. Woodruff entitled “The dent. When they came back they were just ductions for the book. Veterans who pro- 85th Mountain Infantry Regiment, Jan, I took my basic training at Camp Hale, staring, completely worn out. vided their stories are invited to a celebra- 1945 – May, 1945;” as well as several ar- Colorado, in 1943. We did exercises, rifle At one point, Torger Tokle, an out- tion and book-signing each year at the ticles of diverse interest. range training, mountain climbing and standing ski jumper from Norway, and conclusion of the project. The next Chapter meeting will be Tues- skiing as part of our training. I was as- Lyle Munson from Iron Mountain, All Tenth vets from any service era are day, Nov. 8, 2016. signed the job of Clerk Typist at this time Michigan were on a scouting mission for because I had learned the skill in high 86-A in the village of Iola. While on the school. This probably saved my life. mission, Torger yelled to Lyle, “You go From Camp Hale we were sent down this way, Lyle, and I’ll go that way.” “OK, to Waco, Texas, for more training. We said Lyle.” A short time later, Lyle heard were then sent on a troop train to the that Torger had been hit. It was the end East Coast. We didn’t know where we of one of the best ski jumpers of all times, were going. They didn’t tell us until we dying for his adopted country. were in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean Joe Perrault, an Olympic ski jumper that we were going to Italy. from Ishpeming, Michigan, was award- We arrived in Naples in December, ed the Silver Star for carrying an injured 1944, and were there for a short time. comrade through a minefield. The front at that time was up in the Po Since then, the Upper Peninsula Valley in Northern Italy. We were sent to Chapter of the National Association of a small town called Campo Tizoro a few the 10th Mountain Division has been miles from the front. It was headquarters in existence until recently. But we have for the 10th Mountain Division. We were lost many more good members over the Members at Arizona Chapter meeting, from left, Bill Payant, Don Dickinson, Barbara housed in a couple of schools. We could years. Hatch, Gil Krolls, Al Field, Nancy Middlemas & Mike Middlemas. 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 11 DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY FORT DRUM CHAPTER Barbara Catterall (Desc, Joseph P. KIA, 85-G), Frank Thornton, Joe Hare and The fifth annual Strongest Warrior 1,080 pounds in Fingals Fingers, 200 Croke, KIA 85-G) Kate (Fred Finn, KIA, 85-A, L), and Barba- competition sponsored by the Fort Drum pounds of chain, 2,000 pounds of plate The annual spring picnic and memo- ra Catterall and Adolfo DeMarco (Joseph Chapter on June 4, 2016, drew an estimat- weights, 200 pounds of sleds, with a total rial service for veterans and their families Croke, KIA, 85-G). ed 400 spectators to cheer on some-40 weight for all equipment of 15,000-plus of the Delaware River Velley Chapter was Keith Smith, who has a great interest competitors from around the country. pounds. A tractor weighed an additional held at Barbara Winter’s North Coventry, in World War II, set up his extensive col- In what has become an annual event 15,000 pounds, for a grand total of over Pennsylvania, farm on May 22, 2016. The lection of memorabilia from the war era at the Alex P. Duffy Fairgrounds in Wa- 30,000 pounds of steel, cement, blood, azaleas were in full bloom due to perfect which proved quite interesting to all. He tertown, NY, men and women of all ages sweat, and chunks of skin. spring weather. We enjoyed a tour of this also added signatures of our veterans to huffed and puffed their ways through This year the competition raised historic property and the Thai temple his collection of WWII vets’ signatures. weight lifting, pushing and pulling. For $12,000, which will be split between the that the Winters had built. In the spirit of Memorial Day, Barbara about four hours they stayed active pick- 10th Mountain Division Scholarship We had three 10th Mountain WWII played a video of her husband, Dr. Fred ing up huge concrete balls, pushing sleds, Fund and helping 10th soldiers who have veterans in attendance: Paul Kitchen (86- Winter, reading the poem “Silver Skates,” deadlifting hundreds of pounds, and been wounded in battle. I), Weldon Storey (87-A) and newcomer which was written by her father-in-law in pulling trucks. Now-retired Division soldier Michael Albert Soria (87-L). Peter Binzen (86-H), memory of his son Bud, who was killed in In a preview of the event, organizers Schitz led onlookers in cheering the ath- who is a regular at these events, was un- action. It was very moving to hear Fred’s noted they would be preparing by trans- letes. He lost his lower arms in 2007 when able to attend due to a prior commitment. voice. Barbara talked about Uncle Bud’s porting 5,000 pounds in Atlas Stones, an IED hit his vehicle in Afghanistan. Ted Burkhardt (85-A), Dale Alwine, Al Hut, which her family established in hon- “The heat from the fire was so intense that Condo and Wilma Brenn (Gerald Brenn or of him. As we gathered around Bar- it stopped me from being able to move 85-A), who were loyal attendees until re- bara’s living room it felt like we had really and I laid there down, face down in the cently, were unable to travel the distance become a 10th Mountain family. dirt and I thought that was going to be it to the farm due to ill health. Our Veterans’ Day observance will be for me,” said Schlitz. Our guest list was completed by host- a luncheon held on a Sunday in Novem- But that wasn’t it for Schlitz. He came ess Barbara Winter (Burdell Winter, KIA ber at the Overbrook Country Club in to the Wounded Warrior competition to 85-M & 10 RECON), Judi and Bob Ander- Villanova, PA. The date has not yet been tell his story; he says exercise is one of the son (Gerald Brenn 85-A), Evelyn and Jerry set. If someone plans to be in the Phila- things that helped him. “The more you Throne (Weldon Storey 87-A), Peter Soria delphia area in November, please notify work out the better life you live, the bet- (Desc 87-L), Janis Darlington (Paul Kitch- me at [email protected] and plan to ter you feel, and it’s no different for these en 86-I), Ginny Condo (Richard Condo, join us. guys out here competing today.”

Retired 10th Mtn Div (LI) veteran Michael Get-together of Delaware River Valley Chapter included WWII vets Paul Kitchen, Schlitz was injured in 2007, but hasn’t Weldon Storey and Albert Soria; also, left, Frank Thornton, Joe Hare, Barbara Winter, stopped encouraging fellow soldiers to Judi Anderson, Barbara Catterall & Adolfo DeMarco. Missing from the picture are Bob keep on trying. Tough way to move a truck! Anderson, Ginny Condo, Peter Soria, Janis Darlington & Evelyn & Jerry Throne. ROADRUNNER Rebecca Joyce (604-FAB) in Colorado in February, the Tennessee The Roadrunner Chapter had to cancel Pass Memorial Day in Colorado and the our June 4 lunch but will reschedule one Return to Italy trips during summertime. at Buca Di Beppo as soon as we get a date Leadville and Camp Hale, though no when a majority will be able to attend. longer with barracks or buildings, hold Look for the coming news. the memory of the soldiers’ lives in the Becky Joyce and Ray Sisneros attended cold country of Colorado. You can feel the Armadillo Chapter reunion over the their presence, their difficulties and their weekend of June 10-12. Our chapter had thrills of skiing on Cooper Mountain. two veterans there: Hulin Robert (86-K) of The next Return to Italy trip is in 2017, Louisiana and E. Thomas C. “Tom” Jones then the 75th anniversary trip in 2020. (86-B) of Arkansas with his wife Betty. This daughter appreciates her father’s en- The Armadillo Chapter will have the couragement to join the descendants of story about the reunion, but I would like the 10th, and I am so glad he did that for to add the family of the Tenth is more spe- me, too, along with bringing into our fam- cial to me than I can express. You have ily his Tenth Mountain life of experience. to experience it for yourself. I encourage Encourage your families to join in. all of you to go to events like the Ski-in They won’t regret it. Ask any one of us. Strongest Warrior competitor shows her grit. PAGE 12 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2 NORTH CENTRAL Jessica Adza the way, Drew received an “A” on the (Desc Ernie Knapper 85-HQ-2) report. The North Central Chapter held our Overall it was a beautiful Spring day, Spring Luncheon on the Saturday of and a great day of 10th Mountain fel- Memorial Day weekend, May 28, 2016. lowship. A few new faces, and several We met once again in a semi-private familiar faces. Our Chapter is really dining area of the Machine Shed res- starting to grow! We really appreciate LOWER MICHIGAN taurant in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, just all the new Chapter attendees that have outside St Paul, MN. Again the food was joined our group and meetings from the excellent and the company even better! 10th Descendants & Friends Facebook Tenth Mountain veteran Curt Bestul page. It’s been just great to bring more (85-HQ) and his lovely wife Beaty were awareness to our extended friends and the “stars of the show,” and all in at- family. tendance were treated to hearing Curt Please, if you have relatives in the share more about his experiences in Minneapolis-St Paul area, let them Italy. Curt and Beaty brought with know about our Chapter. We’d love to them a display of Riva Ridge that their see them at a future event. Our next grandson Drew Halvorson had built event is tentatively have scheduled for for a school project. He’d worked on Saturday, October 15. So please pencil the display to research and learn more that on your calendar. Any questions, about the 10th Mountain Division. It’s please direct them to Jessica Adza, so wonderful to continue to hear the [email protected] or phone interest among the generations. And by 612.715.1265. Gathering during Lower Michigan meeting are, front row from left, members Charles Hoffman (87-L), Arne Hanninen (90-B), Arthur Schwartz (86-H), Floyd Erickson (87-H), Palmer Couillard (87-F); back row, MAJ James Turner (Div-HQ), Harold Humble (604- HQ) & Howard Garland (87-E). Camilla Williams (Desc 87-E) (87-F), and Major James Turner (Div HQ). Beautiful, warm sunny weather was the We remembered those who have made backdrop of the Lower Michigan Chapter the final Climb to Glory, including our festivities for Memorial Day, May 30, 2016. members who had passed away this last We met at the Michigan’s Military and year: Edwin Johnson (85-F, 86-I), Harold Space Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, Lumm (85-L), John Raymond (85-K), Jane MI. Humble, wife of Harold Humble (604- The ceremony began with John Auger, HQ), Gertrude Meyer, widow of Benjamin assistant museum curator, hoisting the Meyer (87-F), and Ray Pawloski (86-B). flag from half staff to full staff at noon. We Floyd Erickson (87-H), chaplain of the said the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Lafean, chapter, read a prayer. president of the chapter and descendant Following the Memorial Service we of John Lafean (Desc 86-K), greeted every- held a general business meeting. We’re one and introduced veterans attending: proud to have 25 WWII veterans on the Harold Humble (604-HQ), Howard Gar- membership roll (17 WWII vets and 8 land (87-E), Charles Hoffman (87-L), Arne wives of WWII vets). Following our service Hanninen (90-B), Arthur Schwartz (86-H), we met at the Bavarian Inn for fellowship Spring luncheon near St. Paul, Minnesota, over Memorial Day weekend drew in large Floyd Erickson (87-H) Palmer Couillard and a luncheon. numbers of veterans and descendants of the North Central Chapter. ROCKY MOUNTAIN Connie Nelson (Desc 85-D) tended, which provided an opportunity year’s 10th Memorial Day ceremony, or- elyn (Evie) Mary Bonan (Friend of the In the last few months, Rocky Moun- for the younger and older “warriors” to ganized by the Tenth Mountain Division 10th), who was born in Leadville, CO. tain chapter veterans and descendants exchange stories. Foundation. The ceremony took place She met her first husband, Charles Mur- displayed their skiing prowess at the an- In partnership with the Colorado De- at the Division Memorial on Tennessee phy (86-I), during weekly USO dances nual Ski-In, participated in a service-ori- partment of Transportation, and despite Pass. This year, Colorado Senator Mi- at Camp Hale, thereby becoming a 10th ented project called Trash Bashing, and chilly weather, veterans and descen- chael Bennet attended the ceremony Mtn Div spouse. She spent most of her attended the Memorial Day Ceremony. dants picked up trash along a Colo- and announced that he is proposing leg- life working as bookkeeper at Robinson As in past years, many descendants rado highway as a community-service islation that would make Camp Hale a Dairy in Denver, and was an active mem- and veterans from across the nation endeavor in May. Started by the WWII National Historic Landscape to protect ber of the Rocky Mountain Chapter. participated in the annual Ski-In held veterans years ago, this project is fondly its rich history. With the WWII veterans passing the in February. It is an event founded by called “Trash Bashing,” and it continues At the time of this writing in June, the torch this year to the descendants, the the WWII veterans to commemorate today. Group participants have fun and chapter is looking forward to its annual chapter is also busy planning the 2017 the 10th Mountain Division’s success- as an added bit of enjoyment, a com- summer picnic in July, its fall event in national Ski-In. Keep your eyes open for ful taking of Riva Ridge and Mt Belvedere petition was held to see who could col- September that will be held near Camp more information. Lastly, the chapter is in Italy. Spry vets Hugh Evans (85-C, A) lect the most interesting pieces of trash. Hale, three more “trash bashings,” the working on some new projects that are and Jimmy Nassar (85-C), now in their WWII veterans Hugh Evans and Harry annual Coors Veterans Day ceremony, geared toward preserving the legacy of 90s, skied, which was great to see. Tenth Owens (86-D, A), are still regulars at this and the annual Christmas party, the WWII veterans and supporting the mod- Mtn Div Special Forces stationed at Ft. quarterly event. chapter’s signature event. ern 10th Mountain Division (Light In- Carson in Colorado Springs, also at- An estimated 400 people attended this The Chapter notes the passing of Ev- fantry). 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 13 BIG SKY WASHINGTON, D.C. Suz Rittenhouse (Desc 87-HQ-2) members gathered at the Laurel Golf Club Western Montana Big Sky Chapter for their luncheon on February 19 to cel- members gathered in Missoula on Febru- ebrate Belvedere Day. ary 20, 2016, for the annual Belvedere Day Chuck Hauptman (86 HQ-3) presented luncheon. Attendees used the occasion a complete account of the assault on Mt to honor two troopers, John Cramer (87- Belvedere and the capture of German sol- HQ-2) and Barney Iltersen (HQ 616 FA), diers. He gave a special tribute to the 992 who have passed away. The families were troopers who lost their lives and to those presented with memorial plaques. who have since died. Joanne Manchester (87-K) made ar- Those in attendance were Tom (87-C) rangements for lunch at Jaker’s in Mis- and Ginny Helmer, Chuck Hauptman soula and brought cake with the 10th (85-HQ-3), Eleanor Coop (87-B), Nancy Mountain insignia for dessert. (Desc 87-B) Lausch and Dave Mura, Mike Those in attendance were Larry Wil- Anderson, Rick Ernst (Desc 87-B), Mike son (Desc 87-HQ-1), Jerry Reed (Desc Nafts, Phyllis (Desc 87-B) and Gary Prin- 87-HQ-1), Ray (85-G) and Vicki Johnson, dle, Art Honey and Arlene Priest (86-B). Jeff (Desc 85-G) and Vicki Johnson, Shir- Billings area members have been ley Cramer (87-HQ-2), Suz and Dave Rit- meeting for brunches during the year. If tenhouse, Bill (Desc 87-HQ-2) and Marge you are interested in attending, please Cramer, Carol (Desc 87-HQ-2) and David contact Arlene Priest at #406.252.3013. Knight and Lexi Rausch (Desc 87-HQ-2), The Big Sky Chapter will be hold- David (Desc 87-HQ-2), Shelbi (Desc 87- ing its annual meeting in Missoula from HQ-2) and Huntley Lamb, Linda (Desc 87 September 9-11, 2016. For further infor- HQ 1) and Whitmoyer Armstrong, Peggy mation, please contact Nancy Lausch (Desc HQ 616 FA), Jay, Kaylin and Kayla at #406.628.8547 or email at nlnancyda- Washington, D.C. Chapter members learning more about the Library of Congress: from Noffsinger, Ted (Desc HQ 616 FA) Boldt [email protected], or Louisa St. John Dur- left, standing, Richard Templeton, Docent Robert Patrick, Antigone Doucette, Pam Pikla and Joanne Manchester (87-K). kin at #208.818.2442 or email at leory1@ (Desc 10-AT-A), Ralph Tuccillo (10th Mtn Div [LI}), Pete Naylor (Desc 87-HQ-3), Mary Eastern Montana Big Sky Chapter earthlink.net. Burkey, Sally Oesterling (Desc 87-HQ-3), Norm Burkey (Desc 85-C), Kim Hudyma (86- SVC), Christopher Doucette (Desc 10-QM-HQ & 87-HQ-3); seated, Hassell Vass (10-AT-A). Kim Hudyma (Desc 86-SVC) work (AWON), honored his mother Anna, The Washington, D.C. Chapter met on who raised three young children after his March 22nd in Washington, DC, at The father was killed in action while serving Library of Congress. with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. We enjoyed a private tour of the com- June 18 was to be the chapter’s Annual plex and Robert Patrick gave us a presen- Flag Day picnic at Kim Hudyma’s home. tation on the Veteran’s History Project. We fired up the grill and shared a selec- Big thanks go to Ralph Tuccillo (10th Mtn tion of sides and desserts. We have some Div [LI]) and Christopher Doucette (Desc spectacular cooks in our chapter. 10-QM-HQ & 87-HQ-3) for organizing the Our Adopt-A-Platoon, 6-6 CAV, has re- event. One of the highlights was running turned home to Fort Drum, NY (see story, into a Rosie the Riveter Honor Flight. this edition). It was fun sending the items Norm Burkey (Desc 85-C) spoke at the to Korea to let the soldiers know a little National WWII Memorial in Washing- bit of home was coming their way every ton, D.C., for a joint celebration of V-E month. Thank to our chapter members Day and Mothers’ Day on May 8, 2016. who contributed, and a big pat on the Sharing stories at their breakfast table during the Big Sky Chapter 2015 annual meeting, (see story, this edition). Norm, as Presi- back to Pam Pikla (Desc 10-AT-A), who left to right: Chuck Hauptman (85-HQ-3), Ray Johnson (85-G) & Hilton LaBow (85-E, 90-L). dent of American WWII Orphans Net- mailed most of the packages. UPSTATE NEW YORK William Morrison (86-L) oring and remembering those Division North Country. As of this writing, chapter Tenth (LI) in Afghanistan and Pakistan This April, three members of the Up- soldiers who have fallen in the past year. representatives were to include Bill Mil- and the soldiers he was privileged to com- state New York Chapter were privileged The formal ceremony includes an ad- lette, Bev Felderman, Al Soria, Francis La- mand. These were the soldiers of the 3d to be guests of Sienna College at their an- dress by a former commanding general Duc (86-E), and Bill and Dave Morrison. Plt, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion 87th nual scholarship appreciation dinner. of the Tenth, a roll call of the fallen, and A hearty thank-you to Tenth vets (10th Mountain Infantry, “Catamounts.” The Company I-85 10th Mountain Di- the unveiling of a bronze plaque bearing Mtn Div [LI], Ret) Michael Plummer and It is a story of the struggles endured vision Scholarship was awarded to two their names. We try to send a representa- Gil Pearsall for their hard work in bringing by the platoon facing a disciplined and lucky students this year, Jessica Leary and tive each year, and this year we were to this to completion. relentless enemy under the harsh reali- Brianna Olfano --who was not present be represented by troopers Al Soria and A thank-you also goes the National As- ties of terrain, weather and uncertainty, because she was studying abroad in Italy. Bill Morrison and descendant Dave Mor- sociation folks for their work on the new and all the human emotions that war de- The scholarship was started by two Sienna rison. membership cards and registration. After mands. It is a heart-wrenching look into alumni and Tenth Mountain vets from 85- July 1 brought the dedication of the years of questions, our Jim Winterbottom the heroism, sacrifice, and brotherhood I, Jim Looby and Tony Sileo. The three vet- “North Country Honors the Mountain” (85-F) can finally rest easy. in a distant war that most Americans erans honored to attend were Bill Millette monument in Watertown. It pays tribute Just by chance we stumbled across a know so little about. (605-FA), Bill Morrison and Al Soria (87-L). to the history of the 10th from WWII to book on the New York Times bestseller Our next Chapter event will be a fall Every year in June, Ft Drum observes a today and beyond, as well as the strength list. It is “Outlaw Platoon” by CAPT Sean luncheon meeting at the Log Jam in Lake “Mountain Day of Remembrance” hon- of support for our troops from the entire Parnell. It chronicles his time with the George, NY. PAGE 14 BLIZZARD 2016 NUMBER 2

Alford, Philip Jr. (604 FA-A), 93, March Martin, Howard Melvin (605-HQ), 91, 7, 2016, Lewisville, AR. Survived by wife, April 18, 2016, Champaign, IL Survived by Dorothy J., 3 sons, 2 daughters, a stepson, wife Patricia, one son, two daughters, sev- 8 grandsons, 8 granddaughters; prede- eral grandchildren, great grandchildren ceased by first wife Virginia (Jones). Own- and great, great, grandchildren. Worked er/operator of Phil Alford Farms, success- as a carpenter and a member of Carpen- ful dairy operator in Burleson County, TX, ter’s Local #269. Enjoyed golf, NASCAR, before coming to Lafayette County, AR; Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardi- turned non-productive bottom-land in- nals. Charter life member, AMA; member to quality crop and pastureland through of Fairmount Conservation Club, NRA, drainage ditches. Credited with devel- Oakwood Church of the Nazarene, and a oping first successful largescale stocker member of the Midwest Chapter, Nation- cattle operation in southwest Arkansas. al Assn of the 10th Mtn Div. Elected to Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, Cattleman’s Association. Involved Meilleur, Edward O. (85-E), 91, March in Red River Valley Assn, chairman, Red 3, 2015, Las Vegas, NV. Survived by 3 Division History, Ninth Infantry Division Herring, William M. (87-F), 90, Feb- River PCA, Board of Directors, People’s sons, a daughter, 8 grand- and 2 great- Bank & Loan, Lafayette County Soil and History, and ‘Til Noon, a compendium of ruary 16, 2016, Longmont, CO. Survived grandchildren, nieces; predeceased by Water Conservation Dist and Red River published articles. by wife Jean (Smith), a daughter, a son, wife Althea (Blodgett) and a son. A career Commission; President, Board of SW Ar- a grandson, several great-grandchil- at New England Telephone, starting as kansas Water District. Chalfant, Stuart Archibald (86-G), dren, cousins, nieces and nephews. lineman and progressing to supervisor. May 14, 2016, Washington state. Sur- Taught fifth through eighth grades in Worked for Ernie Thurston as ‘Mr. Fix Baker, Orvan H. (86-L), 90, February vived by 3 sons, a stepson, a stepdaugh- one-room schoolhouses at Wilson Creek It’ at rental properties. Helped maintain 13, 2015, Alliance, OH. Survived by wife ter, 8 grand- and 6 great-grandchildren; and Buford, CO, then Meeker Elemen- ice rink, coached Little League and Babe Ruth, a son, a daughter, one granddaugh- predeceased by wives Betsy (Roberts) tary School, Columbine Elementary, Ruth baseball. Couple enjoyed traveling, ter, nieces and nephews. Engineer, Bab- and Hertha (Champion). With US Jus- Longmont Junior High and Longs Peak volunteering. cock & Wilcox; involved in development tice Dept, researched Native American Junior High. Later worked for FAA as a of first nuclear propulsion system for treaty issues. Worked with US Air Force security guard. Longtime member, Cal- Monahan, Robert Joseph (616 FA-A), Nautilus, first atomic-powered subma- for defense contractor in several states vary Church, Longmont, was deacon and 91, December 23, 2015, Gettysburg, PA. rine. Boy Scout Committeeman, member including New Jersey, Montana and Kan- taught Sunday School. Survived by wife Ann (Bullock), 4 sons 10th Mtn Div Assn, International Fed of sas. Worked at VA hospital in Simi Valley, and 10 grandchildren. Worked at Boyd’s Mountain Soldiers, NRA. During Cold CA. Enjoyed sailing, making jewelry and Imbrie, John (85-C), 90, May 13, 2016, Funeral Home in Norristown, relocated War served as first police chief, headed other hobbies ranging from rock collect- Seekonk, MA. Survived by wife Barbara, to Gettysburg, working at Bender Fu- Civil Defense Police Unit. Sunday School ing and astronomy to music, model trains daughter Katherine, son John, 3 grand- neral Home; in 1964 couple bought busi- teacher and superintendent, chairman of and poetry. children. Joined the 10th Mtn Div at Camp ness and changed the name to Monahan board, trustee of his church. Couple were Swift in 1944 and served in Italy; wounded Funeral Home in what remains a family part of 10th trip to Italy in 1984. Dawson, Glen (85-HQ-1), 103, March in action in 1945. Received a BA from Princ- owned and operated business. Also pur- 22, 2016, Pasadena, CA. Survived by 2 eton, PhD in paleontology at Yale. Joined chased Wilson Funeral Home in Fairfield. Beck, Allan Frank (126 ENGRS-B), 94, daughters, 7 grand- and 9 great-grand- faculty at Columbia and Doherty Profes- Devoted to family, faith and commu- November 5, 2015, Jupiter, FL. Survived children; predeceased by wife Mary sor of Oceanography at Brown. Pioneered nity; member, St Francis Xavier Catholic by a daughter, a son, 2 grandchildren, Helen. A member of a prominent L.A. an- theory that cyclic changes in the Earth’s Church and served on church council. friend Daisy Wilder; predeceased by wife tiquarian bookselling family, joined his orbit paced the ice ages. Member, National Involved in organizations including Lions Lorraine (Frattini). After erecting ski lifts father in the bookselling business. Daw- Academy of Science, received numerous Club, Eagles Club, Elks and Moose Clubs, with Roebling Co, founded Beck & Bel- son’s began on Broadway and operated honors including MacArthur Award and American Legion Post #202 and VFW Post lucci Construction Co, gaining reputation in several more locations before settling the Vetlesen Prize. Enthusiastic collector #15. Also member, WWII Last Man’s Club, in bridge building industry. Love of sports in Larchmont. Became a lifetime mem- of wine glasses and a lead historian for the and served on Gettysburg Hospital board included tennis, golf, skiing, hiking and ber of the Sierra Club in 1921; its longest- men he had served with in the 10th. With of directors for many years. biking. As National Collegiate Ski Cham- tenured member, including serving on Hugh Evans, wrote “Good Times and Bad pion, first skier inducted into Norwich the board. In later years, helped compile Times,” the story of Company C in Italy. Nassar, James J. “Jim,” Jr. (85-C), 91, Sports Hall of Fame. Named 1994 Masters a history for the group and donated hun- With his wife Barbara, produced several June 20, 2016, Haverhill, MA. Survived Champion of year by “Ski Racing Maga- dreds of photos to its archive. A graduate books and videos about his time of service. by wife Beverly (DeCesare), 3 sons, ma- zine.” Ran New England Masters Div as of UCLA, became an ardent mountaineer ny nieces and nephews; predeceased by chairman, won New England Masters and friend of photographer Ansel Ad- Keck, James V. (85-I), 92, May 6, 2016, a daughter. An avid skier, enjoying the Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepted, ams. Climbs helped introduce modern Rapid City, SD. Survived by wife Joanne, sport with family and friends. As recently on behalf of the 10th Mtn Div, Congres- rope techniques, launched a golden age 4 sons, 2 daughters, 12 grand- and 6 great- as this February attended annual winter sional Record presented by Sen. Jim Jef- of Sierra climbing. Historic climb of East grandchildren. Joined North American reunion in Colorado, skiing with friends fords of Vermont for defense of country Face of Mt Whitney in 1931 not just first- Life & Casualty Company as insurance and members of the National Ski Patrol. and contribution to skiing. known ascent of the formidable route, but agent. Instrumental in development of Took up in-line skating at the age of 75 to also one of the swiftest. Continued climb- YMCA, member, Cosmopolitan Service keep in shape for ski season. At age 80, Brooks, Thomas R. (85-G), 91, May ing for years until the death of a friend in Club for over 60 years, lifelong member, began piano lessons; loved jazz music, 25, 2016, Brooklyn, NY and Andover/ a climbing accident, a hard fall and mar- First Presbyterian Church. Nebraska dancing and body surfing at Rye Beach. Ludlow, VT. Survived by wife Harriet, 2 riage convinced him to quit. Cornhusker fan to the end, loved to ski, sons, a daughter, 7 grand- and 6 great- golf and travel, spend time with family. A Pawlowski, Raymond S. (86-B), 92, grandchildren. A free-lance writer since Gregg, Donald N. (85-H, HQ-2), New highlight of his life was trip to Italy in 2003 May 29, 2016, Port Huron, MI. Survived 1962, wrote for New York Magazine, New Braunfels, TX. Survived by 2 sons, a to areas he fought to liberate in WWII. by wife Elizabeth, 3 children, 5 grand- and York Times Magazine, Readers’ Digest, grandson, 2 great-grandchildren; prede- 7 great-grandchildren. Grew up skiing as well as the “Blizzard,” among others. ceased by wife Eloise (Erickson). Couple Lieberman, H. Philip (38th RCT (MT- in the Carpathian Mountains of Poland, Author of Toil and Trouble, Picket Lines lived in London, Rome and Singapore, TR), 87, February 22, 2016, Oceanside, before being sent to the US in late 1930’s & Bargaining Tables, Walls Come Tum- before returning to Houston, TX; moved CA. Survived by wife Juanita, 5 children, 7 by his grandparents. Worked in building bling Down, Clint, The Road to Dignity, to Canyon Lake on retirement and then to grand-, 5 great-grandchildren. Served 21 trades, retiring from Pipefitters Local 636. The War North of Rome, Tenth Mountain New Braunfels. years on Glendale City Council. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 2016 NUMBER 2 BLIZZARD PAGE 15

Fisheries Entry Commission. Owned a ﬁshery consulting business, Rickey & As- sociates. Invested in several thorough- bred race horses, and enjoyed watching sports and smoking salmon.

Rios, Cruz Floriano Jr. (87-K), 98, May 25, 2016, Fresno, CA. Survived by wife CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Lucy (Lango), 3 children, 10 grand- and Petrone, Frank R. (126 ENG-C), 95, 2 great-grandchildren. Worked at several February 1, 2016, Chicago, IL. Prede- gas stations before teaching automotive ceased by wife Theresa. Survived by 2 classes at Fresno City College. Loved ani- Your National Association needs you! In the last several months, members have sons, 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren. mals, especially dogs, and enjoyed the gone astray, and we can’t find them. In short, we are looking for help to locate these Served as a Judge for Circuit Court of outdoors. Proud of having served with people, whose names are listed along with their Chapters. If you are among them, or if Cook County, IL, prior to retirement. 10th Mtn Div and belonging to the Asso- you know where someone is, please let us know! Send any information to richard.bab- Member, Midwest Chapter. ciation. [email protected], or [email protected]. And thank you! Pustz, Bernard “Bernie” J. (604-FA- Wellington, Richard B. “Dick” (86- Alcala, Scott, Fort Drum Illerbrunn, Garrett F., Rocky Powell, Lauren, None B), 91, February 11, 2016, Palos Heights, Austin, Jane, New England Mountain Preuner, Karl, None B), 92, May 14, 2016, Cedaredge, CO. Bailey, Edward, Fort Drum Jackson, Robert, Fort Drum Prickett, Shawn, Fort Drum IL. Survived by 2 sons, 4 grandchildren; Survived by 2 sons, 3 daughters, 10 Bailey, Skyler, None Jarrett, Ronny, Fort Drum Reed, Todd, Delaware River predeceased by wife Virginia. Retired in- grand- and 14 great-grandchildren; pre- Barnhill, Logan H., Upstate Johnson, Jr., Clifford, Fort Valley dustrial engineer; also served in Korean deceased by wife Florence Bernadine NY Drum Rockwell, Cyril W, Fort Drum War. Past VFW post commander and for- “Bernie” (Beer). Engineer, Colorado Barry, Lucinda, Big Sky Kallerson, John L., Fort Drum Rockwell, Graham A. , New mer president, Illinois 2nd Voice Club; Fuel & Iron Corp and Pueblo Ordinance Beck, Adam, Fort Drum Kirkpatrick, Lina, Armadillo England member, Midwest Chapter. Depot, then Climax Molybdenum Co. Bergh, Grace A., North Central Kolodgy, John A., Fort Drum Roper, Dennis, Fort Drum Property Engineer and Registered Land Bernabe, Sean C., Fort Drum Ladensack, Peter S., New Rose, Tim, Fort Drum Raymond, John B. (85-K), 90, April Bolt, Kevin, Washington DC England Ryan, Kurt J., Fort Drum Surveyor in Colorado. Member, Na- Boudreau, Fred, New England Lalor, Michael, Fort Drum Ryan, Robert B., Fort Drum 7, 2016, Ludington, MI. Survived by a tional Ski Patrol System andVolunteer Bournival, Marjorie, New Latz, Andrew, Fort Drum Salinas, Noe R., Fort Drum daughter, a son, 2 grand- and 2 great- Ski Patrolman. In Frisco, CO, member, England Leddon, Justin T., Washington Sanchez, Lorenzo, Fort Drum grandchildren. Summit School District RE-1 School Bowman, Fletcher, Arizona DC Seibert, Joy, Rocky Mountain board, town board, planning commis- Bradley, Nina L., Mt Rainier Levy, Charles, Upstate NY Simonson, Curt, Mt Rainier Rickey, Roy Allison Jr. (87-L), 93, Feb- sion, County surveyor. Taught skiing at Braman, Matthew W., Rocky Lowe, Erik, Fort Drum Sims, Michael E., Fort Drum ruary 29, 2016, Juneau, AK. Survived by A Basin and Breckenridge Peak 8, con- Mountain Luther, Ola, Midwest Sivula, Neal J., Fort Drum 2 daughters, 2 sons, 4 grandsons, nieces ducted Nordic ski clinics, coached high Breeding, John, Rocky Moun- Madsen, Ethel J., Delaware Sloan, Douglas, Fort Drum and nephews; predeceased by wife Mary tain River Valley Sloughfy, Eric J., Fort Drum school ski racers and jumpers; certified Brenn, Wilma, New England Maedor, Anthony, Washing- Smith, Donald F., Big Sky Jane (MacDougall). Moved to Southeast race official and jumping judge. Started Brown, Kyle, None ton DC Smith, Stephen, Sierra Ne- Alaska from Washington; worked with land survey firm; certified U.S. Mineral Brown, Jr., Roger W., New Malson, Lindsey, Fort Drum vada Fisheries Research Institute, then Wash- Land Surveyor. Member Cedaredge England Manos-Sittnick, Angela M., Stiller, Albert H., Fort Drum ington Bureau of Fisheries; commercial Community United Methodist Church; Brusse, Martin, Rocky Moun- Washington DC Strunck, James, Fort Drum fished aboard seine boats in Puget Sound, acted and directed Apple Valley Play- tain Marcano, Richard, Delaware Stubblefield, Jon, Fort Drum Bering Sea, False Pass, Kodiak and SW ers; sang with Valley Symphony Chorus; Buchanan, Jeffrey S., Fort River Valley Sweet II, Erick W., Fort Drum Alaska. Kodiak District Biologist for Ter- inducted into Western State College Drum Marvel, Jordan, Fort Drum Taeckens, Jacob, Fort Drum Buckley, Norman L., Midwest McCann, Jason A., Fort Drum Terry, Harlan J., Fort Drum ritorial Dept of Fish & Game; Regional Su- Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame. Life Buehlhorn, Rita A., Midwest McDermott, Nicholas M., Fort Thompson, Douglas C., Fort pervisor for Alaska Dept of Fish & Game. member, Disabled American Veterans, Burke, Crispin J., Armadillo Drum Drum In Juneau, Southeast Regional Supervi- Chapter 23 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Clement, John T., Washington Meador, Anthony, Washing- Ueland, Bardulf, North Cen- sor, later Director of Commercial Fisher- Post #9221, National Assn 10th Mtn Div, DC ton DC tral ies Div. Appointed to first Commercial Deer Creek Village Men’s Golf Club. Code, Dale, Fort Drum Mendez, John A., None Van Nostrand, James, Mt Daumiller, Werner, None Merritt, Richard, Fort Drum Rainier 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Davis, Elma, Arizona Montgomery, Donald H., Vancil, Patricia, Armadillo Davis, James L., Fort Drum Washington DC Vandehey, Megan, Fort Drum D’Ooge, Merilyn, Midwest Moody, Jason, Upstate NY Walker, Marc, Fort Drum DATE CHAPTER EVENT Drake, Mark E., Fort Drum Morrison, David, Fort Drum Washburn, H. Bradford, New Eagleblanket, William A., Fort Mulberger, Kevin, Fort Drum England Aug. 10-11 New England 34th Annual Mount Washington Climb Drum Naumoff, Norman, Lower Waters, Glenn A., Upstate NY and Memorial Elgort, Kenneth P., Fort Drum Michigan Watts, Troy M., Fort Drum Elvins, Paul, Fort Drum Neal, Patrick R., Fort Drum Weaver, John H., Upstate NY Sept. 3 Rocky Mountain Trash Bashing, Highway 40, Genesee, CO Emerson, Roberta, Northwest Nieto, Michael A., Rocky West, Steve, Fort Drum Ersland, Anthony, Armadillo Mountain Wheeler, Frank, Rocky Moun- Oct. 15 North Central Meeting FlorCruz, Celia, Fort Drum Normantowicz, Edmund, tain Giddings, W. Philip, New New England Wilberding , Johnathan, Mt Oct. 15 New England Jean Dearborn Memorial Fall Luncheon, England Nunn, Christopher S., Arma- Rainier Sunapee Country Club, Sunapee, NH Gregory, John, Fort Drum dillo Williams, Michael, Fort Drum Griggs, Robert, Fort Drum Oh, Allyn, Sierra Nevada Wood, Thomas, Fort Drum Oct. 22 Rocky Mountain Trash Bashing, Highway 40, Genesee, CO Halaszynski, Daniel, Fort Oles, Justin M., None Wright, Carole, New England Drum Olsen, George A., Upstate NY Young, John, Fort Drum Nov. 5, 13 New England Veterans’ Day flag ceremonies, Hampton, Barbara, Mt Orler, Betty L., Arizona Young, Lucinda, None Massachusetts National Cemetery, Rainier Ostlander, Stephen L., None Undetermined Chapters: Bourne, MA Harrington, David L., Fort Parker, Anna, Sierra Nevada Goslin, Elizabeth, Drum Patenaude, Robert A, New Harris, Barton, Nov. 8 Arizona Luncheon meeting, McDowell Village Hefner, Thomas C., Armadillo England Mathewson, John, Senior Center, Scottsdale, 11:30 a.m. Helwig, Jered, Fort Drum Peters, Charles, Fort Drum Moore, Jennifer, Hewitt, Sheila, Upstate NY Peters, Tom, Armadillo Moura, Kimberly, Dec. 3 Southern California Christmas lunch, Cameron’s, Pasadena Hollander, Barbara, Rocky Phipps, Dustin W., Fort Drum Turner, Stephen, Mountain Plotecher, Janice, Midwest Williams, Kimberly National Association of the PRESORT STANDARD 10th Mountain Division, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 39 PERMIT #184 Natural Bridge, NY 13665 WATERTOWN, NY 13601 Address Service Requested FOUNDATION NEWS IN MEMORY OF H. Benjamin Duke: H. Benjamin Duke III John Imbrie: Gary L. Burton Memorial donations received with Malcolm Leidner: Richard Feltman thanks from 2/15/16 through 6/13/16. Arthur M. Mikelsen: Alice G. Mikelsen Joseph N. Potash: Sylvia Potash Evelyn Bonan: Claire J. Davidson Frank Prejsnar: Holley Ann Linscott Robert E. Carlson: Ann and Hugh Ev- Max Raabe: Elizabeth Raabe ans, Margaret A. McCurdy, Donald H. George Wenger: Diane and Kenneth Palmer, William E. Russell Brown Martin Daneman: Jean Mano John B. Woodward: Abbie Kealy FOUNDATION PRESIDENT SPEAKS AT 10TH MONUMENT CEREMONIES

Thomas ‘Tommie’ Thompson Division. After the war and college, he and (Desc 86-F) my mother Norma began their married I’d like to begin on a personal note. I life and professional careers right here in represent the Foundation today due to Watertown, as physical education teach- my father, Art Thompson, a combat vet- ers, skiing and hockey coaches in the Wa- eran of the World War Two 10thMountain tertown City Schools. In the summers between school years in the early 1950s, my NATIONAL ASSOCIATION father managed a Post Exchange at what was then Camp Drum. OF THE 10TH MOUNTAIN I, my two younger sisters and younger DIVISION, INC. brother were all born in Watertown’s Mercy Hospital, and grew up in Calcium, PO Box 39 Carthage and Lake Placid. Our roots are Natural Bridge, NY 13665 here in the North Country, and we are all Address Service Requested proud to call ourselves North Country na- PHOTO COURTESY OF PAULA DAVIS # 303-756-8486 tives. Paula Davis with her only child, PFC Justin R. Davis (10th Mtn Div [LI]), who gave his life Email: [email protected] The Tenth Mountain Division Foun- while serving in Afghanistan. The National Memorial Day Concert featured his story and dation is proud to have participated as that of his family. Thomas Hames, Chairman of the Board a Leadership donor to this great project. Thomas Thompson, President After all, it’s in our organizational DNA, Trux Dole, Executive Vice President MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT FEATURES 10TH SOLDIER because the Foundation began in 1958 Sue Hagerman, Secretary when World War Two veterans of the Bjorn Dahl, Treasurer Felicity Hallanan mother Paula. Davis died June 25, 2006, dur- 10th, the original “ski troops,” created the EDITOR, BLIZZARD ing Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a ADVISORY BOARD 10th Mountain Division Memorial near For more than 25 years many of us have member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd All Chapter Presidents Camp Hale, Colorado to honor their war concluded Memorial Day observances by Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat tuning in to the PBS broadcast on the Mall in Team. BOARD OF DIRECTORS dead. That was nearly 60 years ago. It is ﬁtting that your Foundation ex- front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. A native of Gaithersburg, MD, Davis en- Officers of the Foundation, plus: tends its original mission by assisting to hear the National Symphony Orchestra tered the Army in June, 2005, and trained at Ashley Domm the creation of a monument to new gen- and tributes to the country’s veterans of ma- Fort Benning, Ga., to be an infantryman. He Robbi L. Farrow erations of warriors, and their achieve- ny years. (If you’re really lucky you trek down was assigned to Ft Drum, NY, in December, the Mall to the West Lawn with refreshments Nancy Kramer ments in preserving and extending liberty 2005, and deployed with his unit in Febru- and a blanket to hear it all in person.) David Little throughout the world. ary, 2006. The unit came in contact with Jennifer Neville Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and indirect ﬁre while on patrol during combat Since 1958, the Foundation has contin- Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise have host- Ruso Donald Perkins ued its good works, supporting other 10th operations in Korengal, near the village of ed the National Memorial Day Concert for Kandalay in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Flint Whitlock monuments and providing college schol- John P. Wright 11 years, supported by a cast of military brass Davis’ awards and decorations include arship aid to descendants of World War II and top entertainers who tell the story of the the Army Good Conduct Medal, National National Association President veterans. country’s men and women in uniform. This Defense Service Ribbon, Army Service Rib- Galen Jackman As our World War Two veterans, like all includes songs and readings by actors and bon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Af- Descendants President old soldiers, fade away, the Foundation actresses often portraying “real” people and ghan Campaign Medal. He is buried at Ar- Steve Coffey will continue its original mission of com- their stories. This year, the story of 19-year- lington National Cemetery, and survived memorating those veterans and their ac- HONORARY BOARD old PFC Justin R. Davis of the 10th Mountain by his father, Dennis Johnson, of Columbia, complishments. In addition, we are today Division (LI) was one of the highlights. MD., and mother, Paula Davis, of Gaithers- Earl Clark, Chair Emeritus presented with a new mission to honor Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award- burg, MD. His mother was in the audience at Hugh Evans winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson told the concert and recognized by Epatha Merk- Frank Romano, Chair Emeritus SEE CEREMONIES ON PAGE 9 Justin’s story from the perspective of his erson after the presentation that night.