CHAPTER NEWS COORDINATOR
We gathered some announcements of upcoming events for everyone to be aware of. Please feel free to share stories and images of past events with the Descendants’ Chapter Coordinator, Phebe Davol (phebe.davol@gmail.com).
Chase away the summer doldrums with some fast-paced reading and lively discussion — spanning two generations of 10th Mountain soldiers, past and present. We’ll open with Beyond the Outpost: An Army Cavalry Officer’s War Diary on the Frontlines of Afghanistan, 2003–2007 by Ross Berkoff, a raw, first-hand account from a cavalry officer who lived the door-kicking early days of that war. From there, we’ll step back in time to Heroes in Good Company: L Company, 86th Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, 1943–1945 — a first-hand account of the men who stormed Riva Ridge, broke the Gothic Line, and opened the gateway to the Po Valley.
Two wars, six decades apart, one legacy of courage under fire.
New England Chapter (Aug 13th)
Our memorial ceremony will take place on the summit at 11:00am Thursday, August 13th, followed by a picnic lunch immediately following at Dolly Copp picnic area, Route 16, Gorham, NH. For a small donation, anyone interested in having a named carnation placed in honor of their deceased 10th Mountain Division or Army Mountain Warfare School veteran should email Bob Linscott at: ralinscott@comcast.net no later than Saturday, August 1st.
(Also: FYI: Joanne is bringing sandwich plates from Shaws, potato chips, drinks & salads. Donations appreciated).
If You’re Driving Your POV: Chapter veterans and descendant members driving their POV will get free use of the Mt. Washington Auto Road by presenting their current chapter membership ID. Drive time varies from 30-45 mins depending on conditions.
If You’re Taking Mt. Washington Auto Road (van) Transportation: Chapter veterans and descendant members MUSTtext or email me the name(s) of the adults (ages 13-67), seniors (ages 68 and up), children (age 4 to 12 yrs.), infants and toddlers (3 years and under) in your group ASAP to guarantee your seat(s)! Auto Road’s rates follow: Adults $59, seniors $52, children $35, infants and toddlers $10.
– Attendees should arrive at the auto road base lodge between 8:30am – 10:00am.
– Vans will depart the base lodge between 10:15 – 10:30am and arrive at the summit in time for our 11am service.
– Vans will return to the base lodge immediately following the ceremony (approx. 11:30am).
Rocky Mountain Chapter (Aug 29th)
Rocky Mountain Chapter Recent Event: US Olympic and Paralympic Museum
Great Lakes Chapter (Sept 12th)
Pacific Southwest Chapter
I would also ask everyone to remember the birthday of one of our vets, Howard Koch. He would love to get birthday card from any of us in the 10th Descendants, honoring his service in the 86th-C and specifically his participation during the pivotal assault on Mt. Serrasiccia, pushing the entrenched German forces our of their stronghold and tumbling down the mountain in retreat.
His birthday is Jan 18th. He would love to get your birthday cards at 12203 Santa Gertrudes Ave #37, La Mirada, CA 90638.
I had the privilege of attending Bill Christensen’s 100th birthday celebration just before Thanksgiving. Below is a photo of Bill and his children at his 100th birthday celebration.
William (Bill) Christensen is the sole living 10th Mountain veteran in Utah, and just celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. Bill volunteered to serve in the 10th just as they decamped from Camp Hale to Ft. Swift in Texas. He later went on to serve in the 87th, E Company as a platoon Scout. Bill was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions to eliminate a machine gun emplacement that had pinned down his fellow troopers. After the war Bill married, and he and his wife, Renee, enjoyed a union that produced 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He remained an avid Alta skier into his 90’s, and continues to thrive as a vital and respected member of his community.–
Ron Sawdey, President
10th Mountain Division Descendants
