10th Mountain Division National Reunion

Austin, Texas

June 16 - 20, 2004

Members of the 10th Mountain Division of World War II gathered in Austin, Texas for several days in June to remember their fallen comrades and their times at Camp Hale, Kiska Island, Camp Swift, and Italy.

Ski Troopers and their wives, along with other family members, began arriving in Austin on Wednesday, June 16th. Dave Little and his wife, Terri, drove to Austin from Denver so that Dave could attend the 10th Mountain Division Foundation Board meeting, of which Dave is a member.

Matt Heffernan flew down to Austin on Thursday, June 17th. Matt shared the flight with 10th Mountain Division veteran Bob Carlson. Dave, Terri and Matt set up a display table in the Denver Public Library's Resource Room. This room was designed for veterans and their families to look at old photographs and maps of the 10th Mountain Division.

The Display

The highlight of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group's table revolved around the newly published Regimental Histories. Many veterans sat down to review their own regimental history. Dave Little had as many veterans as possible autograph their regimental history. Matt Heffernan displayed his copy of his favorite author's book, Soldiers on Skis by Flint Whitlock. Many veterans also autographed the Soldiers On Skis. One interesting event in a weekend full of memorable events took place as Matt and a veteran looked through Soldiers on Skis. Jack Dawes was a member of the 10th Recon, which was involved in the last cavalry charge of the U.S. Army. Jack exclaimed loudly as he flipped to page 146. There is a picture of the 10th Recon riding into battle and Jack Dawes is the second trooper in the picture. Jack had never seen the picture before. He brought many friends and family by the display to see his picture.

Friday, June 18th found the veterans returning to Camp Swift, Texas for a memorial service dedicating the new World War II statue. A moving experience in the Texas heat.

10th Veterans gather around the Camp Swift Memorial

The best part of attending these reunions is interacting with the veterans. They are great people that display a positive attitude.

John Carroll, Rocky Mountain Chapter President, and Matt Heffernan.

Matt Heffernan and 90 year old Eddie Vale.