Feature Story

Cannes World Film Festival Honors Chris Anthony Film “Mission Mt. Mangart”

Even today, stories of this World War II experimental unit (America’s first ski troop) stir our imagination. Their skilled athleticism and equally matched heroism are that of legends. Their contributions to history and post-war skiing, mountaineering and outdoor recreation industries, make the 10th Mountain Division an indelible legacy.

While much of the 10th’s history is well told, this documentary delves into the untold stories that inspired Anthony’s project, one which took six and half years to complete.

On June 3rd, 1945, following Germany’s surrender of Europe, the10th Mountain Division made of men from a variety of countries who had migrated to the United States and joined the ski troop held a ski race on the slopes of Mt. Mangart and determine who was the most daring and fastest skier on that day. 76 men took on the challenge while over 500 looked on as spectators. It was a symbolic day of victory in so many ways. The men were skiers long before they were soldiers. After everything they had been through, gliding down a slope was a sign of freedom.

In 2020, members of the 132nd Mountain Regiment of the Slovenian Army and Elan Headquarters Team met at the historical site to present a special edition Ibex Tactix folding ski to Slovenian dignitaries. The 132nd Mountain Regiment celebrated the memory of the post war event by skiing the Tactix on the site of the original race.

“Mission Mt. Mangart” has been scheduled for the Vilar Performing Arts Center at Beaver Creek, CO, for Dec. 1. The film was created as part of the Chris Anthony Youth Project whose mission is to build engaging educational tools, juxtaposing the innocence of the 10th’s ski race in the midst of wartime with the context of the international instability at the time. https://www.chrisanthony.com/youth-initiative-project

Jonathan Carroll - 2020 Charles A. and Loyola M. Murphy Scholarship Recipient

Jonathan Carroll is a PhD candidate and Dr. David L. Chapman Research Fellow at Texas A&M University. Originally from County Kildare and a former officer in the Irish Army, Jonathan now fondly refers to himself as an Irish Texan.

In his letter of support for Jonathan’s Murphy Scholarship application, Texas A&M Professor of History Brian McAllister praised Jonathan’s important research on the 10th Mountain Division’s role in the controversial Somalia Intervention. McAllister will supervise Jonathan’s dissertation “God’s Work in Hell: Intervening in Somalia, 1992-1995; the first multinational, multi-archival study of the Somalia military interventions.”

In Jonathan’s words, “My research project will fill a significant gap in the literature on Somalia by integrating the experiences of the United States military with those of the UNITAF/UNOSOM contingents. The research objective is to produce an operational exploration of the complete Somalian intervention and to assess whether it was a failure. Instead of following the common method of working backwards from the Battle of Mogadishu, my research will examine the US and UN armed forces efforts at humanitarian aid, reestablishing infrastructure, restoring local government, and the question of whether these actions were seen at the time as “mission creep.” This broad-based study may resituate the debate as to the utility of military interventions in instances of civil collapse, a scenario predicted to become more prevalent in the future. Thus, there is significant historical and contemporary relevance to my chosen research topic, as well as a significant gap in the historiography that requires attention.”

Mission Mt. Mangart: A 10th Mountain Division Story Produced, Directed, Written & Edited by Chris Anthony

“Mission to Mt. Mangart” is a new film written, directed, edited and produced by documentary filmmaker and professional skier Chris Anthony. The documentary explores new and untold stories of the famed 10th Mountain Division, whose epic battles ultimately contributed to Germany’s surrender of Italy on May 2, 1945. Even today, stories of this World War II experimental unit stir our imagination. Their skilled athleticism and equally matched heroism are that of legends. Their contributions to history and post-war skiing, mountaineering and outdoor recreation industries make the 10th Mountain Division an indelible legacy.

While much of the 10th’s history is well told, this documentary delves into the untold stories that inspired Anthony’s project, one which took six and half years to complete.

The “Mission Mt. Mangart” timeline runs from from 2020 backwards to 1939. The in-depth narration by film creator Chris Anthony combines interviews with the original 10th Mountain Division soldiers and their detailed story lines from 1939-1945. The story focuses on several key moments and many who played a role in the history of the 10th.

We are introduced to Debbie Bankart, who was involved in recruiting as well volunteering on the front lines with the Red Cross as told by World Champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin, and to Cruz Rios, a motorman and the only Mexican American to serve in this internationally flavored unit. He learned to ski while in service and developed a lifelong love of the sport. It also touches on the 25 men who went missing in Lake Garda during the Battle of Torbole and Riva Del Garda.

Following Germany’s surrender in Italy, the 10th was called upon to move eastward from Lake Garda into the Julian Alps to push Tito’s Army back across the border into Yugoslavia. Capturing a supply of German ski gear en route and upon arriving on the early Cold War border, the troops gazed upon a massive peak with a snowfield on it….and, well, they remembered they were skiers long before they were soldiers and on June 3, 1945, the first known war-time ski race was held. “Mission Mt. Mangart” not only explains how these men ended up in the Julian Alps but also how the character of this special unit would drive them to hold a ski race while still facing the prospect of fighting Japan in the Pacific.

The story of the 10th Mountain Division is intertwined with that of lifelong skier Chris Anthony and his six-year journey of discovery into this period of history. With help from Retired Brigadier General Janez Kavar, now historian for the the Slovenian Association of Mountain Soldiers, assistance in the production of the film by NATO, the Slovenian Mountain Troops, Slovenian Ministry of Defense and United States Embassy in Slovenia, Anthony endeavors to help the audience be “entertained into awareness.”

“Mission to Mt. Mangart” was created as part of the Chris Anthony Youth Project whose mission is to build engaging educational tools, juxtaposing the innocence of the 10th’s ski race in the midst of wartime with the context of the international instability at time. Much like his previous documentary effort, “Climb to Glory,” Anthony aims to keep alive the legacy and sacrifices made by American troops. “Climb to Glory” is shown regularly at the Colorado Snowsports Museum in Vail, CO, reaching approximately 10,000 people annually.

Viewings of “Mission to Mt. Mangart” can be coordinated through the Chris Anthony Youth Project with funding furthering its mission.

Sking into Margys Hut

10th Mountain Division Hut Association: Honoring Veterans and the Legacy They Created

By Nancy Kramer

The 10th Mountain Division Foundation has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. The partnership includes sharing the story of the 10th Mountain Division and their love of the mountains through 10th materials at the huts. The staff and work crews of the Hut Association are unfailing in their assistance with maintenance at the 10th Mountain Division Memorial at the top of Tennessee Pass.

In 2014 a Colorado state statute established the sale of custom license plates honoring the 10th Mountain Division. This further solidified the partnership. Led by then Foundation Chairman Tom Hames, a portion of the revenue is earmarked for the Hut Association. The Association uses the funds to advance their Backcountry Exploration Program.

The program encourages the use of huts by educational nonprofits, promotes a better understanding and appreciation of the natural mountain environment and develops individual self-reliance among hut users. They assist nonprofits financially, and offer guidance in trip planning. Who can participate? Nonprofits with an educational emphasis such as schools, youth organizations, churches and senior citizen groups have received up to 50% off whole hut rentals during the week.

The most extensive of the Colorado ski hut systems is managed by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. A nonprofit corporation, the Hut Association was formed in the early 1980s by several Aspen skiers, including 10th Mountain Division veteran Fritz Benedict.

The first 10th Mountain Division Huts built were the McNamara and Margy’s, completed during the summer of 1982.

To learn more about the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and the huts, visit www.huts.org.

Thousand Islands Winery - Supporting the 10th Mountain Division since 2003

Thousand Islands Winery, Alexandria Bay, NY

By Amy Scanlin

While Maj Stephen (Steve) Conaway was stationed at Fort Drum, New York, he discovered the Saint Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands Region. “The Saint Lawrence River reminded me of the rivers in Germany,” Steve recalled from his five year tour outside the continental U.S..

A member of the 10th Mountain Division from 1996 to 2003, Steve served as the B Battery Commander of 3/62 ADA and the Division’s Contracting Officer and deployed with the Division to Afghanistan as a member of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. During his time at the Division, Steve established a real attachment with the soldiers and the community of the Thousand Islands. Coupled with his passion for Rieslings from his time in Germany, in 1999 the idea to start a winery in the Thousand Islands took hold and Steve began conducting market research.

In 2003 the Thousand Islands Winery was established and Steve became a lifetime member of the 10th Mountain Division Association. 25 June, 2005, was a further momentous day when Nate Morrell, a World War II era 10th Mountain Division veteran who trained at Camp Hale and deployed to Italy, commissioned the Thousand Islands Winery to create a series of “Military Dress” wines for the Association. Though 10th Mountain Division combat veterans from different eras, Nate and Steve shared a unique bond. Nate was one of the last surviving World War II veterans and sadly passed away in March of 2013 at the age of 89.

Their common goal with the Military Dress wines was to establish a financially rewarding program that would perpetually donate a percentage of its proceeds back to the 10th Mountain Division Association’s programs and soldiers. Hand-crafted wines were developed to reflect the robust history of the U.S. Military and especially that of the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. These Military Dress wines are noble wines that embody the honorable character of military service.

The success of this collaboration has resulted in Thousand Islands Winery proudly donating back over $35,650 to the 10th Mountain Division Association since its inception. Conaway says, “Giving back to the community has always been important to me. It is great that this 10th Mountain Division Association program is still going strong, despite the passing of its founder Nate Morell.”

Thanks to the partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Association, Thousand Islands Winery wines have made their way down south to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where they can be found in the Class Six store. Recently, the winery has further expanded its retail wine sales into Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Georgia. This expanded distribution is helping the Military Dress program to really gain momentum.

The Conaways invite the public to visit their winery located in Alexandria Bay, New York, purchase their wines and sip a bit of history in the making. Cheers!

Stephen and Nate Conaway

CPT Stephen Conaway, Bagram Afghanistan, May 2002

1SG Alexis Sprakties 10th Mountain Division Band and Granddaughter of Honorary 10th Member, Buzz Bainbridge

By Amy Scanlin

I grew up hearing my Grandpa’s war stories and meeting his friends from the 10th Mountain Division. As an officer in the Navy, he served in all theaters during WWII, and supported 10th Mountain Division Operations. We also believe he was at Kiska and he later served in the Korean War. After the war he was named an honorary member of the 10th.

My Grandpa, Alexander Gale “Buzz” Bainbridge, instilled the value of hard work in all of us. I came into the Army in 2005 at 28. At that point I had already performed and taught music all over the world. I completed a Bachelor’s in Music at Indiana University and Master’s Degree in Music from Mannes College of Music in New York City and served as an assistant instructor of French Horn at the University of Colorado at Boulder while working on my Doctorate. After I completed my schooling I worked as a professional freelance musician in New York City and performed in many shows, did some commercial recording work for American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and performed with many overseas orchestras, but a career in military bands was always in the back of my mind.

Grandpa was an amazing team builder which enabled his success both in the military and as one of the pioneers, along with many 10th veterans, in carving a thriving ski industry in the Rockies.

Together, Grandpa and his 10th Mountain buddies founded 50 ski resorts in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming. Grandpa was marketing director for all of Aspen and ran Buttermilk, while my dad had a summer job of cutting trails for what is now Snowmass. They managed Santa Fe Ski Basin, Sandia Peak, Red River, and Hyde Park in New Mexico; Jackson Hole, WY; Alpental near Seattle, WA; and Arizona Snow Bowl. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol and both he and my grandma taught skiing at many of the resorts. As kids, we were all expected to learn how to ski before we learned to walk and today I am an avid Nordic and Alpine Skier with the goal of becoming a certified ski instructor and receiving my ski patrol certification in the next couple of years so that I can carry on the family tradition.

My Grandpa also told me stories of his uncle, our only other relative with musical talent. A saxophonist in the Navy Band, he was killed by a Kamikaze aboard the USS Saratoga a few days before Iwo Jima. Grandpa was extremely patriotic, always leading by example andencouraging us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

A significant event that drove my decision to audition for the Army Band was witnessing first-hand the events of 9/11. I was working on my master’s degree in NYC and lived about a mile from the World Trade Center. The privilege to honor those lost by playing at many memorial ceremonies had a profound impact on me.

Before joining the Army, I had the opportunity to perform at the summer Aspen Music Festival, a short drive from Camp Hale. One of those summers my grandparents came up to see me and we took a side trip to Camp Hale so that I could meet some of my grandpa’s 10th Mountain Division buddies. Ever since that day I have been interested in 10 Mountain Division history and the following summer I decided to audition for Army Bands.

I knew that in performing with the Army Band I would have the opportunity to do something meaningful with my music and also be able to provide free concerts to underserved populations. My Grandpa was my biggest supporter in my decision.

For many years I had tried to be stationed at Fort Drum as I wanted to play with the 10th Mountain Division Band, but the timing never worked out. I was always needed elsewhere. But as luck would have it, with a pending assignment to Fort Bliss, the 1SG at the 10th Mountain Division Band was retiring, and I was no longer needed at Ft. Bliss. The stars had finally aligned for me to be in the 10th Mountain Division!

Ironically, the day I found out I would be going to the 10th Mountain Division my dad was at a book signing for the “The Winter Army,” written by Maurice Iserman, Ph.D. Dad called me to tell me that he was about to get me a signed copy and I said, “You are not going to believe this but I just found out today that I will now be going to the 10th Mountain Division!”

Unfortunately, my Grandpa passed in 2015 but I have many extended family in Colorado who continue to sport their 10th Mountain apparel. I feel like this assignment was meant to be.

As the Band First Sergeant, I am in a unique position to honor the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division. While I have only been here for a few months, I absolutely love it here. The Soldier musicians of the 10th Mountain Division Band are wonderful, talented, hard working people and we are fortunate to have a lot of support from the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum community.

So far some of my highlights have been performing at the Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Military Mountaineer Memorialon post and leading a 9.11 mile Ruck march starting at that memorial in homage to those who lost their lives on 9/11.

We are also working on several projects at the band to further honor the legacy of the 10th to include re-arranging and recording some of the old cadences, songs, and marches. Due to COVID-19 most of our performances have beenvirtuallately but once the restrictions are lifted my goal is to find additional ways the band can honor the 10th’s legacy. Additionally, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in 2021 and I also hope to find a way for the band to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks.

I am excited to see what the 10th Mountain Division Band can accomplish, and I hope to use some the lessons my grandfather taught me to further build and lead this amazing team.