On June 26, 2025, the Eastern Division participated for the fifth consecutive year in Mountainfest at Fort Drum. Each year, the 10th Mountain Division opens to the public for an all-day open house on Division Hill and, on average, 10,000 people attend.
Highlights of the day included live demonstrations by the soldiers firing 155mm Howitzers, deploying the cannons by Blackhawk helicopters, mock firefights in both cold and warm weather gear, a live rock band, many vendors, and a multitude of food trucks.
Every year, the Eastern Division has staffed a booth with leaders from different programs to help explain the shared history of the 10th and NSP – and how this relationship continues to grow. We provided abbreviated CPR demos, knot tying demos, and handed out NSP promotional items.
This year, the booth crew included Kathy Fitzpatrick, Division Safety Advisor; Frey Aarnio, former SVT Region Director; Sue-Ellen Helmacy, Division Awards Advisor; and Scott Launt, CNY Region Alumni Advisor.
On June 25th, the evening before Mountainfest, the Eastern Division was honored to be invited to the 2nd annual 10th Mountain Alpine Club reunion. The 10th Mountain Alpine Club promotes a broad mix of alpine activities for its members – both soldiers and civilians. The Alpine Club was created by 1st Sergeant Dan Fields, Watertown Ski Patrol at Dry Hill, and LtCol (Ret) Marc Cleveland, president and vice president respectively.
The reunion was held at the Cleveland’s beautiful century-old farm in LaFargeville, NY. The Eastern Division was well represented by Rick Hamlin (National Historian), Kathy Fitzpatrick, Frey Aarnio, Scott Launt, Sue-Ellen Helmacy, and me, all current members of
the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.
Along with us were members of the 10th Mountain Association, a long-established veterans’ organization, as well as current soldiers from the 10th including Dan Fields. There was plenty of food and drink, but best of all great conversation.
I would strongly recommend that Eastern Division members do a search for the 10th Mountain Alpine Club. You should find their website and explanation of the two levels of membership and how to join. I would be glad to answer any questions.
