Minnie Dole Heritage Museum
On January 23, Eastern Division Patrollers Sue-Ellen Helmacy, John Beach, and Scott Launt were proud to be a part of the celebration ceremony honoring our founder, Charles “Minnie’ Dole. The museum at Fort Drum, New York will forever be known as the Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole Heritage Museum Complex. Accompanying us was Central New York Alumna Susie Turner.
The ceremony featured remarks from Commanding Major General Scott Naumann and Minnie’s grandson, Trux Dole. The General gave a brief history of Minnie’s quest to have the War Department implement mountain troops and his eventual success in doing so. He also spoke about the successes the former members of the 10th had in the ski and sports industries after the war. This included engagement in at least 62 ski areas in some fashion, and the founding of Nike, Head skis, and organizations such as the Sierra Club and the National Park Service.
Continuing the indoor ceremony, Trux Dole, Chairman Ex Officio of the 10th Mountain Foundation, spoke from the heart. He spoke fondly of his grandfather and of his own memories growing up in New England. He recalled that his grandfather was an outdoor enthusiast and an “okay skier”.
The celebration then adjourned outside (to a balmy 12 degrees F) with a dedication plaque unveiled by Trux and General Naumann.
That evening Sue-Ellen, John, Command Sergeant Major (retired) Dave Martell (Watertown/Dry Hill PD) and his wife Nancy, First Sergeant Dan Fields (Watertown/Dry Hill Patroller and president of the 10th Mountain Alpine Club), along with roughly 200 other guests attended the “WINTER OLYMPIC GALA.” The event celebrated the Division’s mountain warfare legacy, its connection with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina Italy, the same region the 10th fought in during WW, and its official dedication of the Minnie Dole Heritage Museum Complex.
This celebration was over the top! Wonderful hors d’oeuvres, food, and the full 10th Mountain Jazz Ensemble played into the late hours of the evening, all adding to make this an event to remember.
