FORT DRUM, N. Y. (June 21, 2024) – The 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum have been electrified with excitement this week with the return the much-anticipated Mountainfest. This annual celebration brought joy, not only to Soldiers and military families, but also to community leaders and residents from the surrounding area who were invited to join in on the festivities.
Mountainfest, a cherished tradition for the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the entire community, was in full swing with a lineup of thrilling events. The week kicked off with the exhilarating Division Run and the high-energy Commander’s Cup, all leading up to the grand celebration on June 20, when the post opened its gates to the public for Mountainfest on Division Hill.
The Division Run, a four and a half-mile route led by Maj. Gen. Scott A. Naumann and Command Sgt. Maj. Brett W. Johnson 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander and senior enlisted adviser, saw every brigade on the installation participating. The rhythmic beats of the 10th Mountain Division Band, Avalanche, and the resounding cheers of Soldiers created an atmosphere of infectious motivation as brigades sang cadences, chanted mottos, and proudly displayed their mountain spirit.
Another highlight of this eagerly awaited week was the Annual Remembrance Ceremony, a solemn yet powerful tradition where the division honored its history by paying tribute to Gold Star families and fallen comrades held in Memorial Park. This year’s ceremony included poignant stories shared by William P. Havener, Jr., reminding all of the sacrifices made by military members and their families. Havener’s father lost his life in a training accident on Camp Drum, changing his and his family’s lives forever.
During the ceremony, Congresswoman Claudia Teeney and Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, called on those in attendance to acknowledge not only Havener’s father but those for whom the monuments are dedicated in the park.
“Our fallen preside over our troops in a way that defies an easy explanation but is universally understood,” Naumann said. “We cannot see them, but they offer the hand up we often need.”
An interesting addition to this year’s festivities, continuing with celebrating the 80th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division, was the screening of “Mountainmen: Gothic Line 1945” on June 17 in Fort Drum’s Multipurpose Auditorium. Luciano La Valle, who was the writer and the director, and Andrea Gandolfi, executive producer spoke about the three-part miniseries that chronicle the events of the men attached to G Company, 85th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division during their arrival into Italy during World War II.
“The goal is to pass on the memory and honor of the Soldiers who have fought and who have lost their lives to free Italy from the Nazis,” Gandolfi said. “The entire miniseries is based on the testimonies of veterans still alive and the relationship between the Soldiers and the population.”
Simultaneously, teams of Soldiers gathered at Magrath Sports Complex to compete in a series of intense and entertaining sporting events for the Commander’s Cup. Competitions included softball, soccer, flag football, kickball, foot races, tug of war, and a ruck challenge, showcasing the athletic prowess and camaraderie of the participants.
After a week chockfull of events, competitions, and ceremonies, it all led up to the highly anticipated celebration on Division Hill. This event was open to the public, allowing residents in the area to come onto the military installation and enjoy a fair-like atmosphere with games, food, and live music sponsored by community partners. The Army parachute team, The Golden Knights kicked off the Division Live event that features Soldiers showcasing their skills as Infantry men and women with military movements, trucks, smoke and gear special to the training 10th Mountain Division receives.
The Salute to the Troops Tribute Concert, sponsored by AmeriCU Credit Union for many is the main attraction to Division Hill. This year, the concert featured music artist Billy Currington and special guest Conner Smith. This event had the crowd singing and dancing the night away as they heard their songs live.
This all-day event invited families to come out and enjoy everything Mountainfest has to offer. Queyara Saunders, military spouse and mother to four boys, said she believes that events like Mountainfest helps to instill the sense of pride in her family.
“My family enjoys going to events like these. We enjoy seeing all the shows they have to offer, and my children have a better understanding of what their father does,” Saunders said. “Since it’s our first year at Fort Drum, it gives us something to look forward to next year.”
Mountainfest has once again proven to be a vibrant celebration of unity, pride, and tradition for the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and its extended community, leaving everyone anticipating next year's festivities.
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