World War II at Camp Hale: Blazing a New Trail in the Rockies

In April 1942, a little over two years before the Tenth Mountain Division officially obtained its name, the U.S. Army began the unprecedented construction of a training facility for its newly acquired ski and mountain troops. Located near Pando in Colorado's Sawatch Range, the site eventually known as Camp Hale sits at an elevation of 9,250 feet. Immense challenges in its creation and subsequent training included ongoing racial conflict, the high altitude and blustery winters. However, thanks to contributions from civilian workers and the Women's Army Corps and support from neighboring communities, the camp trained soldiers who helped defeat the Axis powers in World War II. Veteran David R. Witte brings to life this enduring story.

Chaplain (CPT) David R. Witte currently serves as the battalion chaplain for the 777th Aviation Support Battalion, Arkansas Army National Guard. Additionally, he is the military and veterans affairs representative for Congressman Bruce Westerman, AR-04. He holds an MA in public history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is an army chaplain endorsed by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. David, his wife Megan and their three children reside in Little Rock, Arkansas.