“Christian Beckwith’s presentation was a masterclass in storytelling, blending the inspiring history of the 10th Mountain Division with its enduring legacy in outdoor recreation. The evening drew a crowd of supporters and raised essential funds to fuel the Huts for Vets mission. Truly a standout experience.”

—Ryan del Grosso, Board President, Hut for Vets 

“Christian’s presentation was phenomenal. His storytelling ability brings the 10th Mountain’s legacy to life.“

—Erik Villaseñor, Executive Director, Hut for Vets 

“As a climber with Himalayan/Karakoram/Antarctic experience, I’ve heard a lot of interesting mountaineering talks, but rarely about events of much value to humanity. Christian Beckwith’s well-researched and fascinating talk to the Mazamas in Portland was about events of great value to all of us: the birth of the 10th Mountain Division, its contributions to World War II victory, and its post-war supercharging of the US skiing and outdoor industries. The most valuable mountaineering talk I’ve ever attended!”

—Steve Boyer, MD

“We were blown away by Christian’s presentation, which he delivered as part of a fundraiser for the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center. His encyclopedic knowledge of the 10th Mountain Division’s history and the people and events that tied it to our area was extraordinary. We continue to get texts and emails from friends and donors saying how much they learned from and enjoyed the talk.”

—Hannah Marshall, Executive Director, Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center

“Mr. Beckwith comes at the 10th Mountain story from a different perspective than the traditional “fathers of the ski industry” approach. As an alpinist, he explores the roots of the Division from that angle—and in so doing offers us a way to see the mountain soldiers’ contributions in a new light. The result is a refreshing take on what these men did, how they did it, and—most importantly—why they broke barriers and raised the bar for us all.“

—David Little, 10th Mountain Division “Living Historian”; Staff Historian, 10th Mountain Division Foundation

“An engaging storyteller, Beckwith draws upon ground-breaking research and his extensive mountaineering experience to tell a new tale of the 10th Mountain Division. His presentation reveals not only what really happened, but also why we should care. Not to be missed.”

—Lance Blyth, Command Historian, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM); Adjunct Professor of History, United States Air Force Academy

“I recently had the privilege to attend Christian Beckwith’s presentation on the 10th Mountain Division. Christian’s compelling storytelling brings the legacy of the 10th magically to life, and the integrity of his research adds fascinating new discoveries to the standard history. Over the past 80 years, numerous individuals and organizations have attempted to capture the full scope of the legendary division and its post-war contributions to American society. Christian accomplishes this with exquisite narrative talent.”

—Nancy Kramer, Chair, 10th Mountain Division Foundation 

“I’ve been fortunate to attend both of Christian’s New York presentations. His diligent research and ability to link military and mountaineering legacies expertly captures the impact that the 10th Mountain Division had on our nation. By connecting the many personalities of the World War II Division with untold aspects of its history, he reinvigorates its legend with a relevancy that honors its past while inspiring the next generation.”

—MSG Daniel Fields, Founder, 10th Mountain Alpine Club