McKenna, Austin J.

Austin J. "Mac." McKenna was born January 11, 1923 in Leadville, Colorado and raised in Salida. Following engineer basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and maneuvers duty with an army topographical unit in West Virginia, he joined the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale I 1943 and was assigned to Headquarters, S-2 of the 126th Mountain Engineer Battalion with a T/5 rating. At the end of the war in Italy, McKenna was promoted to the Staff Sergeant Division Camouflage position in S-2. McKenna graduated from Denver University following the war and spent 45 years in the Denver advertising and marketing profession. Upon retirement to Hawaii, he became a well-known artist and teacher. Collectors worldwide have purchased his creations. His activities with the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division have included presidency of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, vice presidency of the National Association, editor of the Blizzard and numerous active positions with 10th reunion organizations.