Senate Hosts Fourth Annual Fort Drum Day

The New York State Senate today hosted the fourth annual 10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day recognition event in the Senate Chamber. The post is located in Jefferson County and is represented by Senator Patricia Ritchie (R-C, Heuvelton). 

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “Fort Drum Day is a very special event that allows us to honor the men and women of the historic 10th Mountain Division for their service all over the world – and for their many contributions to communities in the North Country and throughout the State of New York.”

Senator Ritchie said, “Fort Drum Day has proven an effective way to introduce Albany’s leaders to the mission and importance of the 10^th Mountain Division and the post, not just to our nation’s defense, but also to our local, regional and Upstate economies.” 

Home to 38,000 soldiers and family members, Fort Drum is the largest Army post north of North Carolina and east of the Mississippi River. With nearly 5,000 civilians, the post is the state’s largest single-site employer and it supports tens of thousands of jobs off base to aid the North Country’s economy. According to a recent economic impact study, it was estimated that Fort Drum generated $1.3 billion into the economy last year.

Today’s events celebrate those who serve to defend our nation as members of the Army’s most-deployed combat division. They are part of a week of efforts designed to highlight Fort Drum and its importance to the Upstate region and the state in advance of the Army’s scheduled “listening session” on potential troop reductions next Friday at Jefferson Community College in Watertown.

“This year, more than ever, we are counting on support from lawmakers and state leaders to defend and protect Fort Drum from looming cutbacks that threaten the post’s future, along with the economic success and jobs in our region,” Senator Ritchie said.

Major General Stephen J. Townsend, Commanding General of Fort Drum, delivered formal remarks at the start of the Senate’s session. He was accompanied by a color guard, soldiers, and officers who serve with the 10^th Mountain Division, including Colonel Gary Rosenberg, Fort Drum Garrison Commander; Captain Scott Dawe, Commanding General’s Assistant; and Lieutenant Colonel Tage Rainsford, Public Affairs Officer. 

Fort Drum Day also features informative displays by 10^th Mountain Division troops that are designed to educate lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol about the post’s mission and responsibilities to our national defense.