LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26, 2020, as 10th Moun- tain Division and Fort Drum Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Fort Drum is located in Jefferson County, in Northern New York, and is the largest military installation in the Northeastern United States; and

WHEREAS, Fort Drum, previously known as Pine Camp, was renamed in honor of Lieutenant General Hugh Drum, a decorated national hero, former commander of First Army, and an early leader of the State's own volunteer militia, the New York Guard; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Fort Drum has been the home of the United States Army's storied 10th Mountain Division, one of the most deployed divisions in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Members of the 10th Mountain Division have served our nation with honor, distinction and great sacrifice as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom and other actions central to our nation's response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, Elements of the 10th Mountain Division, based on Fort Drum, were the first to be deployed in the aftermath of those attacks and the last units to return from combat duty; and

WHEREAS, In addition to Operation Enduring Freedom, 10th Mountain Division deployments have included Hurricane Andrew Relief in Florida, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Task Force Eagle in Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan and advise and assist operations throughout the World; and

WHEREAS, More than 300 brave men and women of the 10th Mountain Division, based on Fort Drum, have selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice while dedicating themselves to the cause of defeating global terrorism; and

WHEREAS, Distinguished service of units assigned to Fort Drum has been celebrated by Presidents, members of Congress, and members of the international community; and

WHEREAS, Four heroes serving with the 10th Mountain Division, Private First Class John D. Magrath, Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, Captain William D. Swenson and Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, have received our military's highest honor, the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its vital role in our nation's defense, Fort Drum is also the largest employer in Northern New York, the state's largest single-site employer and an economic engine for the state and region, with a total impact of $1.9 billion; and

WHEREAS, Between the Fort Drum and civilian communities exists a special bond and the 33,000 soldiers and family members of the installation are an integral part of the North Country who not only are considered defenders of our freedom, but also our neighbors, co-workers, classmates, friends and fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to salute the soldiers and officers of the 10th Mountain Divi- sion, to honor their dedication to preserving our freedom and our nation, and to recognize their individual and col- lective contributions to our communities and New York State; and

WHEREAS, For the past nine years, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day has served to educate members of this Legislative Body about the sacrifices made every day by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, as well as the importance of Fort Drum to our nation's defense and New York's economy; and

WHEREAS, Fort Drum has and will continue to play a critical role in ensuring our nation's military readiness to defend our state and nation against hostility and threats to our safety and national security; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26, 2020, as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Major General Brian J. Mennes, Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum.