4th Annual Fort Drum Day

This past week, the New York State Senate hosted service members from Fort Drum as part of the annual Fort Drum Day in Albany. The event – which is in its 4^th consecutive year – celebrated Fort Drum and its contributions to the state and our nation. Fort Drum is home to 18,000 soldiers and officers and is located in Jefferson County, NY. It is the largest military installation in the Northeastern United States. The Fort Drum contingent visiting Albany was lead by Major General Stephen Townsend, Commander of the 10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum. Major General Townsend had the opportunity to address the Senate in the Senate Chamber. He spoke about the unique capabilities of Fort Drum, including its ability to train troops in extreme cold weather, as well as the unique relationship between Fort Drum and the State of New York.  

 The 10^th Mountain Division at Fort Drum includes the Army’s most deployed combat units, serving with honor, distinction and great sacrifice as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and other actions central to our Nation’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11^th.  The men and women of Fort Drum have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous countries to defend our freedom and are the usually the first ones called upon to fight in these places. Since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, 323 brave men and woman from Fort Drum have given their lives in defense of this country, illustrating the sacrifice that our Fort Drum soldiers and their families make every day.

 In addition to its vital role in our nations defense, Fort Drum is the largest single-site employer in the State of New York and an economic engine for the State, with a direct impact of more than $1.2 billion in 2014

 The day-long event also featured displays by troops designed to educate people about the post’s mission, a special briefing for lawmakers about Fort Drum and meetings with state leaders throughout the day. 

 Senator Bonacic is pictured with (L-R), Senator William J. Larkin, Senator Dean Skelos, Major General Stephen Townsend, Commander of the 10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum and Senator Patty Ritchie