RITCHIE ANNOUNCES ‘10th MOUNTAIN/FORT DRUM DAY’ AT CAPITOL

 First-ever Event Will Fete Commanders, Soldiers of Famed 10^th Mountain Division

Senator Patty Ritchie announced that Wednesday, May 23, will be celebrated as “10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” at the State Capitol.

The first-ever event is being organized by Senator Ritchie to celebrate the commanders and soldiers of the 10^th Mountain Division—among the Army’s most deployed combat units—for their ongoing role in our nation’s defense; as well as the post itself, the North Country’s largest employer, for the key part it plays in the region’s economy.

Senator Ritchie will be joined by Commanding Major General Mark A. Milley, who is making his first visit to the Capitol, and is expected to address the Senate Chamber.

A special Color Guard of 10^th Mountain Division troops will present the flag and lead the Pledge to  open the Senate’s daily public session, and Senators will recognize the fighting men and women—represented by more than a dozen who hail from New York, and who will be on the floor of the Senate for the ceremonies—with an official Resolution.

The Division will salute New Yorkers with a Blackhawk helicopter fly-by of the Capitol, and an exhibition of the post’s military hardware and personnel, arranged by Senator Ritchie.

“Fort Drum is often referred to as the ‘Army’s best kept secret,’ and it’s sadly true that even a few hundred miles away, in the Capitol and across the state, New Yorkers simply don’t know about the vital role this post plays in our nation’s defense, its importance to the North Country’s economy, and the sacrifice and commitment of the men and women who are our neighbors and members of the 10^th Mountain Division,” Senator Ritchie said.

“ ‘10^th Mountain/Fort Drum Day’ is my way to expose the entire state to this unique and important facility, and the men and women who make it work.

“I am grateful to Major General Mark Milley for accepting my invitation to join me in this celebration, which I hope to make an annual tradition in Albany,” Senator Ritchie said.

Senator Ritchie has been a strong advocate for the post, securing budget funding to address a critical, regional housing shortage that threatens continued growth of the facility, and to help protect the post in the event of new federal military budget cuts.

Here is the schedule of events for “10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” at the Capitol:

9:00 to 3:00     10^th Mountain Division soldiers and commanders staff exhibits and displays

explaining the history, role and duties of soldiers on the front line in the global

war on terror, and Fort Drum’s place in our national defense

Exhibits can be seen in the “well” of the Legislative Office Building and, outside, in the West Capitol Park.

10:30               Senate session honoring the 10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum. A live stream

of the ceremonies will be available by clicking this link.