Ritchie to Host “Fort Drum Day” at Capitol Tuesday

Kicks Off Week of Events to Highlight NNY Post Ahead of Army Cuts

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced she will host “10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 17.

Now in its fourth year, the annual event kicks off a week of local efforts that are designed to highlight Fort Drum and its importance to the region and state, in advance of the Army’s scheduled “listening session” on proposed troop reductions next Friday in Watertown.

“ ‘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,” Senator Ritchie said, noting that the post is the state’s largest single-site employer and  major driver of the North Country economy.

“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.

Once again, Fort Drum Day will feature informative displays by 10^th Mountain troops that are designed to educate lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol about the post’s mission and responsibilities to our national defense.

Soldiers from Fort Drum will post colors to start the Senate session, and Major General Stephen J. Townsend will deliver formal remarks to the gathered Senators at the start of the Session at 3 pm.

Representatives of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Office, comprising local community organizations in support of the Fort Drum, will hold a special briefing for lawmakers, and the Commanding General is expected to meet with Senate, Assembly and state leaders throughout the day.

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. In addition, the post also employs nearly 5,000 civilians and supports tens of thousands of jobs off base to support the North Country economy. According to a recent economic impact study, it was estimated that Fort Drum pumped roughly $1.3 billion into the economy last year.