STATE SENATOR PATTY RITCHIE ANNOUNCES 5TH ANNUAL 10TH MOUNTAIN AND FORT DRUM DAY AT NYS CAPITOL

State Senator Patty Ritchie will host 10th Mountain Division troops at the State Capitol Tuesday, March 22nd for the fifth annual 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day, an event that aims to raise awareness of Fort Drum among legislators, state government leaders, visitors and staff.

This year’s 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day will include a formal address by the post’s Acting Commander, Brigadier General Paul Bontrager, inside the ornate and historic Senate Chamber. In addition, it will also once again feature interactive military displays, which due to the event’s increased popularity will be moved to a new and larger space in the “Well”—or central display area—of the Legislative Office Building.

“For the past four years, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day has successfully demonstrated to my colleagues that the post and its troops aren’t just a major part of the North Country—they’re a major part of New York State,” said Senator Ritchie. 

“I’m excited to welcome troops to the Capitol, where they will once again be able to highlight the critical importance of Fort Drum and the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division to our national security, our economy and our communities.”

This year’s 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day will  include a special ceremony during the day’s Senate Session—beginning at 3:00 p.m.—to honor troops, which will include a presentation by the Fort Drum Color Guard and remarks by Brigadier General Bontrager. In addition, the day will also include military displays hosted by troops and community support groups, which will be available for viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Well. 

Home to 18,000 troops and their families, Fort Drum is the Northeast’s largest military post. The installation is also a major part of our state and regional economies, responsible for more than $1.2 billion in economic activity in 2015.  In addition, Fort Drum is New York State’s largest single site employer.

Media interested in covering 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day are encouraged to contact Senator Ritchie’s Communications Director, Sarah Compo, at (315) 782-3418 or compo@nysenate.gov.  Photos and video will be available following the day’s events.