Ritchie to Host '10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day at Captiol Tuesday

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she will host ‘10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 6^th.

Now in its seventh year, the annual event recognizes the sacrifices of 10^th Mountain Division soldiers, as well as highlights the positive impact Fort Drum has on our region’s—as well as our state’s—economy and the critical role it plays in our nation’s security.

Again this year, ‘10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ will include a special address before the full Senate by Commanding General of the 10^th Mountain Division, Major General Walter Piatt. This year, the event is being held earlier to allow Major General Piatt to participate, as he—and many of the other troops who will be accompanying him to the Capitol—will be deploying to Iraq in the coming weeks.

Those wishing to watch Tuesday’s Senate session live can do so at www.nysenate.gov, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“In recent years, ‘10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ has proven to be a tremendous way to introduce—or remind—people who represent communities across our state of the selfless sacrifices made by our troops, as well as significant impact the installation has on our national defense and our economy,” said Senator Ritchie

“I am looking forward to again hosting the brave men and women of the 10^th Mountain Division at our state’s Capitol and am hopeful the day will again drive home just how important it is that we do all we can to support them as they put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.”

The day will also feature informative, interactive displays by 10^th Mountain Division troops designed to educate lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol on the post’s mission, as well as to highlight new equipment they are utilizing. In addition, community groups that provide services to support Fort Drum soldiers and their families will also be on hand to share information on the work they are doing to strengthen the bond between the area’s military and civilian communities.

Home to 30,000 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 4,000 civilians and supports tens of thousands of jobs off post to support the local economy.

According to a recent economic impact study, it was estimated that Fort Drum pumped roughly $1.2 billion into the North Country economy last year.