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

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she will host her annual‘10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ event at the State Capitol on Tuesday, May 14th.

Now in its eighth year, the annual event recognizes the service and sacrifice of 10th Mountain Division soldiers, as well as highlights the positive economic impact of Fort Drum and the critical role the installation and its troops play in our national defense.

This year’s 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day will include a special address in the Senate Chamber by Major General Brian Mennes, the new Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division. In addition, for the very first time, the 10th Mountain Division Band will perform.

“For the past seven years, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day has helped introduce my colleagues from across the state to so many of the heroes who are fighting on the front lines for our freedom,” said Senator Ritchie.

“In addition, it’s also been a way for them to learn about the important role the installation plays in our nation’s defense and just how critical the post is to our regional and state economies. I am looking forward to again hosting 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day and paying tribute to the brave men and women who selflessly serve our nation.”

Again this year, the daylong event will feature informative, interactive displays by 10th Mountain Division troops in an effort to educate lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol on the Division’s mission, as well as to highlight the latest in equipment they are using in the field. In addition, community groups providing services to support Fort Drum, its soldiers and their families will also share information on the work they are doing to strengthen the partnership between the area’s military and civilian communities.

Those wishing to watch the Commanding General’s address live—as well as other activities happening in the Senate Chamber—can do so on Tuesday, beginning at 3:00 PM at www.nysenate.gov.

Fort Drum is the largest U.S. Army post north of the Carolinas and east of the Mississippi River and home to more than 30,000 soldiers and family members. Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division was the first to deploy following the attacks on September 11th, and its brave troops continue to serve in various locations around the globe.

In addition, the installation is the engine that drives the North Country economy. Fort Drum is New York State’s largest single-site employer, employing roughly 4,000 civilians and supporting tens of thousands of jobs off-post. According to a recent economic impact study, it was estimated that Fort Drum pumped roughly $1.42 billion into the North Country economy last year.