Ritchie to Host ‘10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ at Capitol Wednesday

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she will host her annual ‘10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day’ at the State Capitol this Wednesday, February 26^th.

Each year, this special event serves to honor the brave men and women of the 10^th Mountain Division, as well as highlights the tremendous impact the installation has on New York’s economy, as well as our national security.

Now in its ninth 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 Brian Mennes, as well as an invocation delivered by Fort Drum Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel James Foster.

Those wishing to watch Wednesday’s Senate session live can do so at www.nysenate.gov, beginning at 3:00 PM.

“Once again this year, I am honored to be able to welcome 10^th Mountain Division troops to the Capitol so they can not only convey firsthand to my colleagues the importance of the work that they do, but also so we can recognize each of them for their selfless service,” said Senator Ritchie.

“10^th Mountain Division soldiers and their family members are defenders of our freedom. I am honored to be their representative in the Senate and look forward to paying tribute to them at this special event.”

The day will also feature informative, interactive displays by troops designed to educate lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol on the Division’s mission, as well as to highlight new equipment they are utilizing.

The 10^th Mountain Division has long been the most deployed Army division in the nation.  Fort Drum is home to more than 30,000 soldiers and family members and is directly and indirectly responsible for more than 26,000 jobs. According to the most recent economic impact study, it is estimated that Fort Drum pumps nearly $2 billion into the North Country economy.