Ritchie Welcomes Colleagues to Fort Drum

State Senator Patty Ritchie, the ranking member of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, welcomed fellow committee members to Fort Drum Monday, including the Committee’s Chair, Senator John Brooks, for a tour of the installation.

During the all-day visit, Senators had the opportunity to receive a briefing from 10^th Mountain Division leadership, experience training simulators and talk with soldiers about their experiences.

“I consider representing the 10^th Mountain Division and Fort Drum one of my greatest honors and appreciate any opportunity to help others learn more about the installation and its heroes,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This was a chance to talk firsthand with 10^th Mountain Division leadership about the different ways we, as state leaders, can support the soldiers stationed at Fort Drum and their families. I would like to thank Fort Drum for the warm welcome and most importantly, thank our troops for their selfless service.”

Also joining Senators Ritchie and Brooks on the tour were Senator Daphne Jordan and Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.

The 10^th Mountain Division has long been the most deployed Army division in the nation.  Home to approximately 30,000 soldiers and their family members, Fort Drum is the largest single site employer in the state. In addition, it is estimated that last year, the installation had a $1.8 billion impact on the local economy.

(Attn. photo editors: Pictured from left to right in the above photo are Col. James J. Zacchino Jr., Command Sgt. Maj. Roberto Munoz, Brig. Gen. Lori L. Robinson, Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, Senator John Brooks, Senator Patty Ritchie, Senator Daphne Jordan and Col. Jason A. Curl)