Senator Walczyk Welcomes 10th Mountain Division to Fort Drum Day in the New York State Senate

Senator Mark Walczyk proudly co-sponsors a resolution to proclaim May 30, 2023 as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day. Fort Drum’s existence is vital to the 49th Senate District, New York State, and the entire country. Soldiers from all walks of life come to Fort Drum and are trained through rugged terrain and harsh climate to be prepared for any environment. Since September 11, 2001 the 10th Mountain Division is the most deployed unit in the entire United States Military. It’s estimated the installation provides around 1.6 billion in economic impact and accounts for roughly 25,000 jobs both on and off the base. Fort Drum, located north of the Black River in Jefferson County, responsibly encompasses roughly 107,265 acres of both developed and natural land that is used for training, housing, and other resources for the United States Military. 

On this day, soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Drum were invited to the Capitol to be recognized for their incredible contributions to the State of New York and the entire United States of America. Fort Drum day has been a staple in the New York State Senate since its inception in 2012, when Senator Walczyk was serving on the staff of his predecessor, Patty Ritchie, who introduced the resolution to the Senate.  

“Fort Drum has a motto, ‘Climb to Glory’ with the proper response being ‘To the Top!’ The State has its own motto, Excelsior, meaning ever upward. The 10th Mountain Division fighters are the embodiment of excelsior. They train hard through tough climates and terrain to defend our country across the globe. The sun never sets on the 10th Mountain Division patch and neither does our admiration. I’m proud to represent the 10th Mountain Division on Fort Drum and to help introduce Fort Drum Day to the New York State Senate.”

See the Senator’s remarks in the Senate Chambers Here.

See General Braman’s remarks Here.

See today’s invocation from Chaplain Key Here.