The 10th Mountain Division was assigned to Fort Drum in 1985 and has been the most deployed division in the U.S. Army since that time. Assemblywoman Jenne, who graduated from Indian River High School and grew up with students whose parents served in the military, said the annual event in Albany is important to increase awareness around the state about Fort Drum's critical role in national defense as well as its importance to the state's economy.
"It's a perfect opportunity for New York state lawmakers to learn more about and gain a better understanding of what the 10th Mountain Division means to our national security. They are the most deployed division in the Army. The 10th Mountain Division has had troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan 43 times since 2001, and soldiers from Fort Drum are currently deployed to Europe and Kuwait," she pointed out.
Assemblywoman Jenne was on Fort Drum on Thursday for a change of leadership ceremony at Fort Drum marking Major General Walter E. Piatt succeeding Major General Jeffrey L. Bannister as the commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division.
"The members of the 10th Mountain Division are called upon continuously to address threats around the world. They have to be ready at a moment's notice to deploy to any possible situation. This requires a special type of soldier and an amazing support system at home." she stressed.
She said she is always heartened when she hears members of the Fort Drum leadership team talk about the strong support they have from their neighbors in the North Country.
"We pride ourselves as being one family in the North Country with civilians and military working and living side by side. I am proud that my community hosts Fort Drum. I am also proud of what the men and women based at Fort Drum do on behalf of our country's security and equally as proud of their families for the support they give and sacrifices they make on behalf of our soldiers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
The assemblywoman noted she that they are always on her mind when decisions made by lawmakers in Albany impact soldiers assigned to Fort Drum and their families.
She said, for example, she co-sponsored legislation later signed into law that provides for expedited licensing for military spouses with out of state professional licenses in equivalent occupations.
"It's also important to remember that what we do at the state level to support our schools, hospitals and social service agencies is also critically important to our soldiers and their families. Our soldiers put themselves in harm's way over and over again, and their families make tremendous sacrifices as well," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"It is our duty to recognize we have a responsibility to take good care of our troops and their families. When I'm fighting for my community, know that part of that fight is for the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division," she added.
The Fort Drum Fiscal Year 2016 Economic Impact Statement reported there are over 18,000 full-time military and civilian jobs associated with Fort Drum. The report says the base had a $1.2 billion impact on its neighboring communities in the 2016 fiscal year.
Assemblywoman Jenne said words shared by Major General Bannister, outgoing commanding general at Fort Drum, at last week's change of command ceremony, were a reminder of the traits shared by the soldiers based at Fort Drum and their North Country neighbors.
"You are the epitome of a blue collar division that just gets the job done and always strives to win," Major General Bannister told the 10th Mountain Division troops. "You should all take pride that no other division has made greater contributions to modern era wars than the 10th Mountain Division."
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Major General Walter E. Piatt, commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division, and Brian Ashley, executive director of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Council, Tuesday morning during Fort Drum Day in Albany.