SCHUMER STATEMENT ON 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION’S REACTIVATION AT FORT DRUM
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s reactivation at Fort Drum in the North Country and the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge in which the 10th Mountain Division seized German positions on Riva Ridge, paving the way for Italy’s liberation during World War II:
“Fort Drum is woven into the very fabric of the North Country, and today marks the 40th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s reactivation at Fort Drum on February 13, 1985. Since World War II, the 10th Mountain Division has played a pivotal role in US contingency operations and our response to global conflicts. For more than 20 years, the 10th Mountain Division has been the most regularly deployed unit in the US Army, cementing its reputation as one of the most elite and readily deployable combat units in the US Armed Forces. From the European theater in WWII to the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, to supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve, bolstering NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance in the face of Russian aggression, the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division have time and time again answered the call to duty in theaters of operation across the globe, providing mission-critical support to protect our national security interests and support US allies and partners.
“Indeed, the 10th Mountain Division’s significance transcends its battlefield accomplishments. Its focus on mobility, rapid deployment, and leadership in modernizing counter-UAS and integrating multi-domain capabilities in training for large-scale combat operations will help build the Army of the future, allowing America to continue to serve as a powerful force for peace and stability around the world. With the activation of elements of the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) at Fort Drum starting this summer, it is becoming clearer every day that the future of our military will depend on Fort Drum and the North Country. I was proud to push for the selection of Fort Drum to base the 2nd MDTF and the hundreds of millions of dollars I’ve secured for infrastructure improvements at Fort Drum throughout my career, and will continue fighting to ensure that the heroic men and women serving at Fort Drum have what they need to be mission ready and defend our country. Climb to Glory!”
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