C M Y K

Section M Sunday, September 7, 2014 ‘Climb to Glory’

A look at 30 years 3of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum

view FROM THE TOP: Fort Drum’s commander, Maj. AROUND THE GLOBE: With the motto ‘Climb to Glory’ MUSICAL MISSION: Whether in a war zone or a local Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, addresses the future of the post, his as its backdrop, the 10th Mountain Division defines its history park, the 39-member 10th Mountain Division Band stands connection to the area, and even a little football. Page M4 in this two-page photo gallery. PageS M8-9 ready to inspire soldiers and civilians. Page M10 C M Y K

M2 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times Drum powers three decades of growth By TED BOOKER TIMES STAFF WRITER FORT DRUM — It’s the heartbeat of the north coun- try’s economy. As the largest employer in

Northern New York, Fort Drum 17 has accounted for an economic impact of $19.72 billion on the region over the past quarter- century. The impact of the installa- tion has more than quadrupled since the post began collect- ing data in 1988, when the fig- ure was about $272 million. It has been above $1 billion ev- AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ery year since 2006, peaking at In December 2012, the state opened I-781, a $55 million connector about $1.7 billion in 2008. highway spurred by the growth of Fort Drum. Last year it was $1.4 billion. In the early 1980s, Fort Drum the Target store off outer Ar- districts that educate thou- was a sleepy U.S. Army instal- senal Street; 394 market-rate sands of military children in lation used for reserve forces townhouses by Morgan Man- the area are Indian River, Car- training. But the announce- agement, Pittsford, at the thage and Watertown. ment 30 years ago this week Preserve at Autumn Ridge off Enrollment at Indian River that the 10th Mountain Divi- County Route 202; and 200 has ballooned in the past five sion would be activated at the units by Norstar Development years because of the construc- base led to a $1.3 billion ex- USA, Buffalo, at Creek Wood tion of new housing, said James pansion of Fort Drum in the Apartments on the city’s north R. Koch, the district’s business mid-1980s, lifting the north side. manager. The district-wide en- country’s economy out of the James W. Wright, CEO of the rollment, including students doldrums. Development Authority of the in kindergarten through 12th From 1984 to 1988, the num- North Country, said those three grade, jumped from 3,698 to ber of jobs in Jefferson County 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION housing projects were made 4,342 from 2010 to 2013. surged by more than 50 per- possible by the creation in 2011 Military students account cent, from about 27,000 to n Description: of Jefferson County’s Commu- for about 65 percent of the stu- 42,000. Light Infantry nity Rental Housing Program dent body in the district, which The community enjoyed an n Base: Fort committee, which committed surpassed Watertown in 2011 increase in soldiers midway Drum, N.Y. local funding needed to launch to have the highest such en- through the first decade of the projects and helped secure rollment among districts in n Activation new millennium when, to meet state funding. In addition, tax the region. In 2013, at the start date: Feb. demands of wars in Iraq and incentives to attract developers of the new school year, mili- 13, 1985. (Announcement that the Afghanistan, the Army added were negotiated by the Jeffer- tary students at Watertown ac- division was coming to the base was a third brigade combat team son County Industrial Devel- counted for about 20 percent made on Sept. 11, 1984.) to the division and bulked up opment Agency and approved of the student body, which had other brigades to make them n Motto: “Climb to Glory” by municipalities. a K-through-12 enrollment of more autonomous when they n Mission statement: “The 10th The housing stock in the 3,902. At Carthage, 54 percent deployed. Those moves ex- Mountain Division (Light Infantry) greater Watertown area and of the 3,542 enrolled students panded the post by about 7,000 and Fort Drum RAPIDLY deploys town of LeRay has been much- were military-affiliated. soldiers from 2003 to 2006. trained and combat-ready forces improved from new construc- Fort Drum Mountain Com- The branching out of Fort AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES tion, which has benefited the munity Homes — a partner- globally in order to prevent, shape or The sign on New York State Route 11 North welcomes people to the Drum has spurred growth in community at large, Mr. Wright ship between the Army and win in ground battle.” main entrance of Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division. five key areas across the north said. private developer Actus Lend n Number of soldiers: 18,060 country: jobs/businesses, “The broader picture is that Lease — has been responsible their customers are military vider of food and beverages to housing, schools, health care n Number of affiliated civilian the need for military hous- for building about 1,700 homes dependent. It could be a wife, all dining facilities on the base. and infrastructure. workers: 3,895 ing enabled the buildout of on post in Indian River’s dis- husband, child or someone And last February, the Army housing in general, because trict since 2005, Mr. Koch said. Growth on outer Arsenal who is retired,” she said. “And announced its intention to ourselves and none of the Housing communities built in- we’re seeing a lot of military award a 20-year contract to the JOBS AND BUSINESSES Street since 2003 has included other (development) agencies clude Crescent Woods, Monu- the expansion of the Walmart personnel retire here and open on-site ReEnergy Black River viewed it as building military ment Ridge and Adirondack For north country business- Supercenter and Salmon Run businesses for themselves.” biomass facility, which would housing, but building com- Creek. Most recently, 740 mar- es, the greatest boon from Fort Mall, along with about 300,000 Soldiers’ paychecks have supply the post with electricity munity housing,” he said. “You ket-rate rental units have been Drum comes from the pay- square feet of newly construct- had a direct impact at Bradley’s to meet its current peak con- saw that in the marketplace. built over the past six years at checks of soldiers. Last year, ed commercial space at Towne Military Surplus, which opened sumption of about 28 mega- There used to be pent-up de- Eagle Ridge Village off Route military and civilian payrolls Center Plaza. in 1992 outside the post’s main watts at any given time. mand with absent choices. 342 in the town of LeRay. The totaled about $937 million and New restaurants have in- gate off Route 11 in Evans Mills. Now you have an array of project was completed in the $176 million, respectively. cluded Olive Garden, Chipo- “We’ve benefited probably choices, all of which are quality spring by Clover Construction, The post employed nearly tle Mexican Grill, CiCi’s Pizza, more than any other business HOUSING and affordable.” Williamsville. 22,000 people — 18,060 sol- Moe’s Southwest Grill, Cold around here, because we’re In the early 1980s, “The area “What triggered our enroll- diers and 3,895 civilians — at Stone Creamery and Sonic directly tied into the success at Thanks to Fort Drum’s pres- ence, the north country has was stagnant, and so was its ment growth is the availability the end of fiscal 2013. Drive-In. Four hotels were built Fort Drum,” said manager Mi- of homes — it’s really that sim- experienced a major housing housing stock,” Mr. Wright Carl A. McLaughlin, execu- off Arsenal Street, and two off chael J. Seymour. ple,” Mr. Koch said. boom over the past three years. said. But “when demands were tive director of the Fort Drum Route 11 in LeRay. Those six Since 2000, he said, his store placed on the housing stock, The Indian River district, In 2011, the Army calculated Regional Liaison Organization, hotels have a combined 635 has benefited from Walmart the long-term solution re- which has eight schools, has that 1,035 market-rate rental an advocacy group, said a spike rooms. and other corporate retailers quired the building of housing expanded several times to ac- units were needed in the re- in soldiers on post from 2003 to Along with drawing soldiers, that have planted roots outside stock. That has had community commodate the influx of mili- gion to meet the demand for 2006 led to steady commercial expanded commercial offer- of Fort Drum’s main gate to value.” tary students, Mr. Koch said. In growth on Route 11 near the ings on outer Arsenal “also draw more traffic along Route housing by Fort Drum person- January, residents in the dis- base in the town of LeRay and spurred further Canadian visits 11. In the early 1980s, Route 11 nel. That figure was based on trict approved a $33.2 million off outer Arsenal Street in the to the area,” Mr. McLaughlin simply was a way for travelers the scarcity of available hous- capital project that calls for the town of Watertown. said, adding: “It used to be that to get to Watertown from the ing and the projected return of SCHOOLS construction of 10 classrooms Before 2003, “the population they passed through Water- north, the 48-year-old Felts 19,000 soldiers from Afghani- Last year, north country at Evans Mills Primary, expan- wasn’t a sufficient quantity to town to go to Destiny USA in Mills native said. stan by the summer of 2013. school districts surrounding sion of the music facility at the tip the scales for developers,” Syracuse.” “Other than small gas sta- During the preceding spring, the installation received $48.6 high school, more cafeteria he said. “It took off with that Small businesses also have tions dotted through the area, the number of new units un- million in federal impact aid space at three schools, the ad- second expansion, and they capitalized on the growth in the there wasn’t much,” he said. der construction exceeded the for accommodating military dition of a solar energy field, responded to the demand that military population, according Businesses also benefit by Army’s benchmark. children. That aid assists dis- and a multipurpose turf ath- followed soldiers moving to the to Lynn M. Pietroski, president receiving contracts from Fort Highlights include three tricts that have lost property- letic facility. north country. All of the growth and CEO of the Greater Water- Drum to provide goods and large-scale complexes near- tax revenue because of tax-ex- The project was funded by has been driven by soldiers and town-North Country Chamber services. This year, for exam- ing completion in Watertown: empt federal property or have $23.2 million in state aid and their family members. It’s pay- of Commerce. ple, Renzi Foodservice secured the 296-unit Beaver Meadow increased expenses due to the $10 million in federal impact checks circulating throughout “Some of these shops could an estimated $16 million con- Apartments by COR Develop- enrollment of military chil- the economy.” absolutely say the majority of tract to be the exclusive pro- ment Co., Fayetteville, behind dren. The three main school See ECONOMY M15

GO ANYWHERE... ANYTIME.. WITH A

M I L I T A R Y

IS THE ONLY PLACE AROUND YOU WILL FIND SUCH A LARGE D I S C O U N T ! SELECTION OF UNIQUE SMALLER, LIGHT WEIGHT RAVEL TRALIERS! 8089 STATE ROUTE 3, SERVICE! WE ALSO VERMONTVILLE, NY 12989 SELL PROPANE! C M Y K

Watertown Daily Times 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M3 In 1984, preparation, then celebration

By GORDON BLOCK the plan coming to fruition in the deactivated there in 1958. TIMES STAFF WRITER north country. However, the decision It was a day of celebration in the “The odds are long; I’ll be candid on Fort Drum had not been north country on Sept. 11, 1984, 30 with you,” he told a crowd during finalized, leaving weeks of years ago this week, as the region a GOP dinner at the Italian-Amer- anticipation as Army and De- learned the Army would activate ican Civic Association in late Feb- partment of Defense leader- the 10th Mountain Division at Fort ruary of 1984. ship went over their final op- Drum. However, his efforts, along with tions. “The Department of Defense’s support from Gov. Mario M. Cuo- Then, on Sept. 11, 30 years decision makes everyone a win- mo and a bipartisan collection of ago, the north country had its ner,” Rep. David O’B. Martin, state and congressional lawmak- official answer: the division R-Morristown, said that day as ers, helped Fort Drum become a was coming north. There was he clenched a crocheted flag at a leading contender. Local business a lot of work to do, but it was a meeting of the Watertown Ameri- and community leaders rallied for moment when a new future for can Legion Post 61. the cause. the region was in view. Getting to that point, however, “It required a certain amount of “There was clearly euphoria,” took a great deal of bipartisan political will in the community,” said Terrence L. Roche, garrison lobbying and support from Wa- said Donald C. Alexander, a mem- commander of Fort Drum at the tertown to Washington through- ber of the steering council since time of the announcement. “We WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES A Times clipping from Sept. 11, 1984, shows Rep. David O’B. Martin announcing the 10th out the year, primarily from Mr. its inception. “We spent months were going to grow and make it Mountain Division activation. To read the full story, go to http://wdt.me/drum1984 Martin, who died two years ago going to anybody and everybody happen.” at the age of 68. that would have us, “It’s what he lived and talking about the ex- breathed,” said Cary R. Brick, Source: www.army.mil pansion and what it Mr. Martin’s chief of staff. “With- GRAPHIC by Lauren Harrienger n Watertown Daily Times could mean for the Major Army Installations out that personal passion, there community.” wouldn’t be a Fort Drum as we Hearings in know it today.” The Army introduced a new Watertown drew Light Infantry unit concept in early hundreds of people, most in Joint Base 1984, with The Washington Post Lewis-McChord, WASH. outlining an Army strategy to cut support of the response times for conflicts com- base. Gov. Cuo- pared to more heavily armored mo attended a FORT DRUM, N.Y. hearing at Wa- units. For a community that had Fort McCoy, WIS. seen companies and even other tertown High military units consider placements School in June FORT HAMILTON, N.Y. in Northern New York, the possi- 1984. Fort Dix, N.J. bility of a division “New York and an influx of is a great Fort Detrick, MD. Fort Meade, MD. new people was state with all Joint base exciting. its resourc- Fort Belvoir, VA. Myer-henderson hall, VA. “To hear that es standing Fort Leavenworth, KAN. Fort A. P. Hill, VA. Joint base something like ready,” he said Fort Carson, COLO. Fort Riley, KAN. Fort lee, VA. Langley-eustis, VA. this was coming in proposing $5 Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Fort Knox, KY. to the north coun- million in sup- Fort Campbell, KY. try got everybody port for the area Fort Bragg, N.C. on the balls of if the division were Keating Fort Jackson, S.C. their feet.” said F. added. “We want Anthony Keating, currently the Fort Irwin, CALIF. you (the division), Fort Sill, OKLA. Fort Rucker, ALA. Fort Gordon, GA. civilian aide to the Secretary of and we think we are Fort Benning, GA. the Army, John McHugh. Fort Stewart, GA. good for you.” Fort Huachuca, ARIZ. In the mid-1980s, Mr. Keating By August, Fort Drum held small roles on the Fort Drum was considered the “pre- Fort Bliss, TEXAS steering council, which launched ferred alternate,” with the Fort Polk, LA. soon after the announcement that post hosting the 10th Moun- Fort Hood, TEXAS the 10th Mountain Division would tain Division’s headquarters be coming to Fort Drum. The and a brigade, while a second council evolved into what is now Joint base brigade was being housed San antonio, TEXAS the Fort Drum Regional Liaison temporarily at Fort Benning, Organization. Ga., until the division’s Fort Drum would see competi- permanent site could tion from installations in North be readied. Fort Wainwright, ALASKA Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Fort Ben- Fort Greely, ALASKA Washington, Alaska and Califor- Joint Base ning had been Fort Shafter, HAWAII nia, and the possibility of the Army Elmendorf-Richardson, the most re- splitting the placement. ALASKA Fort Buchanan, cent home of In the early going, Mr. Martin Puerto Rico the division; it appeared less optimistic about

10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION TIMELINE n July 13, 1943: 10th Light Division Herzegovina for Operation Joint Guard, n April 2003: Division soldiers deploy Regiment, Lt. Col. Joseph J. Fenty, who had sensitive information being disclosed division from Gen. Mark A. Milley. (Alpine) forms at Camp Hale, Colo., serving for about six months. to Djibouti to support the global war led soldiers in clearing fighters and finding to the website WikiLeaks. The soldier, n January 2014: Division headquarters caves in Gardez, Afghanistan, in 2002. now referred to as Chelsea Manning, primarily with soldiers from the n Sept. 11, 2001: The United States on terror. deploys for yearlong period leading the was tried and convicted on multiple 87th Mountain Infantry Battalion, is attacked by Osama bin Laden-led al- n June 8, 2004: Hamid Karzai, presi- n Nov. 28, 2007: Fort Drum reacti- Regional Command East, closing out opera- charges and is being held at Fort Leav- established two years earlier. Qaida terrorists. In the months ahead, dent of Afghanistan, visits Fort Drum, vates the 3rd Battalion, 85th Infantry tions in Afghanistan at the deadline to end enworth on a 35-year sentence. n Nov. 6, 1944: Division is redesignat- division soldiers are moved to strategic awarding Purple Hearts to Spc. Victor Regiment, as the Warrior Transition combat operations in the country at the ed as 10th Mountain Division. It fought locations domestically, and in Kuwait, Thibeault and Sgt. Daniel Swank. Unit. The battalion serves as a place n June 23, 2011: President Obama end of 2014. for soldiers suffering from physical visits 150 soldiers of the 1st Brigade throughout the Alps of Italy during Qatar and Uzbekistan. n Aug. 14, 2014: The 3rd Brigade n Sept. 27, 2004: 10th Mountain Divi- and psychological injuries to heal and Combat Team and tells them the divi- World War II, securing major victories at Combat Team, recently returned from n November 2001: Division personnel sion adds 3rd Brigade Combat Team and transition back to a unit or to civilian sion will keep fighting in Afghanistan. Mount Belvedere and Po Valley. a nine-month deployment in Afghani- arrive at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, marks its transformation into modular life. A complex for the unit on post was Obama later holds a closed-door session n Nov. 30, 1945: Division is disbanded guarding it and providing security for brigades, which are intended to deploy finished in May 2012. with families who have lost loved ones stan, formally deactivates as a part of after post-war return to Camp Carson, Colo. humanitarian efforts. Over the next 10 independently. The transformation of Army-wide force reductions. n June 2010: Army officials announce overseas. years, units from the division are de- the Army brings more than 5,000 addi- n July 1, 1948: Reactivated as the 10th n Sources: Times archives, U.S. Army tional soldiers to post. the arrest of Fort Drum soldier Spc. Dec. 3, 2012: Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan. Among ployed to Afghanistan on a regular basis. Bradley Manning in connection with Townsend takes over command of the Public Affairs highlights of its time as training unit was n March 2003: Soldiers from the n Jan. 19, 2005: Division adds 4th service in Germany during Operation division’s 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Fort Gyroscope. and elements of the connected 41st Polk, La. n June 14, 1958: Deactivated at Fort Engineer Battalion make their way to n February 2005: Eight 10th Moun- Benning, Ga. Iraq, where they support the 10th Spe- tain Division soldiers are demoted after n Sept. 11, 1984: Announcement that cial Forces Group. The infantry battalion a December 2003 incident in Afghani- Fort Drum will get the division, leading to also secures airfields and oil transfer stan in which the soldiers took pictures massive levels of development in the north stations and trains Kurdish militias. of themselves pointing unloaded weap- country in anticipation of a large influx of n March 11, 2003: Eleven soldiers ons at a bound and hooded detainee. soldiers. from the 10th Mountain Division are n May 5, 2006: A CH-47 Chinook helicop- n Feb. 13, 1985: The 10th Mountain killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash ter crashes, killing 10 division soldiers in Division (Light Infantry) reactivates at a few miles northeast of the post’s Afghanistan. Among them was the com- Fort Drum. Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. mander of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry n 1990-1991: 1,200 division soldiers deployed to southwest Asia during Op- eration Desert Shield/Desert Storm. n August 1992: 6,000 soldiers deployed Backed By Over 25 Years Experience to South Florida to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Andrew for nearly two months. n Dec. 3, 1992: Division’s headquarters designated as headquarters for all Army forces during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Division soldiers played a role in the country through March 1994. n September 1994 through January 1995: 8,600 division soldiers aid in ~ From ~ Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, supporting the return to power for OWNER: FREDERICK E. JACKSON JR. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. n March 1997: Three division com- 906 James Street, Clayton NY • (315) 686-3720 panies begin operations in Bosnia and C M Y K

M4 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times VIPs weigh in Townsend enjoys NNY ties By GORDON BLOCK Our division, it’s no Some of our nation’s most has brought nearly $20 billion TIMES STAFF WRITER accident that our divi- prominent political and military to the region over the past 25 A: Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend sion was the most deployed in leaders have been aligned with years, money that goes into local has served as commander of the Army before the (global) the 10th Mountain Division, schools and local communities. Fort Drum and the 10th Moun- war (on terror). We’re still the which was activated at Fort Drum The thousands who work and tain Division since late 2012, most deployed, and I think in 1985 after the announcement serve on post depend on the sur- we’re going to continue to be of the division’s location was rounding community for every- but his career has intersected made the previous year. Below thing from basic goods to moral with the north country multiple used a lot by our Army. We’re are their reflections, along with support. Continued use and im- times during his career. a light infantry division, a some of the politicians who work provement of Fort Drum ensures The Georgia native and rapid deployment force; we to support and sustain the divi- that our military and civilian North Georgia College gradu- have excellent facilities for sion and the post. The quotes communities, really the whole re- ate joined the Army in 1982, rapid deployment and train- were submitted by email. gion, can continue to thrive.” serving in several roles within ing. We have superb ranges, — U.S. Rep. William L. Ow- the 10th Mountain Division superb infrastructure, superb “In 1945, I ens, D-Plattsburgh and across the Army before airfield. We’re a very versatile joined the 10th taking command at Fort Drum. division, and we’re relatively Mountain Di- “Fort Drum and the 10th Moun- From 1999 to 2002, Gen. inexpensive to maintain and vision as a re- tain Division are a huge part of the Townsend led the 4th Battal- train, comparing our division placement in north country — the fort is a ma- ion, 31st Infantry Regiment to other divisions. I think that Italy and was jor job creator, a significant part of of the division’s 2nd Brigade the Army is going to rely on us a wounded a few our economy, and its troops and Combat Team. From 2003 to lot, even as Afghanistan winds months later on their families are not only defend- 2004 he was the division’s op- down. It’s not over yet, and it April 14. I was ers of our freedom, they are also erations officer. won’t be over for a few years at Dole there 30 years our friends and neighbors. Over In a phone call with the least, but I think our division ago when the division moved to the past three decades, the north Times from Afghanistan will be involved here and other Fort Drum. Over the years, I’ve country came together to support last month, Gen. Townsend NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES places around the world. been proud of the members of a growing Fort Drum, and we must spoke about his north country Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend is Fort Drum’s commander. Although I think Fort Drum ties and the direction the post and the 10th Mountain Divi- the 10th Mountain Division for continue to do everything possible I think the FD community ea, sightsee, walk, shop, do all their heroic service all around to build on this success and keep and division are heading. sion have a strong, good fu- also depends on us. About that, go see the sights. the world.” Fort Drum strong. As state sena- The interview has been con- ture ahead of us, I’m looking $1.4 billion in economic im- For example, while I was — Former U.S. Sen. Robert J. tor, I will continue my efforts to densed for space purposes. at sequestration. It’s hurt- Dole, R-Kan. support our brave service mem- pact, the largest employer in home (in the north country) ing our readiness; it’s going bers, bolster our community and You’ve talked a lot Northern New York. I think on block leave, we went up to to hurt our Army’s readiness “Congratulations and a very encourage Fort Drum’s continued Q:about the connec- the community depends on the Thousand Islands, we took and end strength. If seques- happy 30th anniversary to the sol- economic growth.” tions between the post and us, and we depend on them. a river cruise, and went down tration is not overturned by diers, families, veterans and em- — State Sen. Patricia A. the north country. How do to the Singer Castle, which has Congress, I believe our Army ployees of the U.S. Army’s 10th Ritchie, R-Heuvelton you view that connection, es- What do you do for only been open for a few years will get smaller, and I think Mountain Division and Fort Drum, pecially since you’ve raised Q:fun around the north now. We went to the Adiron- that inevitably, some of that is N.Y. I also extend a special salute to “Decisions your family in this area? country? dacks for a long weekend, Lake going to come to Fort Drum. the many north country commu- made 30 years I think that connec- First of all, Fort Drum Placid, went to Rome, toured I think that if the north coun- nities that have supported the 10th ago as the 10th A:tion is really interde- A:and the north country the fort in downtown Rome, try, the state of New York, Mountain Division over the past Mountain Divi- pendency. Fort Drum depends area is my wife Melissa’s favor- and went to the Oriskany bat- Jefferson County, if they like three decades, especially during sion was being on the Fort Drum community, ite duty station of all the places tlefield and toured that. That’s having their 10th Mountain these nearly 13 years of conflict and activated at Fort Watertown, Jefferson County, we’ve been. The combination the kind of stuff we like to do. Division and their Fort Drum, sacrifice, as this vital Army division Drum have en- Lewis County. We depend on of the post and the communi- From Lake Ontario all the it’s probably in the commu- provided ready and responsive abled the com- the surrounding community ty. We’ve liked a lot of the duty way through the Adirondacks, nity’s best interests to let their forces for our nation. The Milley munity and for the essentials of life on Fort stations we’ve been at, but for over to Lake Champlain and voices be heard. family has many fond memories Russell installation to Drum. We don’t have our own her I think Fort Drum probably Burlington, Vermont, down to I’m concerned about the of our service at Fort Drum, and we grow and benefit from each other. hospital; we use the hospitals ranks No. 1. New York City, that’s been our effects of sequestration on the extend our best to our friends who The level of integration provided in the community. We don’t When we’re off duty, I like range. We like to see New York. Army, but setting that aside, are serving there proudly on this for all those years ago has allowed have our own schools; our to hunt and fish and shoot. I think our division and our milestone anniversary year. Best our civilian and military commu- children go to school in the Together we like to travel Where do you see post is exactly what the Army wishes and Climb to Glory. Free- nity to support each other. Several community. We only house a around the north country ar- Q:Fort Drum heading? needs strategically. dom’s Guardian! Climb to Glory!” schools, the health-care system little over a third of our fami- — Gen. Mark A. Milley, com- and community have met the chal- lies. Two-thirds of our families manding general of U.S. Army lenge to expand capacity and are live off post, in the community. Ge n. Townsend: the lighter side Forces Command, Fort Bragg, stronger as a result. Soldiers and Jobs, we have soldiers and Q: Favorite sports teams? A: Classic-rock bands like Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd. N.C., and former commanding their families have added a new dy- family members who have general at Fort Drum namic to the fabric of this commu- jobs off base. We have skilled A: Atlanta Braves, Falcons, Georgia Bulldogs. He said he also Q: Who’s playing you in a movie? nity, and we all pull together when workers from the community likes the Syracuse Orange and the Watertown Red and Black A: George Clooney. semipro football team. “Charlene and I have many duty calls and our neighbors need who work on our base. Recre- fond memories of our time in the support. While many dwell on Q: Last book you read that wasn’t related to the military? ational opportunities. There’s Q: What music is on your workout playlist? A: The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. north country assigned to the 10th the economic impact of the divi- a symbiotic relationship. Mountain Division and Fort Drum. sion, the bonds of friendship have It is a place where soldiers want strengthened to those of a family to serve and where families want and have made our passion for our COMMANDING GENERALS to raise their children. The strong division second to none.” The commanding generals of Fort Drum support of the community has — Assemblywoman Addie J. and the 10th Mountain Division since the helped to make Fort Drum one of Russell, D-Theresa division’s activation in 1985, with their the best installations in the Army.” most recent rank and current status: “The 10th Mountain Division — Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, com- n December 1984 to April 1988: Lt. Gen. has a long tradition of being on mander, U.S. Central Command, William S. Carpenter; now retired. MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa the forefront of serving and pro- tecting our country around the n April 1988 to September 1990: Maj. “Filled with thousands of brave world at a moment’s notice. They Gen. Peter J. Boylan Jr.; retired. men and women who put their have become like family to our n September 1990 to September lives on the line for America’s free- community and a critical part of 1991: Lt. Gen. James R. Ellis; retired. dom, Fort Drum is a special place our national defense strategy.” — Assemblyman Kenneth D. n September 1991 to August 1993: Lt. — for our state, for the north coun- Gen. Steven L. Arnold; retired. try, and for our nation. As the world Blankenbush, R-Black River changed and our nation’s military n August 1993 to July 1995: Lt. Gen. needs evolved, Fort Drum, and “We are incredibly proud to call David C. Meade; retired. its world-famous 10th Mountain Fort Drum the home of the U.S. n July 1995 to June 1997: Lt. Gen. Division, was at the absolute cut- Army’s historic 10th Mountain Di- Thomas N. Burnette Jr.; retired. ting edge of that transformation vision light infantry unit. If elected, AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES n June 1997 to March 1999: Lt. Gen. to a more highly trained, nimble, I will be a strong advocate in Wash- Gen. Mark A. Milley, pictured in 2012, thanks the community for supporting soldiers and their families. Lawson W. Magruder III; retired, now and tactical fighting force capable ington for protecting Fort Drum, a consultant with LWM III Consulting of projecting American power the brave military men and women Gen. Michael L. Oates; retired, now around the world at a moment’s stationed there, and their families. in San Antonio. vice president for strategy and busi- notice. On the home front, too, the I will fight against devastating de- n March 1999 to August 2001: Lt. Gen. ness development for the Air and spectacular growth of Fort Drum fense cuts, and work hard to ensure James L. Campbell; retired. Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin in has been a massive shot in the arm Congress recognizes the unique n August 2001 to August 2003: Lt. Grand Prairie, Texas. to the north country economy. I strengths of the 10th Mountain Di- Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck; retired, n September 2009 to November will continue to fight in Congress to vision as the future model for our now inaugural director of the Engi- 2011: Lt. Gen. James L. Terry; now nation’s military to face the global make sure the health of Fort Drum, neering Leadership Institute at the head of U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air challenges of the 21st century.” and the entire Watertown area, is a University of Florida. Force Base in Sumter, S.C. priority for another 30 years.” — Elise M. Stefanik, Repub- n August 2003 to August 2005: Gen. — U.S. Sen. Charles E. lican candidate for New York’s n November 2011 to December 2012: Lloyd J. Austin III; commander of U.S. Schumer, D-N.Y. 21st Congressional District Gen. Mark A. Milley; recently promot- Central Command in Tampa. ed to four-star general. He took com- “The announcement 30 years “For 30 years, the men and wom- n August 2005 to April 2007: Lt. Gen. mand of U.S. Army Forces Command at en of the 10th Mountain Division ago that the legendary 10th Benjamin C. Freakley; retired, teaches Fort Bragg, N.C., in mid-August. WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES have selflessly fought to preserve Mountain Division would reacti- at Arizona State University. Maj. Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck speaks at a 2002 press conference our freedom. The division was the n December 2012 to present: Maj. vate at Fort Drum has proven to n April 2007 to September 2009: Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend. at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He retired as a lieutenant general. be a great choice. (The division) first to heroically answer the call to has grown Fort Drum exponen- duty in Afghanistan after 9/11. And tially and strengthened the econ- it eventually became the most de- 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION UNITS AT FORT DRUM omy of the north country. The ployed division in the entire Army. 10th Mountain Division has some It is for this sacrifice and service that 1ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM n 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment 10TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE I will continue to fight to ensure the of the bravest, most heroic men n Headquarters and Headquarters Company n 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment n Headquarters and Headquarters Company and women serving our country, strength of the 10th Mountain Divi- n 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion n 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment and I am proud that they call Fort sion, both for the economy of our re- n 210th Brigade Support Battalion Drum, New York, home.” gion and the security of our nation.” n 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment n 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment — U.S. Sen. Kirsten E. Gilli- — Aaron G. Woolf, Democrat- n 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM (DEACTIVATED AUG. 14) n 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment brand, D-N.Y., member of the Sen- ic candidate for New York’s 21st ate Armed Services Committee District n 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment n Headquarters and Headquarters Company n 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment “Fort Drum is important to n 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment n 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion n 277th Aviation Support Battalion “The 10th Mountain Division the economy of the region, but n 10th Brigade Support Battalion is essential to our nation’s secu- n 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment we should be examining how to rity and has proven its military n 7th Engineer Battalion transition from our dependence n 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment 10TH SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE value for decades. We owe a great on the base to building a diversi- debt to the soldiers and their n 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment n Headquarters and Headquarters Company fied economy.” 2ND BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM n 10th Sustainment Brigade Troops Battalion families who have supported its — Matthew J. Funiciello, Green n 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment many vital missions. Fort Drum n Headquarters and Headquarters Company Party candidate for New York’s n 710th Brigade Support Battalion n 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion has also been an important eco- 21st Congressional District n 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion n 91st Military Police Battalion nomic partner for Watertown Note: Some battalions will move to 1st and and numerous communities — Compiled by Times staff reporter n 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Teams as a result of the n 63rd Ordnance Battalion in the surrounding area. Drum Daniel Flatley n 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment deactivation. n 33rd Financial Management company C M Y K

Watertown Daily Times 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M5 Uncertainty part of military marriages By SUSAN MENDE JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS Waiting often is the hardest part of being married to a soldier. Waiting for a phone call that might not come from thou- sands of miles away. Waiting to learn if a spouse is still alive. Waiting to find out if a loved one will be deployed or when he or she will return home. For Priscilla R. Hall, the ago- ny of waiting started one morn- ing in August of last year in the middle of a telephone con- versation with her husband, Nathan M., a 33-year-old Fort Drum staff sergeant who was serving a nine-month deploy- ment in Afghanistan. “The phone went dead,” Mrs. Hall, 33, said of the Army’s land-line device, which is con- nected to the Internet. “I didn’t JASON HUNTER n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES hear from him again for two Tara J. and Chad E. Smolen were married on Aug. 31, 2013. Two months later, Chad was deployed. weeks. All our communication was cut off.” Hall said. “Nine months to a call,” she said. “You just want to and it just became too difficult. She said the situation wor- child seems like a lifetime.” hear their voice. That was the It’s really difficult to find a sitter ried her because military Her attempts to reach her most important phone call.” you can trust, and I kind of got PHOTO PROVIDED spouses know a “blackout” husband on Facebook and tired of looking,” she said. Staff Sgt. Nathan M. Hall gathers with his wife, Priscilla R. Hall, and probably means that one or email went unanswered. EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES The family has orders to his stepdaughters, Destiny V. Morgan, left, and Bryanna P. Frye. more soldiers have been killed. “In the military, they say no transfer next May to Hawaii, She said the military shuts news is good news,” Mrs. Hall Obtaining and keeping a job which will be another adjust- I’m proud of myself (for that),” when Mr. Chandler left for ba- is a challenge faced by many down communication to pre- said. “But that’s the hardest ment for Mrs. Smolen, 33, a Mrs. Smolen said. sic training in Georgia, which military spouses. Keeping a job vent a deceased soldier’s fam- part, not being able to talk to life-long Gouverneur resident. Mrs. Hall said it’s important his wife said was challenging. can be especially hard when ily members from learning the him. You go to sleep with your For military families, adapt- to stay strong for your spouse “That was the first time we a soldier is deployed and the bad news from outside sources phone beside you. You don’t ing to transfers and moving is and children. were ever separated,” Mrs. before there is official notifica- spouse is left alone to take care want to believe that something part of the lifestyle. “I never knew I could be so Chandler said. “I was all by my- tion from the Army. of children. bad will happen, but you have “It’s going to be a change, strong,” she said. “If you’re weak, self with three kids.” “It was a sick feeling when to prepare yourself.” When finding reliable child- but I knew what I was getting it makes it harder for them.” However, she said she sup- the phone went dead,” Mrs. She said she wasn’t con- care became too difficult, Tara into because I have friends who ports her husband’s decision to Hall recalled. vinced that her husband was all J. Smolen, a military wife from are in the military,” Mrs. Smo- SENSE OF COMMUNITY join the Army and believes the The waiting also was difficult right until she heard his voice on Gouverneur, said she decided len said. “The military can just for Mrs. Hall’s two daughters the phone two weeks later. It was to leave her job as a certified say you have to be somewhere Stacy M. Chandler, a native choice was positive for her family. — Destiny V. Morgan, 14, and a quick call, but it was the lifeline nursing assistant. on such and such a date.” of the Rome, N.Y., area, has “It was worth it,” she said. Bryanna P. Frye, 10. the family needed to get through Just two months after their Despite the challenges of been a military wife since her Although the Chandlers Mrs. Hall’s youngest daugh- their separation. Mrs. Hall found Aug. 31 wedding last year, her military life, spouses say deal- husband, Gordon J., joined the haven’t faced a deployment, ter cried some afternoons when out communication had been husband, Chad E., left for a ing with long deployments and Army in April 2013. Mrs. Chandler, 29, said she en- she saw other soldiers pick up cut off because her husband’s nine-month deployment to other hardships have helped The couple moved into a joys the sense of community their children at the end of their unit had been attacked. Afghanistan. Mrs. Smolen was them find an inner strength duplex on Fort Drum in Octo- she feels at Fort Drum and in day at Carthage Central School. “You learn that a couple-min- left to care for her sons, Garri- they didn’t know existed. ber with their three children — the surrounding area, “She would have crying ute phone call can mean more son P., 5, and Gavin S.,12. “Our first deployment pushed Layla, 8, Alexis, 3, and Paige, 2. “I love it here. It’s a very close- spells. It was really hard,” Mrs. than a long, drawn-out phone “I was working the night shift, us, but we made it through, and The family got separated knit community,” she said. Modern barracks offer more space, privacy By TED BOOKER TIMES STAFF WRITER FORT DRUM — Soldiers on post liken modern barracks to college dormitories. Compared to barracks hous- ing offered here two decades ago, today’s living spaces pro- vide soldiers with more ameni- ties and independence, accord- ing to Sgt. Patrick I. Olvecky, who allowed the Times to tour his liv- ing space last month. “It’s a lot like a college dorm, but I think our rooms are big- ger,” said Sgt. Olvecky, a mem- JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ber of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Sgt. Olvecky lives in building ‘1-32,’ which is named after his battalion. Infantry Regiment. The barrack is one of 56 soldier housing facilities on Fort Drum. The 22-year-old from Fulton said his barracks — a two-story were dictated by the chain stressful, because soldiers can building with 204 beds — have of command,” said Sgt. Maj. go into their rooms to be alone plenty of perks for soldiers. The Holmes, who now lives off-post if they want to.” building, named “1-32” after the in the village of Evans Mills. Sgt. Olvecky said he’s re- battalion, was constructed in 2009. “Your military uniform needed sponsible for checking the Sgt. Olvecky, whose battalion JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES to be hung up on the left side of cleanliness of three soldiers on returned from its deployment Fort Drum soldier Patrick I. Olvecky, a member of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, sits in his the closet, and you needed to a regular basis. to Afghanistan last month, room in one of the barracks on Fort Drum. Sgt. Olvecky’s barrack was built in 2009. have the length of about 2 cen- “Everything has to be clean said all soldiers have their own timeters between each hanger. and organized,” he said. “The 200-square-foot rooms. Each about $52 million has gone to area with a big-screen television. renovated ones provide over- You didn’t have any room to gear should be organized in the living unit has two private private-room renovations. Sgt. Olvecky said his cur- flow housing when there is a hang up your personal clothes, closets so they can be ready to and you had to keep them in rooms for soldiers, including “It’s part of the Army-wide rent living arrangement differs “full nest” of soldiers on post, go quickly.” spacious walk-in closets with a bag on the floor. Your socks plan to build enough rooms to greatly from the older barracks Mr. Wildhaber said. The 26 that Other rules also are enforced room for soldiers’ gear and per- needed to be folded like a dol- enhance the quality of life for he stayed in when he arrived on were renovated were refur- by Sgt. Olvecky. For example, sonal belongings. Roommates soldiers,” Mr. Wildhaber said. post four years ago. Back then, bished to feature the private- lar bill.” guests are allowed to stay un- share a 228-square-foot com- Soldiers are permitted to two soldiers were assigned to room configuration. Because of the plethora of til midnight in rooms, but they mon area that includes a kitch- have electronics such as com- each room, and the common Command Sgt. Maj. Roy A. rules, soldiers had to be vigi- en and bathroom. puters and televisions in their area was shared by four soldiers. Holmes, 43, from Malone, said lant at all times, Command Sgt. cannot spend the night. In the past decade on post, rooms; they also are allowed to Sgt. Olvecky said the older living in barracks housing in Maj. Holmes said. Sgt. Olvecky also said he keeps the Army has built 27 new bar- decorate their walls with post- housing arrangement had lim- the mid-1990s was much dif- Though soldiers’ rooms are a close eye on soldiers’ trash racks and has renovated 26 of ers, Sgt. Olvecky said. ited space for soldiers to store ferent from today. He recalled still checked for cleanliness, he bins. Fort Drum launched a re- 29 older barracks, said Jeremy Soldiers also have access to a their belongings. the many rules he needed to said, stringent guidelines no cycling program two years ago L. Wildhaber, Fort Drum hous- “day room” near the entrance “A bed, desk and wall locker follow as a soldier stationed at longer exist. in which soldiers are required to ing manager. About $372 mil- of the first floor, which includes were the only amenities,” he said. Fort Campbell in Hopkinsville, “They have a lot more free- recycle all plastic bottles. lion has been spent to build tables for billiards, foosball and Of the 29 older barracks, built Ky., from 1994 to 1996. dom than they did 15 to 20 “If they don’t do it, I’m the one new housing facilities, and pingpong, along with a lounge in the mid-1980s, the three un- “In the 1990s, all of the rules years ago,” he said. “It’s not as who’s responsible,” he said.

Politician visits

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES Left, Lt. John H. Peters, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Former President George W. Bush shakes hands with a soldier President Barack Obama greets a 10th Mountain Division soldier at explains training exercises to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2001. during a visit to Fort Drum in 2002. the base in 2011. C M Y K

M6 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times Global duty for 10th Mountain Division

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES A Fort Drum soldier patrols the streets in Homestead, Fla., where A girl watches a U.S. patrol drive by in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, while 10th Mountain Division and Russian soldiers meet in Bosnia during Hurricane Andrew devastated the area in August 1992. marking the 1994 return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. a NATO joint peacekeeping mission in May 1997.

New York City: About 250 Wales: Soldiers from Kyrgyzstan: Division personnel and 50 2,500-gallon 4th Battalion, 31st Uzbekistan: soldiers trained on peacekeeping fuel tankers from units Infantry Regiment, 2nd Kosovo: Division members Division soldiers, methods here and in Uzbekistan throughout the division were Brigade Combat Team, were in the country for some primarily from 1st in 1998 with military forces from dispatched in November 2012 trained with British of 2001 and 2002 as a part Battalion, 87th Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, to aid in the recovery from Canada: Multiple Army members at Brecon of Operation Joint Guardian, Infantry Regiment, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Superstorm Sandy. training missions Beacons in July 2014. where they performed deployed to Karshi- Fort Polk, La.: occurred over the multiple peacekeeping roles. Khanabad, a former Multiple training years between Soviet air base in Kuwait: Among first stints at the Joint South Florida: American and Bosnia: Multiple Uzbekistan, where deployments to the Readiness Training About 6,000 division Canadian forces, units deployed to they were joined by country following the Center. soldiers deployed in such as Exercise the country in March Iraq: Division units first deployed soldiers from the attacks of 9/11 were August 1992 to aid Ghost Dragoon in the 1997 for construction to the country in March 2003, where 4th Battalion, 31st soldiers of 4th Battalion, in the recovery from Ottawa River Valley and defense they supported the 10th Special Forces Infantry Regiment, to 31st Infantry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CALIF.: Hurricane Andrew. in August, or the missions, with Group. They also secured airfields and secure the airfield and who secured coalition Multiple training stints Division soldiers were Operation Guerrier follow-up missions oil transfer sites, and trained Kurdish provide humanitarian equipment, facilities and at the National Training there for about two Nordique on Baffin running from 1998 militants. Division forces operated support in October personnel here and in Center. months. Island in March. to 2000. there during the Gulf War. 2001. Qatar in October 2001.

Afghanistan: Division units have deployed to the country regularly since Sept. 11, 2001. Currently, the 10th Mountain Division’s headquarters is leading operations in the country’s Regional Command-East.

Pakistan: Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, trained with Pakistani and other U.S. forces in summer 1997 as a part of Inspired Gambit 97.

Honduras: Among the division’s operations in the country was its training under Joint Task Force Bravo in summer 1993. About 120 and 150 members of the 1st Brigade’s 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, took part in the operation.

Panama: Multiple division units Haiti: About 8,600 Cuba: Division Former Yugoslavian Djibouti: Members of Somalia: Saudi Arabia: Qatar: Division have sent soldiers to the country for division soldiers went soldiers were Republic of Macedonia: the 4th Battalion, 31st Division forces Division elements soldiers responding operations and training exercises, to the country in fall staged at Division members aiding in Infantry Regiment, 2nd deployed to operated in the country to the attacks of 9/11 including multiple operations at the 1994, securing areas Guantanamo Bay efforts in Kosovo joined with Brigade Combat Team, the country during the Gulf War, to secure coalition former Jungle Operations Training of Port-au-Prince in September elements of Task Force Falcon deployed to the country from 1992 to and in 2000, members equipment, facilities Center at Fort Sherman, Panama. and elsewhere to set 1994 prior to operating in the country. in April 2003 to support 1994 to aid of the 4th Battalion, and personnel were up a return of exiled Operation Uphold Among those were the 3rd the global war on terror. in Operation 31st Infantry Regiment, sent here and to Kuwait Haitian President Democracy in Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Restore Hope 2nd Brigade Combat in October 2001. Jean-Bertrand Haiti. Regiment, which guarded and Operation Team, served there. Aristide as a part of the airport at Skopje used by Egypt: Multiple division units Continue Operation Uphold peacekeepers. were dispatched to the Sinai Hope. Democracy. Peninsula during a peacekeeping effort during the Gulf War. Compiled by Gordon Block, Watertown Daily Times GRAPHIC by Lauren Harrienger

NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES Military police conduct searches at the Bagram Airfield post 1st Lt. Adam M. Malson, 4th Battalion, 31st Regiment, walks A soldier from the 10th Mountain Division waits for an open phone entrance gate in Afghanistan in 2002 as local civilian workers enter. through a market near Baghdad in 2005. to call home on Christmas Eve, 2004, at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. Drones offer ground troops support, safety from above By JAEGUN LEE Joining the Reapers at the censor operator. When training, the 174th Lake Ontario — about 12 miles Although the Army will be TIMES STAFF WRITER airfield, an MQ-1C Grey Eagle “It (unmanned aircraft) fits Attack Wing’s 10,500-pound off the coast of the lake’s east- drawing down its active-duty FORT DRUM — When U.S. — a smaller, 3,600-pound un- in everywhere. It really pro- Reapers are flown out of Fort ern shore — due to navigation- forces from about 520,000 sol- troops are on the ground in manned aircraft that can carry vides the needed situational Drum’s airfield by airmen at al software failures. diers to fewer than 450,000 in unfamiliar territory, it’s vital to as many as four Hellfire mis- awareness for proper decision- the base, who transfer control The U.S. Air Force has since 2020, it plans to launch a Gray have eyes from the skies track- siles — recently reported for making on the battlefield,” to remote cockpits in Syracuse. remedied the software problem. Eagle company for each of its ing enemy movement. duty at a unit activation cer- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan “It’s just like a typical cock- Some people also are con- 10 active-duty divisions across “Our focus is to support our emony for the “Valkyries.” J. Owen, the company’s execu- pit. They (pilots) are in control cerned that military RPAs could the country, and for a few spe- ground troops and keep them The aircraft is one of nine tive officer, said at this past Ju- of the speed, everything. It’ll be used to spy on U.S. citizens, cial operations units. safe overseas. That’s what we’re Grey Eagles that will join the ly’s activation ceremony. have a throttle, everything that but Maj. Stoquert said federal Pending approval by Con- here for; that’s what we train for,” Delta Company of the 1st Bat- Takeoffs and landings are a typical pilot would have in an law prohibits such use of drones. gress is a proposed $27 million said Maj. Sandra D. Stoquert, talion, 10th Aviation Regiment, handled by a ground-control aircraft,” Maj. Stoquert said. “We cannot break U.S. laws project to build a new han- spokeswoman for the 174th At- aka Valkyries. station, but once the drone And like any other aircraft, and conduct surveillance on gar for the Gray Eagles at Fort tack Wing, Syracuse, which flies Commonly referred to as reaches flying altitude, control accidents can occur while op- U.S. citizens. We know people Drum. Construction for the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Fort drones, remotely piloted air- can be handed over to pilots and erating drones. worry about that, but there are project could begin as soon as Drum’s Wheeler-Sack Army Air- craft (RPA) are operated by censor operators in the United Most recently, a $10 million laws in place to prevent that next spring, and would take field. a team of two — a pilot and a States through satellite links. Reaper crashed Nov. 12 into from happening,” she said. two years to complete. C M Y K

Watertown Daily Times 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M7 Broader skills seen as key to training By DANIEL FLATLEY home, absorbed new person- TIMES STAFF WRITER nel and rapidly retrained for the FORT DRUM — Before chaos next go-around. descended on wooden huts in With such a shortened time- an isolated training area, 1st Sgt. line, the Army focused on giving Aaron A. Huber and Capt. Curt J. its soldiers the skills and tactics Belohlavek, boots sodden from they needed to survive and suc- a July rain, sat for a moment to ceed in a specific part of the world, talk about their unit’s most re- according to Sgt. Vanwormer. cent training evolution while a “I don’t think we lost any- man wearing a dishdasha and thing deliberately,” he said. carrying a plastic uzi walked in “Our leaders had to choose and out of the room. what would keep our soldiers The place was surrounded alive in combat and make them — not by the enemy, but by successful. Now we’re opening soldiers from the C Troop, 1st up some of those old stores of Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regi- knowledge.” ment, who had been observing Sgt. Vanwormer said today’s the movements of the camp, Army is much more techno- purported to be the headquar- logically advanced than before, ters for an explosives dealer with everything from night-vi- supplying a growing insurgen- sion goggles to improved body cy in the area. armor available to every soldier. As the afternoon wore on, the But the true advancement, first sergeant and troop com- n he said, is in the way units that mander conferred with other NORM JOHNSTON WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES never would have trained or officials who had come to ob- Fort Drum soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, advance on an enemy position during a recent training session on post. deployed together before have serve the training. makes sense to get back to those Army in 1994, hoping to earn learned to work together and in- Just before their operational skills,” Capt. Belohlavek said. money to help pay for his edu- tegrate their skills. deadline, the scouts of 1-71 The training mixes veteran cation. Twenty years later, at age crashed through the woods, The operation executed by C soldiers with those relatively 38, he’s still in, swiftly and deliberately execut- Troop was an example of that ing a plan crafted by the troop’s new to the Army and involves coordinating cooperation. non-commissioned officers, scenarios that might be novel training and On patrol with the cavalry taking the explosives lair by even to the more experienced working with scouts that July day were sol- force, killing the dealer, and his non-commissioned officers, junior soldiers. diers trained as signals intel- guards in the process. who learned most of their tac- “There’s ligence operators, forward ob- The operation, which its ob- tics fighting in a specific set of nothing like servers and snipers. Working servers termed a success, repre- circumstances overseas. being in the in concert, they surveilled the sents an attempt by the Army to “Our NCOs have stepped it Army,” he said. target for hours, collecting in- refine a broader set of skills now up,” Sgt. Huber said of the non- But the Vanwormer formation on the movements that a 12-year focus on combat commissioned officers. “They way the Army of the personnel working there operations in the mountains of trained on it, executed it to the trains has changed significantly and relaying that information Afghanistan and the deserts and standard and above. It’s good since Sgt. Vanwormer first en- back to base before moving in cities of Iraq has given way to an to see them taking pride in their listed. to neutralize the threat. open horizon. unit and aspiring to be an elite “Time was on our side back in What initially appeared to Some of the skills left behind reconnaissance unit in an in- NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES those days,” he said. “We had a be chaos that afternoon — the as soldiers adapted to new and fantry division.” 1st Sgt. Aaron A. Huber, left, and Capt. Curt J. Belohlavek discuss lot of time to work through our slamming of armored bod- constantly changing environ- For another enlisted soldier the evolution of training exercises. training cycle from individual to ies into wooden barriers, the ments are being revisited in ear- with more than 20 years of ex- collective action.” shouting and shots fired, the nest as commanders try to plan perience, the skills gained over “You’ll hear people say, ‘We Vanwormer, with Headquarters As the wars in Iraq and Af- smell of cordite, even the calls for as many different scenarios 12 years of combat are not lost, forgot. We lost (the skills),’ but and Headquarters Company, ghanistan continued, training for evacuation after a suspi- as possible. but rather incorporated into the I don’t necessarily think that’s 1st Brigade Combat Team. cycles became compressed cious package was identified — “As a unit and as an Army, it training doctrine. the case,” said 1st Sgt. Casey S. Sgt. Vanwormer joined the as units deployed, returned was the result of training. No small order on post when feeding the troops By CHRIS BROCK Soldiers have noticed differ- fresh, raw vegetables are being Times Staff Writer ences in the base’s food. steamed in the post’s kitchens FORT DRUM — Powering Sgt. Janell J. Emerson-Fa- rather than workers heating up the base’s troops and civilians rina, a member of the 10th canned vegetables. through nourishment is a task Aviation Combat Brigade, lives Such concepts, Mr. Sprague that requires versatility. in Theresa but frequents two said, are in accordance with a pi- Fort Drum and the Army “chow halls” on post: the Mule- lot program: the Mountain War- have had to keep up with the skinner dining facility at Re- rior Healthy Initiative. He said a changing tastes of troops over store Hope Avenue and Eighth similar program is underway at the years. It’s much different Street, and the one at Wheeler- Fort Bragg, N.C., and other in- from when the base’s food pro- Sack Army Air Field. stallations throughout the Army. gram manager, Jesus E. Santana Sgt. Emerson-Farina said Despite healthier options, Pena, served as an Army cook in she has noticed healthier op- “comfort foods” are still con- Germany from 1976 to 1981. tions, more selections, greater sumed by soldiers. Mr. Pena, who left the Army awareness of possible food al- “Biscuits and gravy are still in 1999 as a master sergeant, lergies, and a bigger variety of served every morning along with where he served at U.S. Army spices used in food. big scoops of home-fried pota- South in Panama as the instal- “It just tastes better,” she said, toes,” Mr. Sprague said. “Ham- lation’s food adviser, has been adding that she enjoys the omelet burgers and hot dogs are not get- at Fort Drum for the past two station and an area where diners ting removed from the Army’s years. He also has had Army can request specially made ham- standard menu any time soon.” food leadership roles as a civil- burgers or other sandwiches at The overall goal of the pilot ian in Kosovo and South Korea. the airfield’s dining hall. program, Mr. Sprague said, is “From 1976 till now, things “It’s made right then and to ensure that the most healthy have changed from ‘You get there for you instead of cooked NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES options are considered for every what they put on your plate’ to en masse,” she said. “There’s Spc. Kyle Sprinkle prepares to carve a beef quarter during a Thanksgiving meal at the 2nd Brigade meal, and that fresh, nutritious three choices of meat per meal, individual attention.” dining facility on Fort Drum. About $11 million in food is served at the base each year. foods are offered and promoted. He added that the Army din- short-order menu, a salad bar, The amount of food dished vious contract. receive up to 16 tractor-trailer fresh ingredients from ‘scratch’ desserts and beverages,” Mr. out at the base is worth about ing facilities continue to hold A Fort Drum spokeswoman loads per month. in lieu of heating up pre-pre- Pena wrote in response to e- $11 million a year, according to monthly meetings where din- said the $5 million difference Those loads increasingly pared entrees,” Timothy K. mailed questions. “There is Mr. Pena. ers can provide feedback on between the contract awarded focus on fresh produce and Sprague, Chief Warrant Officer also self-serve sandwich bars.” The Supply and Subsistence items. and the value of the food is due But such changes are good Management Office and In- healthier menu options. 2 and 10th Mountain Division “This has a very large impact for the bottom line of Mr. Pe- stallation Food Service work to factors such as the anticipat- “This begins with preparing, food adviser, said in an email. on current and future menu na’s main mission, which is to together to ensure the dining ed rising cost of food and the cooking and serving meals with For example, he said, more standards,” CWO Sprague said. serve the needs of soldiers. facilities and training units at increased troop support with “What I enjoy about my job Fort Drum receive the highest- redeploying units during the is the satisfaction of providing quality foods. life of the contact. meals to soldiers and trying to In July, it was announced that In addition to Renzi, the make them all happy regard- Renzi Foodservice of Water- base has contracts with Lep- less of their background,” Mr. town had secured an estimated age Bakeries in Auburn, Maine; Pena said. $16 million contract to be the Upstate Farms in Rochester for Fort Drum has about 18,000 exclusive provider of food and dairy items; Carlo Masi in Utica soldiers and 4,000 civilian work- beverages to all dining facilities for produce; and Purchase- ers, including contractors, who on Fort Drum. The contract will based PepsiCo for drinks. can use the post’s three full din- last at least two years but run no Mr. Pena said that depend- ing facilities and one “grab-and- longer than five. The deal be- ing on the training cycle of go” facility. About 400 soldiers came effective Aug. 17; a Penn- troops, the 1,700-square-foot work at the dining facilities. sylvania company had the pre- SSMO warehouse on post can Section credits

n Editor: Tim Farkas and other supplemental material, can be found at n Contributing editor: Gordon Block www.fortdrum.com. n Photo editor: Norm Johnston n To comment on what Fort Drum and the 10th n Design editor: Lauren Harrienger Mountain Division mean to you as a north coun- n Staff writers: Gordon Block, Ted Booker, Chris Brock, try resident, visit Daniel Flatley, Craig Fox, Brian Kelly, Jaegun Lee, www.facebook.com/WDTNews. Susan Mende, Josh St.Croix, Perry White n Staff photographers: Jason Hunter, Norm Johnston, IN NNY BUSINESS MAGAZINE Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison n Copy editors: Tim Farkas, Rich Fyle n For more on the 10th Mountain Division’s 30 years at Fort n Research: Lisa Carr Drum, pick up the September issue of our sister publication at the Watertown Daily Times, 260 Washington St., after On the web Sept. 12. The cost is $2.95. The magazine’s website can be n All content from this 16-page special section, plus videos found at www.nnybizmag.com. C M Y K C M Y K

M8 Sunday, Waterto Septemberwn 7, D 2014aily Times 30 YearsWaterto w nat D Fortaily Times Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M9

NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES 10th Mountain Division soldiers assemble at Bagram Airfield before leaving by helicopter for a cave-clearing mission in Gardez province, Afghanistan, in 2002.

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES Spc. John R. Allen, left, and Pfc. Brandon M. Gautier, 4th Battalion, 31st Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, give each other a high-five before making a convoy run from Patrol Base Justice to Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005.

NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES An artillery honor guard fires a 10-gun salute during a change-of-command ceremony at Fort Drum last year. Returning from the Gulf War, soldiers are bused to Fort Drum through a welcoming crowd in 1991.

Above and on the right-hand side of Page M9 are film contact sheets from black-and- white negatives taken during dignitaries’ visits to the north AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES country in the 1980s and ’90s. Soldiers hold roses for their family members as they NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES wait to be dismissed during a homecoming ceremony. A soldier reunites with his family after returning home during ceremonies at Fort Drum on March 14, 2013.

JASON HUNTER n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES Sgt. Tony T. Shelton, Brownville, hugs his wife, Jennifer A. Smith-Shelton, following a deployment NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ceremony in 2012 for the Delta Company 2-108th WATERTOWN DAILY TIMEs files Preparations are made before the 9/11 remembrance ceremony from 2013 at Fort Drum. Infantry at the Ogdensburg Armory. A 10th Mountain Division soldier talks with a Somalian as relief workers unload a shipment of supplies in January 1993. C M Y K

M10 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times 10th Mountain Band mission: to inspire

By CHRIS BROCK tain Division Band date to Times Staff Writer 1942, when it was formed at WATERTOWN — With an Camp Edwards, Mass. It was arsenal ranging from tubas to deactivated in 1958 but reac- electric guitars, and whether tivated in 1987 when assigned in a war zone or a local park, to Fort Drum. the 10th Mountain Division In addition to the brass Band stands ready to inspire band, the 10th Mountain Di- soldiers and the civilian com- vision Band is divided into munity. units of the rock band Ava- The 39-member band, to- lanche, the funk jam band gether or in sections, takes on Cold Fusion, and brass quin- a variety of roles, from playing tet Vertigo Brass. as a rock band at public events All of the smaller units form to serving as the ceremo- the 39-member 10th Moun- nial band for official military tain Division marching band, functions, such as welcoming concert band and ceremonial units home from overseas. band. That mix is what is attrac- The variety of musical tive for soldiers such as Staff styles keep Chief Warrant Of- Sgt. Stephen P. Hann, who ficer Wood on his toes. In ad- plays trumpet for the 10 De- dition to leading the full band grees Brass band, one of the — which plays music from pa- offshoots of the 10th Moun- triotic marches to current ra- tain Division Band. dio favorites, and from Aaron “I like going out to play for Copland to Queen — he has the folks around town and to keep up to date on a variety the soldiers,” Staff Sgt. Hann of popular songs for the full said. “It’s seeing the smiles on band and its smaller units. their faces and the reaction The music performed by that we get whenever we play NORM JOHNSTON n WATertOWN DAILY TIMES the band has a positive, up- good music for them that they Members of Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division Band perform at last month’s Concerts on the Waterfront Series at Sackets Harbor. beat tone. aren’t expecting to hear.” “That’s something that’s In recent years, that music To watch really important to us,” Mr. video of the 10th has been played in Bosnia- Wood said. Mountain Divi- Herzegovina (1999-2000), That positive message is sion Band per- Iraq (2008) and Afghanistan forming, scan something he enjoys about (2006 and 2010). A portion this QR code or visit http://wdt. his job. of the band deployed to Af- me/10thMtnBand. “I really love the opportu- ghanistan in 2003, and five nity to go out and represent members are now deployed hit the pause button on all the the thousands of soldiers in Afghanistan perform- negative things that are going who are out there doing re- ing as a brass/woodwind on around them. They have ally hard work and facing the ensemble. live music, not just on an iPod, enemy in the eye,” Mr. Wood But no matter where it goes, and people are bringing joy to said. “Those are the people we the 10th Mountain Division them.” need to go out and represent Band, which has a mission to He added, “Especially with and to remind the public.” inspire, is inspired itself by the the 10th Mountain Division, Mr. Wood, who was raised support it gets from military the leadership is really sup- as an “Air Force brat” but brass and community mem- portive of music and the pow- calls New Mexico his home, bers in the north country. er it has on our troops.” said that each time the band “A lot of the people in Meanwhile, community performs, it represents every charge now have had multi- support for the band in the member of the 10th Mountain ple deployments, and a lot of north country has been as- Division, from infantry to in- them have seen the good that tounding, he said, especially telligence to engineering. bands can do when they are in local performances. “When we get thanked, I W ATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILES “The reception we get deployed,” said Chief Warrant The 10th Mountain Division Band, including Staff Sgt. John Nottelmann, left, on clarinet and Sgt. like to think what that infan- Officer Daniel P. Wood, band- wherever we go is amazing,” Kimberly Ward on piccolo, performs the national anthem at a Clarkson University men’s hockey game. tryman is thinking, or that master of the 10th Mountain Mr. Wood said. “People want engineer, who is not able to Division Band. “They bring to feed us and take care of us. For example, the band has performed at local events Norwood Village Green Con- be out there in the public in a little piece of home to the I don’t think we could ask for been a regular at the Concerts such as the Independence cert Series in St. Lawrence such an overt way,” he said. soldiers who are so far from better audiences than we get on the Waterfront Series in Day concert at Thompson County. “I’m able to take that and pass home. It helps the soldiers to around here.” Sackets Harbor and also has Park in Watertown and the The roots of the 10th Moun- it on.” SU football, Fort Drum share unique bond By JOSH ST.CROIX TSWIMES SPORT RITER Syracuse University football coach Scott Shafer was presented a flag from Lt. Col. Brian Beckno at his team’s annual four-day training camp at Fort Drum last month. Beckno, former commander of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in the 10th Mountain Division, told Shafer and the players it was the same flag that flew over the bat- talion’s headquarters during a nine- month deployment in Afghanistan, which ended in July. “I gave coach Shafer the raw flag with the dirt and dust from while we were there, embedded in its fi- bers, just to let them know that we were thinking of them,” said Beckno, commander of the host battalion NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES during Syracuse’s first two football Syracuse football players try their hand at the team-building task, Spiders Web, camps on post in 2012 and 2013. during training camp last month at Fort Drum. “That team down there and that coaching staff, they’re all family,” To watch videos of included paint ball and leadership he added. “The relationship that we the Syracuse football exercises, which also have been in- have with them is (that) I’d do any- team practicing at Fort corporated into the football camp. thing for those guys both profession- Drum, scan this QR “We had already formed a bond ally and personally.” code or visit http://wdt. with Fort Drum, so (the foot- The bond between SU athletics me/syracuse-fortdrum. ball training camp) was a way to strengthen that,” said Bob Brotzki, and Fort Drum has grown strong, as football team sent videos and care was recognized by Syracuse Univer- the SU assistant athletic director for packages to soldiers in the 2nd Bat- sity’s 12th chancellor and president, player development, who helped talion, 87th Infantry Regiment, while Kent Syverud, during his inaugura- orchestrate all three football camps. they were deployed. tion ceremony in April. “The true allure was to be able to “I’ll speak for the 10th Mountain Among the four areas that are nec- come up here and possibly give essary for the university to thrive, Division and General Townsend back, to let our players spend some Syverud said in his speech: “I believe (Maj. Gen. Stephen) — there isn’t time with the soldiers up here.” Syracuse University must once again anything that we won’t try to do for SU has donated tickets for all of its become the best place for veterans.” Syracuse University and their foot- sports to the Fort Drum Family and Shafer said Syverud wants the col- ball team in trying to keep the part- Morale, Welfare and Recreation Of- NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES lege and its athletics department to nership going,” said Beckno, who fice for “many, many years,” accord- Syracuse University’s PJ Batten does physical training with teammates at Fort will be re-stationed next month as a be recognized as No. 1 in the country Drum, where the Orange has spent a week for each of the past three seasons. ing to Beckno. at working hand-in-hand with cur- result of the August deactivation of In January, for example, about 250 rent troops and veterans. just going to blow up in the next few highlight of the growing relationship the division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Fort Drum soldiers received tickets “I’m real excited that my ultimate years, and I’m excited to be a small between the Orange and the 10th Team. “And I think they’ll continue to the SU men’s basketball game boss has aspirations to make these part of it.” Mountain Division. to expand as more of the division against Pittsburgh. things even bigger and better,” Sha- The football team’s camp on post, Players and soldiers of similar probably stays back and isn’t always Soldiers also have been invited to fer said. “We have good people at which includes a kids clinic for mili- ages have bonded, as have higher- deploying.” campus for tours of the athletic facil- Syracuse working with good people tary families and a scrimmage open ranking military officials and coach- The SU basketball team was on ities and to watch various SU teams at Fort Drum. I think this thing is to the public, has become the annual es who are about the same age. The post for a one-day event in 2011 that practice. C M Y K

Watertown Daily Times 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M11

Fort Drum land use Vets take pride in NNY The base covers 108,733 acres. The breakdown: By CRAIG FOX ing is that the Elizabeth A., grew up in Wa- GOUVERNEUR TIMES STAFF WRITER area is a good tertown and graduated from After 22 years in the mili- place to raise Immaculate Heart Central tary, including the last seven a family and School, and her husband at Fort Drum, Stephen J. Con- find a job that found his new career there. He away knew exactly where he fits well with said his previous stint as an as- and his family should live military back- sistant professor of American when he retired. grounds. politics at West Point — teach- They fell in love with the “They love ing freshman and sophomore Thousand Islands and St. McLaughlin the quality cadets — had a profound im- Lawrence River and the area’s of life,” said pact on his life. beauty. Carl A. McLaughlin, executive “Teaching was my passion,” “I loved the Jefferson Coun- director of the Fort Drum Re- he said. ty lifestyle,” said Mr. Con- gional Liaison Organization, The Hornbargers decided to away, 51, who stayed in the an advocacy group for the stay in the north country, and pAMELIA north country and started the post. “It’s the whole package.” Mr. Hornbarger ended up at Thousand Islands Winery in It was partly the love of the IHC, where the school created Alexandria Bay. 10th Mountain Division that the position of executive system Mr. Conaway, who retired as brought Christopher E. Horn- administrator for him. a major in the 10th Mountain barger, 46, back to Watertown For fellow veteran Brett E. Division in 2009, is one of 2,600 after he served at Fort Drum Kessler, Lake Ontario was one former Fort Drum soldiers for 20 years. Mr. Hornbarger of the many reasons he re- who have continued to live in was involved in the division’s mained in the region. Northern New York since re- missions in Somalia and Haiti, While stationed at Fort tirement, according to the Fort where his appreciation for ca- Drum, Mr. Kessler, an artillery Drum Economic Impact State- maraderie with his fellow sol- officer who retired as a lieu- ment released last year. diers grew. tenant colonel at age 41, start- Source: Fort Drum The figure represents one A retired lieutenant colonel, ed sailing in Northern New of the nation’s largest contin- he was assigned to Fort Drum York, where he and his wife, gents of military retirees living in the early 1990s as a Cobra at- Barbi D., have raised their near an Army post, according tack helicopter pilot and then three children. to the statement. commanded a company of He first served at Fort Drum Michael T. Plummer, for- choppers for the 10th Moun- from 1994 to 1997, and then mer 10th Mountain Division tain Division before teaching again from 2005 to 2009. chief of staff, who lives in Wa- at West Point. He also served “We fell in love with the area tertown, said 30 percent of the at the Pentagon, in the White the first time we were here,” base’s retirees remain in the House, at Central Command in said Mr. Kessler, an Arizona na- north country. Tampa, and in Iraq under Gen. tive who has developed an avid Among the reasons cited David Petraeus. interest in the outdoors. by former soldiers for stay- Mr. Hornbarger’s wife, In the north country, he and his two teenage sons have become interested in snow- mobiling, and he also ma- neuvers his 18-foot sailboat around the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. At first, sailing was a hobby, but it grew into a business. Two years ago, Mr. Kessler started SAIL Ontario in Henderson Harbor and now offers lake charter tours with a 32-foot Masthead Sloop. Mr. Conaway also has made a difference in the north coun- try. He helped to establish the region’s wine trail, which cur- rently features six wineries, NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES two distilleries, and a growing Fort Drum vet Stephen J. Conaway started Thousand Islands Winery. number of breweries. C M Y K C M Y K

M12 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 Years at Fort Drum W WATERTOWNatertown DDAILYaily TimesIMES WWATERTOWNatertown DailyAILY TimesIMES 30 Years at Fort Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M13

In memoriam 312 soldiers from the division have given their lives Continued from page 12 of Oceanside, Calif. n Pfc. Clinton E. Springer, 21, of n Pfc. Satieon V. Greenlee, 24, of Sanford, Maine Pendleton, S.C. n Cpl. Derek Anthony Stanley, n Sgt. John Cripe Griffith, 33, of 20, of Tulsa, Okla. Las Vegas, Nev. n Sgt. Derek T. Stenroos, 24, of n Cpl. Aaron Matthew Griner, North Pole, Alaska 24, of Tampa, Fla. n Sgt. James D. Stewart, 29, of n Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall, 28, of Chattanooga, Tenn. Huntsville, Ala. n Sgt. Mark A. Stone, 22, of Bu- n Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Hansen, chanan Dam, Texas 31, of Panama City, Fla. n Spc. Matthew K.S. Swanson, n Spc. Ethan C. Hardin, 25, of 20, of Lake Forest, Calif. Fayetteville, Ark. n Pfc. Jack T. Sweet, 19, of Alex- n Pfc. Adam J. Hardt, 19, of andria Bay, N.Y. Avondale, Ariz. n Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor, n Pvt. Devon J. Harris, 24, of 25, of Charleston, S.C. Mesquite, Texas n Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker, 18, of n Sgt. 1st Class Todd M. Harris, Greenbrier, Ark. 37, of Tucson, Ariz. n 1st Lt. Joseph J. Theinert, 24, n Spc. Joshua A. Harton, 23, of of Sag Harbor, N.Y. Bethlehem, Pa. n Pfc. Adam Lee Thomas, 21, of n CWO 2 Brian D. Hazelgrove, Palos Hills, Ill. 29, of Fort Rucker, Ala. n CWO 2 Joshua M. Tillery, 31, n Cpl. Lorne E. Henry. 21, of Ni- of Beaverton, Ore. agara Falls, N.Y. n Spc. David Nelson Timmons, n Sgt. Matthew D. Hermanson, 23, of Lewisville, N.C. 22, of Appleton, Wis. n Spc. Brandon T. Titus, 20, of n Sgt. Edelman L. Hernandez, Boise, Idaho 23, of Hyattsville, Md. n Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, 24, of n 1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Jacksonville, Ill. Fairfax, Va. n Chief Warrant Officer 2 Benja- n Pfc. Thomas J. Hewett, 22, of min H. Todd, 29, of Colville, Wash. Temple, Texas n Sgt. Travis M. Tompkins, 31, n Sgt. David Michael Hierhol- of Lawton, Okla. zer, 27, of Lewisburg, Tenn. n 2nd Lt. Richard Torres, 25, of n Spc. Rudolph R. Hizon, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn. Los Angeles, Calif. AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES n CWO 2 Eric William Totten, n Capt. (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoff- Family members of Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Rodriguez mourn as his casket is lowered from an airplane in 2012. Sgt. Rodriguez died in 34, of Dallas, Texas master, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio Afghanistan. n Staff Sgt. Steven R. Tudor, 36, n Sgt. Cornell L. Houston, 31, of of Dunmore, Pa. Mobile, Ala. New Orleans, La. n Spc. Dwayne J. McFarlane, 20, Corpus Christi, Texas n 2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, 23, n Master Sgt. Tulsa T. Tuliau, n Sgt. 1st Class Casey E. Howe, n Capt. Kevin C. Landeck, 26, of of Cass Lake, Minn. n Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, 24, of Stow, Ohio 33, of Watertown, N.Y. JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES 32, of Philadelphia, N.Y. Wheaton, Ill. n Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, of Staten Island, N.Y. n Sgt. 1st Class Charles M. n Cpl. Angelo Joseph Vaccaro, Soldiers salute a photo of Pfc. Joshua A. Gray during a memorial ceremony at Fort Drum in March. Pfc. Gray died in Afghanistan at the age of 21. n Pfc. George J. Howell, 24, of n Pfc. Ira B. Laningham, 22, of of San Juan, Puerto Rico n Pfc. Evan William O’Neill, 19, Sadell, 34, of Columbia, Mo. 23, of Deltona, Fla. Salinas, Calif. Zapata, Texas n Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28, of Haverhill, Mass. n Spc. Marko M. Samson, 30, of n Sgt. Timothy R. Van Orman, n Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas n Sgt. Thomas L. Latham, 23, of of Petersburg, Mich. n Sgt. Gregory Owens, 24, of Columbus, Ohio 24, of Port Matilda, Pa. Howick, 34, of Hamburg, N.Y. Delmar, Md. n Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Garland, Texas n Pfc. Tenzin L. Samten, 28, of n CWO 2 Terry L. Varnadore, 29, n Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz, 23, n Spc. Patrick L. Lay, 21, of Clermont, Fla. n Sgt. Steven M. Packer, 23, of Prescott, Ariz. of Hendersonville, N.C. of Clearwater, Fla. Fletcher, N.C. n 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley, 23, of Clovis, Calif. n Sgt. Paul T. Sanchez, 32, of Ir- n Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick, 25, of n Spc. Joshua U. Humble, 21, of n Spc. Jeff LeBrun, 21, of Buf- Sudbury, Mass. n Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino, 22, ving, Texas Spring Hope, N.C. 312 soldiers from the division have given their lives Appleton, Maine falo, N.Y. n Spc. Raymond N. Mitchell, 21, of Middletown, R.I. n Sgt. Ian Thomas Sanchez, 26, n Pfc. Jonathan M. Villanueva, In memoriam n Staff Sgt. Wesley Hunter, 28, of n Sgt. Carlie M. Lee, 23, of Bir- of West Memphis, Ark. n Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of of Staten Island, N.Y. 19, of Jacksonville, Fla. Lockney, Texas mingham, Ala. n Sgt. Raul Moncada, 29, of Boscawen, N.H. n Sgt. Javier Sanchez, Jr., 28, of n Spc. Andrew P. Wade, 22, of By GORDON BLOCK n Sgt. Jeremy Edward DePottey, n Spc. Terry J. Hurne, 34, of n Sgt. Cody R. Legg, 23, of Es- Madera, Calif. n Sgt. Roger Pina Pena, 29, of Greenfield, Calif. Antioch, Ill. TIMES STAFF WRITER 26, of Ironwood, Mich. Merced, Calif. condido, Calif. n Pfc. Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31, of San Antonio, Texas n Spc. Jeremiah T. Sancho, 23, n Sgt. Christopher A. Wagener, n Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst, n Lt. Col. Jaimie E. Leonard, 39, Niskayuna, N.Y. n Pfc. Charles C. Persing, 20, of of Palm Bay, Fla. FORT DRUM — Since the n Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich, 20, of 24, of Fairview Heights, Ill. Venus, Texas 31, of Fort Sill, Okla. of Warrick, N.Y. n Sgt. 1st Class Jared Christo- Albany, La. n Sgt. Kurt D. Schamberg, 26, of n Pfc. James A. Waters, 21, of 10th Mountain Division reac- n Sgt. Wakkuna Almira Jackson, n Staff Sgt. Dwayne P. R. Lewis, pher Monti, 30, of Raynham, Mass. n Pvt. Brandon T. Pickering, 21, Euclid, Ohio Coverdale, Ind. tivated at Fort Drum in 1985, n Spc. Alan N. Dikcis, 21, of Ni- agara Falls, N.Y. 21, of Jacksonville, Fla. 26, of New York, N.Y. n 1st Lt. Adam G. Mooney, 28, of of Fort Thomas, Ky. n Sgt. Anthony J. Schober, 23, of n Pvt. David L. Waters, 19, of Au- more than 300 of the division’s n Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris- n Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle E. n Spc. Anthony M. Lightfoot, 20, Cambridge, Md. n Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett, 28, of Reno, Nev. burn, Calif. soldiers have made the ulti- topher Brian Donaldson, 28, of Eff- Jackson, 28, of Sarasota, Fla. of Riverdale, Ga. n Pfc. Benjamin G. Moore, 23, of Saratoga, Wyo. n Sgt. Jason A. Schumann, 23, of n Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, mate sacrifice for their country ingham, Ill. n CSM Dennis Jallah Jr., 49, of n Staff Sgt. John D. Linde, 30, of Robbinsville, N.J. n Pfc. Dennis J. Pratt, 34, of Hawley, Minn. 31, of Audubon, N.J. while serving overseas. n Chief Warrant Officer 2 Pat- Fayetteville, N.C. New York, N.Y. n CWO 2 Dwayne L. Moore, 31, Duncan, Okla. n Sgt. Justin Andrew Scott, 22, of n Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler, 22, The division does not pub- rick Dorff, 32, of Minneapolis, n Spc. Dennis James Jr., 21, of n Staff Sgt. Eric J. Lindstrom, 27, of Williamsburg, Va. n Sgt. Austin D. Pratt, 22, of Ca- Bellevue, Ky. of Columbia, S.C. lish an official count of soldier Minn. Deltona, Fla. of Flagstaff, Ariz. n Pfc. Keith J. Moore, 28, of San det, Mo. n Pfc. Kerry D. Scott, 21, of n Spc. Blake D. Whipple, 21, of deaths, but names compiled n Spc. Mark J. Downer, 23, of n Lt. Col. Leon G. James, 46, of n Sgt. Dale T. Lloyd, 22, of Wat- Francisco, Calif. n Pfc. Joel A. Ramirez, 22, of Mount Vernon, Wash. Williamsville, N.Y. Sackets Harbor, N.Y. sontown, Pa. n Pfc. Brian Michael Moquin, Waxahachie, Texas n 1st Lt. Robert A. Seidel, 23, of n through the Watertown Daily Warner Robins, Ga. Chief Warrant Officer Ken- n Sgt. Lindsey T. James, 23, of n Pfc. Rueben J. Lopez, 27, of 19, of Worcester, Mass. n Pfc. Mariano M. Raymundo, Gettysburg, Pa. neth R. White, 35, of Fort Collins, Times, The Associated Press n Spc. Robert Eugene Drawl, 21, of Alexandria, Va. Urbana, Mo. Williams, Calif. n Pfc. Gil Morales Del Valle, 21, 21, of Houston, Texas n 1st Lt. Neale M. Shank, 25, of Colo. and Fort Drum’s Fallen War- n Pfc. Douglas J. Jeffries Jr., 20, n Spc. Jason Allen Lucas, 24, of of Jacksonville, Fla. n Sgt. Jose J. Reyes, 24, of San Fort Wayne, Ind. n Pfc. James Paul White, 19, of riors web page put the total at n Pfc. Kasper A. Dudkiewicz, 22, of Mangilao, Guam of Springville, Calif. Columbus, Ohio n Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Lorenzo, Puerto Rico n Spc. Joshua D. Sheppard, 22, Huber Heights, Ohio 312. n Sgt. Shane P. Duffy, 22, of n Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of n Staff Sgt. Patrick Lee Lybert, Victoria, Canada n Sgt. Joseph A. Richard, 27, of of Quinton, Okla. n Sgt. Jeffery Scott Wiekamp, 23, Nearly all of the deaths oc- Taunton, Mass. Lawrence, Mass. 28, of Ladysmith, Wis. n Spc. Jordan M. Morris, 23, of Lafayette, La. n 1st Sgt. Billy J. Siercks, 32, of of Uvalde, Texas curred after the terrorist attacks n Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin, 25, of n Pfc. John C. Johnson, 27, of n Sgt. Terry J. Lynch, 22, of Stillwater, Okla. n Sgt. Ferdinan C. Richardson, Velda Village, Mo. n Pfc. Matthew W. Wilson, 19, of of Sept. 11, 2001, as division Columbia, S.C. Phoenix, Ariz. Shepherd, Mont. n Sgt. James S. Moudy, 37, of 27, of Sunnymead, Calif. n Spc. Christopher Franklin Sit- Miller, Mo. soldiers deployed regularly to n Staff Sgt. Terrence D. Dunn, n Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin, 29, of n Sgt. Anthony R. Maddox, 22, Newark, Del. n Spc. Robert M. Rieckhoff, 26, ton, 21, of Montrose, Colo. n Spc. Christopher M. Wilson, Afghanistan and Iraq. Three 38, of Houston, Texas Las Vegas, Nev. of Port Arthur, Texas n Pfc. Adam J. Muller, 21, of Un- of Kenosha, Wis. n Maj. Douglas E. Sloan, 40, of 24, of Bangor, Maine fatalities occurred during divi- n Sgt. Russell Meade Durgin, 23, n 1st Lt. Benjamin D. Keating, n 1st Lt. Adam Malson, 23, of derhill, Vt. n Pfc. Henry C. Risner, 26, of Evans Mills, N.Y. n Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philip 27, of Shapleigh, Maine Rochester Hills, Mich. n Spc. Rodrigo A. Munguia Ri- Golden, Colo. n Pfc. Andrew Richard Small, E. Windorski, 35, of Bovey, Minn. sion operations in Somalia in of Henniker, N.H. n 2nd Lt. Seth J. Dvorin, 24, of n Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mat- n Pvt. Giovanny Maria, 19, of vas, 27, of Germantown, Md. n Cpl. Fernando Daniel Robin- 19, of Wiscasset, Maine n Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, 1993. thew G. Kelley, 30, of Cameron, Queens, N.Y. n Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy, son, 21, of Hawthorne, Calif. n Sgt. Aaron M. Smith, 25, of of Standish, Mich. Many of the soldiers killed East Brunswick, N.J. n Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, 33, of Mo. n Pfc. James H. Martin Jr., 23, of 21, of Lynchburg, Va. n Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Rodriguez, Manhattan, Kan. n Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton, 21, of were under the age of 25, and Murphy, N.C. n Pfc. John F. Kihm, 19, of Phila- Collinsville, Ill. n Spc. Jeffrey F. Nichols, 21, of 28, of Baltimore, Md. n Sgt. Timothy M. Smith, 25, of Oak Park, Calif. five were women. n Pfc. Kevin Finch Edgin, 31, of delphia, Pa. n Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, 26, of Granite Shoals, Texas n Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif. n Spc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Soldiers who have given Dyersburg, Tenn. n Spc. Jarrid L. King, 20, of Erie, Zephyrhills, Fla. n Sgt. Curtis L. Norris, 28, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont. n Pvt. Daren A. Smith, 19, of Omaha, Neb. their lives for our country: n Spc. Jonathan D. A. Emard, 20, Pa. n Pfc. Patrick W. May, 22, of Dansville, Mich. n Spc. Nicholas K. Rogers, 27, of Helena, Mont. n Spc. Charles J. Wren, 25, of of Mesquite, Texas n Sgt. Michael D. Kirspel, 23, of Jamestown, N.Y. n Sgt. Jasper K. Obakrairur, 26, Deltona, Fla. n Pfc. Stephen P. Snowberger, Beeville, Texas n Staff Sgt. Omar Aceves, 30, of n Spc. Richard C. Emmons, 22, Hopatcong, N.J. n Sgt. Charles John McClain, 26, of Hilo, Hawaii n Pfc. Richard H. Rosas, 21, of 18, of Lopez, Pa. n Staff Sgt. Nathan L. Wyrick, 34, El Paso, Texas of North Granby, Conn. n Spc. John K. Klinesmith, 25, of of Follensbee, W.Va. n Pfc. Alex Oceguera, 19, of San Saint Louis, Mich. n Sgt. Christopher P. Soderlund, of Enumclaw, Wash. n Sgt. Brandon E. Adams, 22, of n Sgt. Michael John Esposito, Stockbridge, Ga. n Sgt. Derek T. McConnell, 23, Bernardino, Calif. n Spc. Andrew J. Roughton, 21, 23, of Pineville, La. n Spc. John J. Young, 24, of Sa- Hollidaysburg, Pa. 22, of Brentwood, N.Y. n Staff Sgt. Anthony Santos Lag- of Parsippany, N.J. n Spc. Justin Lee O’Donohoe, of Houston, Texas n Spc. Omar Soltero, 28, of San vannah, Ga. man, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y. n Sgt. Robert M. McDowell, 30, 27, of San Diego, Calif. n Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing, 25, Antonio, Texas n 1st Lt. Andres Zermeno, 26, of n Staff Sgt. Jesse W. Ainsworth, JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES n Sgt. 1st Class Bobby L. Estle, n Pfc. James P. Lambert, 23, of of Deer Park, Texas n Pfc. Matthew D. Ogden, 33, of of Longwood, Fla. n Sgt. Richard A. Soukenka, 30, San Antonio, Texas 24, of Dayton, Texas Family members of Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard stand near his portrait during a memorial ceremony for him and 1st Lt. Robert J. Hess at Fort 38, of Lebanon, Ohio n Sgt. Maj. Phillip Robert Albert, Drum last year. Capt. Blanchard was 32; 1st Lt. Hess was 26. n Sgt. Jerry R. Evans, 23, of Eu- 41, of Terryville, Conn. faula, Ala. n Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, of n 1st Lt. Forrest Pinkerton Ew- n Cpl. Ray M. Bevel, 22, of An- ant Prairie, Wis. Rochester, N.Y. ens, 25, of Gig Harbor, Wash. drews, Texas n Lt. Col. Todd J. Clark, 40, of Ev- n Sgt. Lonnie C. Allen, 26, of Bel- n At Fort Drum, land maintenance, training go hand in hand Spc. Clay P. Farr, 21, of Ba- n Spc. Ryan A. Bishop, 32, of Eu- ans Mills, N.Y. levue, Neb. kersfield, Calif. less, Texas n Staff Sgt. Shawn Michael Cle- n Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, 24, of n Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, of La By JAEGUN LEE that we work on a 100-year tim- open to the public for recreation n Pvt. Joseph Robert Blake, 34, mens, 28, of Allegany, N.Y. Pittsfield, Mass. Grange, Texas TIMES STAFF WRITER escale and we get a new com- in the northeast,” said Raymond of Portland, Ore. n Pfc. Adare W. Cleveland, 19, of n Spc. Brian M. Anderson, 24, of n Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of manding general every two to E. Rainbolt, manager of the n Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, Anchorage, Alaska FORT DRUM — The base’s Harrisonburg, Va. Accord, N.Y. of Selah, Wash. n Spc. Junot Mevs Legrand Co- landscape is managed much three years,” he said. “So we get post’s Fish & Wildlife program. n Spc. Brushaun X. Anderson, n Lt. Col. Joseph James Fenty, n Sgt. Edward H. Bolen, 25, of chilus, 34, of Charlotte, N.C. like a state or federal wildlife a new boss who has their own In addition to state hunt- 20, of Columbus, Ga. 41, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Chittenango, N.Y. n Cpl. Jeremiah Scott Cole, 26, habitat, with one major differ- vision and definition of where ing regulations, Mr. Rainbolt n Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack, 20, of n Spc. Wilfred Flores, 20, of n Pfc. Matthew C. Bowe, 19, of of Hiawatha, Kan. the world goes, and we can’t said, hunters must abide by a Torrance, Calif. Lawton, Okla. ence: the end goal. Coraopolis, Pa. n Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of n Pfc. Carlos A. Aparicio, 19, of n Pfc. Byron J. Fouty, 19, of Wa- “We’re here, first and fore- change gears that fast.” few extra Fort Drum-specific n Weeki Wachee, Fla. San Bernardino, Calif. Spc. William G. Bowling, 24, of terford, Mich. most, to support the mission,” But his crew always does its rules: wear blaze-orange cloth- Beattyville, Ky. n Sgt. 1st Class James D. Con- n Staff Sgt. Jason R. Arnette, 24, n Sgt Edward J. Frank, 26, of said Jason E. best to find an alternative solu- ing; put firearms in cases or of Amelia, Va. n Pfc. Brian Jay Bradbury, 22, of nell, 40, of Lake City, Tenn. Yonkers, N.Y. Wagner, Fort tion or let the commanding of- trunks of vehicles when they Saint Joseph, Mo. n Spc. Koran P. Contreras, 21, of n Spc. Paul J. Atim, 27, of Green n Spc. Jameel T. Freeman, 26, of Drum’s natu- ficer know what can and can’t are transported; and regis- Bay, Wis. n Staff Sgt. Juantrea T. Bradley, Lawndale, Calif. Baltimore, Md. n ral-resources be done at a given site. ter all firearms brought on n Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, 28, of Greenville, N.C. Spc. Robert James Cook, 24, of n Spc. Chad Edward Fuller, 24, n Sgt. Bryan Allen Brewster, 24, Sun Prairie, Wis. branch chief. The constant turnover of post with military police. of Bozeman, Mont. of Potsdam, N.Y. JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES n Pfc. Brian J. Backus, 21, of Sag- of Fontana, Calif. n Pvt. Charles S. Cooper, 19, of “We want to soldiers also poses a challenge All recreationists first must ob- n Spc. J. Adan Garcia, 20, of Ir- Commercial loggers clear wooded areas during a forestry project at Fort Drum. Jason E. Wagner, Fort Drum’s inaw Township, Mich. n Sgt. William D. Brown III, 44, Jamestown, N.Y. make sure to the post’s environmental tain a free annual recreational ving, Texas. natural-resources branch chief, says the post will always have sustainable land to accommodate its training. n Sgt. Rafael E. Bigai Baez, 28, of of Franklin, N.C. n Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, of n Sgt. Mickel D. Garrigus, 24, of that our for- workers. pass and call the Sportsman’s San Juan, Puerto Rico n Pfc. Brian A. Browning, 20, of Honolulu, Hawaii. Elma, Wash. ests, our “Most of the time, by the time Hotline at (315) 772-0053 be- n Pvt. Michael V. Bailey, 20, of Astoria, Ore. n Pvt. Isaac T. Cortes, 26, of soil. The variety here at Fort that fills a wetland gets a state really sure that you could use n Spc. Benjamin J. Garrison, 25, grasslands Wagner I’ve educated them and they un- fore visiting Fort Drum to check Waldorf, Md. n Spc. Armer N. Burkart, 26, of Bronx, N.Y. of Houston, Texas and all of our derstand what we do and what Drum is amazing,” Mr. Wagner permit as well as a federal permit it,” he said. “People think, ‘It’s in and learn which areas are n Pfc. Cody G. Baker, 19, of Rockville, Md. n Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, n Cpl. Rogelio Rolando Garza, habitat on this post are healthy, the result of that is, they leave,” said. “We don’t manage like a that allows us to do that,” Mr. a military base, you can’t go on open on any given day. Visitors n Spc. Keith T. Buzinski, 26, of of Nashville, Mich. Holton, Kan. 26, of Corpus Christi, Texas robust and resilient — so that Mr. Wagner said. “But our big- state forest; we don’t manage Wagner said. “We try to avoid all it.’ Well, we’ve got about 63,000 also must pick up recreation n Spc. Brian K. Baker, 27, of Daytona Beach, Fla. n Pfc. Nicholas R. Cournoyer, n CWO 2 Bradley J. Gaudet, 31, like a national park or a wildlife those wetlands. But if we can’t acres that are available for rec- West Seneca, N.Y. n Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Caba- 25, of Gilmanton, N.H. regardless of what training ac- gest challenge is also one of our maps in person at a kiosk out- of Gladewater, Texas tivities happen today or tomor- biggest rewards, because we are refuge. Here at Fort Drum, our do anything else and we have to reation on any given day.” side of Fort Drum’s Natural Re- n Sgt. Nathan S. Barnes, 23, of coy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va. n Spc. Daniel L. Cox, 23, of Par- n Sgt. Benjamin Lewis Gilman, American Fork, Utah n Spc. Jonathan D. Cadavero, sons, Kan. row, Fort Drum will always have always reaffirming why we do drive is to have as much habitat fill one, then we mitigate for it. By hosting five major events sources Permit Office off Route. 28, of Meriden, Conn. as possible for training.” So if we had to fill an acre of wet- a year — Maple Days, an Arbor n Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of 24, of Takoma Park, Md. n Pfc. Peter K. Cross, 20, of Sagi- n Pfc. Nathaniel Given, 21, of a sustainable landmass to do its what we do.” 26, between Great Bend and Waterloo, Wis. n Cpl. Bobby T. Callahan, 22, of naw, Texas Dickinson, Texas training on.” And the work they do — Besides collecting and ana- land, we have to build an acre of Day ceremony, a fishing derby, Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. n Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Jamestown, N.C. n Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers, 28, of n Sgt. Nicholes Darwin Golding, It’s an endless challenge for maintaining a diverse ecosys- lyzing data, natural-resources wetland someplace else.” migratory bird field trip and “First and foremost we’re Pembroke, Mass. n Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mitch- New London, Conn. 24, of Addison, Maine Mr. Wagner and his staff of 18 tem on post — ultimately helps workers put a lot of effort into One of the prevalent miscon- Outdoor Adventure Days — in here to support the soldiers n Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, ell K. Carver, 31, of Charlotte, N.C. n Spc. Kerry M. G. Danyluk, 27, NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES n Pfc. Joshua A. Gray, 21, of Van forestry and wildlife experts, soldiers prepare for combat in mitigation. While they do their ceptions about Fort Drum is that addition to general outreach and their families,” Mr. Wagner 44, of Perrysburg, Ohio. n Spc. Christian J. Chandler, 20, of Cuero, Texas Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley attends a memorial ceremony at Fort Drum in 2013. Lear, Ky. whose objective is to keep various environments. best to make sure training activi- its forests are closed to the pub- efforts, natural-resources said. “But Fort Drum doesn’t n Pfc. Jose O. Belmontes, 28, of of Trenton, Texas n Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis, 34, n Spc. Toccara Green, 23, of roughly 109,000 acres of land di- “The beauty of Fort Drum is ties do not “negatively impact the lic, Mr. Wagner said. management workers try to exist without its community.” La Verne, Calif. n Spc. Robert K. Charlton, 22, of of Anchorage, Alaska n Pfc. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of n Sgt. Jason C. Denfrund, 24, of Rosedale, Md. n Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Ben- Malden, Mo. n Pfc. Justin Ray Davis, 19, of verse and “mission-ready” not that you can go from all-grass- land for the future,” he said, Fort “I grew up right here in show that the community is For further information or Boyne City, Mich. Cattaraugus, N.Y. n Cpl. Jeremy R. Greene, 24, of son, 40, of Winona, Minn. n Sgt. Robert Joseph Chiomen- Gaithersburg, Md. Springfield, Ohio just for the next decade, but for a land or all-forest to a place Drum inevitably would need to Champion, just four miles from welcomed on post. to apply for a recreational ac- n Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of to, 34, of Fort Dix, N.J. n Staff Sgt. Esau I. De la Pena- n Pfc. Darren A. Deblanc, 20, of n Spc. Preston J. Dennis, 23, of hundred years from now. where your feet are wet all the fill a marsh once in a while. the fence, and as a kid, I never “Fort Drum offers one of the cess pass, visit www.fortdrum. East Kingston, N.H. n Pfc. Eric D. Clark, 22, of Pleas- Hernandez, 25, of La Puente, Calif. Evansville, Ind. Redding, Calif. Continued on page 13 “Our biggest challenge is time; from sandy soil to clay “Every construction project came over here. I wasn’t even largest tracts of contiguous land isportsman.net. C M Y K

M14 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times

bigotry abides and is out in the north country, those barriers are, open, its ugliness there for all if not entirely shattered, at least PERRY to see. In this area, however, tattered and isolated. All cultures intersect WHITE it is far less prevalent than in So as we celebrate the 30th When I was a newcomer to This influence was not limit- is because of Fort Drum. The OUTSIDE LOOKING IN most of the state’s rural areas. birthday of the division’s life at the north country almost two ed to race or ethnicity. Varying broad base of our military forces I am sure there are those read- Fort Drum, let’s not forget the hu- decades ago, I was astounded American accents represent- is exemplified by the makeup of ing this who harbor hate — or fear man importance the soldiers and by the cultural diversity that ing every region of the country the north country. Over the past — in their hearts. And I’m equally their families have imported here. existed in a city the size of Wa- — from the easy drawls of the 30 years that mark the activation richment that has come from sure there are those who express When your kids go into the world tertown and a rural region such Deep South to the soft-spoken of the 10th Mountain Division at the presence of Fort Drum. the vile sentiments of racial hate comfortable with the benefits of as Jefferson County. laconic speech of the Far West the post, this cultural influence As a student of New York, in the form of ignorant epithets cultural diversity, when you real- Most of my working life has to the broad, flat vowels of the has been a steady, resolute and and someone who has traveled and appalling invective. But I ize you don’t have to put up with been spent in very rural areas of mid-Atlantic states — fill the irresistible force here. We are all extensively through it, I know promise you there is much less haters in your community, when New York — the northern Catskills air throughout this area. the more wealthy for it. firsthand that this small area is of that here than in other similar you consider the number of re- and the southern portion of the Recently, all this was brought Each year, officials at the more tolerant, more aware, more areas of this state and nation. ally wonderful soldiers and their Capital District were the areas home to me when I stopped at a post release a study of the embracing, of diverse racial I am firmly convinced this is families you have met who don’t where I cut my journalistic teeth. light on Arsenal Street behind a economic influence it has and cultural influences. From directly due to the presence of look or sound exactly like you, These areas were notable for their car with Alaska plates and next on the region. And don’t get the restaurants to the churches, Fort Drum in the north country. give thanks for the richness the racial and cultural uniformity. to a car with New Mexico plates. me wrong — that influence from the stores to the schools, When you work, play, shop, learn post has brought into your life. Once I got here, I marveled at If you’re observant enough, in is enormous. Removing the people of color and people of di- and pray next to a rainbow of You, and I, and everyone how different it was. People of a 24-hour period you probably billions of dollars the post has verse ethnic and religious back- colors, experiences and beliefs, who lives in the north country, many cultures, and colors, were can find plates from nearly every injected directly and indirectly grounds are made more at home you tend not to look at race or have been blessed by this. common and obviously far more state in the union — and from into the local economy would here than in any rural area of the ethnicity and focus instead on integrated into the community Ontario, of course. be devastating for the region. state I’ve visited. the person. That is the first step Perry White is the managing ed- than they would have been in Nearly all of this marvelous But I worry that we some- I’m sad to say there are in breaking down the barriers of itor of the Watertown Daily Times. other rural areas of the state. rainbow of the local citizenry times ignore the cultural en- many areas of this state where bigotry. In Watertown and the Reach him at [email protected].

U.S. Military On The Move TM is a FREE real estate rebate and information program that allows you to earn cash back when you buy or sell a home. When you buy or sell a home through U.S. Military On The Move TM , you’ll receive a cash rebate based on the actual sales price - not a fixed amount based on a range of values - and you’ll receive your rebate at settlement.

To Register and Get More Information Contact Us Today: 712 James Street, Clayton, NY (315) 686-4000 C M Y K

Watertown Daily Times 30 YearsWATERTOWN at DAILY Fort TIMES Drum Sunday, September 7, 2014 M15 The future: possible cuts, but potential

By BRIAN KELLY TIMES STAFF WRITER FORT DRUM — When Fort Drum’s future is discussed, the phrase “crystal ball” often comes up, as in, no one has one. While veteran watchers of the post don’t envision a dooms- day scenario in which it is closed entirely, they do foresee more reductions in forces ahead due to federal spending cuts com- monly known as sequestration. But observers also see potential opportunity with the addition of drones, the possible placement JUSTIN SORENSEN n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES of a missile defense system on Retired Col. Michael T. Plummer says the 10th Mountain Division post, and the availability of vast has proved its value as one of the Army’s most deployed divisions. tracts of land for military training. The base already has lost Mr. Plummer said. expect the base to take an inor- 1,500 active-duty soldiers with Mr. McLaughlin said Fort dinate hit in force size, but, “If the Aug. 14 deactivation of the Drum also is a state-of-the- sequestration stays with us be- 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Also, art military base that has been yond 2016, all bets are off. It’s a the Army in June released its designed with modern war- wild card.” “Supplemental Programmatic fare and rapid deployments in Rep. William L. Owens, D- Environmental Assessment for mind, which hasn’t been the Plattsburgh, agreed that seques- Army 2020 Force Structure Re- AMANDA MORRISON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES case with some older bases. tration remains the unknown alignment.” Members of the 10th Mountain Division listen to a speech given by 1st Brigade Combat Team He said the base remains un- quantity in the long-term equa- The study painted a worst- commander Col. Stephen L. Michael during a combined deployment ceremony last year at Fort Drum. encroached by development, tion, but he said that with the case scenario for the base, in A study released in June says 16,000 soldier and civilian jobs could be cut from the post by 2020. meaning there is plenty of drone program in place and the which 16,000 soldier and civil- room for training without dis- possibility of a missile defense ian jobs could be cut by 2020, a in force “depends on the whims turbing surrounding commu- system being located at Fort move that would cause a $1.6 of Congress,” including which nities, something that isn’t seen Drum, he doesn’t foresee a dra- billion economic catastrophe party is in power and who the at more urban bases. matic change in the number of across the north country. president is in 2016, when se- Also, the base has plenty of soldiers at the post, as any forc- The study comes as the Army questration could return in full available air space, making it es lost through sequestration plans to decrease its active-duty force under the federal budget. an ideal training ground for re- could be supplemented by new ranks from about 520,000 soldiers “I’m an optimist, and I hope motely piloted drones, a poten- programs. to between 440,000 and 450,000, sanity will prevail and you’ll have tial growth area at Fort Drum. “You’re diversifying Fort or potentially as few as 420,000, if a 10th Mountain Division, albeit Given the base’s strengths, Drum, and with that diversifica- sequestration continues. smaller,” Col. Plummer said. Mr. McLaughlin said he sees tion you’re able to add bodies,” “I can’t describe what With the loss of soldiers al- Fort Drum’s assets continuing Mr. Owens said. “Short term, I that would do,” said Carl A. most a certainty, Mr. McLaugh- to be valuable to the Army even don’t see (troop levels) changing McLaughlin, executive director lin said the community must be- if force cuts are made. He said much due to sequestration, and of the Fort Drum Regional Liai- gin to consider what the “tipping that even with sequestration long term, my goal would be to try son Organization. “I don’t even point” could be in the future eco- looming, world events continue to work toward a net-zero posi- want to think about what that nomic investment in the area, or to remind people that, at some tion by trying to add new things.” would do to the community.” the point at which companies point, the Army will need an in- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo sent While more military cuts are will become reluctant to invest creased, not reduced, force. a letter to Secretary of the Army likely by 2020, F. Anthony Keating, in new housing or business ven- “Not for one minute do I think John M. McHugh and Army civilian aide to the secretary of the tures in the north country. that we can sit back and pretend Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Army, said Fort Drum would be Fort Drum has sounded the that we are not going to need Odierno last month emphasiz- able to handle its share, assuming alarm in recent years over the our Army in the future,” Mr. ing the state’s strong support the cuts would be spread across lack of adequate housing for McLaughlin said. “We’ve seen of Fort Drum and stressing the soldiers, and developers have the Army, as opposed to one base NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES it over and over again. It’s only a negative impact that cuts to suffering the lion’s share of reduc- met those needs with hundreds Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, speaking at an AARP matter of time before they’re go- forces at the base would have tions, or even being closed. of new housing units both on luncheon in Watertown last year, says any forces lost through ing to need to call them back up.” on Army preparedness and the “My best guess is that we and off post. federal cuts could be supplemented by new programs at Fort Drum. For the same reason, he said north country’s economy. would be likely to do our pro- “I think the way we did our he doesn’t envision Fort Drum Gov. Cuomo’s letter outlined portionate share,” Mr. Keating building was very, very precise, new quality housing available at quality schools, a relatively safe being closed, or “mothballed,” several areas in which the Army said. “I think there are very few as was our approach to creating Fort Drum also will make it more environment, and commu- with conventional wisdom in- benefits from its relationship (bases) that would take a hit rental housing,” Mr. McLaugh- likely that soldiers’ families will re- nity support for the base and dicating the post’s assets will with the north country com- disproportionately.” lin said. “But if you take away main in the area during future de- its personnel. He said the 10th be needed in the future. munity and offered to continue Michael T. Plummer, former the demand, that’s where you ployments, rather than return to Mountain Division enjoys one “Again, you’re always think- to provide the state’s support 10th Mountain Division chief start to see disinvestment.” the their hometowns to wait out of the highest re-enlistment ing one day you’re going to have to strengthen those ties. of staff, who lives in Watertown, Mr. Plummer said that because those deployments. rates for present-duty assign- to regrow it, rebuild it, and build- Meanwhile, the Fort Drum Re- said the division has proved of the division’s numerous de- “Because they’re going into ment in the Army, and that ing it from scratch is going to be gional Liaison Organization has its value as one of the most de- ployments since 2001, Northern better housing, more families about 30 percent of the base’s a lot harder,” he said. “Frankly, been collecting signatures on pe- ployed divisions in the Army, New York already has experienced will stay here than back in the retirees stay in the area. these guys get deployed over and titions both online and on paper, with more than 20 deployments the type of economic impact that day,” Mr. Plummer said. “There is no other communi- over again and always have suc- urging Army officials to keep the to both Iraq and Afghanistan the loss of soldiers can have on a He said the Fort Drum area ty in the United States that takes cessful missions. You can’t argue post’s mission and manpower since 2001. He said, however, community, and most businesses has proved to be an attractive as good of care of its soldiers and with the job they’ve done.” intact. The petition can be found that the decision to make cuts have weathered it. He said the post for soldiers because of families than this community,” Mr. Keating said he doesn’t at www.drum2025.com.

done in an unbelievable amount of time to meet the needs for 400 units Economy ... of housing,” said Taylor, who has From M2 served as supervisor since 1991 and was a board member for eight years aid — resulting in no effect on taxpayers. before that. “From 1988 on forward, we have risen Roads branching from Route 11 to meet the needs of the military child,” have been built by the town to ac- Mr. Koch said. “In 2010, we opened an commodate commercial growth. additional 38 classrooms to take the Last year, the town built Taylor Road, bump in enrollment. And we’ve done a mile-long connector from the in- the same thing with this project, with tersection at Walmart off Route 11 to an additional 10 elementary classes and Eagle Ridge Village. The road, named more space in other places.” after the town supervisor, has allevi- ated traffic congestion for some 700 families at Eagle Ridge by providing HEALTH CARE another route to exit the site, Mr. Tay- The network of private health-care lor said. institutions across the region has LeRay residents have benefited been strengthened because of the from growth spurred by the post, too, growth of the military populace from as the town has maintained a stable 2003 to 2006, according to Denise K. tax rate, he said. Young, executive director of the Fort “The town gets well over $1 million Drum Regional Health Planning Or- a year in sales tax, and it’s used for ganization. The group, established in many things,” Mr. Taylor said. “Some 2005, has tackled an array of health- towns have really had to struggle, cut care issues to improve the quality of corners and pinch pennies, but we’ve care available to soldiers. been able to buy new equipment Initiatives led by the organization in NORM JOHNSTON n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES when needed and pay our employees The north country has experienced a housing boom over the past three years. One nearly completed project is the 394-unit Preserve recent years have made health care for a reasonable wage.” at Autumn Ridge townhouse complex in Watertown. military and civilian families more ef- In December 2012, the state De- partment of Transportation opened ficient at its network of five hospitals tient, because they have access to ev- Interstate 781, a 4.8-mile highway and two health clinics in Jefferson, erything that happens.” linking Route 11 to Interstate 81 Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, Mrs. As of this year, about 1,400 jobs are Young said. The Indian River, Carthage and Watertown school districts educate the largest number of military through the towns of LeRay and Pa- in the region’s private health-care From 2010 to 2012, a telemedicine children in the north country. The first number below represents the total student body at the start melia. The $55 million state project sector as a direct result of Fort Drum, of the 2013-14 school year, and the second number marks the percentage of military children. information exchange launched, broke ground in August 2010. Mrs. Young said. The post’s econom- enabling institutions to share elec- U.S. Rep. William L. Owens, D- tronic patient records, a project that ic impact “isn’t just about dollars Plattsburgh, said the connector high- increased access to specialty care for spent — it’s good jobs for our popula- way is one of many infrastructure some 160,000 residents across the re- tion,” she said. projects spurred by Fort Drum that gion. Mrs. Young said the exchange Because there is no hospital on will have a lasting impact on the com- base, the five hospitals across the INFRASTRUCTURE said. That quickly changed, howev- allows primary-care physicians to ac- er, when the Army decided to build munity. region served by the regional health The town of LeRay has led the “I think the connector road and the cess the entire medical history of pa- housing on land that needed water tients who have records at different organization play a key role in pro- ongoing construction of roads, wa- various water and sewer projects that and sewer lines. institutions. viding care for military members. ter and sewer lines to meet the de- have gone in throughout the area will “Health care is better coordinat- The five are Samaritan Medical Cen- mands of housing and commercial In 1986, a plan materialized in Le- have a long-term benefit to the com- ed, duplicate tests are reduced, and ter, Watertown; Lewis County Gen- growth spurred by the expansion Ray to build the 400-unit Woodcliff munity,” he said. “You’ve also had im- soldiers can access their tests and eral Hospital, Lowville; Carthage Area of Fort Drum in the mid-1980s. A community, an Army housing com- proved broadband in the community. records outside the gate,” she said. Hospital; E.J. Noble Hospital, Gou- decade earlier, LeRay had only one plex at routes 342 and 11. Fort Drum has created and driven “Physicians are able to use those re- verneur; and River Hospital, Alexan- water district and no sewer districts, “We had to build a water and sewer outcomes that are much broader than cords to take care of the whole pa- dria Bay. Town Supervisor Ronald C. Taylor district in a hurry out there, and it was just servicing the post.” C M Y K

M16 Sunday, September 7, 2014 30 YearsWATERTOWN at D FortAILY TIMES Drum Watertown Daily Times