Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), member of the House Armed Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness, issued the following statement on the 30th anniversary of the activation of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum on February 13th, 1985:
“Today we recognize and honor the 10th Mountain Division and everything they have done for Fort Drum, our North Country community and our nation. For the past thirty years, the brave men and women of the 10th Mountain Division have stood in harm’s way to protect and defend our country. Too many of our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service. We cannot repay the debt we owe these service members and their families, but we can work to honor their legacy and recognize what they have done for us.
“In Congress, I will fight to protect the interests of Fort Drum and to ensure the 10th Mountain Division has the necessary resources they need to do their work. Since September 11th, 2001, the 10th Mountain Division has been the most actively deployed division to Iraq and Afghanistan. We must protect the promises that have made to these brave individuals and strengthen our nation’s commitment to helping them as they return from combat. To that end, I am pleased that this week a measure was signed into law that will help our veterans struggling with mental health issues after returning from deployment, and that the House of Representatives has already begun work to help our veterans find work. But more can and must be done.
“On this 30th Anniversary, let us honor and reflect on all that the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum has done for our community and our nation, and let us pledge to work together to preserve and strengthen this institution for many years to come.”
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