military

Army bases' land is resource for generating energy

Ryan Delaney — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:06:55 +0000

The U.S. military is the largest consumer of energy in the federal government. But it also has a tremendous resource for generating its own energy: all the land bases sit on.

Same-sex military couples “elated” by news of some spousal benefits, say full equality is needed

Joanna Richards — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:21:15 +0000

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced yesterday that in line with the repeal of the military's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy, some spousal benefits will be given to same-sex service members and their partners. The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits many of the major spousal benefits, like housing and health care, from being extended to same-sex couples. But Panetta's announcement still had advocates for gay service members cheering.

Soldiers say Army instills reverence, respect for weapons

Joanna Richards — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:03:00 +0000

Speaking to soldiers about firearms, no matter what their individual views are on gun control, one thing becomes clear: they take them seriously.

Innovation in the gun industry

Kate O'Connell — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:14:00 +0000

For gun manufacturers, there is one thing that seems very apparent - the demand for traditional weapons is high. For many customers, there is a personal connection to guns that have been in the family for years. For others, it is the allure of brands and models that have stood the test of time.

Owens: Fort Drum “in good shape” as Army considers cutbacks

Joanna Richards — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:03:53 +0000

The U.S. military is in the process of cutting almost half a trillion dollars from its budget over ten years. The Pentagon says the cuts will lead to a more agile force with a new strategic mission. A new Army report weighs alternatives for restructuring that could affect Fort Drum. Under one scenario, the post could see an increase of 3,000 soldiers, but under another, it could lose up to 8,000 soldiers and 15 percent of its civilian workforce.

Soldiers say women welcome in greater combat roles – as long as they can hold their own

Joanna Richards — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:06:11 +0000

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to announce Thursday that a ban on women serving in combat roles in the military will be lifted over the coming years. Around heavily-deployed Fort Drum, soldiers generally welcomed the news – with some caveats.

Wounded Fort Drum soldier calls president's inaugural address “on-the-job encouragement”

Joanna Richards — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:32:42 +0000

More than half a million people gathered on the National Mall in front of the Capitol to be a part of President Barack Obama's second inauguration. Among them were about 10 wounded warriors who have been recovering at Walter Reed hospital in Washington. Among that group were four Fort Drum soldiers. One, Specialist Jacob Owens, spoke with a reporter after a long day full of ceremony.

Cell Phones for Soldiers drive help military overseas

Ellen Abbott — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 10:46:00 +0000

If you have an old cell phone stashed in a drawer that you don't use any more, you can help a soldier overseas keep in touch with home. Central New York's "Cell Phones for Soldiers" annual collection drive continues, as does the need.

Fort Drum's 2nd Brigade Combat Team prepares for Afghanistan deployment

Joanna Richards — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 06:06:00 +0000

Fort Drum's 2nd Brigade Combat Team is preparing for a January deployment to eastern Afghanistan. The deployment marks a shift for troops from combat to advising and assisting the Afghan security forces.

Vets Peer-to-Peer Outreach Center opens in Watertown

Joanna Richards — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 06:07:00 +0000

A new center to help veterans through mental health problems opened Friday in Watertown. Veteran volunteers will help their peers get the services they need.

Zoe Wool on the Campbell Conversations

Grant Reeher — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Zoe Wool is a researcher and writer who has been working with war-injured American soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

New commanding general takes helm at Fort Drum

Joanna Richards — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 03:36:00 +0000

Major General Stephen Townsend has taken over command of Fort Drum and the 10^th Mountain Division following a ceremony at the post yesterday morning.

Election officials preparing for a big day

Ellen Abbott — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:01:00 +0000

Election Day is here at last and polling places across upstate New York are prepared to be busy, because presidential election years tend to boost turnout.

Family, friends remember Sgt. Daniel Rodriguez as community turns out for Carthage funeral

Joanna Richards — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 03:55:56 +0000

The remains of a Fort Drum soldier killed in Afghanistan earlier this month returned to home of the 10^th Mountain Division on Sunday, and his funeral was held yesterday in Carthage, in Jefferson County.

At 28 years old, Staff Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez had a wife and three children – and four combat tours under his belt after 10 years of service in the Army.

Those who knew him said Rodriguez will be remembered for his humor, the love he had for his family, and the commitment he had to his military career.

Fort Drum eyed by House Republicans for new missile defense site

Joanna Richards — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:38:39 +0000

Fort Drum is being eyed as a possible location for a new East Coast missile defense site. Republicans in the House Armed Services committee called this week for a study on the issue.