April 25, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ATTENDS SENDOFF FOR 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION SOLDIERS AT FORT DRUM
Announces Enhanced Veterans’ Tuition Award
Governor David A. Paterson today addressed nearly 1,100 soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division as they prepare in the coming days to deploy to Iraq. The 15-month deployment will be the division headquarters' first tour in Iraq, having previously deployed to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004 and most recently from 2006 to 2007.
The 10th Mountain Division headquarters will be responsible for command and control of coalition military forces in south and southeast Baghdad, as well as Karbala, Najaf, Babil and Wasit provinces. A unique aspect of this deployment is that headquarters will command brigade combat teams assigned to other Army divisions. Currently, almost 4,000 Fort Drum soldiers are deployed to Iraq and an additional 3,500 from the 10th Mountain Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team are serving in North Baghdad.
“It is my honor and privilege to send off these brave men and women, whose selfless service is a reminder that the freedom and opportunity we enjoy in America is not the rule throughout human history,” said Governor Paterson. “Neither is it an accident of fate or consequence. Rather, it has only been made possible by the bravery, courage and selflessness of our soldiers – and the quiet heroism of our soldiers’ families.”
During his first visit to Fort Drum since taking office, Governor Paterson discussed the importance of taking care of our veterans, active duty service members, and their families. The Governor also addressed the need to assist the Fort Drum community as the military post expands.
In an effort to help New York’s returning combat veterans access more affordable education, the 2008-09 Enacted Budget includes funding to provide an enhanced educational benefit. This award can be used at any public or private college or university in New York and is equal to the amount of undergraduate tuition charged by SUNY to New York State residents, or actual tuition, whichever is less. This expansion of educational benefits comes at a time when many returning veterans are finding that their federal benefits fall far short of their needs.
In addition, the Enacted Budget provides $10 million in funding to make infrastructure improvements in the area surrounding Fort Drum, which will help accommodate the additional 1,500 troops the United States Army expects to station there by 2013. These investments are part of the City-by-City initiative announced last year to finance projects that are vital to the North Country’s economy and quality of life.
The Enacted Budget also provides an additional $10 million that will be provided to support the second year of the “Homes for Veterans” program in 2008. This initiative makes available fixed interest-rate, below-market mortgages to help eligible veterans purchase homes. In 2007, the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) committed $10 million to military families through this program.
As part of the Governor’s commitment to support returning veterans and their families, New York State has also placed a full-time New York State Veterans Counselor at Fort Drum. This individual will offer guidance to eligible veterans on existing federal, state, and county benefits, programs, and entitlements; advocate and assist veterans' filing of disability claims; and ease the strain on soldiers and their families as they transition out of service to their country.
“As our soldiers serve this state and nation, we must continue to serve our soldiers and their families, and ensure that their sacrifice is recognized and service rewarded,” said Governor Paterson.
