Fort Drum Public Affairs
FORT DRUM, NY – A group of Fort Drum Soldiers deployed hours before dawn from Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield today, as part of a larger Department of Defense effort to support NATO allies in Europe.
The unit had 200 Soldiers placed on heightened alert last week, and they spent as much of their remaining time with family and friends before their departure. One Soldier, waving goodbye to her colleagues at the Darby Rapid Deployment Facility, said that she felt ready for this deployment.
“I’m feeling great about this,” she said. “And I want to thank everyone for their support.”
The 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum Garrison command teams spoke with the Soldiers waiting to board the plane. Maj. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, walked down the line of deploying Soldiers, shaking hands and wishing them safe travels, and then a second time as they exited the facility.
Command Sgt. Maj. Mario Terenas, 10th Mountain Division (LI) senior enlisted adviser, got a laugh out of the group while explaining why they were selected for rapid deployment.
“You guys have to stop being so damn good,” he joked. “But I am extremely proud of you. You are Mountain Tough.”
