FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2026) -- The annual Retiree Appreciation Day brought together generations of veterans outside Clark Hall on Sept. 26, reaffirming Fort Drum’s commitment to keeping “Soldiers for Life” connected to the military community.
“You displayed uncommon acts of initiative and selfless service,” said Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commanding general, during the opening ceremony. “You may no longer wear the uniform every day, but you remain a part of our nation’s military story. And here, certainly at Fort Drum and for the region we represent, you remain a part of our family.”
Although the audience consisted largely of retired Army veterans, Naumann acknowledged that the ceremony honored retirees of all service branches, and their family members, whom he described as the “unsung heroes.”
“You carried the weight of service in ways that often went unseen,” he said. “You endured separations, relocations, and incredible amounts of uncertainty. You provided strength when your Soldiers or service members needed it most.”
Before concluding his remarks, Naumann urged those in attendance to act as military ambassadors in their communities – to inform and inspire the next generation of service members.
“In many cases, you are the military subject matter experts in your communities and, most importantly, you help explain what service means,” he said. “You connect the public to our armed forces, and you help young men and women understand the value of joining a team with a purpose. When you share your story you strengthen the connection between the American people and the armed forces, and that is an important mission.”
Central to the day’s activities was the Fort Drum Retiree Council. The 14-member council represents more than 200 cumulative years of military service and acts as a vital link between military retirees and higher headquarters.
The council provides senior commanders with an insight into the issues and concerns of retirees in the Fort Drum area of responsibility – extending across the northeastern United Sates as well as seven Canadian provinces.
“We are here to serve as your voice,” said retired Lt. Col. Janice Graveley, Fort Drum Retiree Council co-chair. “If you have issues, problems or concerns, we’re here to fight for you because you matter.”
Graveley reminded attendees of the unique fraternity they share, noting that fewer than one percent of Americans take the oath to defend the nation.
“You have sacrificed more than most, and we want you to know that you’re not invisible,” she said. “And you are not alone. We’re here for you.”
The ceremony concluded with the reenlistment of Master Sgt. Gary Martin, who currently serves in the Office of the Inspector General at Fort Drum.
“I didn’t have my family present for the last couple of reenlistments, so I’m very excited to have one with my family here and to have the commanding general administer the oath,” he said. “I’ve always loved the Army. From the day I joined I always intended to retire as a Soldier, so this reenlistment was just a long time coming, and I’m excited to continue serving.”
Martin enlisted in 2011, and his first assignment with the 10th Mountain Division (LI) was as a rifle platoon sergeant with G Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team. A veteran of five deployments across the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Martin said he chose his current assignment so he could continue to serve with the division.
“The 10th Mountain Division (LI) has been the best division I’ve been a part of,” he said. “When it comes to the quality of training and the quality of leadership, it’s second to none, and that’s why I wanted to stay.”
Hosted by the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum, Retiree Appreciation Day provided attendees with updates on TRICARE, pension policies, and retirement entitlements. Throughout the day, they could access personnel and medical services – ranging from identification card renewal and Survivor Benefit Plan assistance, to flu shots and powers of attorney.
Retirees and their families also toured a resource fair inside the Exchange, talked with 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers at their equipment displays, and visited LeRay Mansion and the Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division Museum.
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