Feb 13, 2008 — This week, NCPR reported on a new study that says National Guard and Reserve soldiers face frequent deployments that will continue well into the future. Since 9/11, National Guard units from New York and Vermont have spent time in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. A new book, called The Fighting 69th, follows the experiences of one of those units. Brian Mann spoke with the author, Sean Michael Flynn. Flynn was recognized with the Bronze Star after serving with the 69th in Iraq and still serves as a captain with New York's National Guard in Albany. When terrorists struck Manhattan on Sept. 11, Flynn said, the infantry regiment was one of the first groups of soldiers to respond.

NOTE: This afternoon during All Before Five, Flynn's conversation with Brian Mann continues, with the story of the Fighting 69th's deployment to Iraq.  Go to full article

Feb 12, 2008 — Since 9/11, hundreds of National Guard and Reserve soldiers from the North Country have been deployed to war zones overseas. A new group of soldiers just left for a year-long tour in Afghanistan. A controversial new report, delivered to Congress last week, argues that reservists will continue to face deployments well into the future, even after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down. Brian Mann spoke with E. Gordon Stump, a retired Major General with the U.S. Air Force. He's a member of the independent Commission on the National Guard and Reserves and a co-author of the study.  Go to full article

Apr 09, 2007 — Fort Drum released figures Friday on how much money the Army base pumps into the area's economy. That figure stands at $1.24 billion in fiscal 2006. The largest chunk goes to payroll. The base's 3,700 civilian employees brought home more than $200 million. Almost $750 million went to Fort Drum's soldiers, numbering more than 17,000. Retirees in the base's surrounding area got $30 million. Jonathan Brown asked Jeff Graham, the mayor of nearby Watertown, how this money affects the city.  Go to full article

Feb 27, 2007 — The North Country could soon lose one of only two air med-evac providers. The region has been covered by Life Flight - a non-profit that uses one state-police helicopter...  Go to full article

Feb 22, 2007 — Around 9,000 troops are expected back in Jefferson County by August. They'll be returning from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military and local law-enforcement officials...  Go to full article

Jan 17, 2007 — New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton says she'll introduce legislation capping the number of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. She and North Country congressman John McHugh held a...  Go to full article

Dec 30, 2005 — On January 2nd, 2005, six hundred and seventy soldiers with the 2nd of the 108th National Guard battalion celebrated their return from the war in Iraq with a ceremony at Fort...  Go to full article