May 07, 2013 — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is urging the Department of Defense to consider New York for an East Coast missile defense site.  Go to full article

South Burlington, VT, Oct 05, 2012 — Last spring the Air Force announced that Burlington was one of two preferred sites for a fleet of new F-35 fighter jets. The F-35s are a lot louder than the F-16s that currently take off and land from Burlington International Airport.

Many area residents are worried about the noise from the jets and its effect on their property values. Others are glad that the F-35 would guarantee a continued Air Force presence in Burlington.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, May 26, 2011 — This week, Congress is expected to vote on a military spending bill worth almost $700 billion.

Democrat Bill Owens sits on the House Armed Services Committee, and helped shape how some of that money will be spent, without the traditional member items known as earmarks, now banned by congressional action last year.

As WRVO's Ryan Morden reports from Washington, the defense spending bill could still bring money to special projects at Fort Drum and Griffiss Air Force Base.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 21, 2010 — In the coming months, rank-and-file service-members will be dealing with big changes in the military culture, now that don't-ask-don't-tell has been repealed.

Two lawmakers who represent the North Country will have direct oversight over that process. Democrat Bill Owens from Plattsburgh and Republican Chris Gibson from Kinderhook both sit on the House Armed Services Committee.

Both men served as officers in the military and as Brian Mann reports, they have very different opinions about gays serving openly.

(NOTE: This story includes a correction from the broadcast version)  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Aug 06, 2009 — The National Guard has solved its recruiting problem, for the most part, finding plenty of rank-and-file soldiers willing to sign up. But here in New York and across the country reserve units are struggling to find enough clergy willing to serve as chaplains. All the Guard services are scrambling to bring more religious into their ranks, but the Army National Guard has the deepest shortage. In New York, only 8 out of 24 chaplain's posts are filled. And there are no Roman Catholic priests serving in the Army Guard despite the fact that nearly half the soldiers are Catholic. Brian Mann sat down to talk about the problem with Colonel Eric Olsen from Saranac Lake. He's the state chaplain for New York's State Division of Military Affairs.  Go to full article

Pierrepont Manor, NY, Jun 02, 2009 — Congressman John McHugh will need Senate approval before taking over as Secretary of the Army. The North Country Republican has been a passionate supporter of the military during his nine terms in Washington. As Brian Mann reports, McHugh has taken nuanced -- and sometimes conflicted -- positions on defense policy.  Go to full article

Dec 20, 2005 — The $450 billion defense spending bill that passed the House of Representatives early Monday morning has some measures designed to help the housing crunch at Fort Drum. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 26, 2003 — Congress is putting finishing touches on a $368 billion defense spending bill for next year. The House of Representatives approved the measure Wednesday, The Senate is expected to follow suit soon. The bill includes good news for two institutions in the North Country.  Go to full article

Jul 22, 2002 — President Bush pumped up military personnel at Fort Drum near Watertown Friday. He toured the base and reviewed military maneuvers by the 10th Mountain Division troops. And he gave an outdoor pep talk to thousands of soldiers and their families. David Sommerstein was there and has this report.  Go to full article