Apr 25, 2013 — An unusual pair of "battle buddies" is about to deploy to Afghanistan from Fort Drum. Michael and Miranda Mogg are a father-daughter pair of soldiers with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Army's 10th Mountain Division.  Go to full article

Mar 26, 2013 — Congressman Richard Hanna is optimistic upstate New York will be able to secure a drone testing site under a soon-to-be-launched federal program.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, Mar 06, 2013 — A major newspaper covering the military is reporting John McHugh may step down as Secretary of the Army.  Go to full article

Winooski, VT, Feb 12, 2013 — The Air Force is considering basing its new fighter jet, the F-35, at the Vermont Air National Guard base at the Burlington airport. The plan has encountered fierce opposition from area residents who are worried about noisy training flights. Now a state representative is proposing legislation to slow down the plane's arrival.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Feb 12, 2013 — Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced yesterday that in line with the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, some spousal benefits will be given to same-sex service members and their partners.

The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits many of the major spousal benefits, like housing and health care, from being extended to same-sex couples. But Panetta's announcement still had advocates for gay service members cheering.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Jan 29, 2013 — The U.S. military is in the process of cutting almost half a trillion dollars from its budget over ten years. The Pentagon says the cuts will lead to a more agile force with a new strategic mission. A new Army report weighs alternatives for restructuring that could affect Fort Drum. Under one scenario, the post could see an increase of 3,000 soldiers, but under another, it could lose up to 8,000 soldiers and 15 percent of its civilian workforce.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Jan 24, 2013 — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced Wednesday that a ban on women serving in combat roles in the military will be lifted over the coming years.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called it a proud day for our country. She issued a statement, noting that she fought for a Defense Department feasibility report on lifting the ban.

She writes, "This decision finally opens the door for more qualified women to excel in our military and advance their careers, and obtain all of the benefits they have earned."

And, officially recognizing women in combat "will strengthen our country both morally and militarily."

Around heavily-deployed Fort Drum, soldiers generally welcomed the news - with some caveats.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Jan 22, 2013 — There's been a lot of news lately about the Obama Administration's use of drones, or unmanned military aircraft, to kill alleged terrorists. Critics have said the attacks violate international law and have also killed many civilians. Drones will likely be a major topic in confirmation hearings for John Brennan to be the next head of the CIA.

The drones that fly over Afghanistan are often piloted by people sitting in suburban Syracuse, NY. Those pilots train by flying high over the North Country and the Adirondacks.

They may watch bridges or buildings, even follow cars, without anyone knowing they're being watched. And for some, there's a very fuzzy line between military preparation and a creepy eye in the sky.  Go to full article

Jan 14, 2013 — New York Sen. Charles Schumer was in Lowville, in Lewis County, on Friday, to announce the restoration of funding for the state's rural hospitals as part of the fiscal cliff deal.

After his announcement, Schumer responded to reporters' questions about other issues, including sequestration, automatic across-the-board spending cuts that will take effect if Congress doesn't enact another deficit reduction plan soon.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Jan 04, 2013 — There are 9,000 U.S. veterans in St. Lawrence County alone - thousands more across the North Country and across the border in Canada.

An event this Saturday aims to recognize those veterans' service to their country and also make sure they're aware of all the benefits they're entitled to.

The North Country Veterans Appreciation Day is tomorrow at Clarkson University from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Mike Boprey is head of Veterans Services for St. Lawrence County and is one of the event's organizers. He told David Sommerstein one of the goals is to help veterans stay in the North Country, where job prospects are few.  Go to full article