4 days ago
Mountain Meet-Up connects Ft. Drum soldiers, families, with essential services
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI) – Fort Drum soldiers and their families found a wealth of information and networking opportunities earlier this week inside The Peak during the Mountain Meet-Up resource fair.
The fair, which took place on Thursday, was hosted by the Relocation Readiness Program. There were representatives from dozens of community agencies and organizations in attendance, the fair covered health care, education, recreation, volunteering and family support services.
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The idea behind Mountain Meet-Up is to bring together on- and off-post organizations that can help our Soldiers and families build their community connections. There's a lot of things here that they can get involved with or receive assistance with – whether they are new to the area or maybe retiring soon or transitioning out of the Army.
Kelly Bice, event organizer
Bice added having organizations such as North Country Spouses' Club, the YMCA, Jefferson Community College, and the Family Advocacy Program at the resource fair demonstrates the depth and breadth of opportunities available for people to thrive in the area.
Leon Donelson, with the Fort Drum Employment Readiness Program, held captive audiences at his booth, sharing stories with soldiers while getting to know them. He said it was important, especially when talking to people new to the area or to the military, to give them the kind of information that will help them make positive, informed decisions.
'We're talking about their lives and we're talking about their careers, because employment readiness is about being ready all of the time,' Donelson said. 'If people are comfortable enough to have a conversation, then they'll start talking about the things they might not normally tell the general public. And that's when I can see how we can help.'
With Northern New York famous for its outdoor recreational activities, organizations such as the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Adirondack Mountain Club, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, and the 10th Mountain Alpine Club had plenty of suggestions for off-duty excursions.
'I found some nice places and things to do that are outdoors,' said Spc. Ryan Gonzalez, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, First Brigade Combat Team. 'Being new to the area, I heard the hiking here is great.'
Community members can stay apprised of local events and activities at the Community Information Exchange, held at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. It is livestreamed at but people attending it inside The Peak have the added benefit of a mini-resource fair available before and after the meeting.
The Relocation Readiness Program also hosts a Spouse Connection event at 9 a.m., before the CIE, and at 6 p.m., at the Family Resource Center. The family-friendly event is an opportunity for spouses to meet and mingle while receiving information relevant to military life. For more information, call (315) 772-6556.
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