During fiscal year 2011, Fort Drum garrison received revenue for more than 2,700 tons of recyclable materials. Although Fort Drum raked in about $952,000 during that time, recyclable materials still ended up in the trash, costing Fort Drum more than $340,000 in FY 11.
Public Works' Environmental Division team recognizes there is a lot the Fort Drum community can do to help clean up post and get recyclables where they belong, which is out of the trash and into proper receptacles.
That is why they will host a postwide cleanup day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 in the cantonment area and airfield, including barracks, buildings and motor pools.
Soldiers, Families and civilians are encouraged to help out by picking up litter around their facilities, turning in old / unused chemical cleaners, turning in unused electronic equipment, and recycling old manuals or binders full of reports and other obsolete data.
This cleanup day is designed to not only help the environment, but it also provides a platform to educate Fort Drum personnel on the post's recycling program, and proper turn-in procedures for recyclables, e-waste and hazardous waste.
Only litter collected from the Fort Drum cantonment area and airfield will be accepted. Off-post generated waste will not be accepted.
Those helping with the cleanup are asked to stay out of all construction sites and areas designated “off limits by order of the commander."
Because Fort Drum has more than 500 historic sites, participants also should beware of historic foundations and wells.
Removing flagging / tags / signs from trees or stakes is not permitted. Also, avoid personnel should touching any ordnance if found during the cleanup, and call 772-7153 to report it.
According to an executive order, by the end of fiscal year 2015, Fort Drum must divert at least 50 percent of construction and demolition solid waste and 50 percent of nonconstruction and demolition solid waste from landfills.
Nonconstruction and demolition solid waste includes expended brass, cardboard, electronics, mixed metal and paper, newspaper, pallets, plastics, glass and motor oil.
To help Fort Drum meet – and exceed – this goal, officials ask individuals to come out May 17 and help keep post beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
(Fort Drum Public Affairs Office)
Technology Expo returns to Fort Drum
The 12th Annual Fort Drum Technology Expo will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today at the Commons. The expo is open and free to all personnel. For more information, email Federal Direct Access
donna@fdaexpo.com or call Diana Mullen at 772-3003.
Officials will collect unserviceable U.S. flags
Community members who have an American flag no longer fit for display may ensure its proper disposal by bringing it to the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10012, no later than close of business May 21.
In a section titled “Respect for Flag” under Title 4 of United States Code, federal law states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Public Affairs personnel will take all unserviceable flags to a Memorial Day “Watchfire” on May 27 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Fort Drum will celebrate Asian-Pacific culture
The Division Equal Opportunity Office will host the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month observance 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at the Commons. This year’s theme is “Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion.” Admission is free.
TBI Clinic officials outline appointment procedures
Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers who need to be seen at the MEDDAC Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic have two options in which to pursue appointments.
- Soldiers in the rank of private through staff sergeant must seek a referral through their primary care manager.
- Soldiers in the rank of sergeant first class through brigadier general may self-refer by walking in and making an initial appointment.
The TBI Clinic is located in Bldg. R-17 near the Behavioral Health (Wilcox) complex.
For more information, contact Jeannine McKnight, RN, at 772-3360.
Solid waste facility adopts new hours
The Solid Waste Transfer Point, located on Iraqi Freedom Drive outside the gate, has adopted new hours of operation. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Recycle Point, located in Bldg. T-1142, Restore Hope on South Post, remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those items accepted are cardboard boxes (broken down), colored glass, clear glass, all plastic and all metal cans.
Recyclable items must be clean (or rinsed out) and sorted.
Tax Assistance Center offers free tax return preparation
The Fort Drum Tax Assistance Center will prepare and electronically file federal and state income tax returns free of charge for active-duty Soldiers, mobilized Reservists on active duty for more than 29 days, retired service members and their Families.
The staff also prepares 2010 returns for Soldiers returning from deployment who were not able to file last year.
To schedule an appointment, call 772-6727. The appointment line opens at 1 p.m. each day and remains open until all appointments are filled for the next business day.
The TAC is located on South Post in Bldg. T-120 at the corner of Lewis and Conway / First Street West. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 772-3735.
Post offers drug hotline
CID’s Drug Suppression Team has put together a drug hotline open to all citizens on Fort Drum.
Anyone who wishes to help stop drug abuse and drug trafficking in the community may call the drug hotline at 774-WEED (9333). Report any drug activity in your area, anytime! Calls are confidential.
Dining facilities re-open to patrons
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team Dining Facility, Bldg. 10150, and 3rd Brigade Combat Team Dining Facility, Bldg. 10650, are now
open for breakfast and lunch.