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Fort Drum Opens New Complex for Wounded Warriors

Story Published: May 14, 2012 at 4:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM EDT

The new Warrior Transition Battalion Complex at Fort Drum officially opened Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The facility's job is to make it easier for wounded soldiers to get the care they need.

"One of the things that will improve will be the care of the soldiers and their access, ease of access to a variety of systems that will be available in essentially one spot," said Fort Drum Commander Major General Mark Milley.

The new complex arrives not a moment too soon

Earlier this year, a report from military's Inspector General's Office showed major problems for the Fort Drum Warrior Transition Battalion, including problems with leadership and soldiers said to be stoned on medication.

The unit was called a "dumping ground" for unwanted soldiers. 

"That definitely is not the case and we don't want them to think that's the case," said General Milley.

One of the remaining issues in the report was a lack of access to medical specialists. 

North country Congressman Bill Owens says that's still a work in progress.

"It's very difficult to get many specialists to come live in rural communities. We find that throughout the district and we're going to keep working at that," said Owens (D. - 23rd).

Milley says most of the problems that surfaced in the report have been corrected. 

He says the new complex is a symbol of the commitment to caring for wounded soldiers.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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