"It was very special for us to start the day here with the 10th Mountain Division Color Guard and Band," she said.
"If you are not from this area, you might not understand the role the 10th Mountain Division plays, not just in the North Country and New York State but in our country and in the world," the assemblywoman pointed out.
"They were the tip of the spear after the World Trade Center was attacked. They were one of the first units deployed in support of our country, and they have been deployed nearly continuously since that time," Assemblywoman Jenne added, calling for another round of applause for the members of the 10th Mountain Division in the Conference Room at the Thousand Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton. "It seems timely that we are here at an airport conference on this day."
She recalled she was in a lecture hall at the Syracuse University College of Law on the morning of the attacks on the United States 17 years ago.
"The first thing that came into my mind was I wanted to get home where I know the 10th Mountain Division is, and I would be safe," the Philadelphia native recalled.
"They are a fantastic asset, and they are also a large part of why are airport in Watertown is so successful. It's because of a strong relationship the airport has with the installation," she said.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she is proud to represent a district that has airports in Watertown, Ogdensburg and Massena that have service to airports around the East Coast.
"We really have seen the benefits of what local airports can do for economies in rural parts of the state," she said, noting the airports in the three communities have made significant improvements to their facilities in recent years.
The assemblywoman said she wanted to welcome the airport officials from around the state to the North Country on behalf of her colleagues in the state Assembly.
"I wanted to let you know how committed we are in the New York State Assembly to our airports. We have an aviation caucus, led by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo of Binghamton. She's a go getter. The issues that are important to you are ever present in our minds as we work in Albany," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She noted she was serving on the Jefferson County Legislature when the county took over control of the airport from the city of Watertown.
"I know first hand the challenges of a struggling airport, the importance of making wise investments and having partnerships through different layers of government to unlock the potential of the local airports and the state's economy," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She stressed air service is critical to growing the state's economy, from small airports in Massena to the state's largest airports in New York City.
"You all make a difference, and I, as a state level official, really appreciate the hard work you do. Thank you for the work you do to support the people in your communities," the assemblywoman added.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with OBPA Board Member Sam Burns and OBPA Executive Director Wade Davis at the New York State Aviation Management Association Fall Conference Tuesday in Clayton.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne chats with OBPA Executive Director Wade Davis and Hi-Lite Airfield Services President and Chief Executive Officer John McNeely at the New York State Aviation Management Association Fall Conference Tuesday in Clayton.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Jefferson County Legislator Phil Reed visit at the New York State Aviation Management Association Fall Conference Tuesday in Clayton.
