The Army joins our Nation in recognizing Earth Day and the need for responsible stewardship of our environment and natural resources. Increasingly, the health and security of our Nation as well as global stability are impacted by our ability to safeguard and protect our environment.

By leveraging the interdependence among mission, environment and community to establish and sustain necessary resources, we ensure that the Army simultaneously meets current as well as future mission requirements worldwide, safeguards human health, improves quality of life, while also enhancing the natural environment. Moreover, as a component of Army transformation, we are eliminating waste, driving innovation and promoting collaboration across the Army enterprise.

The Army has never failed to seize on an opportunity to lead. This commitment is no more apparent than in the Army's approach to environmental stewardship. In 2008, the Army released the federal government's first sustainability report outlining the accomplishments of our Soldiers, Families, Army Civilians and contractors in green construction, more efficient use of fuels, and expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources. In January 2009, the Army signaled its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by introducing the first of what will be the largest acquisition of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) in the United States.

As we continue our efforts to minimize the Army "bootprint" on Earth we ask every member of the Army team this Earth Day to re-dedicate to being good stewards of our environment to "Sustain the Mission - Secure the Future."

Army Green is Army Strong.

Kenneth Preston Sergeant Major of the Army

George W. Casey, Jr. General, Chief of Staff of the Army

Pete Geren Secretary of the Army