SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) -- The U.S. Army celebrates its 226th birthday June 14th, with the theme, "Reforming and Transforming: 1901-2001-On Point for the Nation."

From the 1700s to today, American soldiers have epitomized the spirit of the original patriots and have pledged their allegiance to our nation through their sacrifices in uniform. Today's total Army--Active, Guard, and Reserve--continue that legacy.

The Army entered the twentieth century facing extraordinary challenges; it had to reform itself from a frontier constabulary into a modern expeditionary army with worldwide commitments and responsibilities. Beginning with the far-sighted reforms of Secretary of War Elihu Root in the 1900s, the Army changed to meet the uncertain requirements of a new century. As America's military enters the twenty-first century, her Army continues to transform itself to meet the extraordinary challenges of this high-paced, global information and technology age.

Whether supporting the warfighting CINCS with troops, equipment and supplies, standing dangerous watch in Korea, safeguarding schoolchildren in Bosnia, or fighting wildfires in Idaho, our Army continues to be comprised of the finest men and women the nation has to offer. They are truly "on point for our nation."

On behalf of your fellow sailors, airmen and Marines in USTRANSCOM, I salute both our USTRANSCOM soldiers and soldiers worldwide on this momentous occasion. HOOAH!