 From the earliest days of the revolution to our most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, our soldiers and civilians exemplify the competence, character and commitment of the United States Army throughout our nation's history. As we celebrate our 238th birthday, let us remember the nearly 80,000 soldiers deployed and more than 91,000 soldiers forward stationed in almost 150 countries. Let us also remember the millions who have gone before us and made us the best army in the world. We stand on their shoulders as we write the next chapter in our army's history. I'm incredibly proud of your successes and I thank each of you for your service to our nation. To all soldiers past and present, once a soldier, always a soldier. The strength of our nation is our army. The strength of our army is our soldiers and the strength of our soldiers is our families. That's what makes us Army strong. Happy birthday, United States Army.