For more than half a century, the annual Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards have recognized the extraordinary efforts of service members and civilians across the Defense Department for protecting the environment, human health, and the nation”s natural and cultural resources. Environmental stewardship enables the DOD to enhance military readiness capabilities, strengthen alliances, and increase efficiencies for greater performance and affordability.
The 2019 awards were announced April 22 to coincide with the nation”s observance of Earth Day. In the spring of 1970, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin created Earth Day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency”s website, and in December 1970, Congress authorized the EPA”s creation.