DOD committed to environmental conservation Published April 24, 2006 By Army Sgt. Sara Wood American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Defense Department showed its commitment to conserving and improving the environment, while still maintaining the nation's military readiness, a DOD official said.The war on terrorism presents the U.S. with an agile, unpredictable enemy, so DOD's focus must be on the warfighter, said Alex Beehler, assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for environment, safety and occupational health.The best way to help the warfighter is to ensure the department has the natural resources to test weapons systems and train its forces by making sure military installations and the surrounding communities remain viable, he said. In this way, military readiness and environmental conservation are inextricably linked. "It is imperative that we manage our assets in a sustainable manner so we can support the warfighter not only today, but also tomorrow and into the future," Mr. Beehler said. All branches of service celebrated Earth Day this year. Air Force activities started April 19 with an Earth Day display in the Pentagon. On April 21, Airmen cleaned up a stretch of roadside and sidewalk on Army-Navy Drive, adjacent to the Pentagon.Air Force installations across the country conducted their own Earth Day activities, which included school presentations, tree plantings and fundraisers.