USU President Woodson Marks America's 250th With a Call to Continue the “Experiment”

America's founders began an experiment in self-government. USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson says it is up to each generation-including the university's newest graduates-to carry it forward.

July 2, 2026 by Jason Benedek

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Uniformed Services University (USU) President Dr. Jonathan Woodson shared a video message connecting America's founding principles to the ongoing work of military medicine.

Woodson framed the milestone as a point on an unfinished journey. He described America's 250th anniversary as a reminder that the nation's founding ideals require the continued engagement of every generation. Referencing the Constitution's aspiration to "form a more perfect Union," he said the work of strengthening the nation is ongoing.

"The experiment is never finished," Woodson said. "We all must be involved in making sure that we continue to evolve to form that more perfect union future."

Woodson's message is part of the Military Medicine 250 (MM250) campaign, which marks 250 years of military medicine's service to the nation. The campaign recognizes how military medicine has shaped American history - through conflicts, crises, and peacetime operations alike.

Woodson said he sees USU's graduating classes as evidence that those founding ideals remain alive.

"When I look at our graduates, I see patriots, I see superb clinicians, I see innovators, I see leaders," he said. "I see the next captains of our nation."

Woodson said the impact of USU graduates extends well beyond their military careers. Long after they leave uniform, he said, they will continue serving the nation as healthcare providers, scientists, educators, and civic leaders in communities across America.

"These individuals will not only do great things within the military, but once it comes time, they will go and do great things for our nation as citizens," he said.