Why Early Childhood Matters to...THE MILITARY

"Consider this shocking statistic: Over 70 percent of all young Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 are unable to join the military, primarily because they are too poorly educated and cannot pass the qualifying entrance exams, too overweight and medically and physically unfit, or have a record of crime or drug abuse.

High-quality early childhood education is a key opportunity to give children a foundation for success and help them achieve better outcomes. It prepares children to start school ready to learn. It can reduce obesity by providing nutritious meals -- an especially critical factor for the estimated more than one in four Arizona children who are food insecure. It can even boost graduation rates and deter youth from crime.

The retired generals and admirals of Mission: Readiness consider this to be a national security issue because it is strategically undesirable to rely on only 30 percent of our nation's youth to sustain our future military. Quality early childhood education is a key part of the solution to this problem."

John F. Regni
Lieutenant General , U.S. Air Force (Retired)
Litchfield Park, AZ

“The first five years are important for the wellbeing of the child. It helps them develop emotionally, socially, mentally and cognitively. It benefits them in many ways. It's one of the most important building blocks, in order for them to be successful throughout their life/lives. Early childhood is the intro to a child's education and essential for a child's growth.”

Sergeant Audain Ahasteen-USMC
White Mountain Apache Tribe

“The value of Early Childhood Education (ECE) cannot be denied in regards to the success rate (in school and life) of those who receive it versus those who do not. It is a critical element in preparing our children, and future military members, to handle the challenges of education and socialization, as well as develop a sense of self determination and resilience.

Let me use a farming analogy to make my point. A farmer could just throw his valuable seeds into a field and hope they grow. The odds are some will grow and even a couple of seeds could grow big and strong, but for the majority of the seeds, a strong healthy future is in doubt. If the farmer instead careful planted each seed and gave it the proper water and nutrition, odds are a more abundant crop would occur. ECE is the care, water, and nutrition each child needs to prepare them for a life of learning.

Each child, regardless of their family income level, or family structure, deserves ECE and a fair chance to succeed in school and life. ”

Gary Vrabel
Former Captain, Pilot, U.S. Air Force
Scottsdale, AZ

"As a veteran, a community leader, and a mother, I know the early years of a child’s life are critical. A secure and nurturing childhood is vital to the health, success, and happiness of our communities, tribes, states, and greater nation. First Things First is one way we can continue to ensure each generation is better equipped than the last.”

Jamescita Peshlakai
Liaison-Veterans, Youth, and Elders at the Navajo Nation, Office of the President and Vice President and U.S. Army veteran

“Quality prekindergarten and support for families are crucial to our national security. For children to do well in school and be eligible to serve in the military, we need to prepare them for the rigors of school and challenges of life before they start school. We must be able to send forth strong and educated service men and women to help build and secure a strong nation. In the military, you have to be able to communicate well, read computations, write reports and be able to do math and science. It is our duty to get our kids ready. It begins at home. We have to set the example. If a child sees their parents reading a newspaper or book, they will want to read. If we exercise they will learn that, too. It helps them out later in life and to be ready for the real world.”

Eugune “Geno” Talas
Director of the Office of Hopi Veteran’s Services and retired Air Force C-5 Load Master