**MEDIA ADVISORY** New Report Reveals That 75 Percent Of Young Americans Are Unfit For Military Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2009
Media Contact: Ted Eismeier
Cell: 315-335-9222, E-mail: ted@missionreadiness.org Education Secretary Duncan, former NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark, Retired military leaders say early learning key to reversing national security threat
WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to an alarming new report, 75 percent of young people ages 17 to 24 are unable to enlist in the military because they fail to graduate high school, have a criminal record, or are physically unfit. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and some of America’s top retired military brass will hold a news conference at the National Press Club Thursday to call for immediate action to address this national security threat.
The retired military leaders and Secretary Duncan will call for greater investment in high-quality early learning programs to ensure that more young people graduate, obey the law, and have the option of military service if they choose that path. They will also release state-specific data on the number of young Americans unable to serve in each state.
WHO:
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan - U.S. Department of Education
General Wesley K. Clark, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Former Supreme Allied Commander – NATO
Major General James A. Kelley, U.S. Army (Ret.) – Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Brigadier General John W. Douglass, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) - Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Rear Admiral James Barnett U.S. Navy (Ret.) - Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Federal Communications Commission
WHAT:
News Conference
WHEN:
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
2:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE:
National Press Club, The Lisagor Room
529 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
202-662-7500
LOGISTICS:
Secretary Duncan will join retired military leaders for a news conference beginning at 2:30 p.m. Media packets with background information and research reports with state-specific data will be available.
VISUAL:
Retired generals with education secretary; chart depicting ratio of young people unable to enlist
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Ted Eismeier
Communications Associate
Mission: Readiness — Military Leaders for Kids
Cell: 315.335.9222
Direct: 202.464.5350
1212 New York Ave NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005
Mission: Readiness is the nonprofit, bi-partisan organization of senior retired military leaders ensuring continued American security and prosperity into the 21st century by calling for smart investments in the next generation of American children.
