Retired Generals from Iowa to Call For Quality Early Learning As Critical to Nation's Long-Term Security

**Media Advisory for April 26, 2012**

New report shows nearly 1 in 5 high school graduates in Iowa who attempt to join the military cannot pass basic skills exam

JOHNSTON, Iowa, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Mission: Readiness:

WHAT: Press Conference Focusing on Impact of Early Learning on National Security

WHERE: Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, IA

WHEN: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11:00 AM

WHO:
Douglas M. Pierce, Brigadier General, US Air Force (Retired)
Mark E. Zirkelbach, Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)
Rosemary Giunta, preschool teacher, Hiawatha, IA
Mike Jayne, Mission: Readiness

Background: Two retired generals from Iowa will call on federal and state policymakers to support high-quality early learning programs as a necessary step to reverse poor student achievement that is limiting the pool of young adults qualified for military service. They will release a new report that provides statistics on young adults in Iowa, and nationwide, who are ineligible to join the military, as well as a solution to this critical issue. In Iowa, nearly 1 in 5 high school graduates who attempt to join the military cannot pass the military's basic skills exam.

The retired generals will be joined by Rosemary Giunta, a preschool teacher from Hiawatha, who is the mother of Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta.

NOTE: EMBARGOED COPY OF THE REPORT AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

SOURCE MISSION: READINESS

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED