COLUMBUS — Mission: Readiness Ohio this week honored State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, with
the National Security Leadership Award for her support of historic investments made in early childhood
care and education in the state’s operating budget, signed into law earlier this year.
“I am honored to receive this award and look forward to continuing our efforts to improve and invest in
our education system on behalf of Ohio’s students and families,” Gavarone said.
“Fewer than 30% of young adults qualify for the military. This is a national security challenge. Research
informs us that high quality programs focused on infants and toddlers as well as pre-school can
significantly improve their life outcomes and prepare them for service in the military or workforce,”
said Major General (Ret.) Paul J. Sullivan. “We thank the legislature for addressing this issue with
historic investments in critical early childhood programs.”
Mission: Readiness Ohio is part of a national military leadership organization comprised of retired
admirals and generals. The organization began in response to a Pentagon statistic that approximately 71%
of young adults are ineligible for the military due to fitness, education or legal qualifications.
