A State Rep, Retired General, and Lots of Kids

On the Tuesday before Independence Day Weekend, Perrysburg’s Children’s Discovery Center hosted Brigadier General (Ret.) Lance A. Talmage, U.S. Army, and Ohio State Representative Haraz Ghanbari who celebrated Independence Day and highlighted the importance of nurturing child care programs for infants, toddlers, and children in preparing youngsters to succeed in school and in life.

Mission: Readiness Ohio is a coalition of retired admirals and generals strengthening national security by championing evidence-based, bipartisan, state, and federal public policy solutions that are proven to prepare our youth for life.

“Fewer than 30 percent of young adults ages 17 to 24 qualify for military service. Physical fitness, criminality and lack of education are the key factors leading to this national security challenge. Research informs us that high-quality programs focused on infants, toddlers, and children in child care and preschool can significantly improve their life outcomes and prepare them for service in the military or whatever career path they choose,” said General Talmage. “We appreciate the investments Representative Ghanbari and the legislature have made in ensuring families have access to critical early childhood programs.”

“With currently more than two decades of military service, and multiple deployments, I know how important it is to our national security to maintain a strong military,” said Representative Ghanbari, Chairman of the Ohio House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee. “And I’m proud to have supported investments in child care, preschool and other quality early care and education programs to support the families in my community and ensure the next generation is prepared to lead.”

General Talmadge thanked Representative Ghanbari for joining the group and Angel Rosenberry, the director of the Discovery Center on Lighthouse Way, for hosting.

See photos from the event below: