Through the Institute for Child Success’s (ICS) Strong Nation initiative, ICS collaborates closely with former Council for a Strong America staff and members to ensure that Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, ReadyNation, and Mission: Readiness continue to thrive at both the national level and in those states with established offices working to promote the programs.
Mission: Readiness is a national, bipartisan organization of retired admirals and generals dedicated to strengthening national security by ensuring that children stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble. Since 2009, the organization has advocated for evidence-based policies that promote early childhood education, childhood obesity prevention, nutrition, and physical activity. By supporting education and health, Mission: Readiness works to ensure that every child is prepared to serve our nation in the military or whatever career they choose.
In partnership with state-based non-profits, Mission: Readiness has staff on the ground in five states, including Illinois, Maine, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. In addition, ICS is working to strengthen Mission: Readiness nationally by supporting members across the remaining 45 states when strategic policy advocacy opportunities arise at the federal level. For information on how to contact staff who support Mission: Readiness, please see below.
Join Mission: Readiness here.
Visit the Mission: Readiness website here.
Learn about other ICS initiatives here.
Key Resources
- Brief: Protecting SNAP Funding Can Foster National Security
- Letter to Congress on Importance of Medicaid and SNAP to Military Readiness
- Medicaid: Important for Military Families & Future Readiness
- 77 Percent of American Youth Can’t Qualify for Military Service
- Unhealthy and Unprepared
Contact
Illinois: Sean Noble and Sally Puleo
Maine: Kim Russell
Pennsylvania: Steve Doster
South Carolina: Kim Russell
Washington: Kristin Wiggins
All other states: Jill Boxler