Original Source | The Oregonian
By Geoff Spalding, Tuesday March 23, 2010

Your article "A new mission for the military: Fight the flab" (March 18) was a real eye-opener, especially the fact that less than 30 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds currently qualify for the Army. The article noted that besides being overweight or obese, many young people are not able to serve their country because they have not finished high school. I am aware of still another major disqualifying factor for military service among young people: having a criminal record.

All of these factors speak volumes about the need for all of us to do more to help our children grow up to become fit, well-educated and law-abiding members of society. Investing in early childhood education contributes to the development of individuals who are well-adjusted and better educated. As a longtime supporter of early education, I know research shows that children who participate in quality early care and education programs are more likely to finish school and become responsible adults and less likely to engage in criminal behavior. That's good for our military and helps make our communities safe.

-- Geoff Spalding is chief of the Beaverton Police Department