Some information in this article provided by 'Council for a Strong America'

COLUMBIA, SC- Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed October 11, 2023 as “Mission: Readiness Day” across South Carolina. This proclamation publicly honored the work Mission: Readiness has led to ensure kids across the state stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble. Governor McMaster praised Mission: Readiness’ efforts that help South Carolina’s youth prepare for life, and to be able to serve their nation in any way they choose.

“I encourage all South Carolinians to support Mission: Readiness in their efforts to make our nation stronger by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

According to the Department of Defense, 77 percent of young adults ages 17-24 cannot qualify for the military, and obesity is one of the leading medical disqualifiers. Like states across the nation, South Carolina has experienced an increase in childhood obesity.

 "Thanks to the leadership exhibited by the governor; members of his cabinet and staff; members of the legislature; along with the societal, economic and historical power source that the military represents across this great state. We know that South Carolina is optimally positioned to solve this national security issue and establish the standard for the rest of the nation to follow," said Mission: Readiness National Director Jake Ferreira. 

Governor McMaster and several members of his cabinet attended the event, including the Deputy Adjutant General for the South Carolina Military Department, Major General Jeff Jones and current Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Major General (Ret.) Todd B. McCaffrey. They committed to partnering with Mission: Readiness to support efforts that address the root causes of military ineligibility, including supporting initiatives that promote healthy eating and increase physical activity for children from an early age.

"Part of the role that our Department specifically plays is broadening the focus from just Veterans who are traditionally associated with 'once you leave military service' to recognizing that every Veteran starts off as a child," said SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey. "The reality is that we want to grow the pool of potential candidates for military service and also improve and highlight the propensity to serve, which is deep already. Those are the two critical factors.

Joining Governor McMaster at the event was Mission: Readiness member, Major General (Ret.) William Grimsley, U.S. Army, the former Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs for South Carolina. MG (Ret.) Grimsley shared why the work Mission: Readiness is leading is a matter of national security.

“When you think about the national security of the United States of America and the current inability of so many young men and women to qualify for service, we believe it’s time to stand up and do something about it,” said Major General (Ret.) William Grimsley.

For more information on Mission: Readiness click here.