Educators, Veterans Tout Military Awareness Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/01/2009

Contact:
Camron Gorguinpour
(510) 381-3998
Camron@johnfordelegate.com
http://www.johnfordelegate.com

Educators, Veterans Tout Military Awareness Education
Luray, VA - July 1, 2009 - Local educators and veterans are rallying behind a proposal to integrate Military Awareness Education into Virginia's Standards of Learning. John Lesinski, candidate for Virginia's 15th District House of Delegates, is spearheading the effort, which would require public schools to teach students about the structure and function of the United States military, military reserves, and National Guard. A press conference will be held for this proposal today at 3:30pm in front of the Page County War Memorial, located at 116 South Court Street, Luray, VA 22835.

"Military Awareness Education acknowledges the relevance and respect deserved by those who serve our country," said Lesinski. "The impact is not just about national security, but also about the direct interactions that families, friends, and neighbors have with service men and women."

Currently, the Standards of Learning do not explicitly address the Armed Forces other than in a historical context or to discuss the draft. Lesinski's plan would add a brief segment into the Curriculum Framework for Virginia and U.S. Government that provides fact-based information about the different military branches, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard forces. Additional information would be included to address issues facing veterans. The intent of this proposal is not to recruit students into the military, but rather to address an important segment of the government that has a far-reaching impact into the lives of Virginians.

Meredith Gorfein, a member of the Rappahannock County School Board, strongly supports this concept. According to Gorfein, public school instruction on military and veteran issues is vital to provide a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities in our government and society.

"Students see and hear lots of things about veterans and the military, but they rarely receive straightforward information about these issues," said Gorfein.

Military Awareness Education is also gaining support among the local veteran community. Retired Marine Corps Colonel John Bourgeois feels that service men and women deserve recognition in Virginia's public school system.

"One of the best ways to support our troops is to educate the public about their service and sacrifices," said Bourgeois.

In addition to today's press conference, Lesinski will present Military Awareness Education to the public during his Honoring America Tour this weekend. "Honoring America Days" are officially recognized as the days between Flag Day (June 19) and Independence Day (July 4). Lesinski's Honoring America Tour will take him to Independence Day celebrations in Elkton, New Market, Stanley, and Sperryville. He will speak with residents of the 15th District and distribute literature regarding the initiative.
John Lesinski is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps. In 2003, Lesinski was called to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom and served in an inter-agency intelligence group at the Pentagon. He served in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves for 26 years before retiring in 2006.

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