Emerson's support appreciated

On behalf of more than 100 retired generals and admirals who are members of the national not-for-profit Mission: Readiness, I want to thank Rep. Jo Ann Emerson for supporting the bipartisan child nutrition legislation that won congressional approval earlier this month.

The 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act pulls junk food out of school cafeterias and vending machines, promotes nutrition education and increases access to quality nutrition programs for millions of kids across the nation. From a national security perspective, this legislation is both necessary and timely. Right now, the Defense Department reports that one in four of all young adults are too overweight to join the military and that weight problems have become the leading medical reason why young adults cannot enlist.

America's security depends on being able to field a strong military. This legislation sets new nutrition standards for school meals and is a good first step in helping reduce childhood obesity and increasing the pool of qualified candidates for military service.

As co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, Rep. Emerson understands the importance of teaching healthy eating habits to our nation's children and making sure nutritious food ends up on our students' plates. We applaud her continued leadership on the hunger and nutrition issues, and we are pleased that she voted not only to provide more healthy meals to our kids but also to maintain our long-term national security.

NORMAN R. SEIP, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) USAF,

Washington, D.C.