I read with interest Gina Morton's recent article "Potential recruits failing standards." This article references the fact that retired military leaders are now recognizing what law enforcement has seen for years -- the vast benefits of early childhood education. Quality early childhood education provides children with a strong educational foundation so they enter school ready to learn, do well in school, graduate high school on time, attend college or job training programs, get good jobs and avoid the pitfalls of juvenile crime and violence, which would make them a drain on our government and economy. Funding for Pennsylvania's early childhood education programs is an investment that benefits educational success, crime prevention and now, as the military leaders say, military readiness.

Funding for these vital programs must remain a priority in the state budget.

Chad A. Reiner,

Leck Kill

n Chad Reiner is the sheriff of Northumberland County.