I am a former Marine — if there is such a thing — and I have been all over the world. One thing that really stood out in my service as a Marine is how little value some Third-World countries placed on education.

Until then, I had never really appreciated America’s education system. I always took it for granted.

Now I see that the world is changing, and it looks like our educational system is no longer keeping up with those Third-World countries that are aggressively competing for and taking our jobs.

Let me be clear, I do not have any children, so my only dog in this fight is my pride in my community, and my pride in my country. I also do not make a lot of money. I mean, I get along OK. My wife and I work hard for our money, sometimes seven days a week, and I certainly do not want my money wasted.

However, the proper education of our community’s children is something I support with all my heart. I see it as an investment in our quality of life, and on a larger scale, as an investment in our national security. I believe that there is a direct connection between how we educate our children and how safe we are.

What separates us from the rest of the world is not who we are, but what we do; and historically, what America has done is properly educate our children for the times ahead, and for the challenges we face.

I have been watching Mehlville’s COMPASS process very closely in the Call to see what they would recommend, and I feel it is my duty to support COMPASS and their vision for our school district. I am very impressed by their recommendations and strongly encourage the board to implement their proposals. The plan won’t cost me or anyone else that much, yet it will make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of children. Sure, times are tough, but it isn’t going to get better on its own. We must do all we can for the generation that will be asked to protect our country and fund our retirement benefits.

I hope that the Mehlville Board of Education decides to give me an opportunity to make my support for education official.

As far as I am concerned, this community needs to stand up and support their children. If not, then I feel sorry for our future as a community and even more for the future of our country.

Ignorance is something the rest of the world can keep. I don’t want it.

Randal Hoff

Oakville