On Feb. 17, the New York Times published a report claiming that national service programs like AmeriCorps are on the list of federal programs that could be eliminated by the administration in its proposed budget.

In the wake of these reports, Service Year Alliance re-released its Enlisting America Pledge, which has been signed by 200 flag and general officers, and more than 50 senior enlisted veterans of the U.S. military in support of making a year of national service a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans.

Service Year Alliance is proud to have the Association of the U.S. Army as a co-sponsor of this pledge.

Retired Gen. Stan McChrystal, the chair of the board of Service Year Alliance, shared the following message with the military and veteran community:

************

“America is greatest when Americans step up. That has never been when times were easy or little was demanded of us.

“Reflections of greatness are seen most vividly when challenges cause our citizenry to pull together to overcome great dangers, or accomplish great tasks.

“While our country has, over time, built the infrastructures necessary to support our goals and values, we have a lot more work to do. Young people want to serve our country, in both military and civilian capacities, but we don’t have enough opportunities for them to do so.

“Almost 70 percent of Americans who walk into a military recruiting station are unable to join the military, and five times more millennials want to serve their communities and country than there are positions for them.

“We must increase the number of service year opportunities so every American has a chance to demonstrate ‘skin in the game’ and give back to this country.

“When more people serve in civilian and military capacities, we’re a stronger, more connected nation.

“Please consider signing this pledge with me, and standing up for an America in which every young person has the opportunity – and expectation – to serve.”

Very respectfully,

Stan McChrystal

************

To join the 250 flag and general officers and senior enlisted veterans in signing the Enlisting America Pledge to make a year of service a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans, visit: about.serviceyear.org/enlisting_america_pledge.

View the full pledge and the list of some of the distinguished veterans and military leaders who have signed it here: http://bit.ly/2ndGtis