U.S. Navy Commander McCain visits a Saigon orphanage in 1974.
Every day people serve their neighbors and our nation in many different ways, from helping a child learn and easing the loneliness of those without a family to defending our freedom overseas. It is in this spirit of dedication to others and to our country that I believe service should be broadly and deeply encouraged.
As President, I will create a Service to America initiative to bolster the teaching of American history and civics education and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their self-interest. Civic participation over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities and service of all kinds--military and civilian, full-time and part-time, national and international--will strengthen America's civic purpose.
I will establish a White House Service to America office to streamline national-service efforts across the Federal Government and also coordinate a network of private-sector venture-capital funds to be matched with federal grants to support job-retraining or vocational-training efforts in schools and targeted communities where job loss persists. I will seek more students in community service through the Federal Work-Study Program, and I will expand opportunities for service overseas for all Americans.
Because of the critical importance of education, I will create a realistic teaching-certification requirement so outstanding people with many years of service and work have the opportunity to teach. I will increase service opportunities for the disabled community and also tap the wisdom and experience of our veterans and retirees for our service initiatives.
I believe we should always put our country first. As President, I will uphold that ideal and do all I can to inspire and support a new era of service to our nation.