Uniting families through reading aboard San Antonio

ATLANTIC OCEAN, AT SEA

02.13.2013

Courtesy Story

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson
USS Kearsarge

ATLANTIC OCEAN — Service members have the opportunity to participate in the United Through Reading program while underway aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17).

The United Through Reading program helps parents and children stay connected by sending home a recorded video of the deployed service member reading a book, or a personal message to their family members.

“This program gives the sailors and Marines aboard a great opportunity to create a powerful and emotional moment that will be shared and remembered by their loved ones back home,” said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class William Leffler, United Through Reading coordinator aboard San Antonio.

Participating in the program is as simple as signing up and scheduling a time with the Religious Ministries Department. The participant is recorded in a private location and then given a DVD to mail to their family members.

“It’s very important for the children to see their deployed one’s face and to hear their voice even though it’s through a TV screen,” said Lt. Jisup Choi, chaplain for the Combat Logistics Battalion, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “It’s not just a matter of reading a book, but it’s about keeping that avenue of communication open for those who need it the most.”

Appointments last approximately 30 minutes and are available to anyone serving aboard San Antonio whether or not they have children.

“This will definitely help the morale of any sailor or Marine who participates,” said Hospitalman Nicholas Covington, a United Though Reading participant. “It feels really good knowing that the little ones can have me read them a story before they go to bed even though I’m not there. Having them not forget me while I’m away really means a lot.”

United Through Reading was established to provide a way for Sailors to comfort their children during an extended absence, such as a deployment. The program was a favorite of former first lady Laura Bush, who promoted it from the White House.

San Antonio is participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the United States in preparation for a scheduled deployment this spring.

• Date Taken: 02.13.2013
• Date Posted: 02.13.2013 17:55
• Story ID: 101948
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN, AT SEA