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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - It is a deeply personal experience as you find the book you believe the special child in your life would like the most. You look for seasonal themes such as Christmas or Easter: a shared memory that might shorten the distance between U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and home. You find the book, insert the blank CD, press record and share a story together with the people you love the most and hope for a second, you can connect with each other through the story.
The chaplain’s corps for NAVSTA and Joint Task Force Guantanamo have come together to support United Through Reading, a program dedicated to uniting military families who face physical separation. The program facilitates the bonding experience of reading aloud together, according to the organization’s website. In 2015, the program served more than 100,000 beneficiaries, at nearly 200 recording locations around the world, distributing more than 25,000 books to military children.
Army Sgt. Jessie D. Turner, Master Detainee Information Management System operator with the 105th Military Police Battalion, learned about the program here through one of the chaplains with whom he works.
“I used to do it in Afghanistan a lot,” said Turner. “I read books to my little girl. She really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great program, considering communication limitations here.”
Turner encouraged Troopers to take the opportunity to read a book to a young loved one, even if they do not have children of their own.
“I know some of the guys read books for their nieces and nephews. You can see their faces light up when they see you,” he said. “Even if the CD doesn’t work, at least they’ll have the book.”
March has a slightly different focus, as it is Dr. Seuss month. Dr. Seuss is one of the most popular children’s book authors in modern history and for those who grew up with his book, “The Cat in the Hat,” the children’s tale turns 59 years old this year.
The program makes the process of sending the items home easy by providing envelopes. Troopers only have to pay for shipping, which is just a few dollars.
“The United Through Reading resource provides an opportunity for Troopers to send word back home and for children and spouses to see their loved one’s face on TV,” said Navy Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Quinesa D. Brown, the JTF GTMO chaplain. “When they’re able to call back home, there’s an opportunity to connect through reading a book.”
Brown said chaplains do their best to make themselves available on and off duty days, ensuring they remain a resource to those who may need to speak with them. Additionally, those interested in using the program can set up an appointment with the JTF Chaplain’s Office during duty hours.
According to the United Through Reading website, more than three quarters of children faced an increase in connectedness and decreased anxiety about deployments through use of the program.
While at the JTF Chaplain’s office, an entire room is dedicated to the process. It is a personal experience for you and your children.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2016 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 192076 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, United in reading: Sending a story across the sea, by 2LT Christopher Garibay, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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