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    USO reading program brings AUAB families closer

    USO reading program brings AUAB families closer

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal | U.S. Air Force Capt. Nathan Badger, 34th Intelligence Squadron flight commander,...... read more read more

    AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR

    02.08.2019

    Story by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal 

    379th Air Expeditionary Wing

    AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Al Udeid’s United Service Organizations Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program, provides service members an alternate communication resource to keep in touch with loved ones globally

    The program provides free recording and postage services to service members, allowing them to record themselves reading books provided through the program and mail the audio file home along with the books they read free of charge.

    “The USO is able to help service members read to their children from around the world,” said Ray Sevidal, USO Qatar center manager. “The USO is there to provide that powerful connection back home. This is especially important for service members deployed throughout the globe in locations such as Al Udeid Air Base.”

    Sevidal went on to describe the program’s process from start to finish.

    “The USO staff and volunteers will walk them through the process step-by-step from selecting the books, checking them in online through our iPads, and assisting them in filling out the forms and mailing envelopes,” said Sevidal. “The actual book the service members read to their children, and the recording, will be mailed by the USO at no charge to the service member, and they should arrive to their loved ones within ten to 14 days.”

    USO members travel to other locations across Qatar including As Sayliyah Army Base to provide as many service members as possible the opportunity to use the program.

    U.S. Air Force Capt. Nathan Badger, 34th Intelligence Squadron flight commander, took advantage of the program’s capabilities, recording himself reading a book for his son and daughter.

    “For any person who is trying to stay connected or just have a nice gift for any kind of child, this is a great resource with a great selection of books,” said Badger. “The USO makes it very easy to use this fun, interactive resource.”

    Service members can learn more about the program or schedule a session by contacting USO Qatar at usoqatar@uso.org.

    “We have been told by our service members who repeatedly return to do more readings that their children love the videos, especially when they can read along with their parents on the videos,” said Sevidal. “The children don't have to wait for a specific time of day or worry about internet connectivity to see their deployed parent. They can always pull out the recording any time of day to read along.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.08.2019
    Date Posted: 02.15.2019 07:35
    Story ID: 310864
    Location: AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA

    Web Views: 170
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN