SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Serving in the military requires sacrifice from members and their families. The children of military members often don’t understand why mom and dad are deployed. Birthdays, recitals, and other milestones are missed, but one family tradition not always mentioned is the child’s bedtime story. It’s one of special importance due to the funny voice inflections and faces a parent makes while reading to their child. These gestures create a special bond between a parent and their child which is difficult, if not impossible, to replace.
The United Service Organization and the members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing recognize this important family tradition and have implemented the United Through Reading’s Military Program at the Rock. The program provides 386 AEW members the opportunity to read a story aloud to their child, while being recorded at the recently restored USO Reading Room at The Wired. The USO then mails the DVD and book back home for the child to watch at naptime, bedtime, or anytime. Tech Sgt. Nisha Hurst, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, led the efforts to restore and remodel the USO Reading Room.
The re-design of the room was completed in June,” stated Hurst. “In the previous six months, over 80 members have read to their children out of the USO Reading Room and we felt it was time for a re-design. Adding more colors and pictures in the background, such as green trees and blue skies, show their children they were in a safe place.”
Not all 386 AEW members were aware of the reading room and Hurst hopes the word will spread to increase the visibility and usage of this morale-boosting activity.
“Parents coming here are very appreciative,” stated Hurst. “For a child to hear their parent’s voice helps them to re-connect and provide comfort throughout the deployment.”
Airmen may sign up to use the USO Reading Room, which is open 24 hours a day, at The Wired (Bldg. 375) front desk or by calling 442-2163. For additional video coverage of the reading room click on the Rock’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/386thAEW.