A military program called United Through Reading is helping Sailors aboard the USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), stationed in San Diego, to reconnect with their loved ones and family members.
Sailors who participate in the program make a recording of themselves reading a book, and then send a DVD of the reading to their relatives. According to the military, this helps to alleviate the stress of physical separation, especially for their families.
“All service members who deploy are making a sacrifice to serve our nation and do our part,” said Lt. Stephen Brown, Mobile Bay’s chaplain. “The United Through Reading program is a great way to have some normalcy and let our loved ones know we love them and will be home soon.”
The program has supported over 100,000 beneficiaries worldwide in 2015, according to the United Through Reading Statistics. That includes 66 U.S. Navy ships, submarines, aviation and special forces commands.
“I have never had this opportunity before,” said Lt. j.g. Kyle Decker, damage control assistant aboard Mobile Bay. “When I heard about the program, I made sure I was the first to sign up. I knew it would mean the world to my little boy back home.”
Although separation from family members is a routine aspect of the military lifestyle, the military says its sailors have greatly benefited from the reading program since its founding in 1989. The recordings help to build a positive connection between families at home and their Sailors at sea, that reduces anxiety on both sides. This also helps to keep Sailors focused on their mission ahead, according to the military.
“I know my little boy will watch the DVD over and over again and will get more enjoyment from it than I can imagine,” said Decker. “When I left the room after recording the video, I felt like a million dollars. It allowed me to focus further on our mission.”
