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Reading Keeps Families, Sailors Connected During Deployment
Story Number: NNS040524-07
Release Date: 5/24/2004 12:49:00 PM
By Aerographer's Mate Airman Jonathan McCall, USS Wasp Public Affairs
ABOARD USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- Aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), a program is helping Sailors to bridge the gap of time and distance with their children.
United Through Reading (UTR) helps keep military families connected during times of deployment through reading aloud on videotape. The program was first introduced to Wasp in 2002, with the donation of books and videotapes from Kirn Memorial Library and Pioneer Lending just in time for the Operation Enduring Freedom deployment.
“The target audience is family members, especially small kids who gain a lot when their parents read to them via videotape,” said Wasp Command Master Chief (SW) Delta Hinson. “The program is simple. Read a story to your child, have it recorded on videotape, then mail it home.”
“Some of the crew members bring teddy bears and their glasses, or other props to be creative with the time on camera,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW) Leeroy Ybarra.
There are many benefits for all parties involved with the program. According to administrators of the UTR program, thousands of children and parents feel much closer than they have in the past, and children have less fear about mom's or dad’s absence. In addition, reunions are much easier, and morale is high for all of those involved. The spouse at home also enjoys the support of the deployed parent.
“One parent mentioned to me that her daughter thinks that dad is lost, so when she puts the tape in, it helps to calm her down and she tries to talk to dad,” said Hinson. “Another thing is that the program is free. It doesn’t cost you a thing except 15 minutes of your time. We have plenty of books, plenty of tapes and plenty of time,” Hinson said.
All personnel can use the program. Airman Esther Hernandez of Phoenix utilizes the program for her younger brother and sister. “It’s an opportunity to be with my family one on one,” she said. “Instead of writing letters or sending pictures and packages, they get to see me.”
UTR is designed to give the deployed service member another avenue to support the family at home, and it serves as a morale booster. Wasp Sailors are heavy users of the program.
“It usually takes about five minutes for the list to be filled after they pass the word,” Hinson said.
In 2002, Wasp Sailors read to 382 children. At the halfway point of this current deployment, Wasp Sailors have already read to 449 kids.
“We are well over where we were last cruise, and this is with the Marines on board less time than last cruise. It was a success last cruise, and it’s an even bigger success this cruise,” Hinson added.
UTR has been implemented on more than 150 deploying ships, including the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group ships, and has benefited more than 54,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. On Wasp, taping for UTR is held Tuesday mornings, Thursday afternoons, Saturday evenings and Sunday evenings.
“We started out with two taping sessions when we deployed and because of the popularity of the program, quickly had to go to four,” Hinson said.
“It’s a chance to get something recorded on videotape, and it can be used over and over again, even many years from now,” said Ybarra.
Taping will continue until the ship gets to its last port visit before returning home.
“Earlier in my career, we wrote letters and sent cassette tapes,” Hinson said. “Now, we have Internet and e-mail. But nothing is quite like seeing your loved one on television.”
Now, with programs like UTR, something as simple as a videotape is keeping families stronger than ever by bridging thousands of miles and months apart.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
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