Rhode Island Sailors Connect in United Through Reading Program

By Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Commander Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) Gold crew members participated in the United Through Reading (UTR) program, supported by the Kings Bay Fleet and Family Support Center by reading stories to their children via video Sept. 2.

"I love reading to my children," said Chief Logistics Specialist Virgil Radford, USS Rhode Island Gold crew. "I think this is a great program for us to connect with our children while we are away."

Sailors chose from the many books lined on the table, selecting the ones that will be of interest to their children. The rooms designated for reading are decorated to make the Sailors feel comfortable, giving them an opportunity to make their little one smile by reading books aloud. A copy of the video will be available for each family to take with them immediately after the reading is complete.

"This program was originally started to help literacy," said Lisa Mastone, Fleet and Family Support Center Work and Family Life consultant. "The Navy jumped on the program and offered it to deploying vessels, allowing a piece of the Sailor to remain at home with the family."

Children are often shown pictures, which are considered one dimensional, to help them acclimate to the deployed parent. Showing children videos of the deployed parent allow children to see movement, hear their voice and not be afraid of the parent upon their return.

"I chose The Little Red Caboose to read for my nine-year old son," said Radford. "This book is special to me because it is a book I enjoyed reading when I was a child."

Mastone supports anyone interested in the UTR program. The process is very simple and private. This allows parents to be in their comfort zone, making silly faces or reading in various voices which help bond with their children.

"I love, love, love this program," said Mastone. "The looks on the faces of the parents when they complete the reading of the books is priceless."