Nellis spouses group donates children's books for deployed wing's reading program

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  A spouses group donated dozens of children's books to help ease the stress of separation for deployed parents here.

The books were sent as a donation by the spouses group for the 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to support the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's United Through Reading military program that began April 8, and is run through the USO.

According to the program's website, www.unitedthroughreading.org/military, the program "helps ease the stress of separation for military families by having deployed parents read children's books aloud via DVD for their child to watch at home."

Maj. (Dr.) Kevin Bohnsack said the book donation came to fruition thanks to his previous participation in the program.

"I sent the DVD home to my family and it nearly surpassed 'Finding Nemo' as my daughter's favorite video," he said. "My daughter, Natalie, has now memorized the entire book, 'Where the Wild Things Are' at the age of 3 ½ years."

Doctor Bohnsack said they were so impressed with the United Through Reading initiative that they wanted to support the new 380th AEW program.

"We are very excited the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron has stood up this valuable service to deployed families," Doctor Bohnsack said.

Deployed servicemembers with the 380th AEW participate by going to the 380th EFSS' Learning Resources Center. There, LRC staff members assist them in completing the reading program process.

The program's website states that deploying commands normally request the United Through Reading military program several months before deployment. From there, national program managers train volunteers and "provide promotional tools and offer options for getting necessary equipment."