‘United Through Reading’ Program Unites Sailors with Their Families (USA)

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) launched the United Through Reading program while on deployment in the Western Pacific Aug. 27.

United Through Reading is a program uniting Sailors with their families on deployment by recording Sailors reading children’s books and shipping that recording home.

“This program promotes both literacy and maintaining family connections,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class James Decker. “It instills the value of reading in children because it allows you to create something with your family that can be re-experienced.”

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jesus Rodriguez was the first to participate in the program. His sons, ages six and 16, live in San Francisco. Rodriguez chose a book called “The Big Bad Fish.”

“My son always picks on me about being out at sea and asks me about swimming with sharks,” said Rodriguez. “I wanted to show him it’s not a bad thing being out here.”

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Naval Today Staff, August 28, 2012; Image: