If you have kids during a deployment, the bedtime routine can be the hardest part of the day. Not only are you exhausted from work, classes, taking care of the home, and staying up late hoping for an email, but your kids are tired too and they miss their deployed parent. During my first couple years as a parent (and MILSO) I asked some fellow parents in my situation their favorite deployment resources for kids. Along with other amazing resources, United Through Reading (UTR) was one that came up more than once. So I did some digging and what I found was super inspiring!
To summarize, this FREE program allows service members to record a video of themselves reading a book to their children. United Through Reading then sends the book and the video to the military family. The children can watch it throughout the deployment any time they are missing their deployed parent. Not only is it a great way to keep MILKIDs connected with their deployed parent, but it gives the parent at home some peace and comfort as well. Being able to see a loved one’s face at any time is a rare and peaceful event during deployment.
So I contacted Jessica Hall from UTR and we dug into all the details. Here is the basics of what you need to know and how you can get started!
1. Tell me about how United Through Reading began.
United Through Reading (UTR) was founded in 1989 by the wife of a Naval flight surgeon who deployed to Vietnam leaving his infant daughter at home. When the surgeon returned home, his little girl didn’t know him and he had to re-enter her life as a stranger.
Our founder was also a reading specialist and knew firsthand the importance of exposing children to literature from birth. Thus, a powerful concept emerged. In 1989, she went to the 32nd Street Naval Base in San Diego with a video camera, VHS tapes, and books to record Sailors and Marines before deployments. Families were given the recording and book to stay connected.
2. How many service members (approximately) participate in United Through Reading each year?
Since its inception, the concept of UTR has proven itself again and again. More than two million mothers, fathers, and children have sustained family bonds and built literacy skills by reading stories together across long distances due to UTR services at recording locations around the world.
3. Where are United Through Reading centers located, and how could a family sign up for the program?
We have over 200 locations around the world at any given time. They are within military units, at community centers and libraries, and at pop-up events.
To find a location, visit https://unitedthroughreading.org/how-it-works/where-we-are/ or email military@utr.org.
4. Are there any costs to use the program (book fee, mailing fee?)
Nope, the program is free to US service members. This includes the book being read, the time to record, the recording available and the book being sent to the service member’s family so they can read along.
5. What book titles can the service members choose?
You can read whatever you like, and even bring along your own books to ensure you have your child’s favorite titles. All of our books are vetted by our book review committee and do vary by site. We send quarterly shipments to our locations with approximately 30 books so there is a lot to choose from!
6. How does the family access their loved one reading the book
United Through Reading now has an app! It makes it easy for the service member to record reading directly from his phone, and then the family to access it from the app as well. However, if you wish to be professionally recorded, you can still do that. The family will either get their recording on a SD card, DVD, or an email with a link to view online or via the app.
7. I am so excited that there is an App! Tell me the highlights about this!
The app is a great way to record a story anytime, anywhere. It is free and available on iOS and Android devices. The service member logs in with Troop ID (the same login as sites like Vet Tix) and follow the prompts to record their story. Books are still provided for free, just fill out the form via our website utr.org/app to have it sent to the child. Service members can also request for books to be sent to them to read at no cost. Once the video is recorded, the service member shares it via the app and the family member receives an email with instructions on how to view and/or download the video.
7. How could someone support or donate to United Through Reading
We appreciate your support and donations can be made at unitedthroughreading.org. $50 supports one family with story times throughout a deployment. We are also always looking for volunteers to help bring UTR to their communities at events or with their unit. Information about volunteering is available on our website.
Don’t wait!
Why wait until your loved one is days or weeks away from leaving. If you are located near a location, or have access to a phone, take advantage of this amazing FREE resource and record now!
