Team Edwards promotes literacy with Read Across America

Michele Miller, senior administrative assistant to the Edwards Joint Strike Fighter site director, reads to a Branch Elementary class as part of Read Across America March 2. The celebration, held in honor of the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss, is held annually as a day for adults to share a love for reading with children. (Air Force photo by Paul Weatherman)

Team Edwards promotes literacy with Read Across America

Lt. Col. Leonard Kearl, Joint Strike Fighter operations officer, reads to a class at Branch Elementary during Read Across America March 2. The reading day was created in 1997 when a reading task force at the National Education Association came up with the idea to create a day to celebrate reading. (Air Force photo by Paul Weatherman)

Team Edwards promotes literacy with Read Across America

Published March 9, 2011
By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Nearly 50 members of Team Edwards poured into classrooms March 2 to read to students as the schools celebrated Read Across America.

Since 1997, schools across the nation have celebrated Read Across America, which is devoted to creating awareness about the importance of reading and to celebrate the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss.

Now in its 13th year, the program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships and other reading resources.

"At Edwards, 47 people volunteered to read at the school, including military, civilian, and contractor personnel," said Michele L. Miller, an Edwards Read Across America participant. "It shows kids that reading is fun, even for adults, and that reading is everywhere."

For the reading event, servicemembers who volunteered arrived at classrooms in their uniforms. The civilians showed up as well and everyone shared reading experiences with the students.

"Volunteers from Edwards went to Branch Elementary School to read to students," Mrs. Miller said. "The volunteers were asked to introduce themselves, tell students what they do and talk a little about how reading helps them at their jobs. After the introduction, the adults read a fun, age-appropriate book to the students."

Mrs. Miller said she enjoyed the program and was excited by how enthusiastic all the participants were.

"This was my first year participating in the Read Across America program," she said.
"Reading to the children was fun."

"I enjoyed their interest and enthusiasm," Martha Longoria, Read Across America participant. added. "The young adults that helped with registration were very professional. When choosing a couple of books to read, the young man that made a suggestion on a book was right on. The children enjoyed it hands down over the one that I had chosen."