Reading to Your Kids - Deployed Army Style

First off - what a great idea.

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Even though service members at Camp Eggers are separated from their families by thousands of miles, they can still read to their kids. Thanks to the efforts of one non-commissioned officer assigned to the Office of Military Cooperation – Afghanistan, more than 200 parents deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom have done so over the past four months.

The “Read To Your Kids” program was established in late November by Army Reserve Master Sgt. D. Keith Johnson from the OMC-A Public Affairs Office as a way to bring deployed troops closer to their loved ones while they are away from home. On 18 March, Johnson reached a new milestone as he completed his 200th taping.

It is good to know that the program is supported both by the "higher ups" and the folks at home:

The program is supported entirely by contributions that have come via the anysoldier.com web site and through other donors. According to Johnson, “literally hundreds of books and blank video cassettes have been donated to make this program a reality.” Acknowledging the help of his program’s contributors, Johnson adds that “without the help of the volunteers back home, this program wouldn’t have made it past the first week.”

Reading to your children is a very important part of parenting. If you have young kids - make sure you read to them tonight.