Louisiana Army and Air National Guard

Story by Sgt. Michael Owens

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard was praised during a special gala held at Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion for its participation in the famous Sunshine Foundation reading program in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 17.

For the past 12 years, Louisiana's Guardsmen have been distributing and reading the book "You Are Sunshine" to kindergarteners in public, private and parochial schools throughout the state.

"The partnership that we have with the Louisiana National Guard is just phenomenal, especially their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to work with us throughout the state," said Beth Philips, who serves as the foundation's executive director. "We are thankful and appreciative of everything they do."

"This foundation promotes self esteem and the importance of reading to young kids," said Brig. Gen. Stephen C. Dabadie, the assistant adjutant general for the LANG. "It's a great thing to see our Guardsmen act as role models and play a big role in such a great program."

The foundation's objectives are to build every child's self esteem, stress the value of every child, encourage reading by and to young children, and strengthen bonds between adults and young children.

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