Soldiers connect with children through reading

Photo By Sgt. Frank Vaughn | Sgt. 1st Class James Morton, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the 10th Mountain Division Special Troop Battalion security section, records himself reading a story to his daughter, Emily, through the United for Reading program.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.29.2009

Story by Sgt. Frank Vaughn 

Multi-National Division-Central

By Sgt. Frank Vaughn
Multi-National Division - Center

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The Soldier slowly turned the pages as he read, making a point of looking up frequently to maintain eye contact with his audience. His vocal inflections rose and fell with each sentence, keeping pace with the story being told.

Sgt. 1st Class James Morton, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the 10th Mountain Division Special Troop Battalion security section, was not reading a report to his supervisor; he was reading a book to his daughter, Emily, who turns 5 in February.

The Manchester, N.H., native was participating in the United For Reading program, which allows deployed Soldiers to record themselves reading stories on DVD for their children to watch.

The program is coordinated by Capt. Mike Jones, DSTB chaplain, and his assistant, Spc. Annamarie Greenfield.

Their office allows Soldiers to choose a book from the collection, along with a miniature stuffed animal to help them tell their story. Soldiers may send the book and the furry friend home with the DVD as a keepsake.

"That's one of the neat things about this program," Greenfield said. "The book and the animal make a good heirloom for kids, grandkids and so on."

More than 80 Soldiers have participated in the program since its inception in June 2008.

"We have handed out around 140 DVDs so far," said Greenfield. "Some Soldiers come back to do it again and again."

Morton is one of their repeat customers.

"I first discovered this program when I was deployed to Qatar in 2005," Morton said. "Since coming to Camp Victory, I've done it at least seven or eight times."

While the United for Reading program helps Soldiers like Morton stay connected with their children and loved ones, the benefit to their families is apparent as well.

"One of the major reasons I do this over and over again is because of the stress relief it gives my wife," Morton said. "She pops in a DVD of me when my little girl is sad."

Morton said his daughter is glued to the television when he's on the screen.

"She likes having daddy around," said Morton. "She's definitely a daddy's girl."

While this program benefits deployed Soldiers with children, it is not limited to them.

"People can read stories to nieces, nephews, cousins or whomever they choose to do this for," said Greenfield. "We can even set them up to read to school children they don't even know if they so desire."

Soldiers who are interested in participating in this program may contact Greenfield by visiting the DSTB Chaplain's Office at the Hope Chapel Complex, building 51FT8. She can also be reached at 485-4499 or 485-4500 or emailed at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 01.29.2009
• Date Posted: 01.29.2009 21:49
• Story ID: 29435
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ