CHILDREN OF SOLDIERS


SUPPORT TO U.S. MILITARY CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES


USO/LIONS military program United Through Reading, enables  service members to read a story on video before they are deployed and then have it delivered to their children while they are away. This makes it possible for service members to stay connected from afar and eases the pain of separation for their children.   Story time is recorded on camera, and the USO mails the DVD and book home. Children can watch and listen to their parent at bedtime, naptime – or anytime. The DVD recording helps them create a lasting memory, bond with their parent that is stationed away from home, helps them remember what a parent looks like during a long deployment, and at the same time promotes the lover for reading.  Families complete the circle by sending back a touch of home – a photo of the child watching the deployed mom or dad reading. 


A minimum of $20.00 enables one young child to receive one book and taped DVD from her/his parent reading and talking to them.  


PHOTO ABOVE: Lt. (US Navy) Matthew Stroup reading to his children while he’s being videotaped. Today he is a LIONS member and talks about the impact the program had in the lives of his children and him for being able to share their love through reading while he was deployed in Afghanistan. 

Separation from a parent is one of life’s most stressful events for children, affecting their sense of security, their relationships, and their ability to learn. As U.S. troops are asked to leave again on their third, fourth and even fifth deployments, the USO recognizes the urgent need to help the family members that are left behind. For the children of wounded, ill and injured troops the stressors of getting good grades while coping with a parent in a military hospital can be even more challenging.

Share by: