USNS Mercy Launches Uniting Through Reading Program

ABOARD USNS MERCY (NNS) -- While deployed in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) became the first Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel to offer the Family Literacy Foundation’s Uniting Through Reading program to its crew Feb. 22.

Uniting Through Reading is an underway quality of life program for military families. The program helps keep parents and children connected while separated during long deployments, through the medium of reading aloud on videotape.

“It’s a good morale builder, because it’s a way I can communicate to my family even though I’m so far away,” said Personnelman 2nd Class Kennedy James, of Inglewood, Calif.

Mercy’s Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. John Owen, of Pasadena, Calif., was involved with the program on his previous ship. He feels the program not only allows for children to remain connected to their parents, but it is also a learning tool.

“Reading to kids is really one of the best things we can do for them,” said Owen.

The chaplain’s office aboard the ship has set aside several days during the week for personnel aboard the ship to come and read.

Once the Sailor reads in front of the camera, the videotape or DVD is sent to the ship’s post office and then mailed home to the Sailor’s family. Family members are encouraged to videotape the reactions of the children as they watch the tape, and then send it back to the family member aboard the ship.

“I now have some kind of visualization for my children, and I can explain to them why daddy has to be away,” said James.

Sailors, Project HOPE volunteers, Military Sealift Command Personnel and uniformed Public Health Service personnel can participate in the program.

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