Beale Airmen 'Read Across America'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Airmen from the 9th Communications Squadron spent part of their day at Arobga Elementary School, March 2, joining in the nation's largest reading celebration.

The Airmen interacted with schoolchildren as they read their favorite books. The read-a-thon was part of the National Education Association's Read across America week. The reading celebration takes place each year on or around March 2, which is the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss.

"They're all so eager to read, not just to be read to, but to read themselves," said Staff Sgt. Rebecca Brown, 9th CS noncommissioned officer in charge on network administration. "I kind of remember when I was in third grade, and I was in a reading group of my little peers, and we took the time during the day to sit and read with each other or by ourselves. You kind of forget how much fun reading was back then."

The school's principal, Eric Preston, appreciated the Airmen volunteering their time to read in the classroom, and he said the children are excited to have an Airman in uniform read to them and explain what they do in the Air Force.

"The kids really look up to the Airmen," Mr. Preston said. "When they see somebody that comes in from the outside and is interested in them; it really benefits them. It also allows the teachers to talk to the kids and tell them that if you finish school you can go out do this kind of thing."

Airman 1st Class Ronald Press, 9th CS RF transmission systems, said the moment he walked into the classroom, all of the children jumped up with excitement.

"We have been here once before, and the kids remember us," Airman Press said. "I definitely have a group of kids that have kind of claimed me because every time we go to read books, they pick partners to read books and they're always pulling me every which way. I have to give each one an equal opportunity."

Airman Press said visiting the school definitely had a positive impact on the children.

"They are all trying to get a piece of your attention," Airman Press said "They say, 'I want to sit next to the military guy, I want him to read,' and it's really fun and a great experience."