By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Seward
Website of the United States Navy www.navy.mil
August 11, 2008

“United Through Reading (UTR) program is making a difference in the lives of Sailors deployed aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) in support of Pacific Partnership 2008.

United Through Reading offers Mercy crew members the opportunity to read a book to their children and families, record the session on DVD, and mail it to them with the book included.

“It’s an important program for Sailors who are far away from home and want to show some ‘face time’ with their spouses and children,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Holly Celeste, UTR coordinator aboard Mercy. “The family is able to watch the DVD over and over again, and [it] can be a learning experience for the child at home.”‘

Read the full article here.