R 051900Z FEB 13

ALCOAST 044/13
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ: UNITED THROUGH READING MILITARY PROGRAM
1. Deployed service members are staying in touch with their children
and those of their family and friends by participating in the United
Through Reading (UTR) Military Program. UTR helps to produce video
recordings of service men and women reading storybooks aloud.  The
service member is then given the recordings on DVD or internet link
to send to a child, or even a classroom, to demonstrate their love,
support, and continuing presence while serving in locations around
the world. The program is available to CG members through a
partnership between Coast Guard and United Through Reading.
2. The absence of a deployed parent or family member can have a major
effect on a child. The objective of the UTR program is to provide the
child with both a visual and oral reference, making the absent member
seem closer to home, and keeping the service member connected.
3. Many deployable Coast Guard units/cutters already have established
UTR programs, and more than 270 DOD United Through Reading recording
sites are located in 15 countries around the world, 31 U.S. states,
and the District of Columbia. Coast Guard units, especially those
with personnel who deploy for extended periods, are encouraged to
stand up UTR programs.
4. Units wishing to start a United Through Reading program should
contact Ms. Tina Wright, UTR National Program Manager, USCG, at (858)
481-7323 ext. 211 or tina.wright(at)unitedthroughreading.org.
5. UTR offers the following to activated programs: materials for a
command brief, training for program managers, and a free starter kit,
which includes 25 childrens books for an onsite library, 100 DVDs in
vinyl sleeves, and 100 DVD mailers. Units must possess access to
basic video equipment, including DVD camcorder, tripod, and lavaliere
microphone (an investment of approximately 250 dollars). More
information about UTR is available at
http://www.unitedthroughreading.org.
6. Ms. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate sends.
7. Internet release authorized.