Seabees In Afghanistan Stay United Through Reading

HELMAN DPROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 utilize the United Through Reading (UTR) program to "parent from afar" during the battalion's deployment to Afghanistan in support of NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

UTR established in 1989 is a nationally acclaimed program that provides the opportunity for military families separated by deployment to connect through the powerful experience of reading stories aloud on DVD.

"Our mission here is to make sure that the troops have a means of communicating with their families," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Cosme P. Rosete, NMCB 5 UTR coordinator.

"It gives them a tremendous boost in morale knowing that their son or daughter will be able to see their face and hear their voice. It's probably the best thing we have besides actually being home."

The Seabees of NMCB 5 have been using this program since the start of the deployment. Some using the program as often as bi-weekly to stay connected with loved ones left at home.

"I absolutely love this program," says Construction Electrician 3rd Class Jennifer Janzen, "My daughter is too young to talk on the phone or e-mail so this is the only way I have to truly communicate with her."

Although the program is coordinated through NMCB 5, UTR is open to all service members deployed in the same area of operation.

Corporals Jose A. Martinezcastillo and Chris S. Dodge, Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, agree that the program is highly valued.

"I really appreciate this program," said Martinezcastillo. "I think it the best thing to help families suffering from separation anxiety."

"I think it is an outstanding program," said Dodge, "It gives you the opportunity to read your loved one a bed time story even though you're so far away."

NMCB 5's UTR program is highly utilized, logging almost 100 participants in the first two months of deployment.

NMCB 5 is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command support elements currently deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb5.