USS Barry's United Through Reading Program Reaches 100th Reader

USS BARRY, Mediterranean Sea (NNS) -- USS Barry's (DDG 52) United Through Reading (UTR) program reached its 100th reader April 10.

UTR unites families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together.

The program keeps families of deployed service members connected by allowing them to read books aloud while being recorded to a mini-DVD. The DVD is then sent home to the families and played while the children follow along with the same book, or just listen and watch.

Quartermaster 1st Class Susan Rader, USS Barry's UTR coordinator, said there was an informal goal set to have 200 participants send recorded DVDs home by the end of deployment.

"One hundred readers is nearly half of the ship's crew on Barry," said Rader. "We've met half our goal before the halfway point in our deployment. I know it's a small amount compared to the millions of people who have participated in UTR, but it's still a significant number to us."

The feedback of how the children felt about the DVDs was overwhelmingly positive explained Rader.

"I'm really glad Barry has set up a program which allows me to read to my children," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Steven Limpert. "My children are so excited to see their dad read to them on the TV. That puts a smile on my face thinking about that."

Sailors can choose from a large collection of books that Barry has available, or they may choose to read from their own books.

"It is a great program that allows a Sailor to read a book to their child and also attach a personal message at the end," said Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate John McCauley, Barry's first UTR program reader. "I have always seen it advertised but never used it. It takes very little from us and means so much to them."

"United Through Reading is a way for me to keep in contact with my family," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Kelly Carr, Barry's 100th UTR program reader. "It lets them know that mommy is still there and loves them. My husband and I instill in our children the importance of education and we try to make reading fun. I think it encompasses our family focus and enhances our relationship over the miles. I fully appreciate this program and highly recommend it."

Rader's UTR goal is simple: family unity.

"The best part about being involved in this program is being able to help boost the morale of the crew," said Rader. "I love it when I am able to help others be happy."

UTR was founded in 1989. Part of their mission is to unite families. Their vision is that all children will feel the security of caring family relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience.

UTR has served over one million beneficiaries since its inception. Since partnering with the United Service Organizations, more than one hundred thousand books have been read at USO locations worldwide.

Barry is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/.