Military Families Receive Donated Books at Special Event

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 1,000 books were donated to military families during a Books on Bases event sponsored by Blue Star Families and the Walt Disney Company on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 28.

Colonel Dann Carlson, Deputy Commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, addressed those in attendance encouraging the parents to take time and read to their children daily, especially before, during and after deployments and separations.

"It has been an awesome day and awesome program, the linkup between Disney and Blue Star Families to be able to provide Books on Bases and donating a ton of books, but also encouraging us to read and be active parents involved with our kids in the reading environment," said Carlson.

Carlson later quoted the famous children's book by Dr. Seuss "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!" saying "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go."

"Reading to the children was a ton of fun," said Carlson. "When you are up there reading and you're seeing their faces light up, there is very good interaction there, something you don't normally see. We are very thankful for Disney and Blue Star Families."

Following the address Carlson proceeded to read the book "Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem" by Mac Barnett, reading alongside Todd Apo, Director of Public Affairs for the Disney Aulani Resort.

"This event is a great opportunity for us to give back just a little bit to the military families that gives so much for all of us" said Apo, "It's the chance to share books with the kids is a well understanding of the importance of education, and how important reading is for the growth and development of children."

During the event children not only participated in story time but also multiple arts and crafts activities, including a surprise visit from Walt Disney character actors Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The characters played with kids, took photographs and autographed donated books.

"Books are so important for these military kids to have a sense of security and foundation when everything around them keeps changing," said Van Nguyen. Nguyen, a mother of two and spouse of a Navy Sailor, also works with Blue Star Families. "This is also the month of the military child which makes it even more awesome. "

Each child at the event walked away with a total of five books including the one read and a gift bag with a movie, arts and crafts idea book, and puzzles. The rest of the books will be spread out between the base library and the Child Development Centers on Oahu.

Since Books on Bases launched in 2009, more than 100,000 books have been donated to military impacted schools and libraries all over the U.S.

Books on Bases was created by Blue Star Families to positively impact the lives of military children through the power of reading. With the assistance of partners and supporters including Disney, BAE Systems, Sleeping Bear Press, Operation Paperback, United Concordia and Random House, Blue Star Families donates books to military children, base libraries, Department of Defense schools, military-impacted public schools and community libraries.

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