Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Pacific commands participated in a Read Across America event at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School in San Diego, March 2.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivational and awareness program hosted by the National Education Association which calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading, March 2, the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss. The goal of Read Across America is to motivate children to become lifelong readers.

The 15 Sailors who participated were from Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1.

While visiting with students at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School, the Sailors read to every classroom in order to celebrate Read Across America and joined the students for recess.

Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Lonzie Medina, from Washington, D.C., organized and volunteered at the event.

"I really enjoy reading to the children at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School," said Medina. "Today was especially fun because it was Dr. Seuss's birthday and many of the books that we read, we were able to relate to real-life experiences that the kids would possibly face. It is always an honor to go into the school as a part of our Partnership in Education."

Dr. Beverley Prange, associate principal of Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School, emphasized the impact the Sailors had on the elementary school to encourage them to become lifelong readers.

"Our students were so thrilled to have their Navy partners visit today for our Read Across America event," said Prange. "The kids' faces lit up when service members chatted and played with them on the playground, and shared Dr. Seuss stories with them. We are so grateful to our Navy partners for the mentorship and friendship they offer. Throughout the day, I heard students asking, 'Will you be here tomorrow?'"

CRG 1 had a ceremony which officially kicked off their partnership with Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School, Feb. 8. Throughout the year, Sailors from CRG 1 and Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School will continue their partnership to include programs which encourage Navy volunteers to make a difference in the school by strengthening education, and promoting anti-drug and healthy lifestyles.

CRG 1 is the coastal riverine group based in San Diego. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high-value asset protection, offensive combat operations, and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors, and coastal waterways.

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For more news from Coastal Riverine Group 1, visit http://www.navy.mil/.