Altus Air Force Base News

 

Altus Airmen participate in Read Across America program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Levin Boland
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  Airmen from Altus AFB traveled around the community to read to children from surrounding schools as part of the Read Across America program March 3, 2014.

The Read Across America program is a nationwide program that helps develop a love for reading by bringing in guest speakers to make it fun.

The program was led by U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Janet Dean-Gall, 97th Communications Squadron superintendent. Dean-Gall helped gather volunteers to read to Pre-K through 2nd grade students from three different schools.

"I was able to get enough volunteers for three elementary schools," said Dean Gall. "Rivers Elementary School, Will Rogers [Elementary School], and Washington [Elementary School]."

Dean-Gall's daughter was her inspiration for leading volunteers for this year's program.
"I want to help promote reading, like for my daughter who is a part of an accelerated reader program," said Dean-Gall. "This program helps to get her interested in reading and can help her out with her grades."

One of the volunteers was U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class John Kavanagh, 97th Contracting Squadron contract specialist. Kavanagh volunteered to read to a kindergarten class at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School.

"It's a cool opportunity," said Kavanagh. "I don't have any kids of my own, so it's a chance for me to come hang out with them and have some fun reading books. It's important for these kids to enjoy it so I really enjoy giving back to the community in this way."