The USO's United Through Reading and Read2Connect initiatives are designed to reduce the separation anxiety and stress felt by children who are separated from deployed parents. Servicemembers record videos of themselves reading children's books, which can be played at naptime or bedtime for their little ones. In this way, children and parents feel connected to one another, regardless of the distance.

Messages can be recorded for children, younger siblings, nieces and nephews, godchildren, grandchildren — any little ones who are important to the deploying servicemember.

Take advantage of this program at one of the following upcoming dates:

March 17: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Ramstein Passenger Terminal (second floor)March 20: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., USO Kaiserslautern Office (Kleber Kaserne, Bldg. 3213, second floor)March 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Vogelweh Library

Appointments are not required, and you may bring your own book or borrow one. Staff will set up the camera and leave, so you can record your reading session in private.

For more details, visit the USO Kaiserslautern Facebook page.