While reasearching Nugget on the Flight Deck, I stumbled across a wonderful program for deployed service men and women with children. According to http://www.uso.org/, “United Through Reading is a California-based nonprofit organization that unites military families facing physical separation by having the deployed service member read a children’s book aloud while being recorded on DVD to send home to their children.” The service is available aboard Navy ships worldwide, on remote operating bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 60 USO centers in airports, community locations, military medical facilities and overseas bases.

The DVD, a copy of the book and instructions are mailed to the child back home. The parent/caregiver is encouraged to photograph or video the child’s excitement. This photo or video of the child is sent to the deployed parent to encourage them to participate again.

When United Through Reading updates its list of suggested books, Nugget on the Flight Deck will be included!