03/20/2013 -- Marines stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany read books to children during Read Across America Day at Lamar Reese Magnet School of Arts, in Albany, March 1.
According to the National Education Association, Read Across America is an annual reading moti-vation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading in honor of the birthday of the late, renowned children’s author, Dr. Seuss.
The NEA began the event March 2, 1998, as a celebration to further inspire students to read throughout the year. In Albany, Marines took part in the event by volunteering their time at local schools.
“Read Across America is a great opportunity for the Marines to represent the base and our nation to young children,” Master Sgt. Jason E. Spangenberg, career planner, Marine Corps Logistics Command, said.
Even for first-time participants, the chance to positively impact America’s youth through the program left a lasting impression on teachers, students and Marines alike.
“I would definitely do this again and I would recommend anyone to take time out of their schedule to participate,” Spangenberg said.
Marines participating in the event were afforded the opportunity to foster community relations with the local populace so they could make a difference within the local community.
“This allowed Marines to showcase their diversity by doing things with the community and to provide a command presence in the schools and amongst the children,” Staff Sgt. Juana L. De Los Santos, equal opportunity advisor, MCLC, said.
According to the NEA, they have more than 50 non-profit organizations sponsoring them in addition to 3.2 million educators who all took part in this annual event.
“This was very gratifying and I would encourage all Marines to participate every year,” De Los Santos said.