62nd MXS ‘buddy readers’ share important gift

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In classrooms across the country, thousands of children, teachers and parents participated March 2 in Read Across America, an annual program sponsored by the National Education Association designed to celebrate reading.

But in one classroom at Carter Lake Elementary school here, "buddy readers" from the 62nd Maintenance Squadron faithfully visit each Monday of the year to read and interact with students.

Carol Hartman, who teaches kindergarten at Carter Lake, said her class was adopted by the squadron more than seven years ago. Every week, Airmen from the squadron read to her students during two 20-minute sessions, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

"This commitment hasn't been for just a year," she said, "their support has been strong and sustained."

"It was fun," said Airman 1st Class Jacob Stevens, a first-time volunteer. "I let them (the students) pick the books out, which really got them to interact."

The Airmen may not realize what an impact they have on the children, said Ms. Hartman. "The gift of reading is always 'just the right size'. The whole idea of reading aloud builds their comprehension and imagination."

The students really benefit from having another adult reading to them, she said, especially when many of them have a parent deployed.

"The volunteers are always patient, generous with their time, and so kind to the children," said Ms. Hartman.

Staff Sgt. Arlene Fernandez, a "buddy reader" with a six-year old child of her own attending Carter Lake, has volunteered for about five months. "What I enjoy is seeing their interest and excitement. It develops their interest in reading early on."

For several years, one McChord Airman had been visiting the classroom to read to the students. When they transferred to another base, Ms. Hartman was given the name of Diana Colombo, 62nd MXS secretary. Ever since, there has never been a shortage of "buddy readers."

"She (Ms. Colombo) always takes care of us," said Ms. Hartman.