Story by
MC2 Robert Stirrup
Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

Photo by
MC2 (AW) Eric J. Cutright

Sailors assigned to various commands throughout Hawaii participated in Read Aloud America with four local elementary schools on March 1-3.

Students from Hickam, Lehua and Iroquois Point Elementary Schools listened to stories written by Dr. Seuss and read aloud by Sailors.

"We are thankful for all of the Sailors that came to school and volunteered their time to read to the students today," said Lenna Crosby, parent network community center coordinator at Lehua Elementary School. "The students really enjoyed having the Sailors out here reading to them."

Sailors were just as enthused to read the books as the students were to listen.

"I really enjoy coming out here and reading to the students," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Rasheema Newsome of Navy Region Hawaii. "I try to come out here every year when Lehua hosts this event. It's great to see the students' positive expressions while I'm reading."

Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Nelson Norman IV, assigned to the Pearl Harbor-based submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766), chose to read a book that he enjoyed when he was younger.

"I wanted to read my favorite Dr. Seuss book, "Green Eggs and Ham," to the students here today," said Norman, who read to a first grade class at Lehua. "It was always one of my favorites and the students really seemed to enjoy it, too."

Crosby said that the students and the teachers at Lehua were very appreciative of the Sailors who volunteered to read.

"The students and staff are very grateful for the time the Sailors spent at school," said Crosby. "Today's event went very well. We would like to thank all of the Sailors that gave their time to read to the students."

Sailors who volunteered their time at Iroquois Point Elementary School noted that the students were attentive.

"I saw that the kids really enjoy when someone is reading to them and they really listen. I think it was a really good experience and I look forward to doing it again," said Master-At-Arms 1st Class Michael Britten, assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

"I found out about this program through my chain of command and I thought it was important to volunteer for this event," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Werner Kamaunu, assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Capt. Richard Kitchens, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, also participated in Hickam Elementary's Read Across America event on March 1. He and other Navy leaders have participated in various school outreach events in recent months.

Founded in Hawaii in 1995 by Jed Gaines, Read Aloud America is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy, encourages a love of reading in adults and children, and increases children's prospects for success in school and life.