First Lady Jill Biden expands United Through Reading with new Story Station in Eastern Europe

May 6, 2022

[Southeastern Romania – May 6, 2022] – First Lady Jill Biden launched the newest United Through Reading Story Station during her visit to Mihail Kogălniceanu (MK) Air Base in Romania. This new Story Station will allow service members to video record themselves reading their child’s favorite storybook and share with their families back home.

“It is a true honor to have Dr. Biden help us expand United Through Reading during her recent visit to Eastern Europe. The First Lady’s efforts to guide military families on their journey of connecting through reading are profound because she understands the benefits of a child’s reading routine. We are grateful for Dr. Biden’s heartfelt dedication to our organization,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, United Through Reading CEO.

During her visit, Dr. Biden read “Night Catch” alongside US Staff Sergeant Sharon Rogers for her son, Nathan. Additionally, a cohort of service members recorded their own storytime for their families. Dr. Biden’s visit to MK Air Base is in support of the Joining Forces initiative, a White House program designed to support all of those who serve; military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.

About United Through Reading: United Through Reading keeps military families reading together, no matter the distance between them. Families stay connected through video recordings of storytime and books sent to military families to help ease the stress of separation, maintain positive emotional connections, and cultivate a love of reading and early childhood literacy. Service members and veterans can record a story for their families at more than 200 recording locations worldwide, as well as on their mobile devices with our free and secure reading App. Since 1989, 2.7 million military members and their families have benefited from the program. United Through Reading is recognized with the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and receives a 4-star Charity Navigator Rating. For more information, visit unitedthroughreading.org.

For media inquiries, contact:
Jennifer Musa-McDonald
Jennifermusamcdonald@utr.org