Highlights from Tribute to Military Families 2022

May 26, 2022

United Through Reading celebrated Tribute to Military Families at Union Station in Washington, D.C in May of 2022. 

The evening kicked off with the unveiling of the East Coast Mobile Story Station. Guests got an up close look at the complete recording studio on wheels. The Mobile Story Station allows military personnel to record themselves reading a story, then share the storytime recording and the book with their families during time apart. These recorded readings empower service members to be involved with their child’s nightly storytime routine and nurture connection and bonding no matter the distance. “We were founded on the simple notion of creating bonds and connections between families through reading,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, CEO, United Through Reading. “We started off with a camera and VHS tapes to sustain those bonds and connections, and now we have the Mobile Story Station, an entire portable reading and recording studio, to help.”  Special thanks to our Mobile Story Station Launch Partner BAE Systems. 

Next, Tribute to Military Families guests stood for the Presentation of Colors from the Armed Forces Joint Color Guard. MGySgt Kevin Bennear brought us to tears with his performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He said, “I always love singing the national anthem. The history and meaning are powerful.” Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben, U.S. Navy (Ret.), provided a moving invocation, helping set the tone for the evening.

We celebrated the families that serve our country every day, including the active-duty Navy family, the Bobletts. Seaman Ryan Boblett encouraged his sister, 11-year-old Emmalynn, to speak in front of the crowd. She said, “Dad was always there for us to have because of United Through Reading; anytime I want to hear him, I just put it on.” The Boblett family was introduced by special guest Gilbert Cisneros, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense, who closely identifies with United Through Reading because he is often away from his children.

We also recognized the corporate, public policy, and military leaders whose vision and support have been vital to delivering our mission worldwide for over 30 years to 2.7 million military family members. United Through Reading’s Congressional Advocacy Award was presented to Congressman Adam Smith, Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, for his steadfast support of the military community. 

Bonnie Kintzer, President and CEO of Trusted Media Brands, accepted a special award for Reader’s Digest Magazine celebrating its 100th Anniversary! Reader’s Digest was founded by a Veteran and has consistently lifted up stories of service members and their families, and provides much-needed humor for military members in the field. Ms. Kintzer also surprised United Through Reading with a three-year pledge totalling $1 million from the Reader’s Digest Foundation! We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Reader’s Digest Foundation, our READiness365 Keystone Partner. 

Ms. Kintzer was introduced by Mrs. Christine Grady, advocate for military families and spouse of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mrs. Grady works tirelessly to support the military community and has a special love for Reader’s Digest, having fond memories of reading the magazine growing up.

Ms. Kintzer then introduced a tribute video to United Through Reading CEO Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, including a special message from First Lady Jill Biden, thanking Dr. Zoll as she intends to retire later this year. She wiped away tears as she addressed the crowd and said, “I will always cherish the memories of the interactions with our military families – sometimes in the most intimate, private, joyful, and painful moments of their lives. I am so grateful United Through Reading was there.”

Angie Goff, evening anchor at Fox 5 DC and host of the Oh My Goff Show, served as our Master of Ceremonies. She said,” Being part of the event made me feel like I was surrounded by family. There’s a sense of familiarity, security, and so much pride when in the presence of those who serve and those who support them every day.” We are grateful to Ms. Goff who gave generous amounts of her time at the event and highlighted our mission on Fox 5 DC and The Oh My Goff Show.

See more pictures from the event and learn more about Tribute to Military Families at utr.org/tribute.