When people hear the word “event,” they often picture something big, flashy, or formal. United Through Reading (UTR) created a new event this year, and we wanted it to be anything but those things. We’re happy to report: mission accomplished.

Last Thursday, 38 guests gathered at BHAWK Distillery in Pinehurst, NC, for Stories & Spirits, an intimate evening hosted by UTR. No pitch. No slideshow. Just good people, honest conversation, and a story that stopped the room.

UTR CEO Carrie Valentine Fuller warmly welcomed guests before handing things over to Board Chair Mike Barbero, a decorated veteran who skipped the formal remarks and went straight to the truth. He talked about the years away from home and the gap between the father he was trying to be and the children growing up without him there. And he told the room that when he first truly understood what UTR does, his first thought was simple:

“I wish I had this.”

 

Trista Shinskie, UTR’s Director of Advancement and a military spouse and mom of two, shared a story from this past Mother’s Day. Her husband had duty on base. Nighttime came. The bedtime routine broke. Both girls cried. She tried to call him, but he could not answer.

She opened the UTR app.

And there was their dad on the screen — his face, his voice — reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear in the way only he does.

Maggie stopped crying. She giggled. By the third time through, she was asleep. Elli said, “I love you, Dad,” blew him a kiss, and hugged the tablet goodnight.

“Peace was restored,” Trista told the room.

That is the work.

Not a substitute for a parent. A bridge. The comfort of a familiar voice across whatever distance stands between a family on any given night.

Day or night, no matter when, where, or how often it’s needed, UTR helps military families stay connected.

After the program, guests moved freely through the space, exploring the UTR Mobile Story Station and book table, swapping stories, and making the kinds of connections that do not happen at a conference or formal gala. UTR Board member Bryce McDevitt was on hand to answer questions and share his passion for the work.

Representatives from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and R. Riviter, a women-owned business that employs military spouses, were among those in the room. So were neighbors, community members, and people who simply showed up because someone they trusted said this was worth their evening.

They were right.

We are grateful to every person who walked through the doors at BHAWK Distillery that night, and we cannot wait to keep the conversations and connections going.

Interested in supporting our work? Click here to explore ways to give to UTR.