From welcoming families at events to reading aloud in person or on video, United Through Reading (UTR) volunteers help military families stay connected through shared storytime.
This month, we’re spotlighting Technical Sergeant Alfredo Lopez, author and illustrator of Goodnight Space Force, and reader for this year’s Veterans Day classroom program, Storytime with a Service Member. Here, Alfredo shares in his own words what inspired him to write the book and why he wanted to record it for military kids.
I grew up as a military kid, so I know how powerful it is to hear a parent’s voice reading a story when they can’t be home. As the author and illustrator of Goodnight Space Force, I dedicated the book to every kid who keeps watch on the homefront, our youngest citizens who serve in their own quiet way.
When I learned about UTR during a Basecamp Beeston event, a community initiative supporting military children and families, I knew I wanted to be of service to our military community as well. I wanted to do more, which is why I’m grateful the UTR Storybank exists. It gives Goodnight Space Force a digital home where the Space Force story can reach families everywhere. My hope is that military children, especially those still learning what the Space Force is, can feel comfort, pride, and connection through a story read by a Guardian who understands their world.
Thank you, Alfredo, for sharing Goodnight Space Force with young readers and giving military kids a chance to see a little of their own lives in its pages.
If you’d like to help bring storytime to military families, we’d love to have you join us. Learn more about volunteering with United Through Reading.