JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA. –
U.S. Air Force Col. Clint Ross, 633rd Air Base Wing installation commander, along with Chief Master Sgt. Greg Peterson, 633rd Air Base Wing command chief, read to students from Burbank Elementary School during a virtual event for National Read Across America Day at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 2, 2021.
National Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association in 1998 to promote and encourage literacy to readers of all ages. This observance has continued to excite and engage readers and help foster interactive and positive reading habits.
JBLE leadership used this opportunity to interact with children and exemplify the importance of reading. In their engagement, Ross and Peterson shared with the students how much reading has affected their lives and what it means to be an active, life-long reader.
“National Read Across America Day was the highlight of my day,” Peterson said. “The students were great and interacting with them over the video call was an exciting way of engaging. With the current health precautions we’re all taking, it’s amazing to still be able to connect with our community and promote the value of reading.”
JBLE leadership understands the importance of sharing time and experiences with the community to foster an environment of understanding. Connecting with children of Burbank Elementary is just one of the many ways JBLE’s leadership gives back to the community.
“It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to connect with students at Burbank Elementary School and help demonstrate the value of reading,” Ross said. “I believe taking time to read with your children sets an example and creates positive habits early on. Leaders are readers and it’s important to teach children that they can always pursue knowledge and experience through reading.”
For information about National Read Across America Day, go to the National Education Association webpage at https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america.