FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
More than 30 military families gathered for a storytelling event at General Stanford Elementary School at Fort Eustis, Nov. 21, to share messages of family resiliency and promote literacy.
The event, "Tell Me a Story," was hosted by the Military Child Education Coalition as a way to bring awareness to the ever-changing lives of military families, how to make connections and where to find support along the way.
The TMAS program, which began in 2005, is an initiative created to empower military children by using relatable literature and stories.
The featured book, "Odd Velvet," written by Mary E. Whitcomb and read by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith C. Walker, Army Capabilities Integration Center deputy commanding general, told the story of a little girl who reminds readers that friendship can sometimes be found in the oddest places and shows them being different can be viewed in a positive light.
"Military children are 'different,' just as Velvet is," said Happy Garner, MCEC Parent-to-Parent team lead. "It is important for military families to understand those differences [are what] make us special."
After the reading, children and their parents were invited to enjoy snacks, then created a paper-apple craft related to the story and held a discussion where the participants explored aspects of military life, such as family separations and the fears of moving to a new location.
According to Garner, the books chosen for the events are selected for content, literary value and illustrations. All books read during TMAS highlighted resiliency and optimism.
TMAS is also an interactive program for parents by creating an atmosphere for them to actively encourage their children to become strong readers.
"This program creates a sense of community," said Jessica Scholes, wife of Col. Michael Scholes, from Joint Task Force Civil Support. "It lets me know we are all one big family. For the children, it's like an extended family."
Every family in attendance received a copy of the featured book, signed by Walker.
For more information on MCEC, visit www.militarychild.org.