HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Of all the medals on his uniform, a four-star Army general told Huntsville City School elementary students the one he is most proud of isn't pinned to his chest, but is in his heart.
"I had 12 years of perfect attendance," Army Materiel Command's top leader Gen. Dennis L. Via said as he and his wife, Linda, visited three schools April 17. The couple read some of their favorite children's books and shared their keys to success with more than 200 students from 11 different classrooms.
The engagement was a part of Read Across America, initially scheduled for March, but was postponed due to bad weather. The Vias kept their promise to visit the schools and were greeted with smiles from students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Lakewood Elementary and Montview Elementary.
"Reading can allow you to go anywhere you want to go," Via said. "Before I joined the Army, I didn't get to travel much, but as long as I had a book I was able to go anywhere or become anyone I wanted to be."
Via said he enjoyed school and his teachers and encouraged the children to strive for success.
"When I was promoted to four-star general, some of my teachers came to watch," he said. "They were so proud that I have been successful."
Linda Via encouraged the students to set a good example and challenged them read to their siblings.
"One of your homework assignments is that I need you to go home and read to your little brothers or sisters because they want you for examples," she said.
The first- and second-graders enthusiastically chimed in with the couple, reading along with the familiar Dr. Seuss books.
Montview Elementary School Librarian Tracie Rings said, "Gen. and Mrs. Via provided our students with an engaging, personable story time that not only entertained, but also motivated them to believe in themselves, work hard, and value reading and education."
Photos of the event are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/armymaterielcommand/collections/72157649684627804/
Social Sharing