The volunteers joined classrooms participating in the "Jumpstart" campaign, "Read for the Record." The annual campaign is designed to support early learning by reading the same book to students across the world on the same day and, in the process, breaking the previous year's world record for "shared reading experience."
Knights Brigade volunteers as well as young readers around the world apparently shattered previous participation records.
"It's a way to get children reading when they're young, and each year we try to break the previous record," said Heather Majorwitz, a librarian at Smith Elementary. "We've never had this many Soldiers volunteer for 'Read for the Record.'"
As part of this year's program, teachers, students and volunteers read "Not Norman: A Goldfish Story," written by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones.
The brigade commander led the literary effort. Col. Michelle M.T. Letcher read to two classes including two of her children. Similarly, Sgt. Rickey Nichols was greeted with cheers by his son and classmates when he went to read to a second grade class.
"I'd like to start doing this here at the elementary school -- reading with students during lunch a couple times a week," said 1st Lt. Amanda Darling, the 16th SB strength management officer. "Most of them are military Families and it's good to show them we think about them. It's important for the students to know that being in the service is about service in its entirety, and not just working in a uniform."
The event also provided Soldiers from 16th SB a chance to get involved in in the Baumholder Military Community and learn more about other volunteer prospects.
"Opportunities like this are a chance to look after our community," said Warrant Officer Richard Vandeway, a human resources technician with 16th SB. "I already participate with both Boy Scouts and through the Warrant Officer Association, but I'd like to see more people get involved."
The brigade comprises a large share of the Baumholder Military Community footprint. Many Soldiers' Family members attend or are involved in activities at Smith Elementary. According to Majorwitz, the school offers many opportunities for Soldiers to volunteer with students by reading or helping with math, and playing games or puzzles.
"I think it's good for the kids to know that service members are here for them," Majorwitz added as she watched the students reading with volunteers. Often, mom or dad is away and the more we can get Soldiers at the schools, it reminds them they are supported and we are a big family -- that's why we do this."
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