Lance Cpl Derek Wright, Block Non-Commissioned Officer with Marine Training Unit, reads a book aloud to students in support of Read Across America at Friendly Hills Elementary School in Joshua Tree, Calif., on March 2, 2018. Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Francisco J. Britoramirez)

Photo by Cpl. Francisco Britoramirez

Marine's celebrate RAA with children

9 Mar 2018 | Cpl. Francisco Britoramirez Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms -- JOSHUA TREE, Calif.— Eager children of all ages circled around Marines with Marksmanship Training Unit as they read some of their favorite stories written by famous author, Dr. Seuss at Friendly Hills Elementary School, March 2, 2018 in support of Read Across America week.

“I’m excited, I know [the children] are excited. It’s always great to have the community involved, and it’s nice for them to see the Marines in a positive environment,” said Deanna Skinta, principal, Friendly Hills Elementary School.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2 which also happens to be Dr. Seuss’ birthday. To celebrate, the school invited Marines from the base to come out and share some of their favorite Dr. Seuss books with the children.
Seven Marines participated in the school’s celebration of RAA. They were each given two classes to spend 30 minutes reading to kids of ages five to 12.

“The kids love it because[the Marines are] heroes to them,” said Terri Kaiser, faculty member, Friendly Hills Elementary School. “It’s just fun for everyone because the Marines are our heroes and the children get the opportunity to interact with them in small groups.”