By Brittany Laursen
For many military families, time spent apart is an all-too-familiar reality. Deployments can last many months, taking service members far from their loved ones and the comforts of home. However, across thousands of miles, the USO continues to find ways to bridge that distance.
The USO Reading Program, which provides service members with the opportunity to read to their children while deployed, recently took on a unique twist at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. Here, military families recorded themselves reading stories to their deployed loved ones, sending a piece of home to service members stationed in Germany, but undergoing training in Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Military Family Member Readings at Spangdahlem Air Base
For Megan Bishop, a seasoned military spouse, the USO has been a constant presence throughout her family’s military journey. Having spent the last seven years stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, the USO became a lifeline during her family’s early days in Germany.
“The first week we were stationed here, I used to come in all the time to utilize the USO for the Wi-Fi when we didn’t have a very strong connection in the temporary lodging facility,” she said. “Then a few years ago, I decided to become a USO volunteer and give back to the community.”
Among the many programs and amenities that the USO Spangdahlem Center offers, the USO Reading Program holds a special place in the Bishop family’s heart.
Military families in Spangdahlem had the opportunity to connect with their loved ones through the USO Reading Program.
“The USO Reading Program is one of our absolute favorites – it really helps us connect to our family across the world,” Megan said.
This connection continues to grow for her children, as they recorded a story for their father, Master Sgt. Brent Bishop, who deployed to Nellis Air Force Base as part of Red Flag 24-3, one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest combat training exercises. For her son Aiden, a USO minor volunteer with 300 hours of service, the opportunity to participate in the program was particularly meaningful.
“I chose the book ‘I Love You Like No Otter’ because I really do love him like no other. He’s always there for me and I appreciate him a lot,” Aiden said.
Jennifer Allen, another military spouse at Spangdahlem Air Base, has experienced the challenges of keeping her family connected during deployments. The USO has played a significant role in providing activities and support for her four children throughout these more difficult times.
Jennifer Allen, a military spouse at Spangdahlem Air Base, and her children read a story to their dad. | Photo credit USO Photo
“Sometimes, finding things to do with all four kiddos can be pretty hard, so I appreciate the events that the USO hosts. The kids really enjoy coming to them,” Jennifer said.
The USO Reading Program remains one of the USO’s most popular programs for military communities overseas. Typically, through this program, it is the service members who are given the opportunity to record themselves reading a book. Then, the USO has that recording and a copy of the book sent home to a son, daughter, sibling or any other child in their life, ensuring that their service member is home for bedtime.
However, the program hosted at Spangdahlem was the opposite – here, it was the children and spouses reading to their service members instead.
The USO Reading Program was utilized 30,000 times by service members and their families in 2023. | Photo credit USO Photo
These “reverse readings” not only benefit the service member, but also give families like the Allens an opportunity to create lasting memories together.
“We enjoyed recording this story together. I thought it was cute that we got a copy of the book,” Jennifer said. “For years to come, we can always reflect and look back and see this was a moment that we were separated, this is what we did, and we get to relive it and see it.”
The Impact on Service Members at Nellis Air Force Base
For the service members deployed to Nellis Air Force Base, receiving the recordings from their families was a moment of surprise and joy. Master Sgt. Brent Bishop works closely with the USO to support the well-being of his fellow airmen. This time, the USO’s efforts impacted him on a personal level.
“The Reading Program recording was neat. I got to see my son and daughter, who can be very shy at times, show off their goofy personalities during the recording,” Brent said.
Master Sgt. Brent Bishop smiles as he watches his children read him a story.
As a medical professional, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Allen’s days are filled with caring for other deployed service members. However, the recording from his family provided a unique source of comfort during this separation.
“Although I get to call and text my family often, the recording was something special. Each of my children were able to add a special message to me that I will cherish forever,” he said.
While phone calls and texts offer immediate communication, the recordings from the USO Reading Program provide a tangible memory that can be revisited time and time again. These recordings become cherished keepsakes, reminding both the military families and the service members of the love and care that endures despite the distance.
A USO Volunteer surprises service member, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Allen, with a USO Reading Program recording from his family overseas.
“I wanted to bring the USO’s impact directly to our service members from Spangdahlem AB, currently deployed to Nellis AFB, and collaborate with our team in Nevada in accomplishing this mission,” said USO Spangdahlem Center Operations Manager Oscar Pullido.
“The USO Reading Program is about more than just receiving a book and watching the recording — it’s about creating a meaningful connection for families who are separated by distance and for a deployment, this shows what an impact the USO leaves behind.”
For families like the Bishops and the Allens, the USO is more than just an organization — it’s a lifeline that keeps them connected. As Megan Bishop looks to the future, she is determined to continue her involvement with the USO, wherever the Air Force might send their family next.
“I would love to continue being a USO volunteer or maybe even an employee,” she said.
Through support like the USO Reading Program, the USO continues to fulfill its mission of strengthening the well-being of the people serving in the U.S. military and their families. No matter where they are in the world, the USO is here to provide a piece of home and to be that connecting link between the military families and their deployed service members.
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Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
