Military Families Separated by Deployment Come Together Through the USO Reading Program

By Brittany Laursen

For many military families, deployments are a way of life. These months apart are filled with challenges, sacrifices and the ever-present stress of having a loved one on the front lines.

That is why it is crucial to provide support at every step of the deployment journey. The USO is there for service members and military families alike, offering end-to-end deployment support for the people who serve, as well as resources for the military spouses and children back home.

Recently, families stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany had the chance to send a heartfelt surprise to their loved ones serving far from home. These milspouses and military kids recorded messages and read stories to their loved ones through the USO Reading Program to stay connected, despite the distance.

Typically, through this program, deployed service members are given the opportunity to record themselves reading a book and then have that recording and a copy of the book sent home to a son, daughter, sibling or any other child in their life. However, the program also works in reverse – military kids can feel connected to their deployed parent by sending their own storytime recordings to their family member on the front lines.

These particular messages were delivered alongside homemade cookies by USO staff and volunteers at the USO Centers within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. For the men and women deployed to the region, it was a surprising moment that made them feel closer to home, even from thousands of miles away.

For military spouse Jannah Hamilton, the opportunity to send a message to her husband was incredibly meaningful.

“Dallas and Dean are my two sons,” she said, as her boys hugged small camel plushies they had received from their dad while he was away. “It’s actually Dallas’ birthday today. We’re over the halfway point and are very excited.”

Jannah understands the challenges of deployment firsthand.

“The biggest challenge of having a partner deployed is the workload at home,” she said. “I work for the military, so juggling all the needs the kids have, as well as a full-time job, is a challenge.”

However, Jannah is not alone – she can turn to her local USO Center in Germany, where programs and events geared specifically to military families help military spouses like Jannah navigate deployments.

“The USO offers excellent programs that are always available, like the USO Reading Program and other great events,” she said. “I feel like there’s always something going on at the USO to support families at home.”

For U.S. Army Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Oliver, whose husband is deployed while she remains in Germany with their two children, the experience of recording a video for him was a special way to stay connected.

“The most challenging part of having a partner deployed is having to do everything on your own,” she shared. “Also, not being able to talk to them or get help when you need it can be hard.”

The USO, she explained, helps bridge that gap.

“The USO gives us a new location to spend time, with different activities during the week that allow people to feel connected and not so alone.”

When asked about the video messages, Jessica expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

“Recording this message was fun and something different,” she said. “We can talk on the phone, but this was an added bonus we can have.”

For Angel Nickerson, whose husband is also deployed, the hardest part of a deployment is managing the emotional toll on her family.

“Deployments are hard when we’re all sad at the same time,” she said. “It’s hard with everyone’s emotions. The USO helps us by hosting events like this — things to go to when he’s gone — and to know we aren’t forgotten.”

For military spouses, the chance to take part in something fun and meaningful also provides a welcome break from the routine as they await their loved one’s return.

To make the surprise even sweeter, the USO team delivered freshly-baked treats alongside the recordings to the deployed service members. | Photo credit USO Photo

Meanwhile, on the front lines, even a simple gesture like a video message or a cookie can mean the world to a service member deployed far from home. On the receiving end, deployed service members lit up with smiles as they watched their families’ messages. Seeing their spouses and children share updates, laughter and love provided a morale boost that words alone couldn’t capture. Paired with sweet treats the messages served as a reminder that even in the most challenging times, their families were thinking of them.

“Even though we have FaceTime and messages nowadays, it’s definitely a little added touch to have the USO be able to do some cool little things like this for us,” Angel said. “We’re super grateful for the USO, that’s for sure.”

Chief Master Sgt. Mary A. Trent, Command Chief of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, highlighted the significance of this initiative for deployed airmen.

“Deployments can be stressful and hard on families. Events like these can help boost morale and aid airmen to manage stress from being away from home. A message to a loved one goes a long way when someone is deployed and can also help create a positive mindset to focus on the mission.”

She also emphasized the overall value of the USO to military families during deployments.

“The USO provides a significant value to service members and their families, especially during a deployment, by enhancing morale, welfare and connection to their families while they are away.”

This use of the USO Reading Program is just one example of how the USO’s end-to-end deployment support continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of military members and their families. Whether it’s providing comfort and connection before, during, or after deployment, the USO remains committed to strengthening the bond between service members and their loved ones — no matter where the mission takes them.