MWR summer reading program

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Arcuri, 20th Mission Support Group commander, addresses Team Shaw family members of the importance of reading this summer at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 16, 2014. The 20th Force Support Squadron will be hosting a summer reading program that ends July 23. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom/Released)

MWR summer reading program

Published June 17, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Force Support Squadron kicked off the Morale, Welfare and Recreation summer reading program here, June 16.

The summer reading program is a Department of Defense initiative that will last until July 23, and was created to encourage children, teens, and adults to read more over the summer.

"This year's theme is 'Paws to Read'," said Sarah Sloan, 20th FSS force support development flight chief. "We really hope that we will get a lot of people to particpate in this program."

By having adults participate in the challenge, Sloan hopes it will inspire children to read more.

"We challenge not only the kids but the adults," said Sloan. "If a kid see's their parents reading, then maybe they will want to pick up a book."

The library has been hosting a summer reading event yearly since 2007. This year approximatelty 160 participants registered.

Col. Scott Arcuri, 20th Mission Support Group commander, spoke at the beginning of the kick-off and encouraged participants to read during the summer.

"It was great having him come out here and talk to the kids," said Derrick Rhems, 20th Force Support Squadron marketing and promotions director. "I think it's really important that we have events like this, so that when school comes around, these kids will be ahead of the curve and be able to perform better in school."