SAFB volunteers take part in reading program at CDC Published April 21, 2016 375th Force Support Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Volunteers from Scott Air Force Base participated in the monthly Children and Airmen Reading Together program at the base's Child Development Center April 6. Reading aloud to young children can help stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds memory and curiosity. "This program was established by the NCO Council in February 2016," said Staff Sgt. Maurice Monroe, 375th Force Support Squadron, First Term Airmen Center NCO in charge. "This reading program has several purposes. It provides a forum for military members to work on their public speaking and reading while in front of a less intimidating crowd, which the children provide "In addition, the children enjoy listening to each of our volunteers read, which is truly important in early child cognitive development and listening skills." Airman First Class Princess Atualevao, 437th Supply Chain Operations Squadron records maintenance technician, said she wanted to help shape the minds of future leaders, and use her love for reading to help gain those skills. "I had the wonderful experience of having military members read to me when I was a child, and I loved it," Atualevao said. "I feel that it's vital to give back to our future leaders by letting them know the importance of reading a book a day. I hope that they can continue to stay hungry for knowledge and education." The CART volunteers read two to three books, which were picked out by children in each classroom. "It was really fun, as I got to read to several children and classrooms," Tech. Sgt. Mariano Guitierrez, 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron. "The kids seemed to really enjoy our presence there. They wanted to hear us read several books to them. I like that interaction with the children and think the kids learn different things from each of the readers." Some volunteers love reading to children so much, they have returned for every event, since CART began. Airman 1st Class Darrien Haywood, 3rd Manpower Requirements Squadron, is one of these readers, who said his experience in the program has been positive. "I remember being very excited when someone other than my teachers would read to my classes," Haywood said. "The fact that someone cared enough to come spend time with us, meant a lot to me and surely made my day. "Now that I am in that position to be that person to be around and read to the young children means a lot to me. It means more to me than just going to read; it is another positive figure in their lives. Even if the children don't remember me being in their room, as they get older, the overall positivity will be something that will last, and maybe they can pass that same positivity on when the time catches up to them." April is the month of the Military Child, which highlights the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. The Scott Air Force Base NCO Council's goal with the CART program is to highlight literacy in our youth and future leaders throughout the year. For more details about CART, contact Monroe at 256-8537 or visit the Scott AFB NCO Council Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scottncocouncil.