United Through Reading initiative keeps families connected Published Aug. 9, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Being separated away from home can often be hard on service members, as well as the families. As a way to boost morale and keep families connected, the Incirlik Air Base Chapel recently began sponsoring the United Through Reading program at a newly renovated room in the Titans’ Refuge. This program allows service members to record themselves reading a book and send a copy of the recording and book to their family. “The idea is to provide a room with an intimate home vibe, so it is like the service member is at home while reading a book,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ben Skelton, 39th Air Base Wing chaplain. “Our tag line is ‘connecting families across continents,’ and it is unfortunate that our families can’t be here, but we are doing everything we can to provide resources to connect them.” Skelton who has a family of his own thought it would be beneficial for other service members to capitalize on the United Through Reading program. This not only helps families stay connected while facing physical separation, but it facilitates a bonding experience of reading aloud together while away. “I have a two-year-old son and I miss reading bed time stories to him… so I wanted to create an environment specifically for military members to read books to their families,” said Skelton. “We have put over 100 volunteer hours into making the space available for other service members.” For more information, visit the United Through Reading website unitedthroughreading.org or contact the base Chapel at 676-6441.