Children's reading program lauded in new 'Joining Forces' initiative Published April 28, 2011 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- An 81st Medical Group pediatrician was quoted in an April 12 "Reach Out and Read" program news release announcing First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden unveiling the "Joining Forces" initiative to support military families at the White House. According to the release, "Joining Forces aims to educate, challenge and spark action from all sectors of our society -- citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith-based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government -- to ensure military families have the support they have earned. Earl Martin Phalen, chief executive officer of Reach Out and Read, attended the White House press conference, where the organization was announced as an official partner of the initiative." In the release, Maj. (Dr.) Eric Flake, 81st Medical Operations Squadron pediatric flight and a specialist in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, commented, "Reading to children improves family relationships, reduces stress and promotes resiliency. In fact, parents reading daily to their children may be one of the greatest protective factors for families during deployment." In an e-mail to 81st MDG Hospital staff, Dr. Flake said, "I would hope that we take great pride here at Keesler Pediatrics in being the first and longest running Reach Out and Read program in the Department of Defense. "In 2001, when Keesler first approached Reach Out and Read to participate in their literacy clinic promotion program, we were told that it couldn't be done," Dr. Flake added. "Look how far we have travelled in less than a decade to support literacy in our pediatric clinics across the military." Dr. Flake noted, "Currently, 47 U.S. military bases participate in the Reach Out and Read program, serving 90,000 military children and families.As part of the Joining Forces initiative, we plan to expand the Reach Out and Read school readiness program to 100 U.S. bases worldwide, serving 200,000 children by 2013." He concluded, "I am very excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to the work ahead to expand the program to serve more military families." USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)