Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Wins Angel Award During Veterans Weekend for Support of America's Military Families Through Reading Events

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation celebrates Veterans Day, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy becomes the proud recipient of the United Through Reading Angel Award. The award is presented annually to an organization that seeks to benefit military families by promoting the joys of reading among moms, dads and children, especially during times of military separation.

Over the years, hundreds of children and their military parents, who are stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, have been the guests of honor at family story time events hosted by Barbara Bush Foundation Co-Chair Doro Bush Koch.

"One of the greatest things about being the sponsor of my dad's namesake ship, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), is visiting with our country's courageous military families. I'm thrilled every time I get the chance to board that incredible vessel to read fun storybooks with the children of today's American heroes and to share the story of my own father's service to this country," said Doro Bush Koch.

"As a Navy pilot so many years ago, I have a special place in my heart for those who serve our country.  I know what it's like to be on deployment and separated by land or sea from those we love. United Through Reading's video reading program is such an incredible and touching way to keep military moms and dads connected to the hearts of their children. I salute you and wish America's military families a happy Veteran's Day," said President George H.W. Bush.

The Angel Award was accepted by Foundation president Liza McFadden at the United Through Reading Storybook Ball this weekend. "As you so nobly fight and protect our country, we are fighting for a better educated America, one family at a time. We do this by helping the nation's youngest children from low-income families learn together with their parents. Whether the children want to grow up to become teachers, soldiers, pilots or Navy Seals, they deserve an equal chance at succeeding in the kindergarten classroom and beyond."

For nearly 25 years, the Barbara Bush Foundation, a public charity, has been dedicated to helping children and parents learn and achieve together. While thousands of families have benefited from family literacy programs over the years, there is still a tremendous need. More than 30 million adults in America, many of them parents, are unable to read or write at a basic level. That means they don't have the skills to understand a basic news article, read a medicine label or school newsletter. Through scholarships to low-income families, we help parents gain the skills needed to earn a GED and a better job and prepare their children to enter school ready to learn.

For more information about our family literacy efforts visit www.BarbaraBush.org.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Hirst, 850-509-3834, [email protected]

SOURCE Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy