Doro Bush Koch, co-founder of the Maryland Initiative of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy paid a visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier over the weekend. Doro serves as the ship’s sponsor and has made a goal for the vessel to serve as ambassador of literacy as it travels the world.

This past Sunday, Doro spent the day with the Family Readiness Group as their speaker and guest of honor. The Family Readiness Group provides social, informational and morale building activities to enhance family readiness and enable USS Bush families to meet the challenges of the Navy lifestyle.

Sunday’s gathering revealed the USS Bush Family Cookbook featuring recipes from the Bush family and the sailors, their families and friends. Doro delivered a message focused upon the Maryland Celebration of Reading as well as shared some inspiring stories about families who have benefited from the work of the Maryland Initiative of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. To conclude the day, Doro donated tickets for a raffle to the 2010 Maryland Celebration of Reading and we look forward to seeing winners Deion Berry and Michael Smith from the Family Readiness Group next May.

As the USS George H. W. Bush prepares to sail, the library onboard the ship continues to grow thanks to many generous donors. Our very special author alumni from all Celebration of Readings continue to donate signed copies of their books. While the sailors are enjoying this gift, their children will be simultaneously enjoying books donated to the Family Readiness Group by Scholastic. Gifts such as these strengthen the message of literacy and the joy of reading for all generations.