RAPID CITY, S.D. — Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base recently stepped away from their duties on the flightline to spend time in local classrooms, encouraging students to read and build a love for books.

According to the Ellsworth Air Force Base Facebook, Raider Airmen visited area schools as part of Read Across America, reading with students and helping spark excitement around literacy.

The outreach highlights a different side of service, as airmen traded “flightlines for storylines,” connecting with young readers in classrooms across the community.

The effort reflects Ellsworth’s broader commitment to supporting the region it serves, both through its military mission and community involvement.

Read Across America, launched by the National Education Association in 1998, is the nation’s largest reading celebration. The annual event is officially recognized March 2, which coincides with the birthday of author Dr. Seuss, though activities often extend throughout the first week of March and into the entire month, known as National Reading Month.

The program was created to encourage children to read, promote literacy and ensure access to diverse, age-appropriate books that reflect a wide range of experiences.

Common activities include classroom reading visits, book-themed events and partnerships with schools and libraries, all aimed at making reading engaging and accessible for students.

For Ellsworth airmen, the classroom visits offered an opportunity to connect with the next generation in a meaningful way.

While their primary mission remains focused on national defense, moments like these show their continued dedication to the community at home.

And for the students, the experience may leave a lasting impression, turning a simple storytime into a moment that inspires a lifelong love of reading.