Second Lady Usha Vance joined The Walt Disney Company and Blue Star Families at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida to promote childhood literacy as part of the second lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. The event brought together more than 200 military children and their families for a day full of reading and community.

Supporting Military Families

Each child was able to select 10 books to take home and two more to share with friends. Mickey Mouse also made an appearance, and attendees were surprised with one-day Park Hopper tickets to Walt Disney World Resort as a thank-you for their service. Families also had the opportunity to take home Blue Star Welcome Kits, which are meant to provide comfort for children during military moves.

The second lady said in a press release, ‘What an honor to meet many of the brave military families who have sacrificed so much in the service of our country.’ She continued, ‘Navigating parenting on a military base comes with its own unique challenges, so I am thrilled to partner with and support parents as they help their kids learn and grow over the summer.’

Disney’s Commitment to Military Families

Disney’s involvement in the event also comes as the company celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through its ‘Disney Celebrates America’ initiative. As part of that effort, Disney committed $2.5 million to Blue Star Families. The company is also bringing the initiative across the country with different events and volunteer opportunities, as well as a special screening of ‘Toy Story 5’ for military families at Camp Pendleton.

Susan Fox, executive vice president and head of government relations for The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement, ‘We’re honored to bring the magic of storytelling to life, reminding us that through reading, imagination and shared stories, we can help families feel closer, no matter the distance.’

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.