Photo: John White Photos / Moment / Getty Images
Tampa, FL - A visit focused on education and military families brought Second Lady Usha Vance to Tampa this week, where she met with children and parents at MacDill Air Force Base.
Vance traveled to the Hillsborough County military installation on Tuesday as part of an effort to promote the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative designed to encourage students to continue reading during their summer break from school.
During the event, Vance spent time with approximately 125 children from military families, reading books and discussing the importance of literacy and learning outside the classroom.
The visit included a group reading session and opportunities for families to learn more about the challenge and how students can participate throughout the summer months.
The Summer Reading Challenge is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade across the United States.
Participants are encouraged to read 12 books between June and September and record their progress using a reading log.
Students who complete the program can receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
Organizers say the initiative was created to help students maintain reading skills while school is not in session and to encourage a lifelong interest in books and learning.
The program also allows participants to track their progress and compare reading totals with students in other states.
MacDill Air Force Base serves as home to several major military commands and is one of the Tampa Bay area's largest military installations.
The event highlighted educational opportunities available to military families while also recognizing the role they play in supporting service members stationed around the world.
Vance's stop at MacDill is one of several appearances connected to the nationwide reading program scheduled throughout the summer.