SJ Library talks current issues

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C --  The 4th Fighter Wing library staff is hosting events during February to help the base community increase their understanding of ongoing issues in Southwest Asia.

These activities have been coordinated in conjunction with two programs in the Goldsboro community, Wayne County Reads and a Wayne Community College Foundation Medal of Honor event.

This month's Watkins-Das Library Brown Bag Book Club meeting takes place at noon Feb. 9. At this Brown Bag Club, the group will discuss "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones to Schools" by Greg Mortenson, which are the current books of focus of the Wayne County Reads program. Participants should bring a lunch with them, and the library staff will provide drinks.

"Talking about a book and listening to other's thoughts on a book is always a good way to get more out of a book," said Kimberly Huskins Webb, 4th Fighter Wing library director. "These titles especially, set in Southwest Asia, have a particular connection to the military family and are very timely. We would like to give our participants an opportunity to share their thoughts on the books and what is happening in that area."

Author and retired Army Lt. Col. Bob Sorley will discuss his book "A Better War" at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the base library.

"This event, I think, will be of interest to our veterans as well as active duty," Mrs. Huskins Webb said. "Many of our veterans were in the Vietnam War and other wars, and opportunities to discuss their experiences or hear someone of Mr. Sorley's expertise talk about it don't come about very often."

Later that evening, Mr. Sorley will speak at a Medal of Honor Gala honoring retired Army Col. Joe Marm hosted by the Wayne Community College Foundation. Colonel Marm received the Medal of Honor in 1966 for bravery in combat during the Vietnam War. This event is open to the general public and it takes place at 8 p.m. on the college campus in the Moffatt Auditorium located at 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive.

The focus returns to Southwest Asia at 1 p.m. Feb. 18, when author Dr. Laura Browder visits the base to discuss her book "When Janey Comes Marching Home." This event also ties into the Wayne County Reads program, as the same evening Dr. Browder will host a discussion panel with female service members from Seymour Johnson AFB and Fort Bragg who have served in Afghanistan. This event takes place at 7 p.m. in the Arts Council of Wayne County. The council is located at 2406 E. Ash St. in Goldsboro.

"We feel these events are very relevant to today's global issues and hopefully of interest to the base community," Mrs. Huskins Webb said.

For more information about these or other base library events call 722-5825.