If You Can Dream It, Be It: Marine, Olympic Hopeful and Author Inspires Next Generation at USO Reading Event

More than 60 military children and their families packed into the USO Quantico-Main center Wednesday afternoon April 9, 2025 for a joyful and colorful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and courage, all led by someone who knows a thing or two about each, U.S. Marine Corps Captain, Olympic bobsledder, and children’s book author Riley Tejcek.

The event, part of the USO’s signature Reading Program, was extra special this month as it served as a centerpiece of April’s Month of the Military Child, a nationwide and global celebration honoring the strength, resilience, and unique experiences of children growing up in military families. Across the country and around the world, the USO is marking this special month with events that uplift and empower military kids through creativity, connection, and fun, and this one hit all the right notes.

At Quantico, the celebration came to life with storytime magic, colorful tie-dye, and one unforgettable role model.

Riley read aloud from her newly released picture book, “If You Can Dream It, Be It,” a vibrant and empowering story that encourages children, especially girls, to dream big and chase bold goals, no matter the odds. The first 15 families received complimentary copies of the book, and every child took home a tie-dye t-shirt kit and colorful activity sheets. After the reading, Riley signed books, posed for photos, and connected with the families, and some lucky readers even got to wear her signature sparkly pageant crown.

“I wrote this book because I wanted young girls, and really all kids, to know that their dreams are valid, no matter how bold or out of the box they may seem,” said Riley, who has forged her own inspiring path from Marine officer to Olympic hopeful and now published author. “Being able to share that message with military kids, who show so much strength and heart every day, means everything to me.”

Families left the event smiling ear to ear, especially Gunnery Sgt. George Ward, whose 7-year-old daughter Blair beamed after meeting Riley.

“I don’t know who had more fun, my daughter or me,” Ward said. “To see my little girl light up meeting someone like Captain Tejcek, it was like watching her meet a real-life superhero. She even got to wear the crown.”

The event was organized by the dedicated team at USO Quantico, who bring families together through purposeful programming year-round, especially in April.

“This month is all about celebrating the incredible spirit of military children,” said Taisha Jacobs, Center Operations Specialist for USO Quantico Main and West. “They serve too, in their own way. So we do everything we can to make them feel seen, celebrated, and inspired, and today’s event with Captain Riley Tejcek was the perfect way to do just that.”

Riley, who often shares her belief in the power of representation and resilience, hopes her story helps light the spark in the next generation.

“Whether a child sees themselves in my story, or it opens their eyes to new possibilities, I want them to walk away believing they can do anything,” Riley said.

As the last of the children clutched their signed books and colorful kits, it was clear that this special day at USO Quantico wasn’t just about reading a story, it was about starting one.

For more on the USO Reading Program or upcoming Month of the Military Child events, visit uso.org/programs/uso.org/programs.