FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Cookie Monster, Rosita, Zoe, Grover and Elmo entertained the crowd of nearly 850 installation Families with songs about coping with deployments and how to make music using everyday objects.
The Sesame Street/USO Experience for military Families was performed June 16-17 at the Post Theater.
Garrison Commander Col. Yvette Kelley presented the cast with a plaque from the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to thank them for performing for Fort Rucker Families, prior to last Thursday's show.
"Sesame Street has been around for 40 years and this show was tailored for our military kids," Kelley said. "It could not have been better."
Kelley stayed for the entire performance and praised the level of production and response from the crowd.
"This was the very best part of my day," she said. "A show like this would cost $10 to $25 per person if you saw it in the outside community. They also provided great souvenirs for the audience at no expense."
Kelley extended thanks to those who helped bring the show here and aided in the behind-the-scenes production, including DFMWR staff, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers members and Advanced Individual Training Soldiers.
WO1 Ryan Muller and his wife, Denice, brought their children, Ryan, 5, and Allison, 9, to see the show because they felt it was a great way to spend time together.
"It's so great to have something like this we can all enjoy as a Family," he said. "(Ryan) really enjoys (the show) at home so he was really excited to see it here."
Ryan said his favorite parts of the show were "when Cookie Monster started singing and Elmo."
Elmo was a crowd favorite for many who attended, including military spouse Jackline Stevens and her son, David, 4, who said they watch Sesame Street every day.
"It's just great entertainment," she said. "It's nice to have something so Family friendly here."
According to the USO Web site, The Sesame Street Workshop/USO partnership performed its first show at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, Calif., in July 2008.
Since then, The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families has traveled more than 45,500 miles to 84 bases in nine countries. More than 135,000 service members and Families have been entertained during 190 shows.
Social Sharing