Catching Up With Elmo
On Patrol staff
While touring with The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families, Elmo has provided young children with resources to help them cope with parents’ deployment and how to get ready for their homecoming—especially if they’re coming home with an injury.
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends relate to the young children’s sadness over a loved one being far from home and have provided love and support to about 200,000 troops and their families. Elmo is currently helping military children at bases around the world cope with the major changes that can come with being part of a military family.
You have helped a lot of military children feel better in the last couple of years, haven’t you?
Yeah!
How did you do that?
Well, Elmo got to meet them and talk about their problems and concerns. Elmo helps find out information, so Elmo can help them and their family and friends and people that they love.
Why were the kids sad?
Well, because some of their parents had to go away and so they were worried about when they would see them again.
Sometimes, Elmo’s daddy went away, too, and so Elmo had to learn about what to do when daddy is away, too.
And what do you do?
Well, Elmo got to write on the calendar when he [Daddy] would come back and he would mark off the days. And sometimes he would take pictures of himself playing. And then we could see Daddy on the computer and say hello to him that way. And one thing that Elmo’s daddy said was that we see the same moon wherever he is at. So, when Elmo is looking at the moon he said he will be looking at the moon too.
How did you meet all these military kids?
Elmo traveled to a lot of military bases and he met lots of families.
Does your mom or dad come with you on these tours?
Yes.
What is your favorite part about meeting all these families?
Well Elmo loves making all new friends and that’s always fun!
What can you tell me about the kids you’ve met?
They’re wonderful!
What do the kids say after the show is over?
Well they love singing the songs and they love having a good time with all their Sesame Street friends. Oh yeah…and they give really good hugs and kisses!
Do you have a special message for military kids?
Elmo and all their Sesame Street friends are there for them and whenever they need comfort or need questions we’re here for them!
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
