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The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families kicked off April 4 with a pair of performances for more than 870 military family members at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Grover, Cookie Monster, Rosita and their newest friend, Katie – a specially-created character who is a child from a military family that’s moving to a new place - preformed during the 30-minute show. The characters enthusiastically thanked the military families in attendance and shared messages of support and encouragement for children, who have to deal with frequent moves and unique stressors because of their parents’ profession.

The tour is currently heading southeast, with performances at Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Campbell, Ky., and three shows at Fort Bragg, N.C., in the next 10 days. Check out the tour schedule.