A special “Doc McStuffins” episode continues Disney’s legacy of support for military families through a storyline that gently reflects common emotions young children face but find difficult to express when a parent or loved one is deployed. The episode of Disney Junior’s acclaimed series will be presented on Veterans Day, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 (9:30 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. As part of the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama will host military families for a private screening at The White House on Monday, November 10.
In the story titled “Training Army Al,” Doc McStuffins encourages her toy friends to find comfort and strength when their pal, the soldier action figure Army Al, is called to duty and will soon be separated from them, if even for a trip into the woods with Donny’s scouting troop. As Lambie, Stuffy, Hallie, Chilly and Bronty fret that Al might get hurt, broken, or not come home at all, it’s up to Doc to rally them to help Al be his best and to support each other. A Disney Publishing storybook inspired by the episode will be available beginning Tuesday, December 2.
First Lady Michelle Obama has made supporting military families and U.S. troops a top priority, and together with Dr. Jill Biden, she launched Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative calling all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families and support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. Joining Forces works hand in hand with the public and private sector to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have the tools they need to succeed throughout their lives. As part of her work with the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker during Disney’s inaugural Veteran’s Institute, an event held in November 2013 which leveraged the success of Disney’s Heroes Work Here commitment to hire veterans and encourage greater employment opportunities for military men and women transitioning into civilian life.
The Emmy-nominated “Doc McStuffins” is an imaginative animated series about Doc McStuffins, a six-year-old girl who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. Showcasing the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling — fantasy and wish fulfillment — the series models compassion and good health for kids age 2-7. “Doc McStuffins” airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
Created and executive-produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-winning Chris Nee and directed by Emmy-winning Norton Virgien, “Doc McStuffins” is a production of Dublin, Ireland’s Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Channel. The Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center serves as its health and medical consultants, advising on basic health issues that are relevant to young kids and families.