Was captain kangaroo in the military?

Was Captain Kangaroo in the Military?

Introduction

Captain Kangaroo, the beloved television personality, is often associated with his iconic children’s show, "Captain Kangaroo," which aired from 1955 to 1984. However, many people may not know that Captain Kangaroo, whose real name was Bob Keeshan, had a surprising background before becoming a TV icon. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: was Captain Kangaroo in the military?

Early Life and Military Service

Before becoming a TV personality, Bob Keeshan grew up in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York. He was born on June 27, 1927, and was one of three children to Joseph and Helen Keeshan. Keeshan was raised in a Catholic household and attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York.

Keeshan enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, at the age of 17, during World War II. He served for two years, from 1944 to 1946, as a radar technician on the USS Gherardi, a destroyership that was stationed in the Pacific Theater. Keeshan’s military experience had a profound impact on his life, shaping his values and worldview.

Post-War Life and Career

After his military service, Keeshan attended Columbia University, where he studied drama and fine arts. He began his broadcasting career in the early 1950s, working as a television announcer and actor in New York City. In 1955, he created and starred in "Captain Kangaroo," a children’s television show that became incredibly popular and ran for over 29 years.

Impact of Military Service

Keeshan’s military service had a significant impact on his life and career. His experiences during World War II shaped his worldview and influenced his approach to television programming. He was committed to using his show to promote values such as kindness, empathy, and social responsibility.

Program Highlights

Captain Kangaroo’s show was known for its unique blend of storytelling, puppetry, and educational content. Some popular segments included:

• Mr. Green Jeans, a puppet character who represented the "everyman"
• Mr. Moose, a puppet character who was known for his humorous antics
• King Friday XIII, a puppet character who was the king of a fantasy kingdom

Legacy and Impact

Captain Kangaroo’s impact on children’s television and education cannot be overstated. His show was recognized with numerous awards, including 15 Emmy Awards, and was broadcast in over 100 countries. The show’s educational content focused on promoting social and emotional learning, as well as cognitive development.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, Captain Kangaroo was in the military. Bob Keeshan’s experiences during World War II had a profound impact on his life and career, shaping his values and approach to television programming. As a television personality, Captain Kangaroo used his show to promote kindness, empathy, and social responsibility, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of children’s television and education.

Table: Captain Kangaroo’s Military Service

References

• "Bob Keeshan: A Life of Kindness" by John A. Holmes
• "Captain Kangaroo: The Official Website"
• "The Official Bob Keeshan Web Site"
• "Biography of Bob Keeshan" by the Captain Kangaroo Foundation