Combat teddy bear takes on Bayonet Thrust

Courtesy Photo | Combat teddy bear Pup, purchased by U.S Army paratrooper Sgt. Casey Cantrell, a platoon sergeant assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, poses for a picture during a five month rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in Tapa, Estonia. Operation Atlantic Resolve serves as a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine. (U.S. Army courtesty photo)  

SOCHACZEW, POLAND

10.24.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn  

173rd Airborne Brigade

SOCHACZEW, Poland – It’s been three days since Company D, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade began their road march from Estonia, southwest toward Italy after completing a five month deployment during Operation Atlantic Resolve and now, they’ve crossed into Poland, Oct. 24, 2015, along with a combat teddy bear name "Pup" as part of Operation Bayonet Thrust.

Bayonet Thrust brings together the 173rd Airborne Brigade and military forces from nine NATO allies to demonstrate interoperability and rapid mobility across the region.

Pup, named by the paratroopers of Company D has been on the road march since day one, which was purchased by Sgt. Casey Cantrell, a platoon sergeant assigned to Company D. Throughout the company’s OAR rotation, Cantrell regularly took Pup out on missions and on training exercises so that he could leave lasting memories for his unborn son to look back on.

“[The company] started in Estonia where we’ve been for the past five months,” said Cantrell. “I actually bought [Pup] in Estonia while we were there and I take pictures with him wherever I go. [So far] we moved down through Latvia, Lithuania and we’re headed to Poland today. Then we’re going to be going through to Hungary and finally Italy.”

“I caught some flack at the beginning when the guys saw me carrying him with me everywhere. But they think it’s cool, they know I have a son on the way,” said Cantrell.

Operation Atlantic Resolve serves as a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine.

Having a keepsake or trinket to include combat stuffed animals isn’t a new concept for soldiers within Company D. Spc. Mike Corcoran, a team leader assigned to Company D, has also started carrying his own keepsake and so have a few others among the company.

“I didn’t know about the bear until recently but now I think it’s pretty cool,” said Corcoran. “Sergeant Cantrell takes pictures with the bear a lot. I adopted the same idea with my girlfriend, so he pioneered that because he’s been taking pictures with [Pup] all over the place.”

From Estonia to now Poland, Pup continues to travel with Company D as part of Bayonet Thrust. His next stop will be Tata, Hungary, where he’ll get the opportunity to new people and take more pictures for Cantrell’s scrapbook.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, is the U.S. Army contingency Response Force in Europe and is capable of deploying ready forces to conduct the full range of military operations across the U.S. European, Africa and Central Commands' areas of operations within 18 hours.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2015
• Date Posted: 10.25.2015 23:32
• Story ID: 179880
• Location: SOCHACZEW, PL