Operation Baghdaddy Bears Serves Military Families
Operation Baghdaddy Bears, sounds like a fictional movie script but what it is really is a tug at the human heart.
Operation Baghdaddy Bears is inspirational call to action by three Sevier County high school students Lindsey Layman, Calleigh Allen, and Cameron Allen. The three students observed Sgt. Stacy Cutshaw, of the National Guard 134 Security Forces Squadron, as he was deploying. He gave his son a teddy bear, inside the bear was a pre-recorded message left by Sgt. Stacy in the hopes of comforting his son while away.
Much like the commercials on tv that portray one good act observed by others carry on, well this one sure did. The students sent recorders to the remaining soldiers with children in the 134th Security Squadron, now overseas. When the recordings came back the students placed them in bears, donated by Pigeon Forge’s Three Bears General Store, placed the bears in mock-up uniforms, and mailed them to the soldiers’ children. In addition, the three high school students put on bake sales to raise funds for shipping and handling.
Bravo Zulu to these fine teens, Lindsey Layman, Calleigh Allen, and Cameron Allen! As a retired Navy Veteran, I salute you and those who supported such a moving and thoughtful gesture of the heart. You have exemplified ”moral” for those abroad now serving, you have touched our soldiers children and families here at home, and your actions have vibrated through the hearts of those whom have sacrificed and served our nation.
Where soldiers must raise guns to duty’s call, let it fill our hearts that our youth have placed but a simple teddy bear, filled with the comforting voices of a parent’s love, in the arms of their children back home.
