Teddy Bear Drop Continues to Bring Smiles

  • Published
  • By Airman Madeleine Remillard
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – There is tremendous happiness in bringing joy to others. Staff Sgt. Tyler Treadaway, 361st Training Squadron metals technology instructor, husband and father of two, takes great pride in doing good deeds.

 

In 2011, while stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Treadaway embarked on a mission to spread holiday cheer to those whom he believed needed it most – sick children spending their holiday in a hospital. By collecting donations through a crowd funding website, Treadaway gathered enough donations to deliver 150 Air Force warrior bears, a plush toy dressed in the Airman Battle Uniform, to sickly children.

 

“All kids love teddy bears,” Treadaway said. “Once I had kids, I realized how much we take health for granted. I wanted even more to get these teddy bears to the kids and their families”

 

The Teddy Bear Drop has continued to grow throughout the years. After making national news in 2017, the makers of the warrior bears lowered the price of their furry, cuddly product, and the donations were able to cover the cost of 5,700 bears to be delivered to children in need.

 

Treadaway has had multiple families reach out to him long after his hospital visits and express their gratitude and lasting impact his actions had on them.

 

Staff Sgt. Sam Baudin, 361st Training Squadron metals technology instructor, has teamed up with Treadaway to participate in the Teddy Bear Drop this year. Baudin said he has supported Treadaway since they were in technical school together more than seven years ago.

 

“He just has a good heart,” Baudin said of Treadaway.

 

However, Baudin has a desire to help for more reasons than just support for his friend. In December 2017, Baudin suffered the loss of his 2-year-old daughter after she spent two months in the hospital.

 

“When we were in the hospital over Thanksgiving, people would come in and bring us Thanksgiving foods,” he said. “It really breaks up the monotony. So I know a teddy bear might not seem like much, but it’s more than that. Simple and small things make a huge difference”

 

Treadaway and Baudin have a goal to double the amount of teddy bears given in previous years and distribute them at hospitals in Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City. However, the ultimate goal is always to bring a smile to a child in need.