Bastogne the Bulldog R.I. P.

Hat Tip to Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

1st BCT mourns for
Bastogne the Bulldog

Since World War II, the spirit of Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, both old and new, has been embodied in one individual. The spirit within the individual captivated Soldiers, boosted their morale and encouraged esprit de corps. This individual is the Bastogne Bulldog.

Bastogne came to the Bastogne Brigade as an impulsive puppy with a spontaneous attitude in 1999. His playful spirit and willingness to explore motivated each Soldier he came in contact with.

“I met Bastogne in 2001 because I was on staff duty as a young private, and I was in charge of taking Bastogne to the bathroom,” said Spc. Johnathan Christopher, commander and command sergeant major personal assistant.

Many other Soldiers met Bastogne through staff duty in brigade headquarters. It was Bastogne’s domain, but he greeted Soldiers with a wagging tail.

While Bastogne was young, people would often see him leading runs, making privates do pushups or chasing them down the street.

“He had a personality of his own. There was always something to be said or be seen with that dog,” said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Moore, S2 noncommissioned officer in charge.

During ceremonies people could often hear Bastogne sounding off. He sometimes even made his presence known during remembrance ceremonies. It was as if the soul of the Soldier would become a part of Bastogne.

“If Bastogne caught NCOs or commanders yelling at troops, he started yelling. Sometimes I think he really did think he was a Soldier, and he was,” said Christopher.

As Bastogne matured through the years, he calmed down and began to act more and more like a seasoned NCO.

“Bastogne went from a wild, rambunctious puppy to the mature adult dog who really sometimes thought he was sergeant major, and you could see that,” said Christopher.

Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Bastogne continued to move about the brigade to encourage Soldiers, provide some stress relief or to enforce discipline.

“When I think of Bastogne, I think of the Bastogne Bulldogs,” said Christopher. “I have known Bastogne for my whole military career so for me, it’s always an inspiration to see Bastogne.”

Bastogne died Jan. 30 leaving behind a paw print impression the brigade will never forget.

“Bastogne represents the dead and the present veteran. That’s why I call him the spirit of 1st Brigade, because he represents the passing of the Soldiers,” said Tony Walters, Bastogne’s handler.

Bastogne’s legacy will continue to be felt as the brigade prepares for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

“You can’t forget about Bastogne. “To forget him is like forgetting every Soldier who gave their life and loyalty to what they believed in,” said Walters.