"Randall Kenneth (Randy) Campbell was a team mate and true friend of mine when we both served in Bravo Company/3rd Recon Bn (and deployed to VN in March 1965 from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii). Randy personified the characteristics of a USMC RECON Marine: "R for Running, E for exercise, C for can do, O for on the run, N for never quit."  It's fair to say, Randy's style and accomplishments served as a model for the whole company and he was our first loss in April 1965.  His loss was a significant wake-up call for what Vietnam action (whatever the media chose to call it, war, conflict, or combat action) truly meant . . . all who knew him, from that day on, knew what could lay ahead for each of us remaining.

My recollection is that Randy always said he was from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Incredibly, I made contact with a Montreal school chum of Randy's (Basil S. - now residing in British Columbia) who was also in contact with Randy's mother, still in Canada.

As soon as I knew that Randy had passed on that April, I swore, if I ever had a son, I would name him after Randy . . . and I kept my word. My first born son is today an active duty U.S. Marine officer with Randall as his middle name.   I'm ordering a bracelet for this son, another for John C. (who was seriously wounded when Randy was killed); the third bracelet goes to another Canadian, Bas S. for his efforts in helping us (in CONUS) find Randy's mother and thus closing a more than a thirty-five year search for her.  I proudly wear Randy's bracelet as an ever present connection to him and all he represents as a model of courage and commitment to selfless duty.

Please note also: Randy is buried in Elmira, NY and his name is on our Wall and on the Canadian VN veterans wall in Windsor, Ontario, CDN.


Semper fidelis and God Bless

Si - Sgt./USMC Recon (RVN)

For Fallen Police Officers

Thanks for helping us our with constructing our CARRY THE FALLEN 2011 Memorial Bracelets and dog-tags.

CARRY THE FALLEN 2011 is a program initiated by the Duluth Police Department (Duluth, Minnesota) in response to the inordinate number of police officer "line-of-duty" deaths thus far this year. The impetus for the program occurred when our profession experienced eleven (11) tragic police officer deaths in a 48 hour period, Nation-wide. Only one major news station (FOX) carried any significant coverage about the tragedy of our fallen compatriots so, our agency decided to do something to draw attention not only to these tragic deaths, but to the ultimate sacrifice many have made this year to protect our citizens.

For the remainder of 2011, numerous officers within our agency have dedicated to wearing either a stainless-steel bracelet or a dog-tag, created by your company, with the name of a fallen-hero officer, the name of their respective agency and the EOW date (end-of-watch) in remembrance and reverence of the service of these brave men and women to GOD and Country, to recognize their courage and ultimately, their sacrifice for those who need our protection.

Additionally, we send a letter to each of the officer's agencies to introduce our CARRY THE FALLEN program and offer our condolences and to let them know, WE EACH carry the loss of a fellow Law Enforcement Officer and will WILL REMEMBER these heroic individuals as we carry their names on our memorials throughout the year.

Thank you for your prompt and professional service and for being a part of helping us honor our fallen.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Scott R. J
Duluth Police Department Uniform Division
Duluth, Minnesota

For Steven Gutowski

Just ordered a KIA Bracelet for SPC Steven Gutowski, KIA 28 SEPT 2011 in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, in Support of OEF. Steve was a brother in arms and grew up the next town over from me in Southern MA. Hadn't seen him in years as he went Active and I was Guard. Coincidentally we both ended up working out in the same province. I had a great time catching up with him in August; I was flying out for reassignment, he for leave, we ended up on a bird together. A month later as I am flying home for leave, I recognize a patch, and asked the kid if he knew Steve, how was he doing...and got the news. Ill never forget.

For Jon Tumilson

Received my KIA Bracelet in honor of Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, I wear it everyday!


Sandra

For my Uncle William Franklin "Sonny" Silver, Jr.

I ordered two Memorial Bracelets today in memory of my uncle who was KIA May 13,1969 in Thua Thien S Viet Nam. One for myself and one for my mother- his sister. Though he has been gone from our lives for a long time, he will live in our hearts forever...he is our hero. We will miss him until we see him again. RIP William Franklin "Sonny" Silver, Jr. ♥

Lisa G.

For POW Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl

I ordered an updated bracelet for SGT BOWE R. BERGDAHL
ARMY 30 JUN 09 AFGHANISTAN POW ID

Please help spread the word and help get our "Boy" home!!!!♥
BOWE YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN !!! ♥

Doni H.

My Big Brother

I got my Memorial Bracelet in the mail a few days ago, it was well worth the wait. It's great, looks perfect, and I just love it!! I can't wait until the day I don't have to wear it anymore, but in the mean time it's such a perfect way to do any little thing I can to support my big brother through his second tour in Afghanistan. Thanks!! God bless!


Kourtney Cay H.

For CPT Mark Garner

I  just looked up a Memorial Bracelet of a friend I went to school with, CPT Mark Garner. I didn't know Mark especially well, but I knew him enough to know that he was a great person and a great soldier. I remember going to his funeral in our hometown in 2009, and I remember how upset it made me. 


Like I said, I didn't know him that well but I knew him and went to the same school, we were even in JROTC together. I guess being a veteran myself and knowing the sacrifices so many have made firsthand and knowing so many others who served in Afghanistan just made it that much more intense for me. I hope his mother (who was also my high school biology teacher) and his wife don't mind me wearing a bracelet in his honor.


Kathy B-A

For Jessica Ellis

I just ordered a Memorial Bracelet for a young friend who was killed in Iraq. I did not know there was such a thing until I read an article about Jessica Ellis in the Idaho paper. I will wear this bracelet with honor and think of Jessica and her family. Jessica was a lovely young woman who is missed. God bless her family and all the families who have lost someone in this war and God bless all the men and women who are still deployed and keeping our country safe. Thank you.


Sharon S.

For the Soldier who Died on the Day of My Birth

I was born On October 4th 1968, and have been studying the Viet Nam war at ASU for the last 2 years. I have always had an affinity for Viet Nam Veterans and the service men that lives were lost in Southeast Asia. I would like to think it would be a fitting tribute to commemorate someone who gave their life for freedom, on the day when I was born free. On the day of my birth, that coincides with the loss of an American Soilder, a paying of respect to a solder that died on that same day is an appropriate tribute.

Adam C.

For my son Spc. Kelly J. Mixon

His mother and I met while stationed in Stuttgart West Germany. We met and had a small fling just before I left for Alabama. I only found out he was my son about 4 years ago. I got the chance to tell him about his family on my side, about me, my job ... you get the picture. Anyway, I got the chance to talk to him as he was trying to enter the Marine Corp.

He chose the Army for various reasons. He signs up, and gets chosen for "Sniper School". He graduates youngest in his class, and my understanding of it was that out of 70 something, he finished 12 or 14th. He goes to Afghanastan, gets in a "Stryker Unit. (I work at Anniston Army Depot. We built and rebuilt the tanks used over there). Well anyway, he goes on a sweep of some area there. He and his medic dismount the vehicle and a suicide bomber runs up and ignites his vest. My son and the son of another grieving family were killed instantly. I wish I could have met him, and talked to him face to face and not just over the phone. It would have been cool to have been able to hang out with him for just one day.

I'll will wear his Memorial Bracelet until the day I can meet him face to face.

Thomas V. U.

For CWO James Larry Phipps

I still have my copper bracelet from 1972. The one I ordered from your website will have the same name "CWO James Larry Phipps".  Last year I assembled & dedicated a POW/MIA white table for the VFW Post where my husband is Commander.  I was inspired by memories of 40 years ago and the name on my bracelet who I called my soldier.  I will treasure my new bracelet just as I do the copper one.        

Thank You,

Deloras J.

For Sgt. Rodney Griffin and PFC Michael C. Roell

I received my POW/MIA bracelet when I was about 12 or so in 1970. Years later, I was going to a community college near where I live and met a guy whose brother was killed in Vietnam. In the early 1990's, I was in DC and I was able to get him and his mother an etching each.  They didn't know that I was going to do that and they both were surprised and extremely grateful. Very recently, I became interested in whether my guy, Sgt. Rodney Griffin, 5-2-70, ever came home, and he hasn't. No remaines yet, either. I also stumbled upon your wesite and I order a KIA bracelet in the name of PFC Michael C. Roell, the brother of the guy I knew at college. I just wanted you to know that after all these years, I haven't forgotten about either one of them, and I don't think I ever will. Thanks for reading my message and for having this website. God bless, Dorinda

 

To Bring Bowe Bergdahl Home Safely

I am wearing a Memorial Bracelet to show my support for Spc. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan.  He is the same age as my son and favors him a lot.  Same blue eyes, complexion, size.. I cried when I seen him standing next to his captor, so young and vulnerable.  God bless him and keep him safe, and bring him home quickly.

Lynn

For those that lost their lives on 9/11

I was inspired by a woman who I saw on TV.  She donned a bracelet for someone who was fighting in the Viet Nam war.  They had written letters back and forth, and she promised that she would never take it off until she met him.  Well, 40 years later she had the honor of putting the bracelet on his military jacket as they laid him to rest.  I had a bracelet back then too, but I wasn’t as vigilant as she was, and I am ashamed of myself for it. 

9/11 was such a tragedy, and I want to show support for those who lost their lives as well as support for the families.  I don’t know if I will get any information about this person who is on my bracelet to let them know that I am wearing it for their family member.

Namaste,

Andrea D.

For My Brother

I got this Memorial Bracelet in memory of my brother who was killed in Vietnam

For Sgt Willard Robert Ryan

Just got two Memorial Bracelets one for myself and one for my Brother John, to remember and honor our Father.. Sgt Willard Robert Ryan who gave his life in vietnam. Mom was pregnant with John , my sister was two ..I was one. Mom had a breakdown that lasted her lifetime. Dad regardles is my Hero, not drafted , but volunteered to fight for what is right. Freedom . The Dog tag will never come off my body ... I honor my Father from within every day that I breath..now I have a way to honor him on the outside so that others may see, and inquire and I can tell his story. Thank you to the people who make these precious memorials.

To Show My Support More Visibly

I am a 9 year Navy Vet, and served as a Hospital Corpsman from 1981-1990. I was medically retired (HM1) from a knee injury..  I served with the 2^nd Medical Bn for 4 years, as well as duty at a naval hospital and aboard ship.  I am now  practicing as a Chiropractor (10 years) in Putnam CT.  I worked at the Newington VA Hospital for about a year and a half (Chiropractor) and continue to support our troops and vets.  I’m not sure who PO Montgomery was (HM or other) but I wear a Memorial Bracelet because I wanted to be able to show my support more visibly. 

Dr. Frederick B.

For Pfc. Donald Lyle Elliott

This is my childhood friend Marine Pfc. Donald Lyle Elliott who was KIA in Vietnam at Mutter's Ridge hill 484 on August 10, 1969. In this picture, I placed his photo at the wall. I am also wearing his Memorial Bracelet on my right arm. The left is for a friend Marine Pfc. Kevin C Hanley.

For SPC Jose A. Torre

SPC Jose A Torre was an extraordinary person. I had the honor of serving with him in Fort Leonardwood Missouri when he and I were first entering into the military in 2008. We were the same platoon, the same squad, and slept in neighboring barracks bays. Torre was an exemplary soldier, often setting a standard by which we all tried to meet. In training he was quick to absorb all details and many times was able to help other soldiers in understanding new subjects. When I was his squad leader, Torre was always there with fresh ideas and tactics, and was great at bringing moral up. I came to love Torre as a brother, as we all did. His death struck a deep chord in everyone who knew him and I will carry his memory close to me with this Memorial Bracelet.

For My Wife's Brother Lost in Nam

I have a very strong love for our country and a deep respect for the people who have given us what we have today. I was drafted in late 1972, reported, but was rejected and was hurting that I could not do my part. When I hear the national anthem, it always brings a tear to my eyes, every time! I read about men clutching an old flag or even a small piece of it and it also brings tears to my eyes. I just recently got married and have found out that my wife lost her brother in nam, it is hard for her to even think of it. He was a navy medic and did not live long upon arriving there. I told her I would love to do the run to the wall and be part of this wonderful dedication. As of yet have not been able to do so, but when I got to your site I seen the bracelets etc., that one could get. With out hessitation I placed the order and told my wife that at least I could do this. I will wear it as long as I live for him and all who have given the ulitimate sacrifice and for those also who have return. GOD BLESS AMERICA and the men and women who cared enough to do what they did.    Thank You !!! Steve P ST.Augustine florida                   

For Pfc. Colton Rusk

My daughter, Whitley, will be graduating from Orange Grove High School on June 3^rd.  When she was taking senior pictures she wanted to take a picture of her bracelet she wears to honor one of her best friends, Pfc. Colton Rusk, who was killed December – 2010.  Colton was a 2009 graduate of OGHS and was the big brother she always wanted.  Thank you for honoring our soldiers.

Tammy H.

For Vincent Saracini

I have a Memorial Bracelet for Vincent Saracini, the pilot whose plane hit the South Tower of WTC.  I previously had one for Andrew Fredericks, a fireman killed at the WTC.  Mr. Fredericks' bracelet was made of brass I think and tarnished.  It was no honor to him and I had to get rid of it, but fortunately I ordered and will receive a red one for him.  This 9-11 is the 10th anniversary and I hope there is a lot of participation to honor all the innocent victims.           

                         
Doris P.

For SFC James E. Thode

I wear a Memorial Bracelet for SFC James E. Thode of NM. He was a true NCO and leader of Soldiers. I served with him for two deployments and am honored to be able to say I knew him. May he rest in peace, and may his family feel comfort from God.

SSG Philip R Walker

118th Sapper Company

One of the serious problems in planning the fight against American doctrine, is that the Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine...
- From a Soviet Junior Lt's Notebook

The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it.
-   Genghis Khan (1162-1227)

An army of asses led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by an ass.
-   George Washington

For SFC Randy Johnson

I just placed an ordered with Memorial Bracelets for my best friend that I lost Sept 27 07. His name was Randy Johnson. I went into basic training and met him there. We did AIT together and almost got the same orders for the first three years of my enlistment. We got seperated when I changed my post. We had lost contact for a few years, until I was stationed at Ft Jackson. I was a garrison MP at the time. I got a call about a shop lifter. And when I pulled up to the P.X, I ran into him after to years of a phone call here and there and a letter from time to time. I lost touch during my tour in Afghanistan. I ETS'ed out of the Army in 05 after 16 years of service. I would time from time check causality reports, and on October 3rd I saw his name. After the shock wore off, I still have that whole in my heart for Frank and the other 5,000 or so of my other brothers and sisters lost in the past 10 years. After Frank passed, I tried to reenlist. Which was denied because of my PTSD diagnosis. Thanks for the oppertonity to share my story.