Saturday, July 24, 2010

To Hold Steven Heitman in my Heart

I am a married man, with 2 adult children. One is handicapped, 31 years old, and the joy of my life. The other, 28, has twin children (grandbabies to me) one boy and one girl.
They were born Dec 26, 2008. I can only hope that they can somehow have a learned idea of the travesties of the "police action" of Vietnam. I only missed out on being part of it by 2 years, but from the time I was born, to the days of my senior year of high school, all I knew was "Vietnam war". It sucks that it is not recognized as a "war" per se, they are saying that this new war is the longest of modern history, but we all know "nam" was the longest of all!
I wore the Vietnam MIA bracelet with SSGT Steven W Heitman for most of my years of high school. I didn't have near the appreciation for all of the sacrifices that all of the men and women gave, some a little, and some all. SSGT Heitman gave ALL. I only wish I could of given more of myself, and my sole to the battle they all fought for too many years. I praise God that I didn't have to go to Vietnam, but, I praise all who went, lived, and died, for the freedom that we all have today!!
My original bracelet, I wore through high school, has long since been lost (this really sucks!!) if I only would have realized the true meaning, I would have guarded it with my life, but, as a young dumb teen, I only wore it because "everybody" did. I have lots more brain power now, (not always good), but I hold Steven in my heart, and will wear this new bracelet till the Lord calls me home!! I only hope that if your family happens to read this, they will know that somebody else cares for there son!
With true and lasting Love,
Todd K.

FOR CW5 SHARON T. SWARTWORTH

I am at a military school that is named after CW5 Swartworth (Warrant Officer Career College- Swartworth Hall) and will use the Memorial Bracelet as a dedication during a ceremony.
Rusty

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

For my Cousin and Good Friend

I ordered two Memorial Bracelets. A Vietnam MIA bracelet is for my cousin, Marshall F. Kipina who was shot down over Laos in 1966. I never met him, but was told he was a great human being and a true patriot. The second one I ordered was a KIA bracelet for a good friend who was the platoon leader of Thomas Vitagliano who was killed in action in January 2005 during Operation Enduring Freedom. I will never forget.

Adam

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

For My Son's Friend, Classmate and Teammate

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet for my son to wear in memory of his friend, classmate and teammate LCPL. Joshua Davis. He's our hometown hero who gave his all!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

To Share the Stories of My Friends with Others

I ordered and wear my bracelet to remember my friends who have fallen. So that everywhere that I go, I carry their memory with me. A bracelet may only be a small piece of jewelry, but it carries a lifetime worth of memories with it. As a Marine, we form lifelong bonds with our brothers-in-arms; their dedication to their fellow troops and their commitment to their country will always be remembered. And my bracelets give me an opportunity to share their story with others.

Monday, July 12, 2010

For My Cousin Michael Dunn

I wear my bracelet for my cousin Michael Dunn, who was KIA in Vietnam in 1969. I was only 12 but I remember. I figure that as long as one person who remembers his is alive he is not forgotten.
Kevin D.

For My Son Dustin

My son Dustin was serving proudly in the USAF when we lost him unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident on December 28, 2006. Dustin had a long time goal for military service and committed himself to make that goal happen. He was serving in AFTAC at Patrick AFB, a highly technical post that has been described as the best and brightest.

As a father, I have no problem acknowledging that Dustin is my hero. He exemplified what a Airman is and he was a son that a family could be proud of. It is for him that I will be honored to wear my Memorial Bracelet.

Bill P.
New Palestine Indiana

Friday, July 09, 2010

To Honor PFC Wayne Bibbs Sacrifice

My husband is active duty Army, and a veteran of 3 wars; the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. We have two teenagers at home. If one of our kids decided to join the Army and follow in Dad's footsteps and, God Forbid, something like this happened to them....I would appreciate strangers honoring their memory in this way. The MIA I chose was 17 year old PFC Wayne Bibbs. I would like to honor this young man's name and sacrifice. I will proudly display his name.

Athena M.
Fort Hood TX.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

For My Cousin Who Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice

My cousin was killed in Iraq in 2006. Wearing my Memorial Bracelet serves as a daily reminder that freedom isn't free and soldiers like my cousin pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. He and soldiers just like him are the true definition of heroes.

Caroline

Monday, July 05, 2010

For Capt. Michael S. Haskell

Capt. Michael S. Haskell, KIA, Beirut, was known to me as SDI, SSGT. Haskell, PLT 1004, 18DEC72. He molded me into a MARINE. Thank you and RIP SSGT. Haskell.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

To Never Let a Snipers Bullet Silence the Memory of Donnie Dixon

The day I got my Memorial Bracelet I went into my office and cried when I opened it. I met Donnie through SSG Brooks. We were in Ba'Qubah, Iraq during the surge in 2007. Donnie was part of the PSD team for the BDE Cdr and I was on the PSD/LRT for the DCO. Casualties where very heavy that summer. We lost so many to IED's, Suicide bombers, and small arms fire. I went to more Hero flights than I want to remember. Out of all of the folks we lost Donnie was one I could put a voice to a face and face to the litter that was carried to the chopper. We had a few conversations over dinner in the DFAC and even though I didn't know him as well as I wish I could have, I swore after his death that I would never let the snipers bullet silence his memory. Rest in Peace Donnie D. Dixon.
SSG Jimmy Ray H.
Live the Legend
Be the Legend
1st CAV DIV
OIF 06-08