Friday, November 23, 2012

For a Friend Injured Fighting for our Country

I received my Memorial Bracelet yesterday via UPS. The bracelet turned out fabulous. The detail, clarity and strength of the bracelet is remarkable.

The name on my bracelet is a good friend of mine. We were friends for many years, and when 9/11 happened, the Patriotism came out in the both of us (it was there 110% before, but now it was time to step up). We both went to college together and graduated in August of 01. We both were working great jobs, and quit them to defend our country....And that was the best choice we ever made. As time went on, I was injured and was discharged due to the inability to perform my duty to the fullest of my expectations and my COs. My bud stayed.

He was docked to come back for leave, but offered to stay in hostile territory when he had a 21 year old soldier in his flight become a Dad for the first time. So some how (I am still trying to figure this out), papers were turned, favors were granted, and prayers were answered, and the young soldier got his leave to see his new family, with my bud staying behind, taking his place. Because of this, my friend was severely injured and will never be the same again. He has lost all ability to function, talk, etc. Therefore, I want him to see me there as support, and always know I have him close to my heart. In my eyes, this soldier dropped everything he had to defend this Nation, then when it was his time to go home on leave, gave up his slot for a brother in arms. That is exemplarily leadership, dedication and sacrifice, which is our code, and what we live by on a daily basis.

For SSG Keith Maupin

Just received my Memorial Bracelet today in the mail. The workmanship is great. Found the web site from one of the guys that I with work here with in Baghdad. He ordered his bracelet from you also.

SSG Keith Maupin's Dad is my cousin. Since I am not real good on family relationships, I did not know he had deployed over here until he was listed as duty status unknown. I am currently in Baghdad, Iraq. It is my third trip. I am performing my job as all soldiers here do. Since being here during this deployment, I have received packages from the yellow ribbon support group that his parents started on his behalf. I am grateful for their support, and all that support us while we are here.

1SG David M. C.

For Lt. James E. Teague

I wore a MIA/POW Bracelet for Lt. James E. Teague until they notified me that he had been brought home.  A very sad time for me.

I used to look at his bracelet every day and pray and wonder where and how he was.
All these years since, I would think of him and his family and how their lives changed with his death.  John 15:13 - "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friend."

I have read the summary of his mission and the shootdown sequence provided by Theodore G. Stier  CDR, USN (Ret.)  I have always wondered what happened.  It brought all the feeling back like it just happened.

Always wanted to get in contact with his family and tell them how sorry I was and that I prayed for him every day but did not have the resources.

Thanks.

Gail

Thursday, November 15, 2012

For SP4 James E. Jaranson


I just ordered a Memorial Bracelet in memory of my childhood playmate SP4 James E. Jaranson. Jimmy was killed in Vietnam 6 months before I went over. He and I played ball every day at recess in school. The other popular boys would not let us play ball with them, so Jimmy and I teamed up and played catch. I guess we shared difficulties as little boys, and I wasn't there for him when he was in difficulty in Nam. I'm sorry Jimmy so sorry. God keep you my friend.


Dan B.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

For 1LT David R. Blackburn

I just purchased a Memorial Bracelet to honor
1LT DAVID R. BLACKBURN
USA 28 NOV 67 SVN
P-30E / L-82 FL

He was the brother of a friend of mine. I remember clearly the look on her face when she was called out of class that day. It brought the war home to me in a very personal way and was a wake up call for a 12 year old. His death changed me in a profound way and that led me into activism on several political issues and put me on a career path where I was able to change a small corner of the world. God bless him and keep him.

Ann S-Y