To Honor PFC Ronald L. Coker

I wear my Memorial Bracelet in honor of PFC Ronald L. Coker of Alliance, NE which is 60 miles from Scottsbluff, NE where I live. PFC Coker was Killed 24 March 1969 in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. PFC Coker was wounded by small arms fire and 3 grenades while he rescued a fellow Marine who had been wounded earlier. Despite PFC Coker's numerous he brought his comrade back to safety and died of his wounds shortly after. For his heroic actions on that day,

PFC Ronald L. Coker was awarded the Medal of Honor.

40 years after his death, the road leading to the veterans cemetery in Alliance, NE was named Ronald Coker Road.

Thanks,

Fred

For Pararescueman Jason D. Cunningham

When I was a freshman in an AFJROTC unit I was reading an article in Airman magazine about a school that turns men into supermen. It was an article about the rigors of Air Force Pararescue training and they followed one PJ candidate, Jason D. Cunningham. When I was done with the article I knew that I had discovered something special. To me, this was the best job in the military. Their sole mission is to save people. For a freshman I was awestruck and had for a time that's all I wanted to be. I still entertain thoughts of trying to be one of these few that put their lives on the line for no other reason than "so that others may live." A maxim that we could all try to live by. About three years later I was reading an article in I Air Force Times where a young Pararescueman by the name of Jason Cunningham was killed while trying to save the crew of a downed helicopter on the side of an afghan mountain. At first I was struck by a sense of familiarity. I knew the name, but couldn't put my finger on it. Searching through my archives of Air Force magazines I came across the original article. I was shocked and stunned. I was saddened by the fact that he was killed, but also somewhat happy because he made it through training and he was doing something that he loved. I ordered a Memorial Bracelet, will wear the band, so that we may never forget of the ultimate sacrifice. Giving one's life so "that others may live."

Dave

To Pass the Torch & Light a New Flame

I acquired my POW/MIA Bracelet in 1988 while on active duty in the Air Force. I have worn it every day since I received it, carrying LT. David Wallace Wickham II's name with me everywhere I go. I've even had old veterans tell me to leave it on my wrist while passing through metal detectors at security checkpoints.

From the time my oldest daughter was about 5 years old she has consistantly asked if she could have my bracelet to wear, I always decline. She is 19 years old now & just completed Basic Training and AIT in the U.S. Army. I've ordered her a duplicate of my bracelet so that LT. Wickham will be remembered daily for another 21 years.

I will be retiring my bracelet soon, replacing it with a bracelet in memory of my Uncle , Capt. Frederick Allen Burroughs (1955 - 2007), who was a Firefighter/EMT killed in the line of duty.

Nick N.

For My Husband's Friend Andrew Killed by an IED

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you may remember this post where I talked about a friend of my husband's being killed by an IED in Afghanistan.

I knew that my husband was very upset by this, so I wanted to do something special for him.

Since my husband was a Yuck (sophomore) at West Point, he has been wearing a Memorial Bracelet for a soldier who died in Iraq. He never knew the man, but he wore the bracelet every day. I am talking every day, like even to our wedding.

This sparked an idea in my head. I ordered him a bracelet for his friend Andrew. I knew he would be sad to stop wearing his old one, but that he would really appreciate having this new one. I was right. He hasn't taken it off since I gave it to him.

$2.00 from the sale of each bracelet is donated to charities that support the families of the heroes and victims of terrorism.

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For a High School Friend

The reason I bought this Memorial Bracelet is because this man was a friend of mine from high school, and we had played football together. His death hit home hard. He was a great man, a man that earned the right to be remembered in my heart.

For Sgt. Jamie "Gonzo" Gonzalez

My name is Nicholas B. Bradley and on 3 Aug 2008 I was operating a vehicle in a US convoy threw Kabul, Afghanistan when our vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. Sgt. Jaime “Gonzo” Gonzalez was the passenger in my vehicle. He was also a close friend. This is the reason I wear a Memorial Bracelet. Thanks.

For CPL. Rhett A. Butler

In the 1970's, I wore a POW/MIA Bracelet with CAPT. David Smith's name (3-16-69). I still have it. Recently, I ordered Memorial dog tags with CPL. Rhett A. Butler's name (KIA 20 JUL 07 in Iraq). He was the son of a dear friend and also, I taught him in preschool. His name is on a monument in one of our local parks and his sacrifice will be remembered by generations to come. I will wear the dog tags engraved with his name to honor that sacrifice.

Kathy M.
Live,Laugh,Love,Learn

For SSG Baum and SPC Edmundson

I have recently returned from deployment with the 56th SBCT to OIF and during that deployment we suffered two KIA; SSG Baum and SPC Edmundson. I will proudly wear both KIA bracelets as a tribute to these two soldiers I had the honor to serve alongside and to their sacrifice and that of their families. As a soldier with 16 years Active Duty, I will continue on with my military career with a renewed sense of pride and honor.

TONIA M. B.
SFC, PAARNG
Personnel NCO
PA Med Det

For Rob From the 75th Battalion

Rob served four years of duty with my son. Both Rangers and fearless. My son opted to leave and become engaged, while Rob's decision was to continue on with the 75th Battalion. He came to our house to visit while on leave a few times, to see Tom my son. Rob had a kindred spirit,a beautiful smile and just left me feeling good.

On the morning of his death I had dreamed about a very bad thing happening on a road far away from me and I couldn't do anything to help. My son came out of his room that day, his eyes full of tears. He said I have some really bad news for you. Rob was killed by a roadside bomb this morning. Together we cried and hugged. Our hearts hurt for Rob and his family. After, I walked out onto my deck and looked to the sky to pray for Rob, when a huge bald eagle came over soaring. It stayed over head for what seemed like an hour, me being lost in trance. As it finally flew away I cried and prayed for Rob to soar on eagles wings and bid him farewell.

For My Dad: Sgt/Maj.Cyril E. Stirnkorb

My Dad was a career soldier who loved his country. He was a 1st sgt at the age of 26 and a sgt/maj at the age of 36. At the age of 39 he went to Viet Nam and three weeks later he died. He left behind a wife and 7 children. My mom raised us alone with only her widow and war orphan allotment. My father was a true patriot and he gave his life for his country. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. They made a mistake on how he died which resulted in him not receiving his purple heart. We are at the present time trying to locate anyone who might have served with him in Viet Nam. Thank you sincerely for your interest and concern. May you all have A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!!!!!!! God Bless You All!!!!!!

For My Grandfather Who Fought in WW II

I got this Memorial Bracelet custom-engraved for my Dad for a Christmas present. His father fought in World War II from 1944-1947, serving in Germany and Korea. Two years ago, my grandfather passed away after deteriorating health conditions. I wanted something to give my Dad that could be passed down to my younger brother and his children when he gets older. I wanted something that would be a reminder of my grandpa's life and all he gave to his family. -Abigail K.

To Show our Support for Both of Our Sons

I was looking for something special for my wife for a Christmas present. Having been in the military I am very familuar with the POW/MIA Bracelets. Both of our sons serve and I could think of no better gift than a bracelet for her showing her support of both her sons. So...one says God Bless and Protect my son, Colton B. Stoks, Army National Guard..and the other says God Bless and Protect my son, Gus J. Patrick IV, United States Marine Corps.