To Remind Me of What True Courage Is

The reason I decided to buy my bracelet and specialize it the way I did was because it reminds me of what true courage is. I am a freshman at the United States Naval Academy and over the summer we had a speaker come in and tell us his story. He was a POW in a North Vietnamese prison for seven years, and he kept emphasizing the importance of duty to your country and your fellow soldiers. Basically his message to us was that in the face of danger, no matter what, you have to stay strong and never give up because the safety of your country comes first.

Sincerely,

Brittany
MIDN USN

For Fellow Canadians Who Have Served

The first bracelet is for my wife. She is an active member of the Canadian Army. She chose to have a bracelet made for the traditional Vietnam POW/MIA/KIA. She chose someone from our home “State” or in our case “Province” - LCpl Kymetyk was MIA - USMC but he was a Canadian.

The second bracelet is to commemorate my buddy MCpl (Master Corporal – US E-5 equiv) Jody Mitic, 1 Bn - The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR). He was a sniper with the Cdn Army- Task Force Afghanistan, Roto 2, as a part of OEF. On 11 Jan 07, while on patrol in the Panjwaii district he stepped on an IED/Landmine. He lost both of his legs, below the knee.

He did survive and although this wasn’t a KIA/MIA, I wanted to show the personal loss that Jody suffered as a result of Taleban/terrorist action.

I am an active Soldier as well - served on Roto 0 for the Cdn Army as a part of Op Archer – OEF, in 2005/06.

Thank you,

Paul and Dominique
Petawawa ON
Canada

For Those Who Have, Are and Will Sarifice for This Great Country

This bracelet will serve as a reminder for me. When I was deployed in Iraq in June of 03, I was at the same base as William and I remember when he was killed thinking that he will never see his loved ones again, because he was willing to sacrifice, for those without freedom.

Yet in my recent years out of the Army, I take for granted that very same freedom. So now I can look at this bracelet and remember those who have, those who are, and those who will sacrifice, so that I can enjoy this great country and look at my family each night and know that without men and women like William Latham the lively hood that we so enjoy would not exist. I would like to thank you for the bracelets that you make, and know this that when I leave this world I will pass this story on to my son and along with it the bracelet with the name of one among many who is willing to sacrifice. HOOAH!

God bless all that are willing to serve, even if it is not in the ARMY!

For Veitnam POW SSGT David Demmon

My mother has been a scrap booker from the beginning. She has put together scrap books from the Depression, World War II, my tonsillectomy and my sister and I each have a scrap book which contains articles about our accomplishments, pictures, mementos, etc. It does make for some excellent history reading.

Recently I found the scrap book she kept of all of the letters I sent to her after I first joined the Navy in 1971. I ran across a letter I wrote in December of 1971:Dec 1971

Dear Dad, I am enclosing something you might be interested in, a POW bracelet card, I have bought one and it would really make me feel good if you would buy one also. It’s only $2.50 and the POW/MIA effort needs all they can get. Several members of my squadron have been in this predicament. Have you seen the article in January’s Reader’s Digest entitled, “Five Years to Freedom”? It is something to think about. If I were in that predicament I would appreciate all the help people were doing back home. The one I am wearing is for Sergeant David Demmon, who was captured in June 1965.

Love, Robert

PS I took the liberty of filling it out. Send it in if you desire.

I don’t know if my Dad ever did buy the bracelet, but after reading the letter yesterday I thought I’d look up Sgt Demmon on the Internet. I found a lot of information, including that his status was upgraded from MIA to POW. In April 1991, the US government released a list of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action who were known to be alive in enemy hands and for whom there is no evidence that he or she died in captivity. This list commonly referred to today as the USG's "Last Known Alive" list, included David Demmon.

I thought I see if there were still POW bracelets available and located a site where they can be purchased. Unfortunately, we have added conflicts and names to the list.

I will start wearing a POW Bracelet for David Demmon.

To Remember Marco Miller

I served with Marco Miller in Iraq. He was killed by indirect enemy fire while conducting a mission. He was stationed at camp Taji. I'll be home soon, and I thought what better way to remember him than to wear his name everyday for every one to see his great sacrifice for our country.

For My Driver in Iraq

I ordered the bracelet because I was involved in an IED incident in Iraq and my driver was killed. I wear it in his honor and to remind myself of the ultimate sacrifice that some of our soldiers are making over there.

Tadd

For My Surgeon Who Served with Speicher

I am Treasurer for our Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 FL and ride to the wall - I have had my bracelets for 6 years. This is for my surgeon who knew and served with Speicher aboard the Saratoga.

Upon meeting him, he immediately saw my bracelets and I told him. I am twice Vietnam Widow, and now want to see closure for all the other families.

THANK YOU!!!!

To Remind Us That History is Repeating Itself

I am a high school teacher who opposes the new, "Vietnam" that is taking place in Iraq. I have counseled many students who come back with recruiters gifts, (key chains, address books, stickers etc.) and are actually thinking of signing up for the military- I do everything I can to convince them that it is a bad idea!

As a small child, I remember watching news reports on the Vietnam war, and I was terrified. I ordered the bracelets for myself and my 15 year old daughter (choosing names of soldiers who were lost on both our birth dates-in my case the exact day I was born). I guess I feel that by wearing a Vietnam POW bracelet I am saying, "don't any of you remember what took place? Well, I remember, and now history is repeating itself, I am against this!

Thanks again,

Diane

For My Husband Who Served with Brian Moss

Hi! I want to thank you so much for the wonderful gift! I bought it for my husband for Xmas.

He is always thinking of great things for me, where I am at a loss as to what to get him. He served on the USS Alabama in Bangor, WA with Brian Moss. Brian then took duty at the Pentagon. It was hard to know that he was one of the victims of 9-11. I thought there could be no better gift than one to honor a fallen member of the armed forces.

Tim was so happy with it! It is something he will treasure for years. He hasn't worn his wedding ring in years, nor any other form of jewelry. Since the bracelet came, he hasn't taken it off! I think he likes it!!

Thanks for all you do for these men and women. They will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Krischon
Port Orchard, WA

So My Parents Would Remember Who They Married

I recieved bracelets today, they came out great.



I ordered 2 of them for my parents for Christmas with their names, and I told them so they wouldn't forget who they are married to. I ordered the third one was for a soldier who died while I was in Iraq. He died in a humvee that was hit.

Scott

For Joe

The 12th of July is my 12th wedding anniversary... Thank you so much! 

I still wear the original that I ordered about 3 years ago...It arrived on My Joe's 9th Anniversary of his murder...I found such peace when I slipped it on my wrist... 

Thank you, so very much!!

Kaysie B.

For Our Son Lost In Ramidi

We were given a bracelet from Tim Hogan chief scout who served with my son. I havent taken it off since I received it. We lost our son 6-22-06 in Ramadi Iraq. He was a scout sniper team leader team 2. All the boys from team 2 are recovering great. They are my heros. An angel forever. Next time you go out, have a shot of wild turkey 101 for my son and all of our scout sniper plt. I will do the same. I am a marine also, and we thank all those who are defending our freedom, and also those back home who support our men an women.

Thanks,

Grier

For a Soldier with the Same Last Name from Arkansas

I received my Memorial Bracelet and it looks great and fits perfectly.  I am currently an Active Duty Army soldier in the medical field, and also believe in never leaving a soldier behind.  I picked the soldier on my bracelet as a representative of the state of Arkansas, and because is was a combat medic and we share the same last name.  I am still researching to see if we are related, as my family is from Arkansas.

For My High School Science Teacher Mr. Allen

I was 15 when I met 1LT Allen. But I knew him as Mr. Allen, my earth science teacher in high school. He joined the military after I graduated from high school and I had already moved to college. I had moved away the year after I had Mr. Allen, so I didn't know. It was only after I graduated from the Air Force Academy on 01 June 2005 that I found out from my friend, still living in New York, that our beloved teacher had been fragged in Iraq.

When I was at the Air Force Academy, I knew in my heart that my place in the military was not in the Air Force but in the Army. I put in my paperwork for a transfer and when I graduated I was a Second LT in the Army.

I am now a 1LT myself and in Iraq-just like Mr. Allen. I wear my teacher's name on my wrist every single day-and I pray for his family and his beautiful children especially now that his murderer is on trial.

I want to Thank you for producing these bracelets. Although they remind us that we are no longer with someone we love, every time I look at the bracelet I remember Mr. Allen sitting on the desk as he teaches a bunch of kids in high school.

Thank you!

1LT Mary Lynn
299 FSB, 2/1 ID
Baghdad, Iraq

For Tim Who's Humvee was Hit by an IED

I am the daughter of a local high school wrestling coach, and the wrestlers usually become extended members of our family.  We have over 15 of the past wrestlers serving in the American armed forces.  November 14th 2006 started out as a typical day, I went to school, my Dad was at work and everything was normal.  However at about six that evening I got a phone call from my Father, I could tell he was crying and he told me simply that "Tim's humvee was hit by and IED."  He said nothing more, and all I asked was how bad he was hurt.  My father didn't say anything for a while, and then he softly said "he's dead."  

Tim was 21 he was a great man, and excelled at anything he put his mind to.  I will have this Memorial Bracelet all my life, wherever my life may lead me, and I will never forget how blessed I have been to call these men part of my family.  There are many things going on right now in our government that I may disagree with, and I am often told that I "don't support the troops" because of some of my beliefs.  But as I am sure you know, soldiers serving, and giving their lives are not political issues.  They are there to protect when we call, and Timmy was doing just that.  He is a hero to me, as with all of the other boys.  I can only hope that soon you will not have to make as many bracelets for these fallen heroes'.  

One of my Dad's assistant coaches is an officer in the United States Air Force, he was at our house for dinner a week before he shipped out, he told me about your site.  That evening I went on and ordered a bracelet. 

Thank you for the braclet, it will forever remind me of the gratitude that I owe to all of the soldiers who have served in our armed forces. 

Nicole

To Remind Me of My Cousin Who Died in the Vietnam War

My cousin was a pilot in the Vietnam war. He was listed as missing in action in 1965 and later as killed in action. I remember attending his memorial service when I was 10 years old, but I didn't really remember my cousin.

About a month ago I was contacted by the office of USAF Mortuary Affairs. They were looking for relatives to provide DNA samples to identify remains from crash sites. It makes me proud to know that after all these years the USAF and the US government are still working to bring our soldiers home.

So, I'm wearing my memorial bracelet that I received today to remind me of my cousin who fought and died serving his country in the Vietnam War.

For Sgt. Matejov, Sirius and Officer David Lim

I bought the POW bracelet as a replacement. I've had the same name with me for close to fifteen years now and when I was in Washington DC this past fall, I made a point to go see Sgt. Matejov's name on the Vietnam Memorial. These guys answered a call and should never be forgotten.

I chose Sirius to memorialize because of my deep love for animals and to honor both him and his handler, Officer David Lim. Officer Lim's committment to his partner and their story had a deep impact on me. I know people who perished in the attacks on 9/11 but carrying their names would have been too painful so instead I chose to honor both the officers whom the bracelet represents, one who died in service and one who continues to serve.

Thanks,

Eileen

To Remember MAJ Ed Murphy

I was stationed at Bagram, Afghanistan with the US Army Southern European Command from February 2005 to February 2006. I ordered the bracelet to remember a friend, MAJ Ed Murphy, who was killed in a helicopter crash. To gain area familiarity, Ed and I had travelled by air together to Khost and to Kandahar during February and March 2005. In April, Ed invited me to travel with him to Orgun-E by helicopter, but I judged that I was too busy with my job to leave the base. Ed was one of eighteen people killed when their CH-47 crashed on a return flight from Orgun-E to Bagram. Ed was a loving father and husband, an historian who was writing a book on Napoleanic warfare, and a superb leader and friend to all. I was lucky to have known him.

Thanks,
LTC Bob
US Army

For Nate While He Fights For Us

My husband & his best friend signed up for the army reserve together when they were 17 years old, 17 years ago. They were called up together for their first active duty February 2003. Thankfully, my husband's contract was up for resigning and he chose to leave the army reserve. However, his best friend stayed in the military. Since February 2003, he has been called up for three tours. In four years he has been home a total of 9 months. I decided to order the bracelets to support him while he fights for us. Nate is our friend, our brother, and our hero.

For US Marine Named Rock

I received the Memorial Bracelet yesterday.  I'm very happy with it. It's good quality, better than I expected.  I ordered the bracelet because I was in Iraq with the Marine who was killed.  I was injured the same day six of my platoon were KIA.  I ordered Rock's bracelet because he was the person who taught me to shoot expert and got me to stick with STA platoon when I figured I was not good enough.

James R. A.

For Vietnam POW Ed Davis

The reason i bought the bracelet is to remember a man that i knew growing up, but never knew that he had been held as a POW for 7 1/2 years in Vietnam. Ed Davis was shot down in 1964 and was returned to us in 1971. He caught national attention because he brought with him a tiny dog that he had rescued from his North Vietnamese captures. Unfortunately he passed away just 3 days before Veterans day this year after suffering with cancer for a short time. He was an amazing man, not only was he extremely kind, but he never gave off the impression that he was adversely affected by his time in captivity. I remember being completely shocked when i found out in college that he had been a POW, as he did not exemplify the image of a man who had suffered so much. He was a well known citizen in my town, not for his past, but because of his involvement in the community in the present. He served on the board of directors for my school district, was actively involved in the local VFW, and toured the country speaking to anyone and everyone interested. He was truly an amazing person, and will be greatly missed. I hope that we are able to remember all of the brave men and women that have served our country through all of its history. I am truly proud to serve in the same military as such a great man.

For My Husband

I received our bracelets today. They are absolutely beautiful.

I ran across your website while looking to buy another bracelet for myself, as well as smaller ones for my children. My husband ALWAYS wore his KIA bracelet and even had it on when he was killed. I waited anxiously to get it back from Iraq so that I could could continue to wear it for him. Unfortunatey, it was so badly damaged from the blast that it couldn't be salvaged. I wear my husband bracelet proudly and in honor of his memory and sacrifice to our country. He was killed in Baghdad Iraq by an IED on December 30, 2005.

God Bless every soldier who has been lost and those who continue to fight for our freedoms.

Stephanie
Ft. Campbell, KY

For SSG Robert S. Griffith

I received my Memorial Bracelet today. Thank you for having such a great product.  I really like it and I placed it on my wrist the moment I opened the package. I have a cousin, whose husband's name is on the wall.  I decided to pick someone that was from my home state of Georgia and felt moved for some reason when I read his name. 

Being the daughter of a war veteran who is now deceased, but not killed in action, is one of the reasons I choose to order a bracelet. I had one years ago and it got lost. It gives me great pride to wear the bracelet due to the fact that my father served in the Army and was in Korea twice, once during the Korean Conflict and one additional time years later. He also served in Viet Nam and we felt very fortunate that he returned home to us. 

I wear this bracelet for SSG Robert S. Griffith with great pride and it also brings with it some sadness. I know his family misses him terribly and I sympathize with them a great deal. If there is ever a time that someone from his family would like to have this bracelet, I will be more than happy to send it to them. 

Words cannot express how honored I am to have my bracelet. I feel the small amount charged for this bracelet is my small contribution to show my patriotism and loyalty to our soldiers who put there life on the line for us. God Bless our troops and what they are going through. 

Sincerely,

Mona S.

Georgia

To Remind Me of His Sacrifice

I recieved my bracelet, it is perfect, thank you!

My story is not really mine, but a friends. I am in the Navy and was stationed with a friend who lost his brother in Iraq, HM3 Chris Thompson. He was Hospital Corpsman serving with the Marines and was killed in action on 21 October 2005. I bought it to remind me of his sacrifice, as well as all who have given there lives for our country. My thoughts and prayers are always with his family.

V/r,
Jennifer

For A Good Friend, Fantastic Dad and Great Soldier

I just received my bracelet and it is well done! I was given your site by my Staff Judge Advocate who also lost a friend. SSG Lance Chase was a friend by way of my wife. In reality it was by way of our children. Lance’s oldest son Brandon and my oldest son have been classmates for over 3 years. As the boys would tell you they are like brothers, only closer. When I was deployed to Iraq for OIF II, Lance had just returned from OIF I. Right away he stepped in and filled a gap for my son while I was gone. He coached the boys soccer team, took them out to eat, worked on projects from Home Depot with them, and generally help ease the pain of my son not having Dad around. Today I feel a little bad, because I never really knew Lance before I came and found out all the fantastic things he did for my boys while I was away. He was a great Dad who wasn’t afraid to share himself with the boys. He grew to be a great friend as we got to know each other. When he was killed it affected my son pretty hard because he was the first Soldier he actually knew who was killed. So I ordered this bracelet as a memorial to Lance’s memory. It reminds me of a good friend, a fantastic Dad, and a great Soldier. He embodied everything an American Soldier can be, if puts his heart into it.

Thanks again,

MAJ Kevin
Warrior 1
1st ACB