For Every Person Protecting our Precious Freedom

I don't think our troops are receiving all the support they should. Not to mention the families of the men and women serving to protect our country! Protecting even those who protest!

You see I come from a military background, growing up overseas on military bases, and I personally don't care how people feel about the war, whether you are for it or against it, but I do believe that no matter how you feel, you should support and be extremely proud of the men and women who sacrifice all to protect us and our great land! For without them..... we could be living like the people in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am wearing the bracelet for Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, who is currently MIA. He is only 19, the same age as my son. My prayers are with him, his family, and each and every person who is protecting our precious freedom!

For LCPL John B. Nahan III

I received my first MIA bracelet for LCPL John B. Nahan III (a Marine that served in Vietnam in early 1994). A new friend and former vet was wearing one at the time and told me all about it and I immediately asked how I could get one. Until recently I knew nothing of John's story. This is what I uncovered about him. He was 22 and served one year and was killed on his first day back.  He was killed on August 3, 1967 but because they could not recover his body he was listed as MIA. Our government recovered his remains in June of 1994 but he was not properly identified until 2001 and his status was then changed to KIA. I will be returning his MIA bracelet to his family via the Department of Defense and I have ordered his KIA bracelet to wear in place of the old one.

For My Dad and Best Friend

This bracelet means the world to me.  My dad was and will always be me best friend.  I just lost him four months ago to cancer and he was all military , strong willed to the end and I appreciate your website to be able to show people what he meant to me.

To Support the Family of Matt Maupin

I manage a military surplus store in Northern Kentucky just 15 miles from where Matt Maupin's parent's live. I met his parents at the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Batavia, Ohio and was touched by their spirit and willingness to not forget their son. Since his capture is so close to home and we have ongoing activities around the area to help to lead him home, I felt compelled to purchase the bracelet in support of Matt and his family.

For My Earth Angel

My son Noah was full of life, he was the happiest couragest 5 year old I knew.  I believe there are two types of Angels. Heavenly Angels and Earth Angels.  God sent Noah to us as an Earth Angel.  My son touched so many lives at the young age of 5 that most people don't do in a life time.  We live in a small town in called Thomaston, the population is approximately 8000 people.  My wife and I started a found to replace a 30 year old playground at Noah's school in his name.  Last year in 2006 we raised 240,000.00 for the new playground, the playground was built and like I told everyone,  Noah's playing on the playground with all the children laughing and smiling. Remember little things are really big things, in the whole scheme of things.

For High School Classmate Lynne Morris Who Perished in the WTC

I live in Tucson, AZ now, but I am originally a native New Yorker, born in Newburgh, NY, and raised in Highland Mills, NY (otherwise known as Woodbury). One of the closest towns to Highland Mills is Monroe, NY.

I knew several people that perished in the World Trade Center, but I knew Lynne Morris the best. She lived in Monroe. She was my age, and we attended the same high school (Monroe-Woodbury), and the same class (1996). We sat in several classes together, and all my classmates knew each other. She was a very sweet girl, and was nice in high school. I remember going to a store and seeing Lynne's parents hand out fliers to notify the community that she was missing. I just about burst into tears. She was a few months younger than me. I kept thinking that it could have been me that perished like she did. I felt so sorry for her family, and so heartbroken that yet another class member of mine has died (there have been several 7 or so since graduation). I also felt guilty in that I wish there was something I could have done to protect her and everyone else that died that day.

So someone told me about your website, and that is why I ordered a bracelet in Lynne's name. So when I think of it, I can smile, and it is just like having a piece of her with me. Thank you so much. My bracelet is just what I wanted.

For Someone Close to Me

I have always wanted one from the age of about 7, I am now 44, my father was in the Air Force and we used to go the Open House on the Base where ever we lived and I used to see them. So I found your site which is wonderful and I located a name that was my maiden name Hardy the MIA was also from CA where I am from. My Dad  is a Hardy from CA and he also did his time in Vietnam. So I felt that the name I chose was appropriate and I did research on Capt John K Hardy and read how he is MIA. My prayers are with him and all our service men.

For the POW bracelet I wore for 1st LTD Wm. Flnn

A friend of mine that I haven't seen in years sent me some pictures she had found of us when we were younger.  I attached the file that she sent me.  I just turned 50 a few weeks back so you know the pictures are old!  The top picture is me when I was about 15 so that's about 35 years ago.  I noticed that I had my POW bracelet on.  I remembered clearly what the bracelet had said on it...1st LTD Wm. Finn 12/24/71.  It was Christmas Eve when he went missing..how tragic. I had worn that for about 10 years and was never able to find out what happened to him.  I still have that bracelet so I got it out of my jewelry box and decided to search the Internet to see if I could find out anything about him.  From what I found out, it appears that he was never located and from some accounts, considered deceased.  That made me very sad.  When I found your web site, I decided to purchase another bracelet in his name so that the proceeds from the sale could help his family or others in need. While it is a small gesture, every little bit helps.

In Honor of My Son Serving in Iraq

I got my Memorial Bracelets today and they are awesome!  They are honoring my son serving in Iraq.  I wore the POW bracelet during Vietnam and wanted something similar to signify what he is doing for this great country!  Thank you so much!

To Honor a Possible Distant Relative

I remember people wearing them back in the seventies and I always wanted to get one but never did.  I was a student and participated in the demonstrations on the Ohio State University campus in Spring of 1970, and while the bracelets weren't available then, a lot of home made stuff was - I made a lot of "ON STRIKE! SHUT IT DOWN!" Tshirts using cans of spray paint and a stencil I cut out of cardboard. We were trying to shut down the campus to protest the war, and it was shut down for a week after the Kent State students were killed.

Well, just out of curiosity I searched under the S's for my last name, Schell, and was really surprised to see the entry for Maj. Richard J. Schell.  I have researched my family tree somewhat and my ancestors were orginally Pennsylvania farmers and many (there were a lot of offspring) moved West in search of more or better land - some landed in Ohio and some may have made it to Minnesota.  Anyway I thought this person could be a distant relative and I wanted to honor him by wearing a bracelet with his (and my last name) on it.  I may have been against the war, but I do think that we should honor those who served and died in that war.

Because When We Are Complacent We Are Vulnerable

My son, husband and I have  ordered bracelets in honor of our son, brother, Ryan S. who was killed in Iraq 6/06.  Though it has been over a year, sometimes the reality still has not sunk in.  Not sure if it ever will. The bracelet will be worn to remind others that there is a very high price that is being paid to keep the war in Iraq because just as soon as we let down our guard, it will be brought home to us in the States.  We didn't learn from the first bombing in NYC so the World Trade Center was used to show our vulnerability.  When we are complacent, we are vulnerable.

For My Dad

I just received the bracelet and I love it. I order the bracelet in remembrance of my Dad.  I also had the Army symbol and the Flag added to remind me of the sacrifices that our military is making now, and also the sacrifice my father made in WWII.  It also made my Mom cry.  I hope to wear it forever just as the love of my Dad is forever.

To Remember Staff Sergeant Joe Goodrich

I received the Memorial Bracelet that I ordered to remember my good friend, Staff Sergeant Joe Goodrich, USMC, who was killed in action on 10 July 2005 in Hit, Iraq. Joe was leading a patrol of Humvees and as they were returning to base, they came under attack by enemy mortar rounds. Joe was mortally wounded, but the Sergeant Major of Joe's battalion wrote in a letter to Joe's wife that he was a good Marine and was radioing for help for his wounded Marines before he died. Joe is survived by his wife Amy, brother George, sister-in-law Rhonda, and his parents.

I met "Goody" in 1996 when we were rookie police officers for the Kennywood Park Police Department. We partnered together as often as our shifts allowed and from 1997 through around 2001, we were the principal field training officers for the annual rookie class of officers. Joe had a great sense of humor and was an excellent police officer. Joe also served as a police officer in McKeesport, PA and Indiana, PA. He supported his wife's deli business by making deliveries and working in the shop with her. Joe had a great love for the Marine Corps and continued as a part-time recruiter. He helped prepare young men and women who were on the delayed-entry program to enter the Marine Corps, coaching them on physical fitness, answering their questions, etc. When I heard that Joe had asked to return to active duty in Iraq, I was not surprised. He was a good man and a good friend to all. He is sorely missed by his family, friends, and by Amy.

A group of former Kennywood Park Police Officers purchased a number of plastic memorial bracelets and distributed them to our members and friends. Another former officer showed me the bracelet that he purchased from your website and I was impressed, so I ordered one for myself. I am very pleased with the quality and appearance of the bracelet and I wear it proudly every day. I want people to ask about it so that I can tell the story of Joe Goodrich, even if it is only in a 20 second conversation. I think that memorial bracelets are a great way to keep the memory of friends alive and to never forget the sacrifices that are made on behalf of this country every day.

For my Husband's Father Who was a Vietnam Vet.

Today I received the bracelet I ordered in the mail. I was so excited once I ordered it I just could not wait to get it. I ordered the bracelet for my husband as a father's day gift. Of course knowing me...I didn't plan ahead and waited last minute to get him something, so I had to make sure that it had lots of meaning. I was browsing through the Internet when I suddenly opened up your web page. I instantly knew that I was in the right spot.

My husband's father was a Vietnam Veteran who returned to the U.S. and was awarded the Bronze Star with a Valor device. From what I was told he was a great man, great soldier and had a great heart. I've never met him because he past away when my husband was 15 years old. My husband and I recently had our first born child...which oddly enough, she was born the same day my husband's father past. So I ordered a Memorial Bracelet with his father's information it. A little something to remind him of his father on his very first father's day.

Katie

For a Vietnam POW from my hometown

It has not been off my wrist. It is of a better quality then the one I had 30 years ago. The lettering is clear and easy to read. Why: My husband participated in Rolling Thunder for the first time this year. He had a great ride. This lead me to take another look at the pow/mia list. I found a solider from my hometown. He may be related to a person I went to high school with. I thought it would be a good idea to honor him.

For the Only Marine I Lost

LCpl Settle was a gunner in one of the vehicles in my convoy when he died.  LCpl Settle was on his second deployment with me when an unfortunate incident occurred which costs him his life.  He is the only Marine I lost in over 300 missions in Iraq. Semper Fi

For Fellow Marine Gsgt Terry Ball Jr.

I wore a similar bracelet for a year until I ran into a Marine who was very intrigued by it and asked where he could get one, so I gave it to my brother Marine as a gift. I then went to the internet to find another bracelet and typed in "memorial bracelet" and your site came up.

I wear my bracelet to honor the man whose name is on it. I feel a part of him is with me and he gets to be involved with Marines and other activities I am involved with. His name is mentioned frequently by myself and other former Marines when we talk about my bracelet, so it kind of keeps his spirit with us. Also interesting to look up the info and background of Gsgt Terry Ball Jr. I am sorry I never met the man but I now feel like I know the man a little better.

Semper Fi,

Cpl Thomas
U.S.M.C Vetran

For Basketball Teammate Maj. Kip Taylor

The reason I ordered this bracelet is because I was reading comments left on Maj. Kip Taylor's memorial site and one of the writers commented that she had found the site by ordering a bracelet and received Kip's name randomly. I remembered one of my babysitters as a child had a Vietnam P.O.W. bracelet, but I had not previously realized anyone was making them for 9/11 victims or present day KIAs.

I knew Kip from playing basketball against his team and later on his team when we were both military brats in Germany. While we were not extremely close, I do remember Kip as one of the kindest most unassuming people I had ever met. I thought wearing the bracelet an appropriate memorial for an outstanding young man who died much too soon. Thank you.

M. Berg

In Memory Of Lost Troops and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Hello from Mosul, Iraq! I just received my bracelet today and just wanted to write and say thank you and it's so perfect! It is just how I imagined it.

There are several reasons behind why I ordered the bracelet. I originally ordered one back in 2005 while I was deployed to Iraq the first time, but upon my return flight back to Iraq I lost my bracelet on the flight and couldn't find it. I was pretty upset. It took me almost two years to find your website. After going through some old emails I found the original receipt from the first time I ordered and remembered that I was so happy with the quality of your bracelet before I thought I would order another one.

The second reason I ordered the bracelet is because this is my second deployment to Iraq. I have lost a great deal of friends over here in the past 4 years since deployments started, so I got the bracelet etched with "In Memory of Lost Troops Operation Iraqi Freedom". I think too many Soldiers have been lost over here and it's time for us to come home before we lose anymore. I get very sick to my stomach every time I attend the memorial service of one of my friends, or even those of soldiers whom I didn't really know, they were people I had met through work and had just happened to say hello to in passing. I think it makes it a little easier for me to remember my friends and the other lost soldiers when I look at my bracelet, and it makes me more grateful that I'm still here today.

I Proudly Wear It Every Chance I Get

I ordered the bracelet with a name of a soldier who was killed in Iraq.  His name is Travis Bruce.  He was killed in Iraq in 2005.  He was from my area of Minnesota and he was a Military Police officer.  I never knew him, but we were both combat tested MPs.  (I was in Iraq from April 2003 to April 2004.)  I felt I owed him the opportunity to keep his memory alive.  What better way to do that than by wearing a bracelet that gets everyone's attention.  I have only worn it one day and I have had a handful of people ask me about it.  I love my bracelet and I will proudly wear it every chance I get.

Because I Feel Good Doing This For Our Country

I received my bracelet today and can't believe how wonderful it is....it is already on my left wrist with a bracelet that I have been wearing since the Viet Nam war....a Lt. Col. L. W. Whitford, missing since 11/2/69. I keep wearing it because I checked on him and he was in a helicopter with another soldier and the copter went down and the bodies were never found. So until......I will wear it. The one I just had made is for a SFC Eric Horton, I went onto Operation Military and they gave me him as a penpal. We have been writing for 3 months and he is on his 3ed deployment and will wear until he is home safe....he is due to come home in Feb. but he keeps getting extended. I have sent him 3 huge boxes, one with a CD,DVD,VCR player in it. My father was a 35 year veteran of the Army and retired as a Brig. General and I feel good doing this for our country.

To Remind Others That They're Still Out There

I ordered a bracelet because I was in the Army for 8 years, but I never had to go through what anyone of these people went or is going through. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish that these families go through holding out hope that their loved one is still alive. I want to do something so that other people will not forget that there are some out there who have not returned home. I am not only wearing one for SSG Maupin but I am wearing it to remind people here at home that he and many other POW/MIA's  are still out there and that we should not forget.

To Show Real Support for Our Troops

I ordered the bracelet because the way a lot of people are treating the troops right now and the way they are talking about the war is very upsetting to me and disturbing at the time I went to Iraq, 2004, everyone was supportive and there was not much negativity as now. So I wanted a bracelet to remember a good friend of mine who died in combat in Iraq. We were very close I remember one thing the most when he came to my unit in Hawaii he had never drank before when showed up in my barracks room some buddies and I were drinking beer and Jack so I convinced him to take his first drink and welcomed him to the unit. The rest is history.

For My Girlfriend and Daughter

I always wore a vietnam pow bracelet while in high school, and I don't know what ever happened to it through the years.  My girlfriend's cousin was in the 82 airborne as is my daughter's boyfriend.  My girlfriend's cousin was killed in Jan. and the camp my daughter's boyfriend is at was named after him so I gave one to my girlfriend and I will wear one as well for a tribute to both men.

To Honor the Fallen

I will wear it and remember the brave solider CW2 Michael T. Blaise who died protecting us. I will also remember all the brave servicemen and women who risk their lives everyday for us. My niece Jennifer is a Sergeant in the Army on her second tour.

I chose Michael Blaise after reading his wife's book on their life in the army and how her and Michael loved each other and their country. Their story inspired me and I wanted to honor his memory by wearing his name on the bracelet. I truly hope that more Americans will honor the fallen by wearing these bracelets and never forget that their lives will always mean something to us, they will never be forgotten.