For Ricky Killed in VetNam

Ricky and I were Air Force brats. In 1956 we sailed from SF to Yokohama together. Although our fathers were stationed on different bases, we stayed close. He and I learned to rollerskate together at the outdoor rink at Grant Heights (Yokota). Before we left Japan for Okinawa, his family climbed Mt Fuji one more time. This time my mom, sister, brother and I went along. Our birthdays were only 2 days apart. He was killed in VietNam just after his 19th birthday. Our parents NEVER lost touch! Next month my family goes to Arlington to place my father's ashes. This is the first time I will visit The Memorial.

Had I known of this program, I'd have been wearing this KIA Bracelet years ago.

As a Way for Soldiers to Commemorate their Colleagues

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Van Forbes, from Decatur, AL, of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, left, and U.S. Staff Sgt. Christopher Wootton, 25, from Richmond, VA, of the 422 Civil Affairs Battalion, wear Memorial Bracelets as they sit during a meeting in the Badula Qulp area, West of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. Memorial Bracelets containing the engraved names of soldiers killed in the field are often worn by soldiers as a way to commemorate their colleagues. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

For SGT. Daniel Sesker

I was blessed to have served with SGT. Daniel Sesker with C Troop 1-113th Cavalry in support of OIF 05-06. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. By wearing a Memorial Bracelet I get the opportunity to tell everyone that asks about it what a wonderful person he was and how much he will always be missed. It's my little way of making sure that his sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Rob D.

Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.

-George W Bush

For the Military I Love

I'm a person that is a true believer in our military and what they do. My husband was in the Air Force for 22 years and I was very proud of him and what he did. The troops don't have a say in where they're deployed. They follow the orders of their superiors who, in return, brief and then follow the orders of the Commander-In-Chief, the President of the United States.

People should be proud of our troops and support them. Let them know we appreciate what they are doing for us - trying to keep us safe from terrorists who want to kill us. They are dying for us to keep us safe and free. God love them, I know I do.

Deborah B.

To Remember 9/11 and Honor My Nephew

I purchased a Memorial Bracelet right after 9/11. It was one of the generic ones. I wore it all the time. I took it off while I was on the computer and some how misplaced it. I thought I would find it when I moved, but did not. I ordered a new one (and different style) to replace that one. I also ordered one in honor of my nephew who is on his 5th tour to Afghanistan/Iraq.

In Honor of My Son Spc Ryan C. King

I wear my Memorial Bracelet in honor of my son, Spc Ryan C. King who was killed in Afghanistan May 1, 2009. He was a wonderful son and proud soldier who will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Trevor Blumberg

I never knew Trevor, and I know that I'm much poorer because of that. I know his father, and I know what he's doing in Trevor's memory to help wounded service members and their families will leave a legacy that as big and important as it is, will always fall just short of the things Trevor would have achieved. RIP Sgt Trevor "Blum" Blumberg.

Why I ordered

I ordered an Active Duty Bracelet because I care. I grew up in a military family and currently have a niece serving in Iraq and my nephew just returned from his second tour in Afgahanistan (where he was wounded by an IED). I am so grateful for these brave women and men who sacrifice for me. They give everything-even their lives. I can only give my gratitude and support. I will wear my bracelet as proudly as I wore the one for my Viet-Nam POW (who returned!). Thank you for all you do.

Allyson D.

Story of Cpt. John Teal

I recently made a Memorial Bracelet in memory of Captain John R. Teal, KIA Oct 23 2003, Baquaba Iraq. Here is one story of a man I knew for a short period of time, but admired greatly. We were all deployed in March of 2003, during the invasion, for 13 months. Our outfit was a Civil Affairs Battalion attached to the 4ID, 2BCT. Other CA teams in our battalion were split up amongst the whole Division spread out across the area they were assigned too; we didn't see our own Battalion as a whole, until we redeployed back to the States once we left Kuwait in March 2003. Upon taking the airfield which was Camp Warhorse (Camp Freedom now), after entering Baquaba, it became readily apparent we would need to move closer to the populace in order to be more affective. Shortly there after convincing the commanders, we did move to a blown out government building in the middle of Baquaba with a population of 450,000+. However with this responsibility came extra personnel to help, the 2BCT sent military intelligence folks, Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), some infantry folks for guard-post on the roof, PYSOP, and some extra officers, just to name a few. It was also a place were SF and sniper teams would come in between night missions to change-up, adjust gear, brief us on enemies, get a bite, etc. This where we all met John. At first many of us NCO's were a little skeptical of another officer coming to live with us not being from one of the other outfits mentioned above, as we thought he might be there to "keep eyes on us". We didn't do anything wrong, but our community was a tight-knit band of soldiers, from many different backgrounds, charged with many responsibilities, and a commander from the 2BCT that expected results yesterday. Our team alone had 1.3 million American dollars funneled through our hands for various projects to get this city back on its feet, and there were multiple teams at the CMOC. Baquaba held elections a full year before the highly publicized ones of 2005, all because of this great group of professionals we worked with. John was right there all along in the thick of it; facilitating, coordinating, adjusting, showing us he was one of the best at this business. One night I was walking down the hallway and I heard a sound all grandchildren of Italian immigrants growing up in the 70's and 80's knew all to well, Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. It was coming from Cpt.Teal's room, I walked in with a big smile on my face, and we yapped about him, from then on we connected very well. He had many DVD's and CD's that we exchanged and listened too, as well as all the goodies that somehow officers' always seem to have, snacks, hot plates, etc. You couldn't help to notice when walking into his room, a big cardboard cut-out of this gorgeous chick, the kind you see at liquor stores, or bars, smack dab in the middle of his room. After a while I asked, "Sir who sent that to you?", he told me "My girlfriend" I told him it must be a pretty special woman, he replied "You are looking at her." I laughed taking it as joke but he was serious, and showed me a picture of them two. John had that "it", that ability, attitude, looks, a smooth cat that loved sunglasses with all the combinations in life to be a success and he knew how to use all of them to his advantage. We worked out on the roof at night all of us, after daily missions, late so no enemies could see us, John had his mountain bike on a trainer, and let us all use it, a 1000 dollar mountain bike being used by multiple people, John was generous. I'll never forget one night we got mortared, and when the flash went off before the blast, I saw a silhouette of John pedaling his ass off amongst the darkness, I couldn't help but laugh as I took cover. Funny thing how you just laugh when you get attacked sometimes. The day of October 23, 2003 was a day I know none of us will ever forget, it started with an attack at the back gate, that Cpt. Teal was pulling security on. Attacks on our compound were common place, you have a compound in the middle of a 450,000+ city, even if you take say 1% of people that don't like us and attack us, that is still 4500 people. After the attack people geared up to go on missions, at the last second we got pulled off our mission, and placed on another one. Cpt. Teal and two others; Sgt Jared Myers, and Sgt Charles "Chuck" Bartles took our place on that mission. I don't know the details about the blast as I wasn't there but I do know that Jared Myers is a hero, John died instantly, and Chuck, who was the gunner up top, on top of being cut up pretty badly, lost his arm. Jared several miles from the CMOC with a broken leg, lacerations, and in obvious shock drove the damaged vehicle back to safety. Jared do not ever forget your efforts that day, and certainly don not discredit them, what you did in the face of adversity is simply mind blogging brother. I only aspire to be 1/8 the man that Jared, Chuck, and Cpt. Teal are. When we came back later in the day from our mission, and saw the vehicle sitting there on the grounds of the compound and found what happened, to this day I can't describe the feeling I had, I was numb. Not many days go by that I don't think of John, and all the other guys on OIF 1 with me, and it truly scares me to think it was my teams' mission they were on. I am extremely lucky, but at the same time guilty. There are times when I look at my daughter (who was born when I was in Iraq) playing, and laughing and think of John, Jared, and Chuck and think how close man, how close. To the family, I truly am sorry for your loss, may God bless you, and watch our you with love and care, as John most certainly is as well. Sgt Michael R. M. 418th CABN OIF1

For LCpl Damas and LCpl Olvera

I grew up in the 1960's and 70's. The Vietnam War was in full swing. It wasn't a "popular" war, and for some people, that unpopularity flowed over onto our military. We've all heard the stories of returning servicemen being spit on, called "baby killers," and treated with disdain. Even though the War and our servicemen and women were "unpopular," the American public still supported those who were missing-in-action or who were prisoners-of-war. We proudly bought and wore our metal POW-MIA bracelets, hoping that the person with the name we wore on our wrists would make it home safely. I had one. "My" serviceman didn't come home. As far as I know, he's still MIA.

Today, while the War against Terrorism might not be popular, it is necessary. I believe the American public knows this. I believe that's why we "support our troops." We all recognize that our fighting men and women stand between us and those who would harm us, our country, and our way of life. It is only fitting that we honor these men and women who give so much for us. There are a number of things we can to do give our military their due; volunteering for Soldier's Angels, sending packages to "Any Soldier," donating to charities that support the families of those who gave their lives, or by simply saying "thank you" to anyone you see in uniform.

My Marine Son has pointed out another way to honor those who have given all; a memorial bracelet. These bracelets are similar to the POW-MIA bracelets of the '70s. Like those bracelets, a memorial bracelet is a simple way to keep the sacrifice of those who "gave all" in the forefront of our minds. They're a way to remember. You can order a memorial bracelet at MemorialBracelets.com. You can order a bracelet with the name of someone you know, someone from your hometown, or home state. You can order a bracelet to memorialize someone who gave their life in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam; or someone who was the victim of terrorism. It's not hard to order, and wearing the bracelet is another way to show support for our military.

I ordered two bracelets today. I ordered them to remember two young men that I didn't know. I may not have known these young men, but I will honor them forever; not only because they gave their lives for this wonderful country, but because they served with my son. He knew them. He said they were "good kids." He mourns them. So to honor him, and to honor them, my husband and I will proudly wear these bracelets in memory of LCpl Leopold F. Damas of Floral Park, New York, who was 26 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 17th of August 2009, and for LCpl Javier Olvera of Palmdale, California, who was only 20 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 8th of August, 2009. May God Bless them both, and may God Bless their families.

For CW3 Mitch Carver

I started wearing a POW/MIA bracelet in the early 70s when my father gave one to me just after his return from SE Asia. I remember breaking it in half when the guy returned. Later on, I was assigned as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1988 and picked up a new bracelet down at the Vietnam memorial, for a CPT Cecil C. Perkins, who was MIA in Vietnam. I wore that until I lost the bracelet in Iraq in 2007. I was putting on my body armor to board a helicopter and didn’t notice the bracelet had come off until after arriving back at my camp. I decided to purchase a replacement for the one I lost but instead, decided to get a bracelet with the name of a friend of mine who was killed in action in Iraq, CW3 Mitch Carver. I don’t want to ever forget his service and his friendship.

Brad D. L.

For LCpl Dennis Veater

First I want to thank you for doing what you do. To many people tend to forget about those who have givin there lives for our freedoms. You help us remember them not just in our memories. It has taken me three years to breakdown and order my Memorial Bracelet, for my fallen Marine. His name was LCpl Dennis Veater. I was his Cpl in charge of him throughout our deployment. His death did not sit well with me and still doesn't. I have blamed alot of people along with myself for it. I will be visiting his grave for the first time since I last saw him alive 3 years coming in March. I will wear this bracelet proudly and hope he and his family know I have never forgotten that day. He was a great Marine and friend. Semper Fi.

Sgt Darryl Zimmerman USMC

For Capt Meadows and Sgt Haney

I am a C-17 pilot in the Air Force. On my first mission as an aircraft commander I arrived at Bagram to find a welcoming party with instructions for a "fallen heroes" ceremony. I had the sad honor of carrying Captain Joshua Meadows (USMC) and Sgt Randy Haney (US Army) out of the combat zone in the beginning of September 2009. Those ceremonies are always a sobering moment and we see far too many of them. It was evident that they were loved members of their units and they were honored as such on the ramp in the middle of the night at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. I have carried heroes home before and I know that I will, again, but I thought that it would be a fitting way for me to honor all of those that have lost their lives downrange by wearing these 2 names on my arm. I will never forget that night. God bless their families and all of those that have lost a loved one in the fight.

For Maj. Curtis Dan Miller

My first cousin Maj. Curtis Dan Miller was shot down over Laos on March 29, 1972 while flying a C-130 gun ship. Their mission was to search out and destroy supply trucks on the Ho Chi Ming trail in Laos, a supply line to North Viet Nam when they were hit by a missile called a flying telephone pole. There were reports of beeper signals from parachutes, so our hope was always that Dan would be found alive someday. Although the chance of him escaping the flight deck of a C-130 was highly impossible from the reports of nearby support aircraft of the severe hit the C-130 received from the missile.

My first POW Bracelet was silver and I wore it throughout High School and at college, which was followed by a red one and it always received attention from people not sure of its meaning. This past year Dan was identified through bone fragments that the USAF had excavated from his crash site after his immediate family protested the planned burial of several unidentified bone fragments in a grave with the names of the five members from his aircraft that had not been personally identified from previous tests. Since they have now identified a bone fragment as Major Curtis Dan Millers, his service is scheduled on the day he went missing 38 years later. By wearing the Killed In Action bracelet at his Funeral/Memorial service it will give me a chance to take a step forward in realizing that he like many others will never return and wearing the KIA bracelet will always remind anyone who asks, that there are sacrifices that we endure for the freedom that so many take so lightly.

Kevin M.

For My Grandson PFC Brian R. Bates Jr.

I have ordered the Memorial Bracelets to wear in honor of my Grandson PFC Brian R. Bates, Jr. who was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 27, 2009. He leaves behind a wife and 2 beautiful children who will never know what their father did for them and all Americans to keep us free. Brian has received the Bronze Metal of Honor and the Purple Heart along with numerous other medals and awards. He will never be forgotten.

For Charles Cartwright

Charlie was my nephew and lost his life in Afghanistan 07 Nov 09. He was considered a true warrior. Charlie had only been married 11 months. I will NEVER forget this brave young man. I wear the Memorial Bracelet so others will ask why, and I can share my story of our beloved Charlie.

For James C. Kearney III

This weekend was my first training assembly with my new platoon. I really enjoyed getting to know the guys, and training was successful, but perhaps the moment that left the most lasting impression was walking through the Bravo Company awards room. The room is full of history, from photos of Bravo Company, 168 Infantry Regiment soldiers in WWII to awards received as an exemplary unit throughout the various campaigns. My unit’s history is truly spectacular.

The 168 Infantry Regiment most recently deployed to Ghazni Province, Afghanistan in 2004, where SGT James C. Kearney III was killed-in-action on November 1 of that year. SGT Kearney was manning the gunner’s hatch of his vehicle when his convoy was ambushed by small arms and RPGs on that day. Though “Task Force 1-168″ operated mainly in Ghazni, this particular convoy had taken them into Paktika province and towards the border with Pakistan when they were attacked. The sign in the photo was taken from “Kearney Base”, a Forward Operating Base which was eventually absorbed into the new Forward Operating Base Salerno. SGT Kearney was a member of 1st Platoon – the platoon I am currently assigned to – and his memory will be carried with us into Afghanistan.

Gabe Haugland

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.

Visit The Simple Life of a Not so Simple Wife Blog.

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