Friday, November 05, 2010

For Capt. Harley H. Hall

I wear the pow/mia bracelet of my brother, Capt. Harley H. Hall, the
last Navy pilot shot down on Jan.27, 1973 hours before the cease fire
was signed. He was the Blue Angels leader from "70-71" and up for the
astronaut program. He was alive on the ground! His back seater came
home.

Gwen Hall D.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

For the Crew of Aircraft King 56

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet to Honor the crew of Aircraft King 56 which was an HC130- P Combat Rescue Aircraft. She was based out of Portland, Oregon with the 939th Rescue Wing. I had just returned 2 weeks prior to the 22 Nov 1996 from a 4 month TDY supporting operation Northern Watch, Turkey with this same aircraft. I would have been with these guys, but I had 3 small kids at the time and a wife that needed my attention after being gone for 4 months. The Crew was a highly experienced crew and I was close to many of them. On 22 Nov 1996 King 56 lost power due to mechanical malfunctions from improper maintenance procedures performed at their home base. Unfortunately, they were over 60 miles off the coast of Northern California at night. They tried to make land, but couldn't and crashes into the Pacific Ocean killing 10 with one survivor.

In April of 96 I trained with most of that crew in the USAF C-130 Advanced Tactical Training Course. That is a course where you fly as low and fast as you can to the ground and through the canyons of Arizona while being chases by F 16 fighters. I can't go into other details but we were never hit by the F 16's or ground fire. The Evaluator instructor was impressed how well we worked as a crew. We as a Crew worked as one which is hard to find. They were the best crew I have ever flown with, some I looked at as Brothers. The USAF did not Honor these great guys not to bring attention to the improper maintenance, but I think of them every day. I have missed them ever since! I Especially missed them on operational Rescue missions /Tactical missions and especially in Iraq and points east. I didn't know what happened to the bracelet and email until my daughter gave it to me for Christmas.

My flying days are over now due to medical injuries and medical mistakes from my Iraq tour in 2003. I remember the boys of King 56 and they were the best! They were Heroes and will always be remembered by me!

To honor the Aircraft itself, we rescuef 3 Canadians 200 miles off the Nova Scotia coast on our way back from Turkey. Their lobster boat caught fire before they could send out a distress call. We (different crew) just happened to be flying over and by the grace of God saw their smoke at 28,000 Ft and initiated the rescue.

TSgt Joseph A. M.
USAF Combat Rescue (retired)

Friday, October 08, 2010

For My Uncle who was a Vietnam P.O.W.

My uncle was a huey pilot during the Vietnam War. He got shot down and was held in captivity for two years. I wear this P.O.W Bracelet to remember what he gave for his country.

Monday, September 20, 2010

For my Lifelong Friend 1SGT Michael Barnhill

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet for my lifelong friend, Michael Barnhill. We grew up together in a very small town, so when I heard he was killed in Iraq, it was like losing a member of my family. I will wear this Memorial Bracelet to honor him as a hero and his sacrifice for this country, to remember him as a friend and good man that he was and to never forget what this country has gone through and sacrificed since September 11. Always Remember!. "All gave some, some gave all".

Respectfully,

Dawn M. G.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

For PFC Bowe Bergdahl

I was a Viet Nam era Army wife, so I know what it is like to have someone on foreign soil, putting their life down on the line to preserve the freedoms and rights we citizens of the U.S. have and often take for granted. During the Viet Nam war, I wore a MIA/POW bracelet for an Army Colonel for 7 years, but he was never found or recovered, so I put it away for safe keepings. Every year I search the Army List, but still his name has never appeared.

So one day on Facebook, I saw an Ad in the Right column about the Memorial Bracelets and clicked on it to see what it was all about. When I discovered they were similar to the heavy, thick silver MIA/POW bracelet I wore for so long, I knew I wanted to wear another one for another MIA or POW service person overseas. I discovered PFC Bowe Bergdahl is the ONLY American service person held as a POW in Afghanistan, so I knew he was the one I wanted to choose and wear my bracelet for him.

Before I even received my bracelet in the mail, I did a lot of research on Bowe and discovered there is not only a lot of controversy surrounding his capture and rumors that he surrendered over to the Taliban, there has been little to nothing by the US Army, or our government, or anyone to bring him safely home to his family, friends and the girl he wants to marry. There have been small rallies for him in his home state of Idaho and some Senators are trying to convince our government to do some prisoner trading for Bowe, but so far......nothing.

Bowe and I have some things in common, mainly our love for dance. So upon his safe return to Idaho and his family, I want to give him some time to readjust to civilian life (as I assume, if I were he, he will want to get out of the service after all of this......and I would not blame him one bit. Then I would love to fly to Idaho, meet his family, his girl and him (maybe even attend their wedding).......and give him the bracelet with his name on it that I have not had off my wrist since I received it in the mail.......except to take this picture of it.

I know it looks like I have a skinny (I do!!) black (I'm not) wrist, but actually I am white and that is my black stapler on my desk the bracelet is wrapped around......the only thing I could find at the time I took the picture of it.

I have posted this picture and messages about Bowe on my Facebook, my Twitter and my E-Mails, asking for prayers for his safe return and for his family and friends. When some of my Facebook friends saw the picture, they wrote to ask where they could get one also and I sent them straight to MemorialBracelets.com , hoping they also will order and wear them.

Pat D.
Atlanta, Georgia

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

In Honor of SSGT Matt Maupin

My name is Malcolm and I have had the honour to wear several of your Memorial Bracelets in recent times. I bought one in honor of SSGT Matt Maupin whose Aunt attended a church my family was also attenting in Cincinnati. I was priveledged to give it personally to his mother on the day that his remains were returned to her.

Also, I had another bracelet custom made by your company with the names of the last two Australian servicemen listed as MIA from Vietnam. They were the crew members of a B57 Canberra bomber that was lost after a close support mission and never heard from again. After many years of pressuring the Australian and Vietnamese governments by several organizations search and recovery missions were commenced and these two airmen and the other Diggers who where unaccounted for were all finally located and their remains returned to their families in Australia. I had previously worn another bracelet with the names of these two men for a number of years until it finally wore out and broke. At which time a replacement was ordered from Memorial Bracelets. No sooner had this new one arrived than I learned that the remains of the two men named on it had been located and itentified, thus closing the long, sad and proud story of Australians' service in the Republic of Vietnam. At this time I felt very strongly that I should do something to honor these men and their sacrifice. Since returning the bracelet to their families was not feasible (both names were on it so who would receive it) I decided to send it to the current commanding officer of their squadron; No.2 Squadron, RAAF based at RAAF Williamtown about 100 miles north of Sydney. Some time after sending the bracelet I received a very kind letter from the Officer commanding No.2 Sqn in which he said that he was very appreciative of the gesture and that I could be assured that my bracelet would be placed in a position of honour on the squadron's officers' mess where it could be seen by all and would be appreciated by all as well.

I thought that you might want to know that your work does not only honor this country's service personnel but has had an impact on the other side of the Pacific as well. Keep up the fine work!

Thanks,

Malcolm H.

PS I plan th order another bracelet shortly in honor of my Uncle who was lost in 1944 off the south coast of Norway while serving with the RAF and whose body was never recovered.

Honi soit qui mal y pense.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

For Sgt. Brandon E. Adams

I wear my Memorial Bracelet for my best friend's son. His name is Sgt. Brandon E. Adams, & he gave his life fighting in Iraqi Freedom, on 19 Sept. 2004.

Brandon was such a great kid,with a great smile. I fondly remember bouncing him on my knee when he was a little boy. Brandon, & his family moved away from our home town, & I hadn't seen him in a few years, but I'll never forget the day his Dad called me, & told me of his death. It hit me hard ! I'll never forget that day.

I bought my Memorial Bracelet, & wear it in his honor. He was deffinetly one of " America's Heros ", & I'll never forget him, or his ultimate sacrafice.

Steve B.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

As a Reminder of My Son's Love and Devotion

I have been wearing my Memorial Bracelet since March of 2005, shortly after my son Trevor was killed in Iraq. I have several different ones, and have one on my wrist at all times. It's a reminder to me of my son's love and devotion to to his country and his family. When someone asks me what it's for, I tell them it's a reminder that Freedom isn't Free. Thank you for this wonderful product.

Jewel A.
Proud Marine Mom

For the Troops, Lost Buddy and Brother

My son bought me my Memorial Bracelet when the war first started. It says "In memory of lost troops, operation iraqi freedom." He lost a buddy in Iraq & wears his name on his Memorial Bracelet. He is on his second bracelet, due to it fading from wearing everyday. He is on his third tour overseas. First to Iraq, then to Afghanistan twice. He is presently overseas. My youngest son, a senior in high school, wears his Memorial Bracelet in honor of his brother overseas. "Keep my brother safe" We love the bracelets. Thank you for honoring the soldiers. We wear them everyday & will continue to until the war is over. My soldier is a SFC, E-7 recon platoon sergeant serving @ FOB Connolly, Afghanistan.

Thank you,

Pam P.

For Angel Juarbe Jr.

Almost 7 years ago or so I ordered a 9/11 Memorial Bracelet from you guys for a firefighter I knew who passed away on Sept 11th 2001. I wore that bracelet ever day. It never came off of my wrist no matter what I was doing. I would go thru metal detectors at the airport and refuse to take it off and took the wanding treatment instead. I wore it thru the fire academy to remind me that some gave everything so I should give my all. It was like my own little cheerleader telling me to keep going when the academy got hard. The bracelet of Angel Juarbe Jr rode on my right hand until I lost an even closer friend in Iraq in 2007. I then moved Angels bracelet to my fire helmet where it remained until someone stole it from my helmet. But long story short, it was a great reminder as to never forget the ones we love and never forget what they gave up for us. Thank you to your company for such a great product. It held up to everything I put it thru at the fire house. I hope to never HAVE to order another bracelet, but if I do it will definitely be from you guys!

Thanks again,
Firefighter Mark M.
Miami Twp. Fire/Rescue
Yellow Springs, Ohio

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

A Bracelet Worn 38 Years Ago and Again Today

When I was 15 years old, my sister was married to someone in the Air Force, and they were stationed on Lackland Base in San Antonio. During a visit there, she gave me a bracelet with the name of Robert Lilies on it, MIA. I wore it then, with a prayer for his return, and in honor of all people serving. I was so young and a product of the time not believing in the war. HOWEVER, as I said, I was young and had no real knowledge of what was going on. All I knew was that I would stand behind proudly our "boys" going thru hell, and even death, for us. I know I wore it for at least 2 or 3 years. When I finally took it off, I remember putting it with some cherished items, but somehow thru the years, it was lost.

A few weeks ago, my hubby and I were watching a PBS show re: the 1960's. With pictures of the Vietnam War on, I remembered my POW/MIA bracelet. It occurred to me that with internet, I could find his name somewhere listed as an MIA. I did find his name, but under KIA. As I read the info that was on his bracelet, it all came back to me. Additionally, I was able to read more info re: where he was from, Louisiana, and info re: his crash. I cried. Thirty eight years have passed. I am no longer a youth with all of life ahead of me, but I have enjoyed a very good life...much in part due to freedom I have known my entire life. I am blessed with 3 sons, one of which has served in The Air Guard for 10 years. A mother's heart is thankful he has not been called to go to Iraq...how could I not honestly be? However, he may be going in less than a year. He has been more than ready to go and do his part as his "brothers" have. If that does occur, God will get me thru it as He has been faithful to do thru the generations.

I am waiting for my new POW/MIA Bracelet from Memorial Bracelets in the mail excitedly. As 38 years ago, I will wear it in memory of Robert Lilies, a man I never met, but is so special in my heart. How I wish I could have contact with a family member! I believe he would be 70 years old today, had he lived. I will wear the bracelet in thanks to all military, who have served that I have lived free. I will wear the bracelet proudly in honor of my son, Seth Allen Mason. And lastly, I will wear it until it falls apart, as a constant reminder to pray for all of the above, and as a hope for a day of peace!

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

To Remember the Person Born on the Same Day

I read an article in my local paper about a guy who had worn one of these Memorial Bracelets, and recently returned it to the family. I went online to learn more about them, and found this website. As I was scrolling through the names, (of which there are still to many), I noticed one with my birthdate. I thought it was a sign, so I bought it!! I hope by doing this to spread the word about this project.
Thank you,
Patty L.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

To Remember My Firefighting Father-in-law

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet for my sister-in-law as a birthday present. My father-in-law was and Assistant Chief of a Fire Dept in the State of Ohio, he served for over 20 years and in that time was a great roll model for many in the Fire Service, as well as being Eagle Scout and a Troop Leader in the Boys Scout. He truly was a man to be respected.

His two children followed in his footsteps and went into the Fire Service respectfully as an EMT-Basic, and his son (my husband) as a Paramedic/Firefighter. His greatest joy was his children. He sadly and suddenly passed away in February of 2009. My father in law was my sister in laws hero, best friend, and there is never a day that goes by that she does not miss him being a part of her everyday life. I ordered this bracelet as a way for her to have him by her side at all times, as well as for the donation it would make to other families.

Thank You for your creation.
Kristin McK

Friday, August 13, 2010

For All My Uncles that Served in WWII

I wear my Memorial Bracelet for all my uncles that served during World War II. Only one didn't return after his P-47D had engines problems upon return to his base in Italy. He was a young man who had a promising future after the war, a similar statement about many who served. Researching his history I found a listing of so many other young men who went to war to only last a few weeks before dying. Tragic stories each of them. For me I have to remember those stories, I value my freedom greatly and today our nation is stuck in the muck of hoplessness and war. I believe it is our duty to remind others that there are success stories and the possiblities of what we can do as a nation is tremendous. My Memorial Bracelet is to add value to my uncles and their service and to remind me, that my freedom wasn't free.

Sincerely
Claude A.
Arizona/Missouri

Saturday, July 24, 2010

To Hold Steven Heitman in my Heart

I am a married man, with 2 adult children. One is handicapped, 31 years old, and the joy of my life. The other, 28, has twin children (grandbabies to me) one boy and one girl.
They were born Dec 26, 2008. I can only hope that they can somehow have a learned idea of the travesties of the "police action" of Vietnam. I only missed out on being part of it by 2 years, but from the time I was born, to the days of my senior year of high school, all I knew was "Vietnam war". It sucks that it is not recognized as a "war" per se, they are saying that this new war is the longest of modern history, but we all know "nam" was the longest of all!
I wore the Vietnam MIA bracelet with SSGT Steven W Heitman for most of my years of high school. I didn't have near the appreciation for all of the sacrifices that all of the men and women gave, some a little, and some all. SSGT Heitman gave ALL. I only wish I could of given more of myself, and my sole to the battle they all fought for too many years. I praise God that I didn't have to go to Vietnam, but, I praise all who went, lived, and died, for the freedom that we all have today!!
My original bracelet, I wore through high school, has long since been lost (this really sucks!!) if I only would have realized the true meaning, I would have guarded it with my life, but, as a young dumb teen, I only wore it because "everybody" did. I have lots more brain power now, (not always good), but I hold Steven in my heart, and will wear this new bracelet till the Lord calls me home!! I only hope that if your family happens to read this, they will know that somebody else cares for there son!
With true and lasting Love,
Todd K.

FOR CW5 SHARON T. SWARTWORTH

I am at a military school that is named after CW5 Swartworth (Warrant Officer Career College- Swartworth Hall) and will use the Memorial Bracelet as a dedication during a ceremony.
Rusty

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

For my Cousin and Good Friend

I ordered two Memorial Bracelets. A Vietnam MIA bracelet is for my cousin, Marshall F. Kipina who was shot down over Laos in 1966. I never met him, but was told he was a great human being and a true patriot. The second one I ordered was a KIA bracelet for a good friend who was the platoon leader of Thomas Vitagliano who was killed in action in January 2005 during Operation Enduring Freedom. I will never forget.

Adam

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

For My Son's Friend, Classmate and Teammate

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet for my son to wear in memory of his friend, classmate and teammate LCPL. Joshua Davis. He's our hometown hero who gave his all!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

To Share the Stories of My Friends with Others

I ordered and wear my bracelet to remember my friends who have fallen. So that everywhere that I go, I carry their memory with me. A bracelet may only be a small piece of jewelry, but it carries a lifetime worth of memories with it. As a Marine, we form lifelong bonds with our brothers-in-arms; their dedication to their fellow troops and their commitment to their country will always be remembered. And my bracelets give me an opportunity to share their story with others.

Monday, July 12, 2010

For My Cousin Michael Dunn

I wear my bracelet for my cousin Michael Dunn, who was KIA in Vietnam in 1969. I was only 12 but I remember. I figure that as long as one person who remembers his is alive he is not forgotten.
Kevin D.

For My Son Dustin

My son Dustin was serving proudly in the USAF when we lost him unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident on December 28, 2006. Dustin had a long time goal for military service and committed himself to make that goal happen. He was serving in AFTAC at Patrick AFB, a highly technical post that has been described as the best and brightest.

As a father, I have no problem acknowledging that Dustin is my hero. He exemplified what a Airman is and he was a son that a family could be proud of. It is for him that I will be honored to wear my Memorial Bracelet.

Bill P.
New Palestine Indiana

Friday, July 09, 2010

To Honor PFC Wayne Bibbs Sacrifice

My husband is active duty Army, and a veteran of 3 wars; the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. We have two teenagers at home. If one of our kids decided to join the Army and follow in Dad's footsteps and, God Forbid, something like this happened to them....I would appreciate strangers honoring their memory in this way. The MIA I chose was 17 year old PFC Wayne Bibbs. I would like to honor this young man's name and sacrifice. I will proudly display his name.

Athena M.
Fort Hood TX.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

For My Cousin Who Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice

My cousin was killed in Iraq in 2006. Wearing my Memorial Bracelet serves as a daily reminder that freedom isn't free and soldiers like my cousin pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. He and soldiers just like him are the true definition of heroes.

Caroline

Monday, July 05, 2010

For Capt. Michael S. Haskell

Capt. Michael S. Haskell, KIA, Beirut, was known to me as SDI, SSGT. Haskell, PLT 1004, 18DEC72. He molded me into a MARINE. Thank you and RIP SSGT. Haskell.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

To Never Let a Snipers Bullet Silence the Memory of Donnie Dixon

The day I got my Memorial Bracelet I went into my office and cried when I opened it. I met Donnie through SSG Brooks. We were in Ba'Qubah, Iraq during the surge in 2007. Donnie was part of the PSD team for the BDE Cdr and I was on the PSD/LRT for the DCO. Casualties where very heavy that summer. We lost so many to IED's, Suicide bombers, and small arms fire. I went to more Hero flights than I want to remember. Out of all of the folks we lost Donnie was one I could put a voice to a face and face to the litter that was carried to the chopper. We had a few conversations over dinner in the DFAC and even though I didn't know him as well as I wish I could have, I swore after his death that I would never let the snipers bullet silence his memory. Rest in Peace Donnie D. Dixon.
SSG Jimmy Ray H.
Live the Legend
Be the Legend
1st CAV DIV
OIF 06-08