It's Something That Needs To Be Made More Aware To The Public

I ordered a bracelet because it’s something that needs to be made more aware to the public, people seem to forget about POW/MIA troops; whether they’re from the Vietnam, Korean or Iraqi wars. I wanted to get the word out, and this is definitely one way to do it, whether silently (to those whom have heard of it, but do not participate) or to those who ask “What’s that bracelet all about?” I’m active duty AF, I heard about this by asking that same question “What’s that bracelet all about?” I didn’t know what it was until about 18 months ago, and I think it’s a good thing to have out there in the public. People tend to forget that there are POWs still alive stuck in Vietnam, or they just don’t care. When we say “No man left behind” we try to stick to it as much as possible, and this is another way of funding that mission.

For The Brave Men and Women Who Risk Their Lives for Us

I received my POW Bracelets today, and will wear them both proudly. 

A local radio station, in conjunction with a local Harley Davidson dealership, has sponsored a motorcycle ride for the last 3 years.  All money raised goes to the USO to buy minutes for phone cards for the troops.  We have been lucky enough to participate all 3 years.  This year, the total raised was over 500,000 minutes, with over 600 motorcycles participating.  One of the items that each participant was given was an Army National Guard Hero Bracelet...it brought back memories.  I had one of the "original" POW Bracelets when I was a teenager.  Unfortunately, I do not know what happened to it, but I wore it for years.  I am happy to say that the soldier who's name I wore is a POW returnee. 

The decision on the names for the bracelets was the hardest part.  I decided on one who was from a very small town near the very small town where my mother was born and raised - unaccounted for.  The other was because of the date - my 14th birthday - who's remains have been recovered/returned.

I will wear my bracelets as a daily reminder of the brave men and women who risk their lives every day for us.

For the USS Kitty Hawk

I received my Memorial Bracelet and it's prefect. I order this one because I was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and I remember the day this happen I was on the bridge and remember writing it in the daily log. I'm not sure how I found your site was surfing around for one thing then another and came crossed it. It's an amazing web site has a lot of GREAT information on it. I enjoy it a lot. I had a POW Bracelet I wore in the 70's and an old girlfriend took it with her when she moved. 

Anyway thanks a lot for the new one. 

Peace 

John

I Have Always Had Compassion Towards Vietnam Vets

Since I was a teenage girl, for some reason I have always have compassion towards Vietnam Vets, and the men and woman that served, and witnessed some horrific things, during the Vietnam conflict, and treatment that they received when they returned home. I have had one family member that was in Vietnam and he just passed away last July due to cancer from exposure from agent orange, I witnessed what he already went through with the war (stories that he shared) and then another battle, cancer. So I purchased two bracelet's one for me and my husband to wear. We wear them everyday and a lot of people ask what they are and have never even heard of such a thing and they think that it is a great concept. I chose men that were killed in action (BB) and remains never found and returned home, so I searched out men that were from the state that I live in (Ohio) and well all I can do is hope and pray for these lost souls are finally found and brought home instead of being on foreign soil.

I own a tattoo shop and a gentlemen that is getting ready to leave for Iraq had a bracelet on and that is how I found out. He was very helpful and actually guided me through to finding the website, I love the bracelet and so does everyone else. To me it is more than a bracelet, it is someone's soul and memory that I carry with me everyday, everywhere no matter what. I pray they are all found and thank you so much for the chance to wear something so passionate.

Valerie

For My Fiancee Who Was Shot In Southern Bahgdad

I ordered a bracelet not for myself, but for my fiancee who was shot in Southern Bahgdad back in January of this year. During his recovery, he has lost two of his Infantry Brothers. One to a roadside bomb, the other to a mortar attack. He continues to deal with the very real possibility that even more of his dearest friends will not return home alive. I gave him a memorial bracelet not sure how he would react being that this is understandably a very painful issue. Much to my relief, he absolutely loves and appreciates that he can carry on his friend's names with the bracelets. I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to give him something that he is and will forever hold dear to him. Of course, he will always remember his Brothers, but I think these bracelets hold such a great significance being that they often strike up conversations with strangers who are curious as to what they are and the story behind the Soldier's name engraved on them. This allows us to spread the story of their sacrifice and to carry on the stories of everyday men making bigger than life contributions to their country in a time of conflict. Thank you.

Nola

It Is Not About POWs It Is About The Dead

I wanted a bracelet because I wore a POW bracelet for years for my Vietnam soldier, he was MIA after the return. I checked on him occasionally via the net and learned recently that he is felt to have died in a plane crash that was witnessed. The crash site is not accessible, so the bodies have not been recovered.

When we got POWs in the Gulf war, I ordered a bracelet, randomly, and got the soldier from my state. Ironically, my Gulf soldier went missing on the same day as my Vietnam soldier, 20 some years later. But he came home-hooray.

Now my precious son is in Iraq. I wear all kinds of stuff to honor him. He is still ok, but he was in the truck next to Pfender's when they were all hit by the IED. Being the medic, he went straight to his best friend there who was injured fatally. My son held Jonathan as his life's blood poured all over the two of them. Joel knew John was gone the instant he was hit, but he held him and said a blessing for his dear friend. My son will never be the same after that, the son I sent to the Army died that day too. Later he discovered another soldier had been hit, but the guy was so adrenalined up he didn't even know it. The injury turned out to be severe, and Joel was able to save him and pack him off to the hospital. He is now home still recovering.

This war isn't about POWs, it is about the dead. I wear this bracelet in honor of Pfender, who lost his life, in honor of Joel, who lost his innocence, and in honor of Rodrigues, who's injuries are forever.

Judi

As An American I Will Wear This Bracelet With Pride

I remember the POW bracelets from Vietnam. My Parents did not allow me to have one for some odd reason I may never know. We were a military family and at Fort Lee Virginia at the time so... Now I work for the Air Force as a Civilian DOD Employee. From time to time you kind of forget why we are sending troops to what they call The Sand Box. So this will be a reminder to me and whoever I come in to contact with. After all now there are no pictures of the devastation on TV anymore. The whole thing seems like a bad dream that no body remembers any more..., yet we still have troops and civilians dieing over there daily because it is their jobs. Remember the war was supposed to be over last June. Well enough of all that. I'm pleased with the bracelets as and honorably discharged airborne ranger, as an ex-army brat, as a DOD employee and as a proud American I will wear this bracelet with pride.

For His Parents To Wear While He Is Away

I ordered them because the love of my life, Spc Jonathan K. Rush is in Iraq for the next year. He is in Kirkuk and has already seen many IED and Rocket Attacks. His letters are so heart felt, and yet a world away. I ordered the bracelets for his parents to wear while he is away. We all trust that God will bring him safely home to our waiting arms. Thank you for providing the bracelets.

My Heart Aches For All Those Who Lost Their Lives

Ayleen and I met while working for the same company. I was laid off and she went on to work for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The week before Sept. 11th I received a call with an offer to work for the same company since Ayleen had gotten a promotion. I accepted the offer but later that day called back and turned it down because it was a short term position and I was looking for something full time/long term. If I would have accepted the position, I too would have lost my life since they wanted me to start Sept. 10th. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the tragedy and how close I came to being another fatality. My heart aches for all those who lost their lives as well as Ayleen who left behind a young daughter in high school and a young son. They will be in my prayers always.

Thank you,

Janet

My Bracelet Is A Symbol Of Hope For The Maupin Family

I have no friends or relatives fighting in the war against terrorism. I read so many moving stories from the families of the fallen, this soldier, Spc. Keith Maupin, is our only POW at this point from the war in Iraq. After reading a current story by his parents in one of the online newspapers where they have not given up hope, I wanted to share that hope with them and pray that their son does come home safely. My bracelet is a symbol of hope for the Maupin family....

Respectfully,

Cindi

Supporting Soldiers And Their Families

Because my soldier had a strange last name, I decided to try to find his family on the internet. I was broken hearted to find out that my soldier was murdered....my entire family is devastated. I will still try to find his family and will place the bracelet on our tree every year at Christmas. We also want to send his family a special ornament in his memory.

In Support Of My Boyfriend

My boyfriend is getting ready to go on his second tour of the Iraq Freedom War, year number two. He lost his good friend that was beside him on Oct. 16 of 2003 and by the time he got home all of the memorial bracelets were gone from military surplus stores around Fort Campbell, KY. This will be a sad but great surprise for him this Christmas. May God be those who have lost their lives in the Iraqi war as well as their family and friends.

God Bless,
Kelly

In Memory Of My Cousin Killed In South Vietnam

I ordered this bracelet in memory of my cousin killed in South Vietnam. My daughter had a project in school to interview a vet about his/her experience. We told the history of Kyle J Coles from a letter written by his friend to Kyles mother shortly after his death. The letter told of how Kyle had volunteered to take his friends spot on a mission to deliver supplies to Marines. Kyle's helicopter was hit by an NVA rocket propelled grenade. Kyle and the crew were all killed. Our family thought in remembrance of Kyle and Veterans Day we would order the bracelet to remind us of the sacrifices made by our military and their families.

Thanks again the bracelet!

Pete

Help Support The Troops

I had been dating Lauro for two years; before he went to Iraq he asked me to marry, him and I told him I would tell him when he came home in April. During his time in Iraq, we talked on the internet and had planned a date. Three weeks before he was KIA, he asked me to marry him again, this time I told him yes. I really loved him and was sad and mad at god and the world when I found out he died. I found out Nov. 14 that he died Sept. 8. I was mortified, when I found this website it lifted my spirits, because this way I could always remember him and help support the troops and to do something good

Thanks

Melissa

My Heart Goes Out To Soldiers Of War

I had a POW bracelet in the 70's. I wore it out & haven't replaced it until now.

My heart goes out to soldiers of war. I saw what a real war (WWII) did to my father. My heart bleeds for the men and women of this war. They will be remembered.

I can't wait unit some notices that I'm wearing a "Pray For Our Troops, Operation Iraq Freedom bracelet!!!

In His Memory

We knew Bart, he was my one sons friend so when I realized I could order one in his memory with his name on it I ordered it right away. Bart had spent a lot of time here at our house. I had to have one either to keep or to give to my son once he comes home from Iraq himself.

Dianne and John

A Daily Reminder Of My Husband And His Work

I wanted a bracelet because my husband is over in Iraq. He has been there for four months and I really wanted something for myself that showed how proud I am of him and also a daily reminder of him and the work he is doing over there. I miss him dearly and the bracelet helps me to show others how proud I am of him and how much I love him.

Thanks,

Christie

A Reminder To Never Give Up Praying

I am giving the bracelets to my brother and sister-in-law. My nephew, Josiah, was diagnosed with an inoperable brainstem tumor on November 15th. We are believing in the healing power of Jesus and the bracelets will be reminder to never give up praying.

Blessings,

Kristi

To Remember What All The Soldiers Have Done For Us

I had remembered seeing my mom's bracelet from Vietnam and liked the idea of it. I know a few people who have gone to Iraq and I think it is important to remember what all the soldiers have done for us. I picked this particular name because I bought it with my birthday money. He and I were the same age on the day that he died and he died two days before my 22nd birthday. Now as I graduate college and stress out about finding a job and other things, I can look at the bracelet and remember that I am lucky to just have this opportunity and also remember those that gave up their lives for others and will never have the opportunities I have.

A Great Way To Honor A Veteran

My Uncle recently passed suddenly and his daughter and I are close, her birthday is soon and I thought the bracelet engraved with his years of service in the Korean War would be a great way to honor her father's memory.

Kim

In Honor Of His Close Friend, Who Died In Iraq

It is for my son, SSG Jake Schlereth for Christmas. It is in honor of his close friend, who died in Iraq last year. Jake bought a bracelet from US Calvary in Clarksville, TN. But, they don't sell KIA bracelets anymore. They informed me of your website. My son returned from Iraq on January 25th of this year. This new bracelet will mean alot to him. His other bracelet bent & he is no longer wearing it. Thank you so much...Your website means so much to families who have lost a loved one.

Sincerely, Pam

It Is An Honor To Wear A Bracelet With The Name Of A Hero

I ordered a bracelet because I have a spot in my heart for the soldiers in Iraq. I am in a transportation unit in the National Guard in SD. We just completed our year in Iraq and it is truly an experience I will never forget, it has changed me forever. I feel the pain of every family who looses someone in Iraq- although I believe in the war with all my heart- it is still sad when we loose a dedicated soldier. I believe it is the highest honor to die serving your country, and I feel it is an honor to wear a bracelet with the name of a hero. I chose my name by the state I live in, the branch of service I am in and I wanted the lowest ranking soldier.

Thanks
Shanna

Remembering Those Who Did Not Come Home

My father was active duty Army and retired back in 68' after serving 2 tours in Vietnam. When the time came for me to make a life choice, I chose to join the Air Force back in 1984; I recently retired so I guess you could say I have been in the military my whole life. My fiance' served in Desert Storm and he talks proudly of those days. This bracelet is for him to remember those who served with him, but never got the chance to come home like he did. Thanks for everything and best wishes!

Deanna
MSgt USAF, Ret

Three Generations Of Marines

My father, mother, and step father were Marines. My father was in Beirute in 83 and he is now one of the chairmen on the Beirute Memorial. I joined the Army and went to Iraq. Soon after we got there my father's National guard unit was activated and sent to Iraq. The experience that I took from being in a combat zone and then worrying about my father, who was in the same situation more times than most, made it a lot easier to understand where he was coming from. There is no one on this earth I respect more, well maybe second to my Grandpa who went to Vietnam with the Air Force, and both of these men have instilled a great tradition of patritotism in my brother(USMC)and I. Any one familiar with the Beirute Memorial knows that a common motto for them is "Our First Duty is to remember" That is what I had engraved on my father's bracelet. No matter how many times I hear that or the National anthem I get goose bumps and there have been some situations where it has filled my eyes with tears. It is great knowing that my family are not the only people who still remember to be patriotic. Thank you again,

Jessica

I Carry The Memory That He Gave For Our Country

I have worn an MIA bracelet for over ten years up until a few years ago when the metal began to fray. I had thought of having the bracelet melted, recast and re-engraved with my soldiers name on it.
I wasn't alive during the Vietnam War, but my father served. He had worn the bracelet for some years before presenting it to me as a gift. He always emphasized to me the meaning behind the bracelet and I have a come to feel as though a part of me is missing if not wearing it. I will be ordering a new bracelet with my soldiers name. I call him "my soldier" because I carry the memory of his name with me. I carry the memory that he gave for our country. I carry hope, above all that he will return.
His name is Lt. Robert C. Marvin MI. It is but one name of thousands. To me, he has come to symbolize every soldier who is still MIA. Through him I carry their memory.

I hope one day to pass his memory on to my children.