For Capt. Rob Secher

Capt Rob Secher and I were both assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion,
11th Marines during 2000-2002 when we were Lts. Recently Capt Secher was
serving as an advisor to an Iraqi Army battalion in Hit, Iraq. He was on a
dismounted patrol when his team came under fire and was subsequently killed
on 8 Oct 2006.

For the Mother Who Will Never See Her Son Again

Back in the 70's when I was in high school, I wore a bracelet bearing the name of a soldier KIA in Vietnam. I wore that bracelet for many years. I wanted to get another bracelet and I decided to order from your website.

I chose the name I did because the young man KIA on my bracelet is from my home state of North Carolina, and he was the same age as my son. I thought about that young man and his mother. His mother will never see her son again. He was just beginning his young life, but he chose to put it on the line so we may all continue to enjoy our freedom. As a mother, I can only imagine her heartache, but I am sure she feels much pride as well.

It is an honor for me to in turn honor a young man who laid down his life for all of us.

Terri

To All The Soldiers Who Never Experienced a Homecoming

I found your website through Google; most other sites I visited only sold "random" bracelets or required custom bracelets to be purchased in bulk numbers. Thank you for allowing people to choose a bracelet which has special meaning or significance to them beyond the overall meaning of support and appreciation that all memorable bracelets represent.

I ordered a Memorial Bracelet for two reasons. First off, as a soldier, I wanted to wear a bracelet to show my respect and appreciation for a fellow soldier who, like so many others, was unable to return home to his family. Secondly, I ordered the bracelet so that I cannot let a day go by without stopping to think about the ultimate sacrifice so many others have made; that daily reminder motivates me to push myself and to train to the best of my abilities.

Thank you, and thanks to all those soldiers who were never able to experience the homecoming the rest of us so very much appreciated.

Jonathan

To Remind Everyone Not To Forget

I served in the Army from 1968 to 1971. I never served in Nam which was either fate or luck. I didn't fear it but it just never happened. Returning to civilian life in 1971 was not a great time to be a soldier. I was determined to try and change people's minds about the men and women serving their country regardless what they thought of the conflict they were sent to. Nowadays I think that it is the prevailing thought and that is a good thing.

Shortly after the Army, I was working one day when I commented to a customer about her POW bracelet. She told me the story of her son-in-law who was MIA. I mentioned I was going to get a bracelet and just hadn't got around to it yet. She said she would get me one of her son-in-laws and bring it to me. I've worn that bracelet every day since.

The bracelet has enabled me to meet many people I may not have had the privilege otherwise. Many wonderful people have asked about it and listened to my pitch about "Do Not Forget" those that gave their lives or so much of their lives to defend our freedom. I have even had the honor to meet a former POW Lt. Cdr. Richard "MOON" Mullen. His daughter recognized the bracelet when I welcomed her into the neighborhood and a long friendship ensued. One thing I've learned about these heroes, they are very modest about their sacrifice for our country.

After the POW's were repatriated Cdr. W.P. Yarbrough Jr. was classified as KIA. His mother-in-law decided to move and I never got to visit with her again. I would like her to know I always have worn her gift until February 2007 when my new one arrived. The original one had worn one end down to where it cut things like a razor. It just wasn't safe to wear anymore.

At the invitation of my son , my wife and I visited The Wall in DC several years ago. It was a day in my life I will never forget, watching my son and his mother do a rubbing of the names of Cdr. Yarbrough and Maj. Richard Secanti (my cousin) wells up emotions to this day. I recommend every American should visit the Memorials in our Nations Capitol at least once in their lifetime.

Thank you for making a new bracelet for me. I will continue to remind everyone of some peoples sacrifice.

Mike
Oregon City,OR

To Remember the Sacrifices Others Have Made

I like the Memorial Bracelet and will wear it daily.  My son has a similar one with the name of the brother of his friend. 

My youngest son served in Iraq November 2003 to October 2004 with 3/2 SBCT.  I frequent a support forum for friends and family of the various Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.  I have come to know Chase's mother through that.  She no longer has her son here with her... I have my son back.  She continues to be an inspiration to those families/friends who have soldiers serving now.  My second son went to Afghanistan from February 2006 - January 2007 with the National Guard.  Both boys are in the National Guard now and are willing to go to war again.  

I don't want to forget the sacrifices other families have made ensuring my freedoms.  If anything happens to my sons, I don't want them forgotten either.

For My Son's Best Friend and Sergeant

I received my Memorial Bracelet two days ago and haven't taken it off since. I love it! It is a great way to pay tribute to a fallen solider.

I found your website when I did a search on SFC Rudy A. Salcido. Rudy was my son SPC Clifford C. Skinner's best friend and sergeant. They were both in Iraq when on November 9, 2006 when the truck in which Skinner was driving, and Salcido was riding in, was struck by an IED. SFC Salcido was killed and SPC Skinner was wounded.

I will wear Rudy's bracelet proudly, as he is truly an American Hero.

Thank you very, very much.

Sincerely,

Sharon

For The Only Married Gunner In Our Convoy

My unit, Cco 1/4 INF. was deployed to Afghanistan in July 06. We were ex-filtrating an area we had occupied and the only way out was a road running through a narrow valley. On the push through the valley we were ambushed with heavy small arms fire and RPG. We were in Humvee so the gunners immediately returned fire, in all this our friend was fatally wounded. The only married gunner in our convoy of 8 vehicles was hit. I had these bracelets made to honor him and remember him.

Jose

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