For CPT Mark Garner

I  just looked up a Memorial Bracelet of a friend I went to school with, CPT Mark Garner. I didn't know Mark especially well, but I knew him enough to know that he was a great person and a great soldier. I remember going to his funeral in our hometown in 2009, and I remember how upset it made me. 


Like I said, I didn't know him that well but I knew him and went to the same school, we were even in JROTC together. I guess being a veteran myself and knowing the sacrifices so many have made firsthand and knowing so many others who served in Afghanistan just made it that much more intense for me. I hope his mother (who was also my high school biology teacher) and his wife don't mind me wearing a bracelet in his honor.


Kathy B-A

For Jessica Ellis

I just ordered a Memorial Bracelet for a young friend who was killed in Iraq. I did not know there was such a thing until I read an article about Jessica Ellis in the Idaho paper. I will wear this bracelet with honor and think of Jessica and her family. Jessica was a lovely young woman who is missed. God bless her family and all the families who have lost someone in this war and God bless all the men and women who are still deployed and keeping our country safe. Thank you.


Sharon S.

For the Soldier who Died on the Day of My Birth

I was born On October 4th 1968, and have been studying the Viet Nam war at ASU for the last 2 years. I have always had an affinity for Viet Nam Veterans and the service men that lives were lost in Southeast Asia. I would like to think it would be a fitting tribute to commemorate someone who gave their life for freedom, on the day when I was born free. On the day of my birth, that coincides with the loss of an American Soilder, a paying of respect to a solder that died on that same day is an appropriate tribute.

Adam C.

For my son Spc. Kelly J. Mixon

His mother and I met while stationed in Stuttgart West Germany. We met and had a small fling just before I left for Alabama. I only found out he was my son about 4 years ago. I got the chance to tell him about his family on my side, about me, my job ... you get the picture. Anyway, I got the chance to talk to him as he was trying to enter the Marine Corp.

He chose the Army for various reasons. He signs up, and gets chosen for "Sniper School". He graduates youngest in his class, and my understanding of it was that out of 70 something, he finished 12 or 14th. He goes to Afghanastan, gets in a "Stryker Unit. (I work at Anniston Army Depot. We built and rebuilt the tanks used over there). Well anyway, he goes on a sweep of some area there. He and his medic dismount the vehicle and a suicide bomber runs up and ignites his vest. My son and the son of another grieving family were killed instantly. I wish I could have met him, and talked to him face to face and not just over the phone. It would have been cool to have been able to hang out with him for just one day.

I'll will wear his Memorial Bracelet until the day I can meet him face to face.

Thomas V. U.

For CWO James Larry Phipps

I still have my copper bracelet from 1972. The one I ordered from your website will have the same name "CWO James Larry Phipps".  Last year I assembled & dedicated a POW/MIA white table for the VFW Post where my husband is Commander.  I was inspired by memories of 40 years ago and the name on my bracelet who I called my soldier.  I will treasure my new bracelet just as I do the copper one.        

Thank You,

Deloras J.

For Sgt. Rodney Griffin and PFC Michael C. Roell

I received my POW/MIA bracelet when I was about 12 or so in 1970. Years later, I was going to a community college near where I live and met a guy whose brother was killed in Vietnam. In the early 1990's, I was in DC and I was able to get him and his mother an etching each.  They didn't know that I was going to do that and they both were surprised and extremely grateful. Very recently, I became interested in whether my guy, Sgt. Rodney Griffin, 5-2-70, ever came home, and he hasn't. No remaines yet, either. I also stumbled upon your wesite and I order a KIA bracelet in the name of PFC Michael C. Roell, the brother of the guy I knew at college. I just wanted you to know that after all these years, I haven't forgotten about either one of them, and I don't think I ever will. Thanks for reading my message and for having this website. God bless, Dorinda

 

To Bring Bowe Bergdahl Home Safely

I am wearing a Memorial Bracelet to show my support for Spc. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan.  He is the same age as my son and favors him a lot.  Same blue eyes, complexion, size.. I cried when I seen him standing next to his captor, so young and vulnerable.  God bless him and keep him safe, and bring him home quickly.

Lynn

For those that lost their lives on 9/11

I was inspired by a woman who I saw on TV.  She donned a bracelet for someone who was fighting in the Viet Nam war.  They had written letters back and forth, and she promised that she would never take it off until she met him.  Well, 40 years later she had the honor of putting the bracelet on his military jacket as they laid him to rest.  I had a bracelet back then too, but I wasn’t as vigilant as she was, and I am ashamed of myself for it. 

9/11 was such a tragedy, and I want to show support for those who lost their lives as well as support for the families.  I don’t know if I will get any information about this person who is on my bracelet to let them know that I am wearing it for their family member.

Namaste,

Andrea D.

For My Brother

I got this Memorial Bracelet in memory of my brother who was killed in Vietnam

For Sgt Willard Robert Ryan

Just got two Memorial Bracelets one for myself and one for my Brother John, to remember and honor our Father.. Sgt Willard Robert Ryan who gave his life in vietnam. Mom was pregnant with John , my sister was two ..I was one. Mom had a breakdown that lasted her lifetime. Dad regardles is my Hero, not drafted , but volunteered to fight for what is right. Freedom . The Dog tag will never come off my body ... I honor my Father from within every day that I breath..now I have a way to honor him on the outside so that others may see, and inquire and I can tell his story. Thank you to the people who make these precious memorials.

To Show My Support More Visibly

I am a 9 year Navy Vet, and served as a Hospital Corpsman from 1981-1990. I was medically retired (HM1) from a knee injury..  I served with the 2^nd Medical Bn for 4 years, as well as duty at a naval hospital and aboard ship.  I am now  practicing as a Chiropractor (10 years) in Putnam CT.  I worked at the Newington VA Hospital for about a year and a half (Chiropractor) and continue to support our troops and vets.  I’m not sure who PO Montgomery was (HM or other) but I wear a Memorial Bracelet because I wanted to be able to show my support more visibly. 

Dr. Frederick B.

For Pfc. Donald Lyle Elliott

This is my childhood friend Marine Pfc. Donald Lyle Elliott who was KIA in Vietnam at Mutter's Ridge hill 484 on August 10, 1969. In this picture, I placed his photo at the wall. I am also wearing his Memorial Bracelet on my right arm. The left is for a friend Marine Pfc. Kevin C Hanley.

For SPC Jose A. Torre

SPC Jose A Torre was an extraordinary person. I had the honor of serving with him in Fort Leonardwood Missouri when he and I were first entering into the military in 2008. We were the same platoon, the same squad, and slept in neighboring barracks bays. Torre was an exemplary soldier, often setting a standard by which we all tried to meet. In training he was quick to absorb all details and many times was able to help other soldiers in understanding new subjects. When I was his squad leader, Torre was always there with fresh ideas and tactics, and was great at bringing moral up. I came to love Torre as a brother, as we all did. His death struck a deep chord in everyone who knew him and I will carry his memory close to me with this Memorial Bracelet.

For My Wife's Brother Lost in Nam

I have a very strong love for our country and a deep respect for the people who have given us what we have today. I was drafted in late 1972, reported, but was rejected and was hurting that I could not do my part. When I hear the national anthem, it always brings a tear to my eyes, every time! I read about men clutching an old flag or even a small piece of it and it also brings tears to my eyes. I just recently got married and have found out that my wife lost her brother in nam, it is hard for her to even think of it. He was a navy medic and did not live long upon arriving there. I told her I would love to do the run to the wall and be part of this wonderful dedication. As of yet have not been able to do so, but when I got to your site I seen the bracelets etc., that one could get. With out hessitation I placed the order and told my wife that at least I could do this. I will wear it as long as I live for him and all who have given the ulitimate sacrifice and for those also who have return. GOD BLESS AMERICA and the men and women who cared enough to do what they did.    Thank You !!! Steve P ST.Augustine florida                   

For Pfc. Colton Rusk

My daughter, Whitley, will be graduating from Orange Grove High School on June 3^rd.  When she was taking senior pictures she wanted to take a picture of her bracelet she wears to honor one of her best friends, Pfc. Colton Rusk, who was killed December – 2010.  Colton was a 2009 graduate of OGHS and was the big brother she always wanted.  Thank you for honoring our soldiers.

Tammy H.

For Vincent Saracini

I have a Memorial Bracelet for Vincent Saracini, the pilot whose plane hit the South Tower of WTC.  I previously had one for Andrew Fredericks, a fireman killed at the WTC.  Mr. Fredericks' bracelet was made of brass I think and tarnished.  It was no honor to him and I had to get rid of it, but fortunately I ordered and will receive a red one for him.  This 9-11 is the 10th anniversary and I hope there is a lot of participation to honor all the innocent victims.           

                         
Doris P.

For SFC James E. Thode

I wear a Memorial Bracelet for SFC James E. Thode of NM. He was a true NCO and leader of Soldiers. I served with him for two deployments and am honored to be able to say I knew him. May he rest in peace, and may his family feel comfort from God.

SSG Philip R Walker

118th Sapper Company

One of the serious problems in planning the fight against American doctrine, is that the Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine...
- From a Soviet Junior Lt's Notebook

The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it.
-   Genghis Khan (1162-1227)

An army of asses led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by an ass.
-   George Washington

For SFC Randy Johnson

I just placed an ordered with Memorial Bracelets for my best friend that I lost Sept 27 07. His name was Randy Johnson. I went into basic training and met him there. We did AIT together and almost got the same orders for the first three years of my enlistment. We got seperated when I changed my post. We had lost contact for a few years, until I was stationed at Ft Jackson. I was a garrison MP at the time. I got a call about a shop lifter. And when I pulled up to the P.X, I ran into him after to years of a phone call here and there and a letter from time to time. I lost touch during my tour in Afghanistan. I ETS'ed out of the Army in 05 after 16 years of service. I would time from time check causality reports, and on October 3rd I saw his name. After the shock wore off, I still have that whole in my heart for Frank and the other 5,000 or so of my other brothers and sisters lost in the past 10 years. After Frank passed, I tried to reenlist. Which was denied because of my PTSD diagnosis. Thanks for the oppertonity to share my story.

For Larry Spencer POW

In April 2011, I purchased dog tags with Larry Spencer's name on them to hang from my mirror in my car. In 1973 when I was in 2nd grade, my Mom bought and gave me a cuff bracelet with Larry Spencer's name on it.  I wore it everyday and hoped he'd be released and be okay.  One day I lost the bracelet.  All these years went by and I always remembered his name and wondered if he was released and felt bad about loosing the bracelet.  I'm 43 years old now and I just kept thinking about him for some reason so I looked on the internet and not only found your website but I found out that he was released (many years later) and that he is still alive!  I was very happy to find this out (my Mom too).  So thank you for having this site and for helping those who put their lives on the line for our country.  Lisa S. San Diego, CA

To Never Take For Granted Life or Freedom

Each generation of my family has served our country, in almost every branch of our military, all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Memorial Bracelets are an excellent way to show how proud I am of ALL who serve. People notice my bracelet wherever I go, and ask about it. I tell them how important our freedom is, how fragile life is, and that they should never be taken for granted.

For a Soldier to Express My Gratitude To

I purchased the Memorial bracelet for my father -in-law. It is inscribed with his nephews name. We are planning to take him to the memorial in DC because I found out that he always wanted to go to see it. I thought just for the experience. While making arrangements I found out through another family member that it is specifically for his nephew. I thought while we are there it will be a nice rememberence and gift to present him with the bracelet after we locate Joe's name on the wall. If I could afford more, I would just pick out a random name and wear it with pride. When people asked me who it was, I would tell them a soldier I don't know, but it's one of the many people whom I wish I could express my gratitude to. That it would be nice if everyone cold wear a bracelet, if only just for a little while, so we never forget and always be thankful for what we have and how we got it. J. Fountain-Baltimore.Md.

For Two Killed Aviators

When I was a baby, my mom and dad bought a bracelet at a fundraiser for a Soldier MIA during the Vietnam War. The original bracelet was lost however, I found out the Soldier's name and rebought one which I'll put on my Stetson.

I wear one for two Aviator's who were KIA in a helicopter crash two years ago from my Squadron.  I plan on getting another one for my Dad's friend who was KIA in the Vietnam war.  I wear these bracelets to remember them; because if I don't, who will?

For SSG Curtis Oakes

I ordered 2 black Memorial Bracelets, one for my husband and one for me, both with the same name on them. We have not received them yet, they were just mailed out today, but here is why we ordered. The soldier on our bracelets is SSG Curtis Oakes. Curtis and my husband were both stationed in Korea together and then when they were sent back to the states they were both stationed at Ft. Campbell. I never in all the time that I knew Curt thought that I would be ordering a bracelet with his name on it.  He was a dear friend to both my husband and me. He was one of 6 soldiers killed in Afghanistan on November 29, 2010 when an Afghanistan cop turned around and opened fire on them. Curtis was a great friend, father, and husband he treated people like he wanted to be treated. Curtis touched the lives of many people. I don't think that I ever met anyone that didn't like Curtis. I feel privileged to have been able to be part of his life, and to have him be part of mine. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of him. And now we will be wearing our bracelets to keep his memory alive, and to keep him close to our hearts.

Amy T.

In Honor of My Great Uncle

I chose to order this bracelet in honor of my Great Uncle. He flew for the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. He was a Wellington Bomber Pilot with the 142 Squadron. It was thought that he was MIA all these years, but after some extensive research, I discovered that he was actually KIA on 9 Nov, 1942. His bomber was hit by flak over the Hamburg (Ohlsdorf) Cemetery, where he is now buried with his crew.

To Remind Me Of Who I Am

The first one I have worn for 8 years now is for a soldier who died on a mountain that I spent two weeks patrolling in Afghanistan.  The one I just ordered is for a battle buddy from my first tour in Kandahar.  I wear these Memorial Bracelets because they are links to the memories I have of my service now that I am out.  It is a link to the pain I feel each day.  It reminds me of who I am.