Hero Stories for June 2007

I believe it was in 2004 when I saw a story in our local newspaper, the Atlanta Journal/Constitution, about the Hero Bracelets.  I ordered three bracelets, hoping that I would receive at least one representing the Navy or Marines, since my military background was the Navy, 1962-1965.  Well, I didn't receive a bracelet representing either one, but I did get one of a Sgt. Sean C. Reynolds, of East Lansing, Michigan.  I was thrilled to receive a bracelet honoring a soldier from East Lansing, whe...

Shortly after my son Cpl Jimmy Endres left for his second tour in Iraq, I came across your website and thought what a wonderful way to pay tribute to our military. I purchased four deployment bracelets, one for myself, my husband, my daughter and Jimmy's wife. We all wore them faithfully 24/7, and only removed them when he returned safe and sound. I had many compliments on my bracelet and many thanks as well for his service and our families sacrifice. Thank you for supporting our military. Go...

Our son Spc. Nick Bratland (United States Army) was injured in Afghanistan twice in 2006.  In 2003 when Nick was 17, he enlisted in the delayed entry program. He graduated in 2004 and just a short 2 weeks later went to Basic Training at Ft. Benning, Ga, and then completed his Infantry training there as well. He is with the 10th Mountain, stationed at Ft. Drum, NY.  After 10 months of training he deployed to Afghanistan.  Nick left US soil March 1, 2006.  His 1st injury was on May 24, 2006 whe...

Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry could have left the dangers of Iraq after injuring his hand last fall. But the 28-year-old Marine continued working for seven more hours disarming an explosive. Fry was working to disarm another bomb when he was killed in the Anbar province. The explosive ordinance disposal technician was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "He laid down his life so other Marines would be sa...

I wear Sgt Gary Andy Eckerts' bracelet. He was assigned to the 983rd Engineer Battalion, u.S.Army Reserves, Toledo, Ohio. I did not know him personally, But had served in that unit in the past.  Andy left a wonderful wife, Tiphany and two children. I attend fallen heroes funerals with the Patriot Guard Riders. When people see the bracelet and ask if they are POW or something and find out that the bracelat signifys a lost hero. They don't know how to react. I explain that it is the least I can...

Great list of support organizations. The Department of Defense discourages the publishing of lists of the names of troops stationed overseas and has terminated the "Any Soldier" form of mailings. This is why we are unable to offer random names on deployed HeroBracelets. There are, however, two resources in this list that can help you with that if you are interested. Unless you know of someone overseas or know of someone who has a loved one overseas, it is difficult to know how you can help. ...

My hero is Lance Cpl Justin D. Sims from Covington, KY.  Justin was killed in Iraq April 15, 2006.  Justin was married to my sister and one of the most amazing individuals that I have ever met.  He had the greatest disposition, sense of humor and this smirk that I will never forget.  I wear my braclet in honor of Justin, always keeping him close to my heart. Joelle Matt, Cincinanti,

The two names of the gentlemen on the bracelets worn by my husband and me are Sgt Melvin Mora of the Army Reserves and Lance Cpl Seth Huston who was a Marine. We don't know a great deal about these two men except the dates they both died and their home towns. But we do know one thing, of this we are certain: both men served honorably and died fighting for all that is good and precious here in our country. The word "hero" seems almost insufficient in describing their ultimate sacrifice, but th...

My name is Debbi Lorge and I purchased HeroBracelets for our whole family to support our Marine Zackeri Drill. Zak joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and spent his 20th birthday in Afghanastan and his 21st birthday in Iraq. Two tours in the Middle East is more than his share, yet he still may have to go back, he hasn't gotten the final word on that  yet. Zak is my nephew, the son of my brother Dennis.  My brother Dennis spent two tours in Viet Nam as a Marine, and after his 6 ye...

I wear the name of PFC Bert Hoyer killed in action 3/10/04. He goes with me always. I hope to, after this is over, look up his parents and say to them that I have remembered him always... and send them the bracelet. I have two others ordered now. I wish I could put into words, the expression that comes over the person who I give these to... Freedom is not free. Semper fi Marines. Paul Steele, Newnan GA <