LETTERS AND NOTES

FROM

THOSE THAT WEAR THE BRACELETS:

To families, friends, and former prisoners of war....

 

Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2024 15:44:51 -0500
From: Ruth Biedron <ruthapril@icloud.com>
To: info@pownetwork.org

I have the bracelet of SPEC 5 JOSEPH PUGGI
I WOULD LOVE TO CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY
 

RUTH


 

Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2023 22:42:08 +0000 (UTC)
From: abgg@aol.com <abgg@aol.com>
Reply-To: abgg@aol.com <abgg@aol.com>


I have the bracelet of MSGT Merlyn L. Paulson of Fargo, North Dakota. Born on June 19, 1936. His remains were returned on March 1, 1986 from Laos.
I had worn this bracelet for many years when I was a teenager. I had tried to research the name several times, years ago but to no avail. I found the box the other day that was  filled with my families memorabilia and his bracelet. I found his information today and found this site and thought I'd reach out. I would love to get it to his family. 

Thank you for your service MSGT Paulson. ❤

 
Gail Mathes - abgg@aol.com
G.Starr Mathes - gstarrgazer@ gmail.com

Subject: Family of Capt Benjamin Danielson
Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2023 17:53:43 +0000 (UTC)
From: Michelle Wink <m.wink3@att.net>



Hello To the family of Captain Benjamin Danielson


I am retired Air National Guard and while recently cleaning my room. I came across my military items and I found that I still have the bracelet of your beloved family member. Capt Benjamin F Danielson. 
 
I found that his remains were found a d recovered. 
I am so sorry for your loss!  I wish to return the bracelet to you and yours where it belongs. 
 
Please let me know if you wish to have it returned to you. 

 
God Bless,
Michelle

Subject: Love Letter /LtCol Roscoe H. Fobair
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:21:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: JEAN WOLFE <jean69wolfe@comcast.net>


 

I have just come across your website and would like to leave a love letter for the Family of (Major) LTCol Roscoe H. Fobair
 
I have had the MIA-POW bracelet of LtCol Fobair since college in 1971. I can't say why it has taken me this long to reach out to your family but I can tell you he has been a part of my life since the day I put his bracelet on. Tucked in a box with other bracelets I would get it out and think there must be a way to see what has happened to him, but I never did. Now haunted by my indecision and with the help of the internet I found POW-MIA Network website and a way to reach out to you. I am glad to see your family has had  closure since 2001. I can only hope other families will be as fortunate. This bracelet has been a part of my life for over 50 years but I will gladly give it to any member of your family with my love and admiration. I can be reached at   jean69wolfe@comcast.net.

 


Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2023 18:01:26 +0000 (UTC)
From: Pamela Wages <pjwages@yahoo.com>

I have 2 POW bracelets from Lt. Nick Carpenter (6-25-68).  I have carried his memory for years.

I am so grateful for his service and the family's sacrifices.  I would love to give his family these bracelets if they want them. I can be reached at pjwages@yahoo.com. I am a widow myself and know how the slightest thing can bring comfort - or pain.  I only want to bring comfort. I have prayed for Nick over the years but have just now researched what happened to him and how to find him or his family. The family is still in my prayers!

 
Sincerely,
Pamela Wages

Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:54:00 -0500
From: R.E. Parker <r.edward.parker@gmail.com>
   
Remembering SFC Robert F. Scherdin today, on his 76th birthday. I just want Robert's family and friends to know that there are others of us out here who wait with them. I've worn Robert's bracelet for almost 30 years and I pray for his return. God Bless you guys in your vigil and bring you peace.

Subject: PFC David M. Winters E/3 US Army
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:40:14 -0800
From: Lawrence Fife <lfnf1951@gmail.com>
 
To family and friends of David Marshall Winters, I would like to tell you that I have had David's POW/MIA
bracelet since early 1970. His Name and memory have not been forgotten by myself or my family.

My God bless you all ! 
 
L.Fife, US Navy ~ Thank you Patricia K. Cumming, Lori, and Kevin S.for all your hard work helping
my family and all families of those who gave all. Jan 23,2023 
 
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:04:59 -0800
From: Denise Obray <deniseobray@yahoo.com>


To the Family of
Captain Robert Kent   12-20-68 
 
I wore Captain Robert Kent’s POW/MIA bracelet for many years while in 6th/7th Grade - High School. I have recently come across this page and would like to return the bracelet to his family. I have read about his situation and believe his status is ‘not found’, for that I am truly sorry.  As a young and rather naive girl, wearing his bracelet propelled me into learning about the Vietnam War and more importantly having extreme gratitude and appreciation for Captain Robert Kent and the ultimate sacrifice he gave to US and his Country. 
 
Over the years, I had placed the bracelet in a box along with other memorabilia for safe keeping.  It was not until I was in Washington DC with my 8th grade daughter who was attending a school trip that I found myself standing in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. After 25 years, it took just a moment for me to remember the name Captain Robert Kent and the years I spent wearing his bracelet in hopes of his return. Although I had obviously never known him nor his family, it was a tearful and heartfelt moment as I touched his name and said a prayer for him and his family.  That night I went back to my hotel room in Washington, DC and found a website/wall in which to leave a message.  I left this short story of what had occurred earlier that day in order to share my experience family members, friends or other bracelet wearers of Captain Robert Kent.  It was not until today,  nearly 30 years later that I researched how to return POW/MIA bracelets to their families.  My deepest apologies for the delay. 
 
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service, Captain Robert Kent and thank you to his family who also gave the ultimate selfless sacrifice. 
 
Much Love, 
 
Denise Obray
fb message: Denise Schob Obray, Coeur dAlene, ID

Subject: POW Bracelets
Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:07:04 -0500
From: Phyllis Herpy <centuryphyllis@gmail.com>

 

To whom it may concern:
  I have two POW bracelets. I don't know if the families would like to have them but if they would and you have anyway to contact them please ask them to reach out to me by email.
 
      One belongs to Capt. Chuck Finney, missing 3/17/69. His remains were returned 8/14/85.
 
    The second is Capt. James Jefferson, missing 5/12/67.  His remains were identified  6/5/2000.

     I can be reached at:  centuryphyllis@gmail.com

    Thank you for any help you can give.

 


Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:33:21 -0600
From: Tina Williams <jovi.jag@gmail.com>


Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:31:21 -0600
From: Earlene Morgan <morgansden@earthlink.net>


I have been wearing the bracelet of Col Lewis H. Abrams since the 60’s and 70’s. My prayers were directed to him as well as his family. I still remember the service men who fought in the Vietnam war in my prayers and any memorials created. If you would like to have your loved one’s bracelet you are welcome.

Affectionately Earlene Morgan


Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2023 12:24:53 -0500
From: William & Constance Cullison <whatshakin@embarqmail.com>
 
My dear friend Barbara Vertar of Chambersburg, PA passed away last year. She was 89 years old.
 
I am going through many of her things left behind. I discovered a MIA bracelet. The soldier name is Col. Paul W. Bannon. USAF 12 Jul 69 Laos.
It is very worn but legible. I now will carry on with the bracelet hoping for Paul’s return someday to his family.
 
He will never be forgotten.
 
Constance M. Cullison


Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2022 14:08:59 -0600
From: Karen McNeill <karenhmcneill@gmail.com>
 
To the family of Lt. Charles Morley . . . 

I visited the National Navy Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola recently and viewed a tribute to Viet Nam POWs and MIAs which displayed among other items, a collection of POW MIA bracelets. The tribute deeply touched me because I remembered wearing one of the bracelets. Upon my return home to Prattville, Alabama , I found my bracelet tucked away in an old chest.If there is any living family of this serviceman, please know that many years ago as a young girl I prayed everyday for Lt. Morley's safe return. My prayers are with your family. 

Subject: Lt. Col Robert E Bush
Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2022 21:29:28 +0000
From: Hassler, Gregg <ghassler@wm.com>


I am currently 65 years old and have been in possession of the bracelet of Lt. Colonel Robert E. Bush for over 55 years. I recently came across this site and learned the Lt. Col. was shot down in a F105 Thunderbird on 3-24-66. His remains were returned on 12-15-88 and we was positively identified at that time. Who knows whether he died on the fateful day or was held prisoner and later passed.
As he was born in 1928, one can assume he had left a family behind. Thank you for your service and paying the ultimate price of war.
I have the bracelet and am willing to return it to the family in the event they read this posting. I can be contacted at gahassler@yahoo.com.
Deepest prayers and sympathy to the family.

GH

Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2022 19:07:53 +0000
From: Jim Kelley <jkelley742@outlook.com>
 

I have a bracelet for Barton Creed, 3-13-71.  It is still in good shape as it sits on my desk. 
I wore this for several years after I received the bracelet.   If the family would like the bracelet,
I would gladly send it for POWnetwork to forward to them.  Thank you for your service!


Subject: Love letter to Major Joseph Fanning, USAF
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:39:36 -0400
From: Deborah Balcarcel <dbalca@icloud.com>

 

My name is Debirah Rivera Balcarcel, I retired from the Air Force in 2001. I came upon his bracelet when
I was a teenager. I have worn on many special occasions. I would love to return it to his family, it would be
my honor. Until I shall wear it and pass it on to my children. Thank you
   
 

Deborah Rivera Balcarcel, Ret USAF

                                                                 

Dbalca3@gmail.com

Subject: William Ostermeyer
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2022 18:30:40 -0600
From: becky weber <beckyweber99@gmail.com>


Hello. I have carried his bracelet since I purchased it In 1972. I went to Vietnam memorial site around 2006 and looked for his name on the wall. I googled today and saw his picture for the first time.

I’d like the family to know that I still have it. From reviewing the website, it sounds like 3 bracelets were made for each service member.

Please let the family know that he remains in my prayers.

Thank you

Becky Webe


Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:09:07 -0500
From: Sharon Lovins <sharonl6977@gmail.com>

 

MAJ. CARL B. MITCHELL USAF
I received the bracelet for major Carl B.  Mitchell, United States Air Force in 1985 from my VFW that I attended at the time. I still have a bracelet and it can be seen everyday. After 37 years I still hope I can  someday to return his bracelet. I know this is the hope of many. I would like to thank Major Carl Mitchell for his service to our country. I've always said that saying the words thank you would never be enough. It just seems so small for something as large as their service. I only hope that any friends or family he may have, still waiting for him to come home, knows that someone else says a prayer for their comfort and understanding.  God bless each and everyone of our servicemen and women and our service animals. 

Sharon Lovins

Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:57:48 -0500
From: 24cheyenne@gmail.com
 

Hi,

My name is Leisa and I have a POW bracelet that my Mom gave me when I was around the age of 12 or 13. I still have the bracelet and would like to return it to the family of: LT. COL. CHARLIE BROWN DAVIS, JR.

He was a navigator aboard an AC-130 gunship with the USAF when  on April 22, 1970  was downed by anti-aircraft fire. His remains were  ID’d and returned in September 1995.

I have been honored to have this bracelet in the ‘70’s and worn it for many years.

 

You can reach me at:

24cheyenne@gmail.com

God bless your family

Leisa


Subject: MIA remains found
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2022 18:19:59 -0500
From: Louis Wendelstedt <lwendelstedt@tampabay.rr.com>

Good evening,

I have held the bracelet of POW/MIA Lt Col. Henry P Brauner since I was a young teenager.
I recently searched his name and found that his remains were recovered in 2006.
My father (recently deceased) came home from Vietnam and I wanted to return the bracelet
To Lt. Col Brauner’s family. Letting them know he was never forgotten.

I do not know where to start or what I can do to get this accomplished.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you


Lou Wendelstedt
352-398-7430
Spring Hill, FL

Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:10:25 -0500
From: Julie Silverstein <reidsmom32@gmail.com>
   
In high school we took a trip to Washington DC. That is where I purchased my bracelet for  USAF Captain George Duncan MacDonald.  I choose that bracelet because I was born just 2 days after he was listed as missing and we both lived in IL.  Fast forward to current day...I'm going through paperwork after we moved. I found the case synopsis paper for my bracelet.  It appears his remains have been found in 2017.  If any of his family would like this bracelet I am happy to forward it to them; otherwise I will proudly hang on to it.
 
Love and regards 
Julie Silverstein 

8/5/2022 10:34 AM, Kitty Finn wrote:
Dear Loveletters, 
I was in the 6th grade when my Aunt obtained POW bracelets for my sister and me. We wore them proudly. One day, my home economics teacher posted a listing of the deceased. I was heartbroken that my soldier, M/SGT. JAMES SALLEY JR. 3-31-71 was on that list. I continue to treasure the bracelet - the soldier; his history; his dedication to his country; and his family - that it represented.... I can be reached at cathleen_finn@yahoo.com.
 

Thank you,

Kitty Finn

7/21/2022 8:59 PM, Susan Mourgas wrote:
I just found information on your page about Robert Dyczkowski.  
 
Although I wore his bracelet many years ago, I never forgot his name, or stopped wondering what ever became of him, or if his family had ever been able to receive any sort of closure.  
 
It was comforting to read about his service and that he had been finally buried back home. I hope his family knows how much his service is appreciated.
 
I would like to thank those responsible for the bracelet program.  It keeps ever present the invaluable sacrifice of those who serve. 

 
Susan Mourgas

Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2022 08:09:28 -0400
From: Carolyn Hesler <cghesler57@gmail.com>

In the 70’s I purchased a POW bracelet with the name Major William Brooks 4/22/70.  I wore it proudly for many years and wondered what had happened to him. I just came across this site and discovered that he died on a mission. I’m so saddened to hear this.

I wish i could have thanked him for his service. If any of his family would like his  bracelet, I’d be honored to send it.

Contact me at cghesler57@gmail.com

Subject: Loveletters
Date: Sun, 22 May 2022 21:40:10 +0000
From: Max Bostwick <outlook_8D2ADE5D23793256@outlook.com>


Hello,

In going through an old jewelry box I discovered my POW bracket I purchased in high school.
Reading through this website I discovered that W/O William Dunlap’s (12/02/69) remains
were identified in 1990. I am very sorry for your loss but wondered if you would like his bracelet?
 

Please reach out to me at chrisbostwick@ca.rr.com
 

I would be honored to send to any of his relatives.

 

Chris Bostwick


Subject: Finding family of a deceased soldier
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2022 21:42:34 -0500
From: Charlene Tripler <kachetcharlene@gmail.com>
Hello. 
My name is Charlene Tripler. 
In the late 70s I was in high school and wore a Memorial bracelet with the name, Capt. Dale Richardson-5-2-70 on it. He was a POW. 
I found his name on the "remains returned" 2015 list. I was sorry he did not survive. 
I am wondering if there is a way for you to find out if there are surviving family members that might like to have the bracelet,  so that I can send it to them? 

Thank you. 
Charlene Tripler

Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500
From: R.E. Parker <r.edward.parker@gmail.com>
   

Please pause a moment to remember SFC Robert F. Sherdin on this, his 75th Birthday. Robert was lost in Cambodia on 29Dec68 and has not yet returned to us. I hope his family and others who Love him find comfort in knowing there are others of us out here who share their vigil -- I've worn Bob's MIA bracelet for many years -- and feel their loss and pray for his safe return.

 

God Bless and keep you safe, Bob...we're still here waiting for you.  Happy Birthday, Hero.

 
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:48:19 -0500
From: Sandra lFrank <bainisg@gmail.com>
To: info@pownetwork.org
 
Family of Lt. Com. Walter O. Estes,
 
Since high school I’ve had the honor of keeping a POW bracelet inscribed “Lt Walter Estes Jr 11-19-67”. According to the virtualwall.org website, his remains were returned to US soil in 1977. 
 
Now that I’ve retired and will be moving soon, I’m hoping there's family that would like to have it returned to them. If so, please let me know.
 
With deep respect,

 
Sandra Frank

Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2022 15:43:27 -0800
From: swisssyl2000@reagan.com

 

Dearest Family of LCDR William Forman,

I was honored to wear my POW bracelet with William’s name on it for many years.  I only took it off when it broke.  In true childlike fashion at the time, I tried hard to keep it on with scotch tape.  Eventually I had to accept that I couldn’t wear it without danger of losing it.  It has been kept safe with my childhood treasures all these years.  I’ve often thought of him and wondered what happened.  I was born in 1958 so I was maybe 9 or 10 when my parents agreed to letting my sister and I support the POW bracelet movement. 

 

I want to thank you for his service.  My family supported the efforts of our military always.  Although I do not have immediate family members who served, we have dear friends who have shared some of their experiences in the Vietnam War and other wars.  We live in a community that housed an Air Force base prior to 1995 and have met many Veterans.

 

I’m so sorry that William never came back to his earthly home, but I do believe he is in Heaven with Jesus and all others who served our country so faithfully. 

 

May God Bless your family with much happiness and good health.  I pray that you and your family will read this letter and that it will bring you joy, not sadness.  If you would like to have William’s bracelet, I would be honored to send it to you.  If not, I will always treasure it and someday share it with my oldest granddaughter as a way to remind her of the importance of supporting all those who serve our country and God. 

 

Respectfully yours,

Sylvia Nelson

 

My email address is:

Swisssyl2000@reagan.com


Subject: Love letters- Maj Martin Steen
Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2022 20:53:40 -0700
From: claudette gribbin <claudettegribbin@gmail.com>


I was going through my parents papers, both of whom have recently passed away and found my mom’s POW/MIA bracelet for Major Martin Steen and dozens of articles about POW/MIA. The bracelet is broken in half, so I ordered a new one to begin wearing.  I remember my mom wearing this when I was young and want to continue to keep this man’s memory alive.  From the research I have done, it appears he is still missing.  Thoughts are with all of you. 


Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2021 17:45:31 -0400
From: Debbie Shea <sheadebbie@gmail.com>

I have a POW/MIA bracelet with the inscription of Maj. Ralph Balcom 5-15-66 on it. I acquired it in about
1975 while I was in high school. I recently found it & want to return it to the Balcom family.

Please contact me if you would like to have it. Thank you.

Debbie Shea
sheadebbit@gmail.com

Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:06:02 -0500
From: Cathy Garcia <cathyiwbu@gmail.com>

 

My dad was a Marine in Vietnam and passed away in 2017. When going through his photos, I found several pictures of him with a buddy. Then I found a POW bracelet. After some searching, the name of the person on the bracelet is my dad's buddy in the photo. His name is SN August D Johnson. I would like the family to know that I'm praying for him and for the family. Please know my heart is with you, and I will continue to wear his name.

 
Thank you, 
Cathy P - a Marine daughter

Subject: Loveletters. LCDR Charles Lee
Date: Mon, 31 May 2021 16:38:57 -0400
From: Bobbi Brown <queenb712@icloud.com>


As a teenager in the 1970s, I had the privilege of wearing a bracelet in honor of LCDR Charles Lee for many years. Like so many he made the ultimate sacrifice, and his remains were returned in 1983. On this Memorial Day I would like to express my gratitude and condolences to LDCR Lee’s family and offer them his bracelet. In the event this brings up painful memories, please accept my apologies, and I will take the bracelet to “the Wall” on a future visit.

Please feel free to contact me. God Bless!

Bobbi Brown


Date: Sat, 15 May 2021 11:30:20 -0400
From: Cheryl Copes <copes.cheryl@yahoo.com>
 

HI.

In the 70’s I wore a POW bracelet for Maj. Earl G.Cobeil. Like many of my friends, we searched the papers every day looking for the name of “our guy”

Unfortunately, I did see Maj. Cobeil’s name on the list of the dead.  I was a shy young girl at the time and never sent a letter to the family. Something I regret to this day. Now almost 50 years later I heard about a mobile memorial wall coming to our area. I am going to pay tribute to Lt. Cobeil. I read his bio and am Deeply saddened to hear he was brutely tortured. Bless you and your brothers who fought in this war and gave all to our country.
 

C Copes


Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:07:17 -0500 (CDT)
From: Rebecca Brown <bobnbekki@comcast.net>

I have a POW bracelet that I bought in high school. I would like to get it back to the family of my soldier--Thomas Riggs (6/11/67).
I would also like to know if he made it home.
 
In His Service,
Bekki Brown

Subject: Love Letters
Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:11:36 -0400
From: Deb Waters <goldenbuddy55@gmail.com>


I was cleaning out my jewelry box and came across my POW bracelet from high school.. it was a big thing back then   The 70’s.  The bracelet I have has the name Caption Dennis Wilkinson on it 5/10/1972.  I would love to find the family of this individual and return it to them if possible,   Thanks a concerned citizen:)

Subject: Major Wendell Keller USAF MIA 03.1.1969
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2021 17:58:23 -0400
From: Mary <fullprice56@sbcglobal.net>
 

Hello,

As a high school student in Columbus Ohio in the early 1970s I was proud to wear 2 POW/MIA bracelets,  one being  for Major Wendell Keller MIA 3.1.1969.   My bracelet broke in half after several years of constant wear.  I placed it in my jewelry box and looked at it several times over the decades since but decided today was the day to look on line to see what happened to Major Keller.   I was very saddened to read of his last mission and also to read of the heartache his family no doubt suffered for decades as a result of his death and subsequent handling of his case.  Nothing I can say here would change any of that but I did want to let you know that Major Keller was thought of often in the years directly after that fateful day in 1969 and his story will forever stay in my mind and heart.   

Sincerely,

Mary Shover Price

Westerville OH


Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:23:29 -0400
From: karen anatra <wirepanda@gmail.com>
 
My name is Karen Anatra. 50 years ago I purchased a silver bracelet with the name of Col. William Mason on it. I wore it for many years to remind people not to forget the many people missing or who had died over there. I had prayed for his safe return and it wasn't until recently that I found out differently. I am very sorry for your loss but I want you to know that he was never forgotten, at least not to me. Thank you for your extreme sacrifice. I still have the bracelet, and if you would like it, I would be glad to send it to you. Please forgive me if I brought up unpleasant memories.

Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:18:49 +0000 (UTC)
From: Abe Silverman <abesil2000@yahoo.com>
To: info@pownetwork.org <info@pownetwork.org>

 
Hello,
I have the bracelet of CW 02 Thomas Okerlund (1-3-71)
This is an old VIVA band and has been in possession of my family since the 70's.
 
I rediscovered it in my aunt's keepsakes a few years ago and have worn it since.
 
I pass by police stations and post offices and see the pow-mia flag, but wearing this
bracelet lets me put a name and face to the memory, and I do this to respect
Mr Okerlund, and the other MIA.

Subject: Love Letters
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2021 08:45:48 -0500
From: R.E. Parker <r.edward.parker@gmail.com>

 

Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2021
 
Once again this year I would like to remember Robert F. Scherdin who would be celebrating his 74th birthday today. To his family and Friends, please be comforted that
 there are those of us out here who share your vigil and pray for news. God Bless you all and give you comfort, and God Bless Robert and keep him safe. 

Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:26:16 +0000
From: Gary Collins <outlook_E88C243D486D4E47@outlook.com>
 

Have in my possession POW bracelet of S/SGT W.K, Colwell, MIA Vietnam

12/25/1965

Found amongst my late wifes possesions

Would like to get it back to relatives.