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Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I still order bracelets?How can I contact the families? Can I return the bracelets to families of those still Missing in Action? Can I return the bracelets to the returned POW’s?
Bracelets are still being worn and people are encouraged to purchase the bracelets, which continue to show respect for our veterans who have not as yet returned home. There are numerous sites for ordering bracelets.
Names on hand with the Ohio Chapter are made with permission of the families, and most come with a short bio on the missing man. Special names may be request but may not always have a bio accompanying them.
The bracelets are stainless steel, 1/2 inch wide, bearing name, rank, service branch, and country and date of loss.
Send check or money order to:
100% of all proceeds goes to the National League of POW/MIA Families.
Bracelets also available for Captain Scott Speicher, USN, missing in the 1991 Gulf War, and SSgt. Keith Maupin, USAR, prisoner of war in Iraq.
Another company you can order directly through is:
Stemarco donates 15 percent of each bracelet sale to the League of Families of POWs/MIAs to help in their ongoing efforts. You just need to give them the name (they have the official Wall directory) and then you must decide on the type of bracelet.
Bracelets come in various sizes:
It takes approximately 2-4 weeks to receive the bracelet. There is a charge of $3.00 for shipping, and only Texas residents must pay their state tax. Most individuals visit The Moving Wall or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial looking for a name to have etched on a bracelet. Sometimes individuals already have a name. However, if you does not have a name, I would be happy to help you research and select a veteran. Some consider veterans with similar last names, hometowns, significant months or significant days. Branches of service or rank can also be researched to enable a selection. Contact me at www.Touch the Wall.org if you are interested in further assistance.
Two other online sites are located on the internet also give a percentage to the League of Families of American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Missing in Southeast Asia.
How can I contact the families? It is the policy of the National Alliance of Families and National Leagues of Families of American POWs/MIAs Missing in Southeast Asia not to give out family members names, addresses or point of contact for reasons respective of their privacy. However, an effective communication channel for people who wish to contact family members of POW/MIAs exists through two sources: the National Alliance of Families who represents POW/MIAs and their family members from ALL wars. To do this, write your letter to the family and seal your letter in an envelope (postage and your return address is required) marked "TO THE FAMILY OF (your veteran’s name)" and place your letter in another envelope addressed (also with postage and your return address) to National Alliance:
If you wish, please e-mail your name, contact number and/or contact address to Lynn O'Shea at lynnpowmia@prodigy.net and Lynn will forward your request on to the respective family member. It will then be up to the family to contact you. Please understand that the National Alliance of Families do this not to censor the mail but use this method to protect family members. You can also view their web page at www.nationalalliance.org The other venue exists through The National Leagues of Families of American POWs/MIAs Missing in Southeast Asia, which will forward letters to the appropriate families. Write using the same procedures noted above to:
You can also view their web site at: www.pow-miafamilies.org. We have learned that the personnel files of all servicemen and women listed as "Missing in Action" are considered open by their respective service branches and the addressees of next-of-kin are kept current in the event new information about that person's fate becomes available. Many families deeply appreciate the letters they receive from people expressing their commitment to a missing relative. Your gesture is a kind one, and we wish you all the best for a successful contact. However, if you don't hear from them don't think they don't want to write. Each family must deal with their own healing process in the way best for them.
Can I return the bracelets to families of those still Missing in Action? People feel that returning a bracelet of a still missing POW/MIA is the appropriate thing to do. Although you might believe that they would want it back early, it also gives out a signal that the time you have spent respecting the veteran by wearing this symbol is no longer relevant. Most families will ask that you keep the bracelet that was a part of your life and share your memories with your children and grandchildren. A letter to the family gives the presence of continued concern and support. Some people leave them either at the memorial in DC or at The Moving Wall where the bracelet will be categorized and placed in storage for the anticipated future memorial museums. If you want more guidance on this personal decision, please contact me at www.Touch the Wall.org and I will be happy to offer a more detailed explanation.
Can I return the bracelets to the returned POW’s? Many individuals will forward their bracelet to a returned Prisoner of War through various independent avenues. This is a gesture of completing the circle and giving those who wore the bracelet possible closure. This communication offers the opportunity to say thank you and relate the personal commitment made when the bracelet was obtained. Each POW deals with this in his own personal way. If you want more guidance on this personal decision, please contact me at www.Touch the Wall.org and I will be happy to offer a more detailed explanation. Or you can directly contact either of these sites for a possible link to the POW you are trying to contact:
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