Some times we say a little saying, “What a small world this is” and then we go on thinking about just what an impact that “small world” had on us when “it” happens to us. Well, this small world happened from the previous post I wrote about titled the 40th anniversary of the POW/MIA bracelets.
A short background first so you’ll understand the “small world” in the story. (Names changed to respect their privacy.)George, the contact representative for the Georgia Patriot Guard Riders contacted me shortly after the press release of my brother’s identification in 2006. My brother was MIA for 37 years in Vietnam. Remains were ID’d and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, May 25, 2007. George, and his wife Martha came to visit mom, my husband and me to ask permission to guard the line so that no protestor’s would harm our funeral in honor of a great hero. That’s what the Patriot Guard Riders do, they guard the line between the funeral mourners and the protestors. [Isn’t it a shame that we even need this, that people would want to disrepect the United States of America soldiers who sacrificed all to keep them (the protestors) free.]
Well, our family was honored to have the Patriot Guard a part of my brother’s funeral. They came from many states of our great country to protect our family and guests from protesters. It was truly an honor to meet and now know personally many of these men and women.
So, back to the bracelets. You must read the previous story I wrote about the 40th anniversary of the POW/MIA bracelets, and in that story link to the information about Guy Johnson, MIA from 1965. It’s a great, yet sad story, and ends with such an emotional family connection. I will not say more, but invite you to read it.
I sent out an email to all my family, friends, and veteran friends about the anniversary of the bracelets. One of these veterans (Rick) read the article and it truly touched home for him. Here is what he wrote back to me:
Now, I have a story to share with you….
I came home today thinking about the MIA bracelets. I was able to read your email at work but the computer there does not allow me to go to certain websites or links.Anyway, I took out a bracelet that I have had for years. I have checked periodically over the years to see if his status has been changed. So far, he is still listed as KIA, remains not recovered.
The name on my bracelet is LCDR Lee Nordahl. I went to your website and started reading. I quickly noticed that you had a pilot’s name, Guy Johnson, from the KittyHawk. He went MIA 12/20/65.The bracelet that I have had all these years belongs to Guy Johnson’s co-pilot!
Small world. I found a bracelet that my father had with Guy Johnson’s name on it and my posting of it directed a link to his story which in turn led Rick to find out who the name on his bracelet was. We all helped each other and we all had a connection. It was just a matter of time before it all came to be. Another Divine Appointment I’d say. I’m so happy that now Rick knows a little more about the name on his bracelet.
Small world isn’t it? Never forget our fallen heroes, and never give up hope. Some day a large world will turn out to be such a small beautiful world of love.
Firebird Nine One 
Lee Edward Nordahl was a USMC pilot of a RA5C Vigilante. He is a distant relative of mine, of whom I never had an opportunity to meet. Guy Johnson's remains were returned and identified in March of 1977. Lee's remains have not been returned or identified, he has family members that still are anxiously waiting for his status to change. Thank you for carrying his memory with you.TSgt Matthew Petersen
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My name is Bernie, from Pennsylvania. I've worn a bracelet for many years and the name on the bracelet is Lee Edward Nordahl also. Through many years of wear, the bracelet had to be replaced, and so I did and the new one still bears Lee's name. One day I was heading home from work and I looked at my wrist, and the thought occurred to me that I never heard a song about a POW/MIA bracelet. Since I am a musician and also a graphic designer, I proceeded to write a song about Lee E. Nordahl. The song turned out pretty well. I had it copyrighted and produced a CD. My wife and I started a nonprofit called "SAVE" which stands for "Securing American Veterans Entitlements". All proceeds from the sale of the CD goes to funding the veterans in helping them file their claims. Now there are only four songs on the CD in which I play all the music and vocals. "Amazing Grace" (instrumental), "Back to the Wall" (an original), and the other original dedicated to Lee E. Nordahl titled "Angel on my Wrist". And the final song is "Taps" (with lyrics) which can be used for ceremonies. I was in Jr High School when Lee went down but he's been a strong part of my life since I began wearing his name and taking him with me "Everywhere" I go. As long as he is with me I feel he is home because I'm am keeping his spirit alive.God Bless all Veterans and their families, all active service members and their families, and God bless America.A friend in Pennsylvania,Bernie Rekowski
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My mother wore a bracelet for Lee. I put this video together and posted it to various websites this evening. I thought I would send you the link to the video as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6cxHlDTzMs
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I also have a MIA bracelet for LCDR Lee Nordahl that I received in 1972 I will gladly forward it to the family if they would like … A vet..
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It is a small world–just unpacking from a recent move I came across my Lee Nordahl bracelet that was in a box with my old Navy insignia and such. I decided to look him up and lo and behold your blog popped up.I never really followed up on his status after I left the Navy, so i found the info updating his status fulfilling.Asume TSgt Petersen was USAF so may not be aware that Lee was a Naval Flight Officer, not a pilot, and was lost while in the grade of LT jg, not a USMC rank.Hope more Lee Nordahl bracelets turn up.Respectfully,Brad Blaser, CDR USN Ret.
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I am so glad that I posted this story about the bracelets. If helping just one person get a little more information, well, that's awesome and touches me deeply. Thank you all who wore, had or have a POW/MIA bracelet. It means so much to the families, indeed. I couldn't believe the number of bracelets people sent our family when my brother's remains were identified. Their stories about their bracelet were overwhelming, in a very good way. Marylou
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Came across a copper bracelet in the jewelry box of a good friend who passed recently. It bears the name LCDR Lee Nordahl with the date 12-20-65. I am researching and came across this blog. I will either wear it, or return it to the family.Regards,Harvey Foonman
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In going thru an old jewelry box I found a POW bracelet with CDR Guy Johnson 12-20-65. I would like for a family member to have this, if they want it
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I will try to find out what I can about getting in touch with the family. Please know that I have no information about them, but will try to get you information Barbara.
Thank you so very much for supporting our POW/MIAs those many years ago. It means more to us POW/MIA families than you can know. Times back in the 60s, 70s when a lot of America shunned our soldiers, it was difficult to say the least. People like you who supported our men and women who served our country means volumes to us.
I will see what I can find out about the Johnson family so you can return the bracelet. Blessings to you.
Want to know more, visit the National League of Families at http://www.pow-miafamilies.org
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Thank you for your interest in locating the Johnson Family.
I will wait to hear from you.
Barbara
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