Colonel James H. Kasler's POW bracelets

Are you old enough to remember the POW/MIA bracelets worn in the 70's? The idea for the bracelets came from two college students. Each bracelet is engraved with the name, rank, service, loss date, and country of loss of a missing man from the Vietnam War. They became emblems of human understanding and caring for every man in captivity.

When Colonel Kasler and Martha returned home after their reunion, they couldn't get the front door open because letters and POW bracelets were piled 4 feet high on the entryway. For years Colonel Kasler has continued to receive bracelets with his name on them.

If you have a POW bracelet and want to return it, click here for information.

When Perry and I were at the Kasler home researching for his biography, "Tempered Steel", we found an old shoebox with some of Colonel Kasler's POW bracelets. For fun, I took photos.

I pulled their dinette table over to the sliding doors and covered it with the sheer curtains. I placed the bracelets randomly on the table and shot low using a 35-millimeter Nikon camera.

When I looked at the first manuscript from the publisher, I was surprised to find my photo of the POW bracelets along with the other photos. Perry had submitted it without me knowing!

My other surprise was in the acknowledgments. The last listing reads:

"Irene Luckett contributed many hours of original research, helped interview James and Martha Kasler, and read and suggested changes to the book. Her gentle nudging also helped us remember that, as the poet John Donne put it, no man is an island entire unto itself that James Kasler's story is closely connected to Martha and to his children. Thanks to Irene for expanding our understanding of Colonel Kasler's role as husband and father."

And thank you, Perry, for inviting me to join you on this grand adventure!