A tradition for Navy Chiefs.

We have been asked by GMC Jon Burrow to create HeroBracelets to recognize all U.S. Navy Chiefs who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. I asked GMC Burrow to tell us a little more about this project. We at HeroBracelets are very proud to be a part of this. Here is his reply.

We started this tradition last year (summer 2005) for several reasons. Every year the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve Force select First Class Petty officers (E-6) to become Navy Chiefs (CPO/E-7) through a selection board process. This is a major milestone in the careers of many Sailors. As tradition holds for the last 113 years, these CPO Selectees go through a rigorous training, professional, and personal development program.

I am one of those trainers/mentors/leaders who are charged with developing these young technically skilled sailors into high quality enlisted leader/managers.

One of the most important phases of their training covers the History of the Navy Chief and we use HeroBracelets during one of these phases.

The CPO selectees are each issued a bracelet with a short story about the Chief and their date of loss. The selectees present the HeroBracelet to the audience of Chiefs attending the final night of events before these selectees are promoted in a pinning ceremony as new Navy Chiefs. Each HeroBracelet is auctioned to the CPO"šs in attendance; with a portion of the money raised going to a Veteran"šs non-profit charity such as the Intrepid Warrior Fund, etc.

Most of the information on these Fallen Heroes is posted at the website www.Goatlocker.org which is the common name for the Chief Petty Officer"šs berthing/quarters/lounge area.

Thanks again for your email and for your continued work in support of our Nation"šs Fallen Heroes.

Very Respectfully,

GMC Jon Burrow, USN

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 10:41 AMBy Herobracelets