On my first tour to Iraq I learned how to make very simple paracord bracelets. These consisted of a loop and button, which formed the majority of the bracelet, then a length of gutted 550 cord and three strands of the inner paracord. They were pretty popular, and I made a lot for the guys in my unit, and a lot of the other guys learned how to make them as well.

Eventually I started adding color, and made bracelets of favorite sports teams for the guys I worked with.

I made some on my second tour, but not as often as my first. However, something on my second tour would change my life forever

On May 29, 2010 I was hit by shrapnel from an IED. This left me paralyzed from the neck down. Quite a predicament for someone who likes to use his hands for work and play.

Fast forward a few years, and I start looking into paracord bracelets again. Little did I know, but they had become quite a fashion statement! From simple to very complex designs, survival or mainstream, they had populated quite a few sites, and it really got my mind going again!

Now keep in mind, I cannot use my hands-but my nurses can! After going over a few designs with them, and seeing what they were comfortable with, we started making bracelets. We started slow and easy, and now a couple of my nurses are pretty advanced, and it doesn’t take much time to get them started anymore. Even though I’m only doing it vicariously, it is a great feeling to watch them tie the knots that I can still tie in my mind’s eye.

The bracelets on this site are a complete extension of myself through my nurses. I may find the designs, but they are the ones that put in the hours of tying, and knotting, and packing!

While I do charge for these bracelets, the money really only goes to replenish my supplies and to make first responder bracelets. Any first responder, or family member of a first responder, is welcome to a free bracelet. Police, fire, EMS, just let me know and we’ll gladly make it!