Some local jewelers are stocking up on a new and unique bracelet in support of wounded veterans.

Licata Tradition and David Fairclough Fine Jewelers will now carry From Soldier to Soldier bracelets, sold as part of a national awareness and fundraising campaign benefiting Homes for Our Troops.

The campaign, which just recently launched, raises money for veterans by selling designer versions of survival and friendship bracelets worn by many soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s just one of those things where we can try and do a little bit for our troops,” said Nick Licata, manager and designer at Licata Tradition. “The bracelets are really neat looking and have an interesting story behind them.”

Licata said his cousin, a member of the Air Force, first told him about the survival bracelets being worn in Afghanistan and about a group in the U.S. selling them to benefit veterans.

For each bracelet sold $25 goes to Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit organization aimed at building homes for wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We think it certainly supports a worthy cause. These soldiers have been injured or lost limbs and need special housing,” said David Fairclough, owner of Fairclough Fine Jewelers. “I think it’s a great charitable thing. Any way we can help the troops, we’re happy to.”

From Soldier to Soldier is a campaign started by LovelinksAmerica in Massachusetts. The bracelets are made from parachute cord, like those made in the field by soldiers, and are 100 percent manufactured in America, said Niels Christiansen, CEO and president of LovelinksAmerica.  Eventually, the campaign plans to donate funds to additional programs that help wounded veterans, he said.

Licata Tradition sold out of its first shipment of bracelets, but expects to have more soon. Fairclough just got its first shipment in and is selling the bracelets.

Bracelets come with sterling silver or gold-plated clasps and vary in color. Prices for the bracelets vary between $95 and $145.

Licata Tradition is located at 2042 S. Byrne Road. David Fairclough is at 7141 W. Central Ave.

For more information about From Soldier to Soldier, visit the website www.fromsoldiertosoldier.org.

Tags: David Fairclough, Licata Tradition

This entry was posted on Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 2:08 pm and is filed under Community, Military.
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