by Amanda Coen,

Conflict takes its toll on all of us, but we each express our grief in different ways. For Erik Spalding and Cole Evans, the loss of a Naval Academy classmate to sniper fire fueled a campaign to transform the implements of war into instruments of hope and recovery. By recycling demilitarized bullets into a line of necklaces, bracelets, and belts,Bullets2Bandages honors the men and women who selflessly risked their lives for their country. The duo’s work isn’t merely symbolic, however. Spalding and Evans also donate up to 30 percent of their proceeds to the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit—named in memory of their friend—that serves wounded soldiers, veterans, and their families.

UNDER FIRE

Manion perished in 2007 while serving as a member of the Marine Corps in Iraq. His mother, Janet, used donations from his memorial fund to establish the organization, which now funds a raft of programs, including scholarship funds, tragedy-assistance and counseling workshops, and an annual 9/11 Heroes Run that takes place in more than 35 locations nationwide.

As former Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers, Spalding and Evans were more than familiar with the diffusion of incendiary devices.

As former Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers in the U.S. Navy, Spalding and Evans were more than familiar with the diffusion of incendiary devices, as well as their potential for a positive message. “We chose the bullet to convey our vision: turning an instrument of harm into a symbol of hope and healing,” Spalding says.

Each accessory comprises recycled, once-fired 5.56-millimeter and 9-millimeter bullet casings, which are reloaded with new full-metal-jacket tips and plated to create five different finishes: tiger, bronze, antique brass, classic, brushed silver, and distressed pewter. Made in the United States, all pieces include matching dog tags with an embossed Bullets2Bandages logo. Also available arebaseball caps and T-shirts, as well as, more incongruously, a 50-caliber bullet bottle opener.

(Source: www.ecouterre.com )