A 10-year-old's gift to the men and women who gave so much.
Maddie's Warriors began with a granddaughter's love for her grandfather — a Vietnam veteran — and grew into a movement of hand-made, blessed prayer bracelets sent to veterans across the United States.
Free for veterans (suggested donation). $10 for non-veterans — every dollar funds more bracelets for our Warriors.
“I just wanted them to know somebody is praying for them.”
— Maddie
Our Story
In November of 2025, Maddie Goodwin, a fifth grade student from Brookfield, Massachusetts, was given a heartfelt task: to compose a poem honoring her grandfather, Robert (Bob) Nerreau, for the Veterans Day ceremony at her elementary school. Bob, a proud Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, is not only Maddie's grandfather, but also a living testament to courage and sacrifice.
Madison poured her soul into her poem, and when she stood before a sea of students — from kindergarteners to sixth graders — alongside local veterans, teachers, staff, and parents, she delivered her words with grace and sincerity. The auditorium radiated patriotism in vibrant red, white, and blue, with handmade banners and flags. The American Legion held the colors while local police and fire departments added gravitas to the occasion, uniting the community in a collective tribute.
Every winter, Bob spends six months in Florida, where he finds solace and camaraderie in a Veterans PTSD group — a safe haven where heroes confront the pain and haunting memories of war together. When Bob shared Madison's poem with his fellow veterans, its words touched each person profoundly, evoking tears and offering a sense of healing.
Maddie's compassion extended beyond her poetry. She thoughtfully sent her grandfather twenty handcrafted bracelets — one for each veteran. Made from wooden beads and adorned with a cross, each bracelet was lovingly blessed by her uncle, Father Chris, an Orthodox priest, who placed them on the altar at the consecration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayed over them for the healing and protection of every veteran who would receive one.
Among the veterans deeply touched was George Fountain, a dedicated member of the PTSD group, who became the driving force behind sharing this story. With unwavering commitment, George personally carried Maddie's bracelets — and the message of gratitude they carried — to veterans organizations throughout Panama City, including AMVETS, the VFW, the American Legion, DAV, Paralyzed Veterans, and others.
In recent months, Madison's small act of kindness has blossomed into a movement. More than 200 bracelets have been shared, and word has spread among Veterans groups eager to join the effort. Through a poem and a bracelet, Maddie and her community have proven that even the smallest actions, driven by compassion and gratitude, can ripple out and touch countless lives. Maddie and her Warriors will continue their mission throughout the eastern United States — ensuring that every veteran knows they are remembered, valued, and deeply cherished.
The Warriors who started it all.
This is the Veterans PTSD group at the Wainwright VFW in Panama City, Florida — the brothers Bob spends every winter with. They are the men who received Maddie's very first twenty bracelets, blessed by Father Chris and carried south in a grandfather's suitcase. What started around this table is what became Maddie's Warriors.
George Fountain
The gentleman in the red shirt. George was instrumental in spreading the word — personally carrying Maddie's bracelets, and the love behind them, to veterans organizations across Panama City. Without his heart and effort, this movement would not have grown the way it has.
For Grandpa, on Veterans Day.
On Veterans Day, Maddie read this poem aloud at her school as she gave her grandfather the very first bracelet.
This poem is dedicated to my Grandpa (Pop)
You sailed the seas in Navy blue,
With courage strong and heart so true.
In Vietnam, you faced the fight,
To guard our dreams and keep what's right.
But more than medals, brave and bold,
Are all the stories you've re-told.
Our movie nights and popcorn cheer,
Your laugh is the sound we love to hear.
You care for us in every way,
With kind words that light the day.
You're strong, you're kind, you always show
The love that helps our family grow.
So thank you, Pop, for all you've done,
For battles fought and laughter won.
You're my hero, through and through —
And I'm so proud have a grandpa like you.
Father Chris Nerreau
Maddie's uncle and an Orthodox priest at Emmanuel Orthodox Church, Father Chris is the heart of the spiritual side of this mission. Every bracelet that leaves Maddie's table is blessed by him before it ever reaches a Warrior's wrist.
He also prays for every special prayer request submitted through this site — each one individually, by name.
Hand-made. Blessed. Sent with love.
Three simple steps stand behind every bracelet a Warrior receives.
Made by hand
Each bracelet is hand-crafted by Maddie with care and intention for the Warrior who will wear it.
Blessed at the altar
Father Chris places the bracelets together on the altar at the consecration and prays over them for healing and protection.
Sent to Warriors
Bracelets are mailed to veterans across the country — a small token of a nation's thanks.
Request a bracelet for a Warrior in your life.
Bracelets are free for veterans (suggested donation welcome) and $10 for non-veterans. Every donation funds more bracelets for veterans who need one.